North Carolina Environment Grants

The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) awards Grassroots Arts grants to non-profit organizations conducting arts programs each year. Donor Name: Rowan Arts Council (RAC) State: North Carolina County: Rowan County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The NC General Assembly, on a per capita basis through the NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program, makes these grassroots grants available. In Rowan County, the Rowan Arts Council serves as the Designated County Partner, as nominated by the Rowan County Commissioners and approved by the NC Arts Council. The goals of the Grassroots Arts Program are to enhance and strengthen the cultural community and broaden the artistic services offered to Rowan County citizens. Funding Priorities The first priority in awarding grassroots grant funds is to provide program or operating support to qualified arts organizations (where they exist) including theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writer’s groups and arts festivals, among others. Grassroots funds are not generally awarded to arts organizations that receive funding through the N. C. Arts Council’s State Arts Resources. The second priority in awarding grassroots grant funds is to support arts learning and arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in the schools, after school summer camps or adult arts learning classes. Grassroots funds may not be used for activities associated with a school’s internal arts programs such as in-school student performances, the purchase of art supplies, or student arts competitions and publications. The third priority in awarding grassroots grant funds includes grants made to other community organizations that provide quality art experiences for the greater community. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists. Uses of Funds  Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used to support programs in the visual arts, crafts, dance, drama, film and video, folk arts, literature, music, photography, architecture and the visual environment. Typical uses of Grassroots funds include program expenses (such as artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, publicity, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, art supplies, and equipment) or program administration and operating expenses. (Such as program salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent utilities, insurance). As a general rule salaries and equipment should be very limited for Grassroots money. Eligibility Criteria  The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) awards Grassroots Arts grants to non-profit organizations conducting arts programs within Rowan County. Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, organizations that are nonprofit in nature may also receive Grassroots Arts Program grants. Unincorporated nonprofits may be required to have a fiscal agent to receive the funds on their behalf. Costs Not Allowed Grassroots Arts Program funding may not be used for the following kinds of expenditures: permanent (full or part-time) personnel, deficit reduction, contingency funds, food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions, interest on loans, fines or litigation costs, lobbying expenses, tuition for academic study, indirect cost rate expenses, capital expenditures, history projects (such as historical research, documentation, exhibits, publications or historic preservation), science projects, or other specific non-arts areas (Acrobatics, Aerobic dance, Beauty pageants, Clowning, Comedy, Cosmetology, Essay contests, Fashion shows, Juggling, Magic Shows, Martial arts, Mineralogy/gemology, Modeling, Nature presentations, Quiz bowls, or travel presentations). For more information, visit RAC.

The Orange County North Carolina is seeking applications for its Community Climate Action Grant Program to accelerate climate change mitigation actions in Orange county. Donor Name: Orange County North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Orange County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: Project Types These examples are just for illustrative purposes. We encourage a wide range of projects. Clean Energy Infrastructure – New Example: Rooftop Solar Installation, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Clean Energy Infrastructure – Repair Example: HVAC System Repair, Weatherization Clean Energy Infrastructure – Replacement Example: LED lighting to replace fluorescent bulbs Communication/Education Example: Extreme Heat Education Materials & Outreach Nature Based Solutions Examples: Soil Regeneration, Reforestation Waste Reduction/Circular Economy Example: Composting Program Analysis/Plan Example: Energy Efficiency Analysis Other Example: Neighborhood Tree Planting Funding Information  For the 2024-25 funding cycle, an estimated $262,500 in funding. Eligibility:  All public and non-profit entities are eligible to apply as well as small businesses whose gross revenues do not exceed $3 million annually. All proposed projects must demonstrate a positive impact on Orange County’s residents and environment as described in the scoring criteria. All funds awarded through this grant program should be spent in Orange County. Before funds can be distributed, successful applicants must have the legal standing to enter into a contractual funding agreement with Orange County. Such legal standing is not required at the time of application. For more information, visit Orange County North Carolina.

The Helen Kimberly Jones Charitable Trust provides grants to promote the charitable purpose of preventing cruelty to animals primarily in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Donor Name: The Helen Kimberly Jones Charitable Trust State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas  Environment Animals Funding Information Average grant size: $5,000. Average total giving per year: $40,000. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funds must be used for programs or services devoted to the prevention of cruelty to animals. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF) exists to improve the streams and rivers of Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC), Haywood County (NC), Madison County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: It supports projects and activities that provide direct benefits in at least one of the following focus areas: Improved surface water quality Enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats Expanded public access Increased citizens’ awareness about their roles in protecting these resources Grant requests may address any of the four focus areas listed above. Listed below are additional expectations for grant applications. Grants are typically for one year and generally range from $5,000 to $35,000. Some grant requests may exceed $35,000 with prior approval of CFWNC staff. Conservation easement requests for transaction or acquisition costs should not exceed $30,000. PRF grants should leverage other funds or in-kind resources toward total project costs. PRF awards may be contingent on receipt of additional funds. In such cases, other necessary funds must be secured within 18 months of a PRF grant award. If the project is or will be ongoing, PRF funds should be allocated for a specific time period. Operating support is only considered for select organizations chosen by the PRF Advisory Committee. Operating support requests may not exceed $50,000. Grant funds may be used to support administrative costs, including a share of staff costs, when essential to the project. Higher priority projects: Support efforts to address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county (or other authority) watershed action plans. A copy of the watershed plan should be uploaded with the application. Promote collaborative or coordinated projects that address comprehensive issues and that will have a long-term benefit. Encourage education and awareness of water quality issues, preferably focused on helping individuals understand how their actions relate to the overall health of the river basin. Install water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated multi-faceted effort and that will result in significant water quality improvement. Lower priority projects: Scattered projects (including demonstration BMPs or other projects) not related to a coordinated effort to improve priority streams/watershed in the relevant community. Government agency operating support, especially staffing. Projects related to regulation enforcement that is the responsibility of government. Eligibility Criteria Tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood or Madison counties are eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFWNC.

