Wake County Community Foundation Grants

The Wake County Community Foundation (WCCF), an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation, has been serving Wake County since its inception in 1991. Established to build community assets through permanent endowments, the foundation operates with the leadership of a local volunteer advisory board. WCCF plays a pivotal role in promoting philanthropy and distributing grants to support various nonprofit initiatives in Wake County. Its mission revolves around enriching the local community by strengthening charitable organizations through grant funding and strategic collaboration. WCCF accepts applications for its annual competitive grants program between July 3 and August 4, 2026, closing precisely at noon Eastern Time on the final day. Late submissions, including those affected by technical issues, will not be accepted. The grant program draws funding from the community grantmaking fund as well as the Friends of BOMA Charitable Endowment. These funds support projects that benefit Wake and Durham counties, particularly those that enhance community well-being, education, family support systems, and services for veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. Funding is reserved exclusively for organizations operating in the local community with annual budgets under $500,000. Most grants awarded will range from $500 to $1,000, with up to two organizations receiving “Impact Grants” of up to $2,500. In the 2025 grant cycle, WCCF distributed $15,420 through this competitive process. These awards underscore the foundation’s commitment to nurturing small, community-based nonprofits and delivering targeted impact in Wake County and surrounding areas. The application process requires prospective applicants to utilize the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Grant Application Portal. First-time users must follow Training Module I to create an organizational profile, while returning applicants may log in directly. All applicants should review and follow Training Module II to correctly submit a grant application. Importantly, all applications must adhere strictly to the guidelines to be considered eligible for funding. Following submission, WCCF typically announces grant decisions approximately two months after the close of the application period. While no pre-application materials are required, applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the annual Community Needs Assessment, which helps inform the board’s funding decisions. This assessment is accessible through the foundation’s website and offers insights into local priority areas. For further guidance or to resolve questions about the grant process, applicants can reach out to Kelly Lee, CFRE, Program Officer for Central NC, via email or phone. The foundation encourages early engagement and close adherence to submission requirements to ensure eligibility and consideration for funding.