Human Services and Education Grant

The Human Services and Education grant cycle is a competitive funding opportunity administered annually by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC). CFWNC is a regional philanthropic institution dedicated to improving lives and communities across Western North Carolina through strategic charitable investments. This particular grant opportunity reflects the Foundation’s dual commitment to addressing economic disadvantage and improving educational outcomes throughout the region. Grants of up to $25,000 are awarded each fall, with the application deadline set for the last Friday in August. The Human Services category supports efforts that directly serve economically disadvantaged populations. Funded programs may either continue, replicate, or expand proven service models, or may involve the acquisition of supplies, equipment, or materials that offer substantial and immediate benefits to these populations. Education-focused grants are available for early childhood development initiatives, K–12 academic support such as afterschool programs and academic achievement efforts, and adult education programs. Specific areas supported within K–12 include technology and equipment, excluding routine classroom technologies like laptops or whiteboards. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental entities located in and serving one or more of 18 designated counties in Western North Carolina or the Qualla Boundary. Applicants must be financially sustainable and may not apply if they received a grant in the most recent fall cycle or if they currently have an open grant (i.e., a final report has not been submitted). For Human Services funding, applicants must have missions aligned with economically disadvantaged communities, and for Education, they must address one of the programmatic objectives stated. Applications are submitted through an online portal and must be received by 5 p.m. ET on the final Friday of August. Organizations are limited to one application per cycle. CFWNC provides separate contacts for Human Services and Education inquiries, and applicants are encouraged to consult program staff before submitting proposals. Grant recipients are notified in November or early December. Projects must begin after December 1 of the same year and be completed within 12 months. End-of-grant reports are required and must be submitted through the Foundation’s online system; additional reports or site visits may be requested. Funds cannot be used for general operations (unless directly linked to the project), capital building projects, recreational programs, festivals, private school activities, or sectarian religious or partisan political activities. Out-of-area programs or state/national organizations must clearly demonstrate local benefit and leadership to be eligible. All payments are made via EFT, requiring current banking details. This grant opportunity recurs annually and is part of CFWNC’s strategic commitment to improving economic and educational outcomes in the region.

Contact the appropriate program officer prior to submission; ensure final report is submitted before reapplying; match program to stated objectives to ensure eligibility