Human Services

Although Western North Carolina is rich in both natural and cultural resources, many of its residents face economic insecurity every day. There are many systemic causes of poverty that are beyond CFWNC’s ability to address. However, we have worked since 1978 to help WNC residents meet their basic needs in a way that allows them to pursue their best lives.

Human Service grants are made through competitive and proactive awards.

Eligible organizations must be: (1) tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public agencies or faith communities; and (2) located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey. Organizations must already be established in and serving Western North Carolina.

Competitive Grants

• Each fall, CFWNC will award grants of up to $25,000 through the Human Services and Education grant program.

• Sudden and Urgent Need (SUN) grants of up to $10,000 are awarded on a rolling basis to assist WNC human service nonprofit organizations experiencing unforeseen crises that diminish their ability to provide direct critical services.

Proactive Grants

Applications may be invited for timely and effective projects or programs. These opportunities are not governed by the cycles or categories specified for competitive grants but must address the Human Services focus area goal. Because a limited number of proactive grants can be awarded, applications may be invited as often as quarterly, until all available funds have been committed for that year. To determine eligibility for proactive grants, contact Senior Program Officer Virginia Dollar at 828-367-9901 to discuss your proposal. If an application is competitive, she will provide you with a code to access the application in our online system and provide a deadline for submission.

Learn about proactive funding for the SECURE Program at OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling.