Highlands Community Fund
Highlands Community Fund supports organizations serving Highlands through charitable projects in education, health, and community services that benefit residents and improve local quality of life.
Funder: Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Due Dates: April 1, 2027, at 5 p.m. (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $2,500–$10,000; funds generally spent within 10 months of award
Summary: Supports charitable projects that benefit Highlands communities and residents and improve local quality of life.
Key Information: Organizations must already be established in or serving Highlands and may submit only one application annually, including as fiscal sponsors.
Description
The Highlands Community Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), supports charitable projects that improve quality of life for Highlands communities and residents. Established in 1996, the endowment seeks to inspire philanthropy and strengthen charitable organizations serving the community. Investment proceeds support grantmaking while original gifts remain intact for future generations.
Requests demonstrating the greatest community benefit receive the highest consideration. The Fund’s advisory committee considers its priorities, available funding, applicants’ capabilities, and potential community benefits. Recent grants have supported art and environmental education, individualized reading support, preschool programs, counseling, child medical services, food pantry operations, and assistance for survivors of domestic violence and child abuse.
