Jones County Community Foundation Grant

The Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF), an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation, plays a critical role in supporting charitable efforts within Jones County, North Carolina. Established in 2005, JCCF operates under the guidance of a local volunteer advisory board. This board oversees the growth and distribution of community endowment funds and exercises local leadership to identify and address pressing needs within the county. By managing a network of philanthropic funds, JCCF offers both donors and local organizations an effective avenue to drive positive change at the community level. JCCF administers its annual competitive grant cycle through the community grantmaking fund, designed to support qualified charitable organizations serving the residents of Jones County. These funds aim to bolster local initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission of enhancing the quality of life within the region. The scope of funding encompasses a broad array of community-focused programs, with a history of supporting food security, youth education and leadership, scholarships, and mental health services within schools. Past recipients include The Filling Station, the Jones County Public Library, Trail of Faith Farms, and Voices Together, reflecting a commitment to diverse areas of need. Eligible applicants are required to be qualified charitable organizations with active programming in Jones County. The foundation does not specify a requirement for 501(c)(3) status in the source material, but applicants are directed to closely follow NCCF’s grant guidelines, which generally expect such status or a qualifying fiscal sponsor arrangement. Applications must be submitted through the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Grant Application Portal. New applicants are guided to create a profile through Training Module I, while returning users should log in and follow Training Module II to submit a new application. The 2026 grant cycle will open on March 27 and close promptly at noon Eastern Time on April 28. JCCF stresses that late submissions—including those caused by technical issues—will not be accepted, emphasizing the importance of timely application. Decisions are typically announced approximately two months after the application period ends. There is no mention of pre-application requirements, such as letters of intent or concept papers, and the grant process appears to be a single-stage application. Grants awarded through this cycle typically range from $500 to $1,000. In 2025, JCCF distributed a total of $4,150 across four organizations, suggesting a limited pool of funds and a highly competitive process. The foundation does not list a specific match requirement, and no detailed restrictions on funding use are provided in the current public-facing materials. However, applicants are advised to review the full guidelines and community needs assessment—available at the bottom of the grant page—to ensure alignment with funding priorities and selection criteria. For questions or additional support, applicants are instructed to contact the designated program officer through the North Carolina Community Foundation. The process is designed to be accessible, with resources such as the Community Needs Assessment and training modules providing further guidance. While JCCF does not explicitly state whether the opportunity recurs annually, the consistent historical cadence and naming conventions suggest an annual cycle.