The Perry N. Rudnick Endowment Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives by supporting specific project-based initiatives rather than operational expenses. Established initially as a private foundation in 2001 and later becoming a component fund of the Community Foundation in 2004, it serves organizations located primarily in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania Counties of Western North Carolina. With an endowment now exceeding $6.3 million, the fund has awarded more than $4.3 million through over 400 grants to 125+ organizations.
The Rudnick Endowment focuses on several key areas of interest: arts and culture, conservation, health and human services, education, and youth. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with deadlines falling on January 1 and July 1 of each year. The grant process follows a two-step approach: organizations must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), and selected applicants are then invited to submit a more detailed proposal. LOIs close at 11:59 PM on the respective deadline dates, and final award decisions are typically made within six months of LOI submission.
The fund places a strong emphasis on proposals that address emerging or increasing needs, demonstrate collaboration and efficiency, serve broad community segments, and encourage client self-sufficiency. Priority is also given to projects that focus on prevention, early intervention, and those with promising future support. Grant applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation's grants portal.
Organizations applying must be tax-exempt; the fund does not support individuals, endowment augmentation, fundraising for re-gifting, annual campaigns, religious or political activities, or event underwriting. The Foundation strongly recommends applicants view the guidance video on their website to understand funding priorities.
Contact information for the fund includes a phone number, (828) 697-6224, and an email address, grants@CFHCforever.org. The Foundation is located at 401 North Main Street, Suite 300, Hendersonville, NC 28792. For more information or to apply, interested organizations should visit https://cfhcgrants.communityforce.com.
