Swain County Community Foundation Grant

The Swain County Community Foundation (SCCF), established in 1993, operates as an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF). It is a local philanthropic entity dedicated to improving the quality of life in Swain County, North Carolina. Managed by a volunteer advisory board composed of local leaders, SCCF serves as both a hub for charitable giving and a conduit for community-based grantmaking. Through its family of permanent endowment funds, SCCF aims to strengthen local assets, foster donor partnerships, and deliver grant support that aligns with the evolving needs of the Swain County community. SCCF accepts grant applications for its annual community grant cycle through NCCF’s centralized online system. For 2025, the application window opens on June 20 and closes at 12:00 noon Eastern Time on July 22. Applications submitted after this deadline—including those affected by technology issues—will not be accepted. Eligible applicants must be qualified charitable organizations that directly serve the Swain County area. All applicants must use NCCF’s online system and adhere to the provided grant guidelines. First-time applicants are required to follow Training Module I to create an account and must complete steps outlined in Training Module II to submit their grant proposals. Funding for this grant cycle is made available through two primary endowments: the community grantmaking fund and the Youth Are Our Future Endowment. In 2024, SCCF awarded a total of $12,920 to selected grantees, with individual grant awards typically ranging from $500 to $1,250. While no explicit restrictions on spending categories were mentioned, funds are expected to be used in support of nonprofit programs and services that align with the Foundation’s mission to benefit local residents. Evaluation of applications is guided by the local advisory board, which references an annual Community Needs Assessment to help inform funding decisions. This assessment is available for review at the bottom of the SCCF webpage. Typically, funding decisions are announced approximately two months after the grant application window closes. Although no pre-application deadlines or LOI stages are indicated, applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the guidelines and ensure all submissions are complete and timely. Applicants seeking assistance or with questions related to eligibility or the submission process are directed to contact the assigned Program Officer. General contact details for the NCCF include their Raleigh office address and a main line at 919-828-4387 or toll-free at 800-532-1349. While no specific Program Officer name or email is listed in the source, further contact details may be available through the Foundation’s website or upon registration. This funding opportunity is recurring and occurs annually. The anticipated next cycle, based on the 2025 close date, is expected to open in June 2026. Internal checks for updated application details should begin by May 22, 2026, to ensure timely preparation and compliance with NCCF’s procedures.

Applicants are advised to read the guidelines thoroughly before applying and must ensure all steps in the online application system are completed.