The Community Foundation offers Human Services grants up to $20,000 for programs or projects that promise significant help for economically-disadvantaged people in mountain communities. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Human Services objectives are to: Address a timely community need or opportunity not being addressed by other agencies Continue, replicate or expand a proven program or project Increase cooperation and coordination among program providers Build the internal capacity of an organization to be more self-sufficient or efficient Purchase equipment that provides an immediate and substantial benefit. Eligibility Criteria Organizations are eligible to apply for Human Services grants if they: have missions or programs focused on serving economically-disadvantaged people; are financially sustainable; are tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or governmental entities; are located in and serving one or more of these WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey; did not receive a Human Services grant during the most recent Human Services grant cycle. What they don’t Fund  general operating expenses (except for costs directly related to the proposed project or program) capital support for new buildings or major expansions recreational programs and equipment, including playgrounds private primary and secondary schools (except for projects or programs that are not directed toward the school’s students or staff and that directly address community needs) and private clubs festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers scholarships activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made sectarian religious purposes partisan political purposes endowment, deficit funding or debt retirement state or national organizations, unless (1) funding is sought for a portion of the program or project that directly benefits WNC, and (2) local people assume leadership of the program or project For more information, visit CFWNC.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina offers Learning Links grants up to $1,000 for public school teachers in selected counties to implement hands-on, innovative learning projects that align with the curriculum and aim to increase student enthusiasm for learning.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) was created to provide financial assistance through grants, loan guarantees, or pledges of debt service to major tourism capital projects that will increase patronage of lodging properties in, and further economic development in Buncombe County. Donor Name: Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pojects receiving TPDF investment have not only created jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents, but they have also provided amenities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Policies The TPDF Committee may utilize a waiver of any non-legislatively mandated eligibility criteria to advance a project if it represents a significant impact upon lodging demand and Buncombe County economic sustainability. All projects must meet all eligibility criteria and requirements stated in legislation. Projects which either directly increase overnight lodging stays by themselves or support a larger initiative that will increase room nights will be evaluated equally. TPDF funds cannot be the first funds committed to a project. BCTDA reserves the right to cancel the grant application cycle at any time and for any reason. BCTDA reserves the right to award or deny grant funding to any project for any reason consistent with the intent of the legislation. Recognizing that its resources are limited, BCTDA may grant funding that is less than that requested by the applicant. BCTDA will not make payment directly to any vendor or individual. Payment will only be made to the applicant organization as reimbursement. If the grantee is unable to fund and/or complete the project, BCTDA may revoke all or part of the grant. The grantee may be forced to return some or all funding plus interest if the recipient is found to have used the funding inappropriately, if the project was not completed, or if the project scope or design was changed without approval of BCTDA. All applications are subject to the requirements regarding “public records” found in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Submitted applications will be disclosed upon request. The applicant assumes the burden of all their expenses associated with this application. Uses of funds Funding must be for capital investments only (“brick and mortar” projects – design not included). Operational expenses will not be considered for funding. Design fees already expended will be considered as counting towards the 1-to-1 funding match. Project Eligibility Project must be principally located in Buncombe County. Project must be a major tourism capital project that furthers economic development of Buncombe County. Project must demonstrate ability to increase patronage of lodging facilities in Buncombe County by attracting tourists, business travelers, or both. Project must not solely benefit a single lodging owner, lodging property, or be situated on a lodging property. At time of application, applicant must have legal control of the property through recorded deed or long-term lease agreement. If property is owned by a municipal partner, such as the City or County, a non-profit organization may provide a letter of support or other agreement with the municipal partner. Applicant must show how a minimum of a 1-to-1 funding match to the requested grant amount (excluding in-kind goods and services) will be achieved. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be a federally recognized non-profit organization or government entity. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, the organization must have been in operation for at least 2 years at the time of application Evaluation Criteria Application will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Viability of Project and Organization Financial Stability of the Requesting Organization Each applicant organization will be evaluated for financial sustainability, and their perceived ability to raise additional funds as needed to bring the project to completion. Strength of Business Planning If applicable, the proposed business plan for the project will be evaluated on its accuracy, completeness, and likelihood to support a successful and sustainable operation once the project has opened. Strength of Sales and Marketing Plan/Investment If applicable, sales and marketing plans for projects will be evaluated upon the likelihood they will succeed in drawing visitation to the destination. Timeliness of the Project Projects which are “shovel ready” may rate more highly than those which are still two or more years from beginning construction. 1-to-1 Funding Match Exceeded While it is a requirement for applying organizations to have secured a funding match equal to the amount for which they are applying from the TPDF, projects that exceed the 1-to-1 requirement may receive particular Destination Differentiator Strength of Brand Alignment Projects will be evaluated on whether they are consistent with the Asheville destination brand and provide additional support for the brand promise. Uniqueness and Innovation of Project Attractions and activities which are new to the region or not available to visitors living in key feeder markets for the destination may be valued more highly than those which duplicate offerings already available to visitors. Ability to Promote and Support the Local Creative Sector Projects which promote and support the community’s creators and makers, and which enhance the destination will receive greater consideration. Project Impact Ratio of Overnight Lodging Generated to Funding Requested The amount of TPDF funding requested will be analyzed versus the potential return of new overnight lodging demand in Buncombe County to be generated by the project. Generator of New and Incremental Room Nights The room night impact of a proposed project will be assessed on whether the project is drawing new visitors to the area, or simply pulling from existing visitors in Buncombe County while not increasing the number of new lodging room nights. Scope of Market to be Served Projects that target audiences capable of filling area lodging are valued, but projects that draw new and untapped niche markets to Buncombe County may also be worthy of consideration. Scope of Impact Upon Lodging The impact of a project upon Buncombe County lodging will be considered not only in terms of demand generated, but also in terms of the geographic impact. Projects capable of generating lodging demand in more than one area of the county may rate more favorably. Ability to Serve as a Contributing Asset Projects which support an important generator of destination room nights, or which could stimulate additional activity, but which may not generate significant room nights by themselves will be considered. Applicants should demonstrate the potential for additional community benefit if their project is built. Project as a True Motivator of Visits Projects will be evaluated based upon their ability to motivate new room nights, proven through sound analysis and data. Alignment with BCTDA’s Strategic Imperatives Deliver Balanced Recovery and Sustainable Growth Projects will be evaluated based upon whether they lead to balanced and sustainable growth through distribution of visitors geographically across the county or seasonally throughout the year or days of the week. Encourage Safe and Responsible Travel Projects which encourage care and respect for natural, cultural, and human resources, or support the sustainability of outdoor recreation, will be given greater consideration. Supports Engagement with and Appeal to More Diverse Audiences The committee will assess the ability of a project to diversify audiences and support of place making, community connections, and business opportunities throughout the county. For more information, visit BCTDA.

