Highlands Community Fund Grant

The Highlands Community Fund is administered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), a philanthropic institution based in Asheville, North Carolina. This foundation facilitates the distribution of charitable funds to support community-based projects across the region, with a focus on long-term impact and community welfare. The Highlands Community Fund operates as a local affiliate and emphasizes support for nonprofit and public service entities serving the Highlands area. This grant opportunity offers funding between $2,500 and $10,000 to support a wide range of charitable activities. The fund prioritizes requests that deliver significant community benefits. Projects that are collaboratively implemented, particularly those where another organization stands to benefit (such as public schools), must include a letter of endorsement from the benefitting organization. Grant recipients are expected to use the awarded funds within 10 months from the time of disbursement, which typically occurs by the end of September. Eligible applicants include established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental entities, educational institutions, and religious organizations that actively serve the Highlands community. Organizations must have fulfilled reporting obligations for any previous awards from the Highlands Community Fund and may only submit one application per year, including those applying as fiscal sponsors. Certain uses are generally excluded from funding consideration, including scholarships, annual giving campaigns, endowments, debt retirement, religious or partisan political purposes, one-time events like performances or fundraisers, and programs benefitting private primary or secondary school populations. Exceptions may be made for projects within private schools that demonstrably address broader community needs. To apply, applicants should start by contacting Tara Scholtz, Senior Program Officer, for guidance on eligibility or project fit. Applications are submitted online, and technical support is available from Diane Crisp, Senior Grants Manager. Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility before being evaluated by the advisory committee based on fund priorities, applicant capacity, and community benefit. Grantees must have electronic funds transfer information on file to receive funding. An end-of-grant report is required, to be submitted through the online system, with deadlines communicated in the award letter. Additional site visits or reports may be requested. While these guidelines are generally followed, they may be modified or exceptions made at the discretion of the advisory committee in consultation with CFWNC staff.