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

June 2026 (2nd Quarter) | September 2026 (3rd Quarter) | March 2027 (1st Quarter)

Typical awards range from under $1,000 to tens of thousands of dollars; most grants must be spent within 12 months.

Supports projects in Tryon and Landrum that enhance physical spaces or provide cultural, intellectual, or educational benefits.

--- ## Description The Mary F. Kessler Fund, administered by the Polk County Community Foundation, provides competitive grants to support projects that contribute to the physical or scenic improvement, development, or beautification of Tryon and Landrum, as well as initiatives that offer cultural, intellectual, or educational benefits to these communities. The Fund was established by Mary Kessler to create a lasting philanthropic impact, and past awards have included support for arts festivals, tree planting, restoration of historic sites, and community arts education. The grant is part of the Foundation’s Area of Interest Grants program and is intended to enhance the quality of life for residents of Tryon and Landrum. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: 2nd Quarter competitive grant application deadline for Mary F. Kessler Fund (anticipated/projected) - September 2026: 3rd Quarter competitive grant application deadline for Mary F. Kessler Fund (anticipated/projected) - March 2027: 1st Quarter competitive grant application deadline for Mary F. Kessler Fund (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical awards range from under $1,000 for small projects to tens of thousands of dollars for larger initiatives. - Most grants must be spent within 12 months of award notification (extensions may be requested in the application). - Funding is competitive and determined annually by the Foundation’s Board of Directors based on available resources. --- ## Eligibility - Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public school systems, and units of government. - Projects must take place in or directly benefit the Tryon, NC and/or Landrum, SC communities. - Eligible projects must focus on physical/scenic improvements, development, beautification, or provide cultural, intellectual, or educational benefits to these communities. - Regional organizations serving these communities but based outside Polk County, NC or Landrum, SC should contact the Foundation for eligibility guidance. - Organizations new to the Foundation are encouraged to contact the Director of Grants before applying. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) via the [online form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) to confirm eligibility and project alignment. - Eligible organizations may then apply through the Foundation’s [grants portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx). - Only one general grant application is required per cycle to be considered for all competitive funds. - Applications must be complete and submitted by the published deadline. - Applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Grants for application guidance or to request a pre-submission review. - Additional documentation (e.g., bylaws, financials) may be requested as relevant. --- ## Additional Information - Grants may not fund fundraising, political activities, previously incurred expenses (except in emergencies), or scholarships/monetary awards given by your organization. - Final reports are required for previously awarded grants before new funding can be disbursed. - Community event grants should be submitted in cycles that allow for at least 30 days of planning after award notification. --- ## External Links - [Competitive Grants Program Overview](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications Page & Portal Access](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [2026 Grant Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations (PDF)](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines.pdf) - [Contact the Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org/contact-the-foundation) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Polk County Community Foundation | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 | | General Inquiries | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) \| 828-859-5314 | | Director of Grants (Noah Wood) | [grants@polkccf.org](mailto:grants@polkccf.org) \| 828-859-5314 x226 | ---

Mary F. Kessler Fund

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