The Green Neighborhood Grant Program seeks to help bring neighbors together to pursue projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create natural areas that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and ultimately benefit the entire community. Donor Name: Town of Carrboro State: North Carolina Town: Carrboro Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Goals Educate and empower neighborhoods to address climate change. Build neighborhood capacity to engage in climate action. Develop and enhance community and Town partnerships. Leverage Town and neighborhood involvement and resources Distribute resources to low-income communities and communities of color who are disproportionately affected by climate change. Funding Information Maximum grant amount: $2,500. Eligible Projects Projects that demonstrate shared benefits with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or contributing to ecosystem resiliency. All projects must achieve the following: Reduce emissions, enhance ecosystem resiliency, or contribute to climate action awareness or engagement Be completed within six months of grant award Be initiated, planned, and implemented by community members Obtain Town permits required for construction, if applicable. Any contractors must carry required insurance. Group/fiscal agent must obtain adequate liability insurance if deemed necessary by the Town (e.g. event insurance) Eligibility Criteria Neighborhoods must be located within Carrboro’s Town Limits. Applicants may apply for funding in two consecutive grant cycles. Applicants who have not been awarded a grant will be provided with information from project evaluation to help develop a better application. For more information, visit Town of Carrboro.

The Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes with a preference for supporting education in medical science, promoting agriculture and conservation, and preserving wildlife. Donor Name: Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation State: North Carolina County: Davidson County (NC), Davie County (NC), Forsyth County (NC), Gaston County (NC), Iredell County (NC), Orange County (NC), Rockingham County (NC), Stokes County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Education Environment, animals Types of support Preference will be given to requests for the following: Requests from Wake Forest University School of Medicine with a strong preference for supporting long-time residents of the Piedmont region of North Carolina whose intent is to practice medicine in such region. Organizations to provide scholarships or other funding to help employees of Davis Regional Medical Center (Statesville, NC) or their family members pursue training in medical science. Organizations and programs promoting agriculture and conservation. Organizations and programs focused on preserving wildlife. Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt governmental units or charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. Limitations There are no geographic limitations; however, the foundation primarily supports the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The foundation does not make grants directly to individuals. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.