[Polk County Community Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org)

June 2026 | September 2026 | March 2027

Typical awards: up to $3,000 for small events, up to $8,000 for large or series events; most competitive grants range from under $1,000 to tens of thousands for large projects.

Supports community organizations in the Tryon area to host free civic events that foster engagement and enjoyment for all residents.

--- ## Description The Kirby Civic Events Fund, administered by the Polk County Community Foundation as part of the Kirby Endowment Fund, provides support to community organizations in the Tryon area to create enjoyable civic events that are free and open to all members of the public. The fund reflects the Kirby family's vision of fostering edification, enjoyment, and a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences. Events must be civic in nature, accessible, and designed to build community engagement. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: Full application deadline for 2nd Quarter competitive grants (Kirby Civic Events Fund) (anticipated/projected) - September 2026: Full application deadline for 3rd Quarter competitive grants (Kirby Civic Events Fund) (anticipated/projected) - March 2027: Full application deadline for 1st Quarter competitive grants (Kirby Civic Events Fund) (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards for small, single events: up to $3,000. - Awards for a series of events or large single events (likely to attract 100+ local people): up to $8,000. - Most competitive grants from the Foundation range from under $1,000 to tens of thousands for larger projects. - Grant funds are typically to be spent within 12 months of award notification; longer periods may be requested. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be community organizations proposing events in the Tryon area. - Eligible organizations typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, and units of government serving Polk County and surrounding areas. - Events must be civic in nature and free to the public: - No admission charges, sales, or requests for contributions may be made at the event. - All publicity should target local Polk County and Landrum audiences, not external visitors. - Organizations new to the Foundation or those without a grantmaking history should contact the Foundation for eligibility review. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent to confirm eligibility and project fit with the fund ([Letter of Intent Form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79)). - Eligible organizations then apply via the [online grants portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx). - Review the [Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines.pdf) for detailed instructions and criteria. - Applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline for the relevant quarterly cycle. - Applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Grants for proposal review or questions well in advance of the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - All events funded must be free, with no charges, sales, or requests for donations at the event. - Events should be designed to serve and bring together local residents, not for tourism or organizational promotion. - Grant funds cannot be used for fundraising, political activities, or expenses already incurred. - Final grant reports are required for previously awarded grants before new applications can be considered. --- ## External Links - [Polk County Community Foundation Competitive Grants](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications Page & Deadlines](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations (PDF)](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines.pdf) - [Letter of Intent Form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) - [Online Grants Portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx) --- ## Contact Information | Role/Contact | Details | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) | | Director of Grants (Noah Wood)| [grants@polkccf.org](mailto:grants@polkccf.org) | | Phone | 828-859-5314 | | Address | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 | | Contact Form | [Contact the Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org/contact-the-foundation) | ---

Kirby Civic Events Fund

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