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

June 2026 (2nd Quarter cycle, projected) | September 2026 (3rd Quarter cycle, projected)

Typical awards range from under $1,000 for small programs to tens of thousands for major projects; most grants must be spent within 12 months.

Supports programs that advance education and opportunities for public school students in Polk County, NC.

--- ## Description The Stuart and Margaret L. Forbes Endowment Fund, managed by the Polk County Community Foundation, provides grants to support educational advancement and opportunities for students attending public schools in Polk County, North Carolina. Established in 2025 through the transfer of assets and mission from the Forbes Foundation, this fund continues a tradition of supporting local students, schools, and the broader community. It is part of the Foundation’s Area of Interest Grants, focusing on projects that directly benefit public school students in the region. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: Competitive grant application deadline (2nd Quarter cycle, anticipated/projected) - September 2026: Competitive grant application deadline (3rd Quarter cycle, anticipated/projected) *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 items and programs to tens of thousands of dollars for large projects. - Grants are typically for a 12-month period, though a longer grant period may be requested with justification in the application. - The precise amount available for each cycle may vary; applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation for the most current information. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, or units of government serving the citizens of Polk County, NC. - Projects must directly benefit students attending public schools in Polk County and support their educational advancement and opportunities. - Organizations new to the Foundation or without a grantmaking history are encouraged to contact the Foundation before applying. - Regional organizations based outside Polk County, NC or Landrum, SC should consult the Foundation regarding eligibility. - For-profit entities and organizations located in other states named "Polk County" are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) form online to confirm eligibility and project fit before completing the full application. - [Letter of Intent Form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) - Eligible organizations may then apply through the Foundation’s online [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. - Applications must be complete and submitted by the published (anticipated) deadlines. - The Foundation recommends scheduling a review of your application with the Director of Grants well in advance of the deadline. - Incomplete or noncompliant applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Most grants must be spent within 12 months of award notification; exceptions require justification. - Grants cannot fund fundraising events, political activities, or expenses already incurred. - Final grant reports for previous awards must be submitted before new grants are paid. - The Foundation’s review process is thorough; applicants should prepare detailed project descriptions and budgets. --- ## External Links - [Competitive Grants Overview](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications Page](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [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 | Email | Phone | Address | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------| | Polk County Community Foundation | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 | | Noah Wood, Director of Grants | [grants@polkccf.org](mailto:grants@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 | | ---

Stuart and Margaret L. Forbes Endowment Fund

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