Human Services and Education Grant

The Human Services and Education Grant, offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, provides up to $25,000 to support programs addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and educational initiatives. Grants aim to enhance early childhood development, K-12 education, and adult learning opportunities. Eligible organizations must serve specific WNC counties and demonstrate sustainability. However, the fund does not cover general operating expenses or support for capital projects. This grant cycle encourages impactful community-focused projects.

Human Services (formerly People in Need)
Although Human Services and Education are distinct focus areas of grantmaking by The Community Foundation, each fall CFWNC also awards grants up to $25,000 in a combined Human Services and Education grant cycle. Human Services grants support programs and projects that address the needs of people in our mountain communities who are disadvantaged economically. Education grants support early childhood development, K-12, and adult education in Western North Carolina in the subject areas specified below.
Human Services Objectives
Continue, replicate or expand a proven program or project that provides direct services for people who are economically disadvantagedPurchase equipment, supplies or materials that provide an immediate and substantial benefit to organizations providing direct services to people who are economically disadvantaged
Education Objectives
Support early childhood development programs and projectsProvide K-12 support in the following areas: afterschool programs, academic achievement, technology and equipment (other than technology and equipment used as a routine matter in classrooms, e.g., laptops, electronic workbooks, whiteboards, etc.)Provide adult education support in areas such as English as a Second Language and Literacy, and Non-Traditional Students

Eligibility

Organizations are eligible to apply for People in Need grants if they:for Human Services grants: have missions or programs focused on serving people who are disadvantaged economicallyfor Education grants: provide services outlined under Education Objectives aboveare financially sustainableare tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or governmental entitiesare 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 and the Qualla Boundarydid not receive a Human Services grant during the most recent fall grant cycle and do not have an open Human Services grant, i.e., have submitted the final report

Ineligibility

What We Do Not Fundgeneral operating expenses (except for costs directly related to the proposed project or program)capital support for new buildings or major expansionsrecreational programs and equipment, including playgroundsprivate 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 clubsfestivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisersactivities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are madesectarian religious purposespartisan political purposesendowment, deficit funding or debt retirementstate or national organizations, unless (1) funding is sought for a portion of the program or project that directly benefits WNC, and (2) local people lead the program or project