Best Buncombe County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Rural Arts Initiative Grant Program, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities. The program encourages access to the arts through scholarships, community engagement, and innovative activities. Priority is given to organizations located in areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that artistic opportunities are available to both adults and children. Applications are accepted for one year of funding, with potential for up to three consecutive years.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks by providing federal funding for security enhancements. Administered by the North Carolina Emergency Management, this competitive grant allows eligible organizations to apply for up to $150,000 per site, focusing on target hardening, planning, and training. The program aims to integrate nonprofit preparedness with local efforts, enhancing community safety and resilience against threats.

The NCAC: Folklife Apprenticeship Program offers 12-month apprenticeships in folk and traditional arts within North Carolina's Appalachian communities. Designed to preserve endangered folklife traditions, this program supports mentor-apprentice pairs, fostering the transmission of cultural practices. Eligible applicants must be 18 and reside within designated ARC counties. Funding includes $7,000 for mentors and $3,000 for apprentices, encouraging community engagement through public presentations of learned skills. This initiative strengthens cultural identity and heritage in the region.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

About Us

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.

Marketing North Carolina as a business and visitor destination is another function of the Department, and to handle this work we contract services from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), a public-private organization established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2014.

North Carolina Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - Demolition Program

Local governments can apply for funding to support demolition projects that result in industrial or commercial sites, using grant funds under the Community Development Block Grant program's Economic Development (ED) category.

Our department holds administrative responsibility for the CDBG program in North Carolina. Our Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) administers the CDBG-ED funds. State rules related to the CDBG program can be found in the North Carolina Administrative Code 4 NCAC 19L and specific ED rules are found at 4 NCAC 1K. Federal funds are made available annually through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Purpose

Under the authority of Title I of the U. S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended), the CDBG demolition program in North Carolina is designed to demolish vacant dilapidated industrial buildings and properties under the elimination of slums and blight national objective. The demolition activity is expected to create a site at which it can reasonably be expected new jobs and private sector investment will locate. Since the demolition activity is qualified under the slums and blight national objective, new job creation with a private employer does not require a legally binding contract. Jobs creation during the demolition phase of the grant should be collected for CDBG reporting purposes.

The Glass Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Western North Carolina. Established in 2000, the foundation provides funding for capital campaigns, construction, and program supplies, focusing on environmental education and youth development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations operating in specified WNC counties. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster educational and cultural opportunities while preserving natural resources, aiming to create a thriving community.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Artist Support Grants

What are Artist Support Grants?

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.

Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania Counties

Grant Range:

• $500 - $1,500

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR))

The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program seeks to award two, two-year grants to an organization(s) (grantee) to manage and complete select urban forestry services (Climb to Tree City USA package) for municipalities awarded assistance (subrecipient) through our Financial Assistance Program (FAP) request for applications (RFAs) process. 

Funding Programs

There are two federal funding programs that will fund this work:

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties. 
• Indirect administration – 15% of services billed.
• $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all HHR funded work.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

N.C. Forest Service - Timber Loss Relief Program

Program Overview

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture block grant to support Hurricane Helene recovery. Part of these disaster recovery funds will be administered by the N.C. Forest Service through a new Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP). TLRP funds will be used to partially compensate eligible woodland owners for the value of timber loss as a result of Hurricane Helene. 

The Earl M. Wilson Trust Grant, established in 1984, aims to promote the humane treatment of animals in Buncombe County, North Carolina. This grant supports organizations qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring funds are directed towards programs that alleviate animal suffering and prevent cruelty. Through Mr. Wilson's vision, the grant fosters a compassionate community that cares for its vulnerable animal population.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

Purpose

The purpose of the Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is to ensure that every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days, including access to quality early childhood education. The Fund was established in response to a well-documented local shortage of quality early childhood education programs, barriers that families face in accessing existing programs, including affordability, and a well-documented shortage of qualified teachers and staff in classrooms and centers.

Funding

Grants may be awarded up to the total amount of $4,054,185, the anticipated budget for the Early Childhood Education and Development Fund for FY2027 (subject to budget adoption). On October 30, 2018, the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County voted to create the Early Childhood Education and Development fund for the purpose of annually investing $3.6 million beginning in the FY2020 budget with an annual increase of 2% in future years. 

Funding is earmarked to support early care and education for children birth through kindergarten. This includes the following categories:

• infants/toddlers – ages six (6) weeks to three (3) years old
• preschoolers – ages three (3) to five (5) years old
• pre-kindergarteners (pre-k) – 4 year old rising kindergarteners (4 years old by August 31st)

The Bright Ideas Education Grants program, supported by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, empowers K-12 teachers to implement innovative projects in classrooms. With applications open from April to September, educators can seek funding for creative learning initiatives. Annually, around 600 grants are awarded, enhancing educational experiences across diverse disciplines. This initiative not only enriches classroom instruction but also strengthens community ties, demonstrating the cooperatives' commitment to improving quality of life for local students.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

Creating a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all – no exceptions.

The best ideas for dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of the region come from the people who live and work in our local communities. 

Dogwood invests in aligned organizations that advance efforts in our four strategic priorities of housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness. 

From 2025-2030, Dogwood’s grantmaking will focus on: 

• Capacity
• Collaboration
• Connections
• Capital Attraction

Stronger Organizations Grants

Supporting Organizational Operations, Infrastructure and Stability.

This grant opportunity offers flexible support for strategically aligned organizations that play a meaningful role in the region’s ecosystem through work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness; and that are positioned to sustain and grow their impact over time. Organizations determine how best to use the funds and grant reporting is simplified. Most often, these grants are in the form of general operating support.

Grants typically range from $50,000 to $350,000 per year for up to two years. For two-year grants, the total award may range up to a maximum of $700,000.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Dr. Lu, Sylvia & Daniel Kiang Scholarship for Chinese Students

Must be of Chinese descent, at least one parent must be from China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.