Emergency and Disaster Response Fund Grants

Emergency and Disaster Response Fund Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Last Updated: March 16, 2026

Summary

The Emergency and Disaster Response Fund (EDRF) addresses urgent needs in an 18-county area, providing critical support since Hurricane Helene. Over $38 million has been allocated to organizations for emergency relief and recovery services. As the region transitions to long-term recovery, CFWNC reviews grant requests based on community need and available funds, prioritizing areas most affected by the disaster. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith-based groups, and public agencies.

Overview

Emergency and Disaster Response Fund The Emergency and Disaster Response Fund (EDRF) responds to immediate or urgent needs that unexpectedly arise in our 18-county service area. Since Hurricane Helene ravaged our region, EDRF has been funding organizations providing emergency relief or recovery services. More than $39.7 million has been distributed since October 7. As CFWNC spends down the EDRF balance and the region transitions to long-term recovery, staff continues to partner with nonprofits and other organizations to fund projects. Currently, CFWNC is considering grant requests on a case-by-case basis according to the availability of funds, the severity of need in the community served, and other sources of support available to the applying organizations.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An organization applying for a grant from the EDRF must be:A community-based nonprofit designated by the IRS as 501(c)(3), a faith-based organization, or a public agency. Fiscal sponsors and organizations formed since the storm are generally not being consideredServing the following counties and areas in WNC, with preference given to those also located in: Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Transylvania, and Yancey counties. Previously funded through any CFWNC competitive grant program or working with previously funded WNC organizations that must be named in the application.

Ineligibility

Fiscal sponsors and organizations formed since the storm are generally not being considered.EDRF grants generally do not support: debt retirement; sectarian religious purposes; partisan political purposes; individuals; or private K-12 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.