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

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

Up to $3,000 for board retreats; up to $8,000 for other organizational strengthening projects; typically must be spent within 12 months.

Supports local nonprofits with strategic planning and board retreats to improve governance, strategy, and long-term sustainability.

--- ## Description Organizational Strengthening & Board Planning Grants are competitive, capacity-building awards from the Polk County Community Foundation. These grants are designed to help local charitable organizations in and around Polk County, NC (including Landrum, SC) enhance their governance, strategic planning, and overall organizational resilience. Funding supports activities such as board retreats, staff and board training, and other organizational development projects that contribute to long-term sustainability and capacity to positively impact the community. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026: 1st Quarter full application deadline (anticipated/projected) - June 2026: 2nd Quarter full application deadline (anticipated/projected) - September 2026: 3rd Quarter full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $3,000 may be awarded for board retreats. - Up to $8,000 may be awarded for other organizational strengthening projects. - Most grants must be spent within 12 months of award notification; extensions may be requested in the application. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, or units of government serving Polk County, NC or Landrum, SC. - Regional organizations based outside these areas should contact the Foundation for eligibility guidance. - Organizations new to the Foundation or those without a grant history are encouraged to contact the Foundation prior to applying; a committee review process may apply. - Grants are not available to organizations based in other states named "Polk County" (e.g., Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, etc.). - Projects must focus on strategic planning, board development, governance, or other capacity-building efforts. --- ## Application Process - Submit a brief Letter of Intent (LOI) via the [online form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) to confirm eligibility and project alignment. - After LOI approval, complete the full application through the [Grants Portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx). - Review the [Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines-gtkz.pdf) for detailed instructions and eligibility. - Incomplete applications or those not following all instructions will not be considered. - Applicants may schedule a pre-deadline review of their application with the Director of Grants. --- ## Additional Information - Grants may not fund fundraising events, political activities, or expenses already incurred. - Organizations with overdue final reports for previous grants are ineligible until reporting is complete. - The Foundation provides guidance and encourages early contact to discuss project fit and application requirements. --- ## External Links - [Competitive Grants Program Overview](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications & Portal Access](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [Grant Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofits (PDF)](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines-gtkz.pdf) - [Letter of Intent Form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) - [Contact the Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org/contact-the-foundation) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Address | |-------------------------|------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------| | Director of Grants (Noah Wood) | [grants@polkccf.org](mailto:grants@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 | | General Foundation Contact | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 | |

Organizational Strengthening & Board Planning Grants

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