The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

Established in 1996

Pigeon River Fund

Through fall 2024, more than $10 million has been awarded in grants by the Pigeon River Fund to projects in Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license creating the Pigeon River Fund (PRF) as well as the PRF Fund Agreement defined the objectives of the grant program as follows:

To improve surface water quality
To enhance fish and wildlife management habitats
To expand public use and access to waterways
To increase citizens' awareness about their roles in protecting these resources

The Pigeon River Fund was established in 1996 through an agreement between Carolina Power & Light (now Duke Energy) and the State of North Carolina. The grant program is administered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

Grant decisions are made by members of the Pigeon River Fund Advisory Committee who are appointed by the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources per the FERC license agreement. Review the Pigeon River Fund License Statement.

Apply for Funding View Recent Grants

Laurel Community Center Organization received $9,000 for continued streambank restoration, as well as a new project, the Laurel STREAM Team. Photo courtesy of Laurel Community Center Organization.