Grant Details
The mission of the Melvin R. Lane Fund is to empower and strengthen organizations dedicated to providing essential support services for individuals in need, youth, the elderly, and those facing mental and/or physical challenges.
This program may award up to seven grants of $90,000 to $180,000 over three years ($30,000 to $60,000 per year) to help human service organizations improve existing operations and programs, develop or expand partnerships, and maintain financial stability. Organizations should request an amount that is relative to and appropriate for their operating budget.
Deadline & Dates
- Grants are awarded every three years and have been awarded for the FY 2026 – 2028 cycle. The next opportunity to apply will be in January 2029.
Eligibility
- Nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and have been operating for at least three years are eligible to apply.
- Organizations must have a minimum operating budget of at least $100,000 for two consecutive years and have two or more full-time (or equivalent) employees.
- Organizations must be located in one of these WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey, and the Qualla Boundary.
- An eligible organization may only submit one application per cycle.
What We Do Not Fund
Grants normally do not support large brick and mortar capital projects, activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, veterans affairs, deficit funding, or debt retirement.
How to Apply
Please note: If your organization is chosen as a finalist, the Executive Director and a key staff or board member should attend a three-hour workshop facilitated by WNC Nonprofit Pathways. Please do not apply if your organization is not ready for this commitment.
1. Access Community Foundation Staff Assistance
Applicants can contact Virginia Dollar, Senior Program Officer, by email or at 828-367-9907 to review their proposal prior to submitting a Letter of Intent.
2. Submit a Letter of Intent
Letters of Intent will be due in January 2029.
3. Invitation to Submit Full Application and Grant Workshop
Applicants will be notified whether they are invited to submit a full application. Ten to twelve finalists will be selected to move to the next round of review and to participate in the three-hour workshop facilitated by WNC Nonprofit Pathways.
4. Submit a Full Application
Invited organizations must submit a full application. Organizations will use the online application process to submit an application.
5. Virtual Presentations
Each finalist will participate in a virtual presentation to the advisory board.
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 (through the online grant system) two progress reports and an end-of-grant report 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 staff of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.
Additional Information
For additional information, download Recent Grants.
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