Grant Details
The Asheville Merchants Fund (AMF) seeks to improve the quality of life in Buncombe County by supporting projects or programs that strengthen economic effects in the community.
The Fund provides grants of up to $35,000 a year over three years. Approximately six to eight grants are awarded during each three-year funding cycle. Grants are paid in three installments, with the second and third year of funding contingent upon reasonable progress toward expected results.
Projects or programs must contribute to economic growth, educational advancement, social welfare, or cultural vitality. Priority will be given to projects or programs comprehensively addressing one or more of the following interest areas:
Innovative Economic Approaches
- Community asset development: investing in emerging local economies, especially those related to home-grown businesses
- Entrepreneurship: resources for entrepreneurs, including access to training, service providers, and capital to accelerate business success
Quality Jobs & Workforce
- Appropriate skills: training for jobs that are in demand and critical to community viability, especially those that provide living wage work
- Non-traditional training and employment services: flexible schedules, certificate programs or activities related to job skill development
Social Infrastructure
- Programs contributing to family economic success, such as financial education and asset development
- Services that increase employees’ ability to participate fully in the workforce, such as transportation, literacy, and dependent care
AMF supports organizations that have the capacity and vision to develop multi-faceted projects or programs to help Buncombe County and its citizens thrive in the emerging economic environment. Factors considered in evaluating applications include:
- Focus on a critical need
- Defined, measurable results that can be achieved within the grant period and make a long-term difference in the beneficiaries' lives
- Skilled leadership from organizations with the capacity and vision to carry out integrated efforts effectively in one or more of the interest areas
Additional Funding Parameters
- New or existing programs are eligible for support.
- Operating expenses may be approved if the application clearly demonstrates how the proposed work is critically important to achieving the goals of the AMF Grant Program.
Deadline & Dates
- The grant application deadline is February 6, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- CFWNC will announce decisions in April.
Eligibility
- AMF grants may be awarded to tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public agencies, or faith communities.
- Organizations may be located in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, or Madison counties; however, programs or projects proposed must provide direct economic benefit in Buncombe County.
- Organizations must already be established in or serving Buncombe County.
- Organizations may submit only one funding proposal per grant cycle.
What We Do Not Fund
Grants generally do not support: scholarships; sectarian religious purposes; partisan political purposes; endowment funds; deficit funding or debt retirement; capital support for new buildings or major expansions; festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers; or activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant funds are awarded.
How to Apply
1. Access Community Foundation Staff Assistance
While not required, if you would like to discuss your proposal or have questions regarding eligibility, contact Jeremy Lett, Program Officer, by email or at 828-785-4743.
2. Submit an Application
Begin the online application process to submit an application. For technical assistance with the online grant system, please contact Diane Crisp, Senior Grants Manager, by email or at 828-367-9904. The online system notifies applicants by email upon receipt of their submission.
3. Review Process
Staff screens applications for completeness, clarity, and compliance with eligibility requirements. The Fund’s Advisory Committee evaluates grant applications, taking into consideration the Fund’s priorities, availability of funds for the stated purposes, applicants’ capabilities, and potential benefits to the community served.
CFWNC distributes grant payments by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Each grantee must have current banking information on file at CFWNC to receive payment.
Reporting Requirements
Applicants must submit online interim and end-of-grant reports verifying use of grant funds and results. Instructions will be included in the grant award letter sent by email to the head of the awarded organization, and report deadlines can be found in CFWNC’s online grant system. We may also require additional reports or site visits.
Guideline Modifications
The Fund’s Advisory Committee may modify these guidelines, or make exceptions to them, in consultation with The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina staff.
Additional Information
For additional information, view Recent Grants.
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