Asheville Merchants Fund Grant

The Asheville Merchants Fund (AMF) seeks to improve the quality of life in Buncombe County by supporting innovative projects that strengthen the community through economic efforts in one or more of its Funding Priorities.
The Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 over two years. Approximately five to eight grants are awarded during each two-year funding cycle. Grants are paid in two installments, with the second year of funding contingent upon reasonable progress toward expected results.
Projects must target economic benefit for Buncombe County residents. Priority will be given to projects comprehensively addressing one or more of the following Funding Priorities:

• Innovative Economic Approaches

Community asset development: investing in emerging local economies, especially those related to home-grown businesses Entrepreneurship: resources for entrepreneurs, including access to training, service providers and capital to accelerate business success
Quality Jobs & Workforce
Living wage work: recruitment, retention and expansion of businesses providing high-quality, well-paying jobs Appropriate skills: training for jobs that are in demand and critical to community viability Non-traditional training and employment services: flexible schedules, short-term certificate programs and community-based (versus academic institutional) settings
Social Infrastructure
Programs contributing to family economic success, including financial education and asset development Affordable housing: developing effective strategies and supporting implementation Services that increase employees’ ability to participate fully in the workforce, including health and wellness or dependent care
Youth Success in School
Middle and high school students: targeted academic (particularly in math, science and technology) and non-academic activities related to job skill development Family support: improving the home environment for learning
AMF supports organizations that have the capacity and vision to develop multi-faceted programs to help Buncombe County and its citizens thrive in the emerging economic environment. Factors considered in evaluating applications include:

• Focus on a critical need
• Defined, measurable results that can be achieved within the grant period and make a long-term difference in the beneficiaries' lives
• Skilled leadership with the potential to carry out innovative, integrated efforts effectively in one or more of the focus areas

Eligibility

Tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities are eligible to apply for AMF grants. New or existing programs are eligible for support. Operating expenses may be approved if the application clearly demonstrates how the proposed work is critically important to achieving the goals of the AMF Grant Program in a significant, time-limited way. Programs proposed must be carried out within Buncombe County. Statewide or national programs will not be considered unless funding is sought solely for the portion of the program that will directly benefit Buncombe County andlocal people are significantly involved in program development and management. Organizations may submit only one funding proposal per grant cycle.

Ineligibility

Asheville Merchants Fund grants generally do not support: scholarships; sectarian religious purposes; partisan political purposes; endowment funds; deficit funding or debt retirement; capital support for new buildings or major expansions; festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers; or activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant funds are awarded.