Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment Grant

The Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment Grant, named after a social justice champion, aims to support community-driven projects that address racial disparities in Buncombe County. With an annual budget of $500,000, grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 will be awarded for projects focused on economic and educational opportunities. The initiative seeks to enhance community well-being by fostering social capital and promoting equitable opportunities, ultimately rebuilding resilient neighborhoods.

Purpose
This community investment supports Buncombe County Strategic Plan Goal: "Work with community partners towards parity in the public-school graduation gap with a 50% reduction amongst at risk populations by 2030." According to data from the NC Department of Public Instruction, the subgroups graduating at lower rates than the average for all students in Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools are those with the following designations: Black; Hispanic; Two or More Races; Economically Disadvantaged; English Learners; Foster Care; Homeless; and Students with Disabilities.
This investment also supports Buncombe County’s commitment to United for Youth (U4Y), a localcradle-to-career partnership with a mission to “actively identify and remove barriers to opportunity and co-create solutions that support student success” and a goal that “all Asheville City and Buncombe County students graduate from high school ready and fully prepared to pursue their goals and dreams.” U4Y has established grade-level opportunity objectives for school-aged youth with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for youth through community and adult engagement
Funding
Isaac Coleman Grant funding is budgeted annually, subject to budget adoption. Grants through this program will be made for a 3-year period with annual renewal subject to project performance andbudget availability. Applicants may request from $100,000 to $150,000. Partial awards may be made based on the pool of proposals.