Community-Based Organizations (CBO) Funding Program

Guilford County's Community-Based Organizations (CBO) Funding Program provides annual grants to nonprofit entities that serve the residents of Guilford County, North Carolina. Administered by the County's Budget and Management Services Department, the program aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting services that are economically, culturally, or civically beneficial. These services are considered to fulfill a public purpose under North Carolina law and may include youth development, educational support, arts and culture, and other human services. The funding initiative is rooted in fostering partnerships that improve service efficiency and ensure equitable access to County-supported programs. Eligibility is open to nonprofit organizations that hold valid 501(c) status and either maintain a physical presence in Guilford County or primarily serve its residents. The program distinguishes organizations that focus on economic development and evaluates such proposals through a separate compliance pathway aligned with North Carolina state statutes. To be eligible, applicants must comply with legal requirements at the county, state, and federal levels, and demonstrate operational capacity to deliver proposed services. A key component of eligibility includes the submission of required documentation such as IRS tax-exempt certification, financial audits (for requests over $100,000), and a current board member roster. The application process for Fiscal Year 2027 funding opens on January 30, 2026, and closes on March 6, 2026. Prior to the application window, virtual information sessions and in-person grant writing workshops are offered to educate potential applicants about program requirements and support the preparation of high-quality submissions. Attendance at these sessions is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged to ensure compliance with application standards. All applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline; late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must outline how their services align with the County’s strategic goals, detail intended outcomes, and provide performance metrics for impact evaluation. Applications should also disclose all other sources of financial support. Review of proposals is conducted by a committee of County department representatives aligned with the applicant’s service area. Recommendations are then incorporated into the County Manager’s budget proposal. Final funding decisions are subject to approval by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, following public review and a formal hearing. Awarded organizations are required to enter into a contractual agreement with Guilford County outlining the terms of funding, performance expectations, and reporting obligations. Quarterly performance and financial reports are mandatory for all awardees and must be submitted within 30 days after the end of each quarter. For grants up to $100,000, funds are distributed in full at the start of the grant period. Awards exceeding $100,000 are initially disbursed in part, with subsequent installments contingent upon satisfactory reporting. Noncompliance with reporting requirements may result in withheld funds or recapture of previously disbursed amounts. The program operates on an annual basis and does not guarantee repeat funding in future cycles. Each application year is evaluated independently, and previous funding does not ensure future support. The anticipated schedule includes application review in March and April, release of the County Manager's recommended budget in May, a public hearing in early June, and budget adoption by mid-June. Contracts for approved organizations are expected to begin routing shortly after the adoption date. Interested parties can contact the Guilford County Grants Manager at [email protected] for more information.

Focus on alignment with County Board priorities; ensure timely reporting and fiscal documentation.