Jackson County Community Foundation Grant

The Jackson County Community Foundation (JCCF), founded in 1992, is a philanthropic affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation. It is managed by a local volunteer advisory board that focuses on building community assets in Jackson County through the development of permanent endowments and strategic grantmaking. As a vital conduit for charitable giving in the region, JCCF not only distributes grants but also serves as a collaborative partner for donors, aiming to address critical community needs and leverage local leadership for long-term positive impact. JCCF’s annual community grantmaking cycle supports qualified charitable organizations that serve Jackson County. Funding is drawn from the community grantmaking fund, and grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000. In 2025, the foundation awarded $15,390 through this competitive process. While modest in size, these grants play a crucial role in addressing local issues and supporting a diverse set of nonprofits. In certain cases, JCCF partners with the Balsam Mountain Preserve Fund to expand the reach and scope of its community support, using applications submitted through the same grantmaking cycle to determine co-funding opportunities. The 2026 grant application window will open on June 26 and close at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on July 28. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered, including those delayed due to technical issues. To apply, organizations must use the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Grant Application Portal. Detailed guidelines and two training modules are available to support both new and returning applicants through the process. First-time applicants must complete Training Module I to create an account, while all users should follow Module II for instructions on submitting a grant application. Priority will be given to organizations that address family food insecurity, youth behavior and safety, and substance use disorders—issues identified as pressing in the community. Applications that fail to adhere to the published guidelines will be deemed ineligible. The application process does not require pre-application materials such as a letter of intent, but compliance with training and portal use is critical for a successful submission. Grant decisions are typically announced around two months after the close of the application window. Board members use an annual Community Needs Assessment to guide funding decisions, ensuring that resources are directed to areas of the most urgent need. This document is publicly accessible and helps align the foundation’s funding priorities with the evolving needs of Jackson County. While contact details for the program officer are not explicitly listed in the announcement, applicants are encouraged to reach out directly through the foundation’s main contact lines for support. JCCF’s grant program recurs annually, with consistent deadlines and evaluation timelines. Given this structure, organizations that miss the current cycle can anticipate the next opportunity in summer 2027. The foundation’s transparent process and clear timelines offer stability for community organizations seeking recurring support for their work in Jackson County.