Strategy Grants
The Community Foundation offers Strategy Grants from $10,000 to $25,000
for outstanding projects that promise significant impact in one or more
of our eighteen mountain counties by:
- Initiating innovative ways to meet challenges or seize opportunities
- Undertaking efforts that substantially increase an organization’s capacity and impact
- Increasing cooperation and coordination among program providers to address complex needs
- Expanding model or proven programs
- Contributing to systemic change by implementing programs that address causes rather than symptoms
Most Strategy Grants are made for one-year only. However, if an organization has a multi-year project, the Foundation will consider funding for two years. The process will be highly competitive and only a small number of grants will be approved. The second year of funding is likely, given positive performance by the organization during the first year.
Deadline to Apply
Letters of Intent are due November 14, 2008. Invitation to apply or refusal
are issued by December 31, 2008. Final funding decisions are announced in
May for projects that begin after June 1.
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 one or more of these
WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood,
Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford,
Swain, Transylvania, Yancey. Organizations may submit only one Strategy
Grant application each cycle.
Areas of Support
Strategy Grants are provided for organizations that are:
- Assisting People in Need - Creating enduring change by reaching the underserved and disadvantaged through early intervention, strengthening individuals and families by meeting basic needs, and helping people facing challenges become more self-sufficient.
- Building Community and Economic Vitality - Providing economic opportunities to disadvantaged people, improving affordable housing, encouraging civic engagement and community improvements, and fostering integration of diverse populations.
- Improving Educational Opportunities - Supporting creative, sustainable approaches to improve learning in the public schools and the community.
- Promoting Quality Health - Extending access to health services, supporting mental health or substance abuse services, and encouraging health and wellness programs.
- Advancing the Arts - Expanding and improving artistic, cultural and heritage offerings at the community level, assisting museums and cultural institutions expand services.
- Enhancing Our Natural Environment - Addressing challenges to our environment through education and initiatives that benefit the quality and sustainability of natural resources.
Funding Restrictions
The Foundation does not make Strategy Grants, except in rare cases,
for: ongoing operating expenses or capital campaigns including feasibility
studies and architectural designs. The Foundation will not award Strategy
Grants for:
- technology requests
- recreational equipment
- festivals or
one-time events
- scholarships or funding to individuals
- activities
taking place before grant decisions are made
- sectarian religious activities
- political purposes
- lobbying or legal actions
- veteran affairs
- endowment
- deficit funding or debt retirement.
The Foundation does not make grants, except in rare cases, to: private schools and clubs, EMS or fire departments or organized sports programs.
Recent Strategy Grants
How to Apply
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