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

June 2026 | September 2026 | March 2027

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

Supports projects advancing agriculture in the Polk County community, including gardens, farms, markets, and viticulture efforts.

--- ## Description The Paul Culberson Agricultural Development Fund is a competitive grant program of the Polk County Community Foundation designed to advance agriculture in Polk County, North Carolina, and its surrounding area. Established in 1991 to honor Paul Culberson’s legacy, this fund awards grants supporting a broad range of agricultural initiatives—such as community gardens, educational farms, farmers markets, and projects tied to viticulture or agricultural infrastructure. The fund operates as an Area of Interest Grant, with criteria set by donors to address specific community needs through agricultural development. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: 2nd Quarter full application deadline (anticipated) - September 2026: 3rd Quarter full application deadline (anticipated) - March 2027: 1st Quarter full application deadline (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Most competitive grants from the Foundation range from under $1,000 for small projects to tens of thousands of dollars for larger initiatives. - Grants are typically for a 12-month project period, though longer durations can be requested as needed. - The exact amount available each cycle may vary; consult the [Dates & Dollars](https://www.polkccf.org/dates-dollars) page or contact the Foundation for current figures. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, and units of government serving the Polk County, NC, community (including Landrum, SC). - Projects must specifically advance agriculture in the community (e.g., agricultural education, infrastructure, markets, or related initiatives). - Regional organizations based outside Polk County or Landrum should contact the Foundation to confirm eligibility. - Newly formed organizations or those without a grant history with the Foundation should consult the Director of Grants before applying. - Organizations must not have overdue final grant reports from previous Foundation awards. --- ## Application Process - Prospective applicants must first complete a brief [Letter of Intent](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) to confirm eligibility and project fit. - Eligible organizations then submit a full application via the Foundation’s [online grants portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx). - Applicants are encouraged to review the [Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations (PDF)](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines-gtkz.pdf) before applying. - Pre-deadline review of draft applications is available—contact the Director of Grants to schedule. - Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Grants may not be used for fundraising, political activities, or expenses already incurred. - Most grants must be expended within 12 months, but extensions can be requested in the application. - The Foundation provides detailed review and may request additional documents (e.g., bylaws, recent IRS Form 990). - For the most current deadlines, available funding, and program details, always consult the [Applications page](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) and [Dates & Dollars](https://www.polkccf.org/dates-dollars). --- ## External Links - [Polk County Community Foundation Competitive Grants](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications & Deadlines](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations (PDF)](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines-gtkz.pdf) - [Online Grants Portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx) - [Contact the Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org/contact-the-foundation) - [Dates & Dollars](https://www.polkccf.org/dates-dollars) --- ## 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 Inquiries | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 |

Paul Culberson Agricultural Development Fund

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