[Community Foundation of Western North Carolina](https://cfwnc.org)

August 28, 2026: Full application deadline — applications due by 5 p.m. on the last Friday in August

Up to $25,000 per award; projects must be completed within one year of commencement.

Supports projects serving economically disadvantaged people and advancing educational opportunities (early childhood, K-12, adult education) in Western North Carolina.

--- ## Description This annual grant cycle from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina funds projects that address the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and expand educational opportunities across the region. Human Services grants support proven direct service programs or provide equipment and supplies for immediate benefit, while Education grants focus on early childhood development, K-12 support (afterschool, academic achievement, technology, equipment), and adult education such as ESL and literacy. Grants are intended for organizations serving the 18-county region of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. --- ## Due Dates - August 28, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 5 p.m. on the last Friday in August) CFWNC will announce funding decisions in November or early December. Projects must begin after December 1 and be completed within one year of commencement. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant request: Up to $25,000 per project. - Typical grant period: Projects must be completed within one year. - Recent cycles: In November 2025, 53 Human Services grants totaling $1,259,504 and 25 Education grants totaling $573,585 were awarded. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a governmental entity. - Be located in and serve one or more of the following counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey, or the Qualla Boundary. - For Human Services grants: Have a mission or program focused on serving economically disadvantaged people. - For Education grants: Provide services in early childhood, K-12 (afterschool, academic achievement, technology/equipment), or adult education (ESL, literacy, non-traditional students). - Be financially sustainable. - Not have received a Human Services and Education grant in the most recent fall cycle or have any open grant (must have submitted the final report). **Not Funded:** - General operating expenses (except those directly related to the project) - Capital support for new buildings or major expansions - Recreational programs/equipment, private schools/clubs (with some exceptions), festivals, one-time events, activities before grant decisions, sectarian or partisan purposes, endowment/debt retirement, and state/national organizations unless WNC benefit and local leadership is clear. --- ## Application Process 1. **Consultation:** Contact the program officers to discuss your proposal or eligibility questions: - Human Services: Virginia Dollar ([dollar@cfwnc.org](mailto:dollar@cfwnc.org), 828-367-9907) - Education: Jeremy Lett ([lett@cfwnc.org](mailto:lett@cfwnc.org), 828-785-4743) 2. **Submission:** Begin the [online application process](https://cfwnc.org/grants/about-grants/online-application). Only one proposal per organization per cycle. 3. **Technical Assistance:** For help with the online system, contact Diane Crisp ([crisp@cfwnc.org](mailto:crisp@cfwnc.org), 828-367-9904). 4. **Notification & Payment:** Applicants are notified by email; grant payments are distributed by electronic funds transfer. 5. **Reporting:** Submit an online end-of-grant report as instructed in the award letter. --- ## Additional Information - Only one application per organization per cycle is permitted. - Projects must begin after December 1 following the award and be completed within a year. - See [recent Human Services grants](https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/focus-areas/human-services/human-services-recent-grants) and [recent Education grants](https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/focus-areas/education/education-recent-grants) for examples of funded projects. --- ## External Links - [Human Services and Education Grant Program Page](https://cfwnc.org/grants/human-services-and-education) - [Grants Directory](https://cfwnc.org/grants/grants-directory) - [Online Application Portal](https://cfwnc.org/grants/about-grants/online-application) - [Recent Human Services Grants](https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/focus-areas/human-services/human-services-recent-grants) - [Recent Education Grants](https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/focus-areas/education/education-recent-grants) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Focus Area | Email | Phone | |-------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------|--------------| | Virginia Dollar | Human Services | [dollar@cfwnc.org](mailto:dollar@cfwnc.org) | 828-367-9907 | | Jeremy Lett | Education | [lett@cfwnc.org](mailto:lett@cfwnc.org) | 828-785-4743 | | Diane Crisp (Technical) | All | [crisp@cfwnc.org](mailto:crisp@cfwnc.org) | 828-367-9904 | | General Info | All | [info@cfwnc.org](mailto:info@cfwnc.org) | (828) 254-4960 |

Human Services and Education

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