Pigeon River Fund Grant Guidelines

•  Improving surface water quality
•  Enhancing fish and wildlife management and habitats
•  Expanding public access
•  Increasing citizens' awareness about their roles in protecting these resources

Grants are typically for one-year projects and will generally range from $2,500 to $25,000. Larger grants will be considered based on merit. Organizations may seek repeat funding for a project after evaluation is complete. Multi-year requests may occasionally be considered for exemplary programs if they are discussed with the Pigeon River Fund staff prior to submission.

Deadline to Apply
Spring Cycle - March 15 with funding decisions announced in May.
Fall Cycle - September 15 with funding decisions announced in December.

Eligibility
Nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and public agencies are eligible to apply for these grants. Organizations must be located in or serving Buncombe, Haywood or Madison counties.

Predicting Impact
Previous grantees have found the following indicators helpful in predicting outcomes. You may want to refer to this list and set specific targets appropriate for your project when completing the Evaluation Plan.

•  Reduced erosion and sedimentation, including development and implementation of "best
management practices" for erosion control, with emphasis on practices that prevent erosion at its source (The fund's highest priority. )
•  Expanded acreage of buffer zones
•  Improved management of agricultural waste
•  Decreased amounts of trash
•  Improved controls or management of urban runoff
•  Maintenance of mountain wetlands
•  Improved fish and wildlife management or habitat
•  Expanded public use or increased access
•  Decreased pollution levels

Applicant organizations may request technical assistance to help select indicators and develop measurement tools.

Priorities
Grant requests may address any of the four focus areas defined by the License. All projects submitted for funding must contain an educational component, preferably focused on helping individuals understand how their actions relate to the overall health of the river basin. The Pigeon River Fund puts a priority on projects that:
• Have a long-term impact
• Provide direct benefits
• Show measurable results
• Demonstrate co-funding (leveraging) from other funds or volunteer or in-kind resources, thus indicating broad support for the proposed project
• Implement creative approaches
• Have a demonstration element or adapt proven models
• Coordinate and cooperate with existing efforts
• Increase awareness of how varied activities affect the overall river basin

How to Apply for a Pigeon River Fund Grant
1. Access Community Foundation Staff Assistance
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Program Officer Tim Richards is available via phone or email (trichards@cfwnc.org) to provide assistance to organizations as you develop your proposal. This assistance is valuable in strengthening an organization’s chance of success.

2. Submit a Pigeon River Fund Grant Application
Applications forms and instructions are accessed below or can be requested from staff. Grantseekers must submit a completed application to the Foundation office by 5 p.m. on the date of the deadline. Applications may also be mailed to the Foundation’s post office box but must be received in the Foundation office by 5 p.m. on the deadline. Faxed and/or emailed applications are not accepted. If the deadline date is on weekend or holiday, deadline is 5 p.m. the next business day. All applicants will receive notification of the receipt of their application (by email) and next steps in the review process within 2 weeks after the grant deadline.

3. Participate in the Review Process
Applications are screened for completeness, clarity and compliance with eligibility requirements, and are acknowledged in writing. We consider the proposals’ match with the Fund’s priorities, the availability of funds for the stated purposes, the applicants’ capabilities, and the potential benefits to the community. Staff may request a phone conversation or site visit during the review period. The Pigeon River Fund Board approves all grant proposals, and funding decisions are announced within four months of the application date.

4. Application Forms and Instructions:
To prepare an application for submission to the Pigeon River Fund use the following instructions and forms:

Pigeon River Fund Grant Application Instructions
2010 Common Grant Cover Sheet - PRF
Pigeon River Fund Results Statements and Verification Worksheet