Highlands Community Fund Grant

The Highlands Community Fund is a philanthropic initiative operated under The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, based in Asheville, North Carolina. The Fund supports charitable projects that significantly benefit the Highlands community and operates with a strong commitment to local development and community enrichment. The Fund’s mission is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for residents by supporting nonprofit, educational, governmental, and religious organizations actively working in Highlands. Each year, the Fund provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for a wide array of charitable purposes. While the fund has broad flexibility in the types of initiatives it supports, projects that demonstrate the greatest potential community impact are prioritized during the evaluation process. Proposals that directly benefit organizations other than the applicant—such as nonprofit programs delivered through public institutions like schools—must include a formal letter of endorsement from the benefiting entity. Grant funds are typically distributed by the end of September, and recipients are expected to utilize the funding within ten months from the award date. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious institutions, educational entities, and government agencies that are either based in or serving the Highlands area. Each organization or fiscal sponsor may only submit one application per year, and previous recipients must have submitted all required end-of-grant reports to be eligible for future funding. The Fund maintains strict restrictions on the types of projects it will not support, including scholarships, deficit reduction, endowment funds, sectarian or partisan activities, one-time events, and projects benefiting private school communities unless they address broader community needs. Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online system by 5 p.m. on the first Friday in August. The process begins with optional consultation with a Senior Program Officer to discuss proposal alignment and eligibility. Completed applications are screened for completeness and compliance before being evaluated by the Fund’s advisory committee. Key evaluation factors include community benefit, applicant capacity, fund availability, and alignment with fund priorities. Payment is issued via electronic funds transfer, and recipients must have current bank

Proposals with the greatest demonstrated community benefit receive highest consideration; ensure past reports are submitted; secure letters of endorsement if required.