How much funding does WCMA Community Grants Program provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for WCMA Community Grants Program?

The deadline is September 25, 2026.

WCMA Community Grants Program

Walnut Cove Members Association Inc

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Social Services Grants Healthcare Grants Grants for Education

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

September 25, 2026

170 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

WCMA Community Grants Program

Overview: The Walnut Cove Members Association (WCMA) provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations serving Western North Carolina. In 2025, WCMA distributed a record $715,250 to 39 charities.

Geographic Scope: Western North Carolina (WNC) only. National organizations are only eligible if they have a regional or local office serving WNC, and all funds must support WNC residents and be executed by the local office.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization

Organization must serve Western North Carolina

Must be sponsored by a WCMA Member who is actively engaged as a volunteer with the organization

Active involvement includes: serving on the nonprofit's board or committee, or volunteering time with its programs

Financial support alone does not constitute active engagement

Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, physical ability, or any other protected characteristic are not eligible

Focus Areas (Three Tiers):

Tier 1: Social or Healthcare Services

General health care for underserved populations
Disability or mental health support services
Alcohol or substance addiction treatment services
Food relief and assistance
Child welfare support services
Older adult services
Domestic violence prevention
Associated transportation or legal services
Housing support services for low-income individuals/families or those experiencing homelessness

Tier 2: Education

Youth education and development
Family and parental support services
After-school programs
Educational programs including summer camps or outdoor/environmental education (must be multi-week with defined activities/curriculum and measurable objectives)
Short-term "experiences" receive less funding weight than structured programs

Tier 3: Animal Welfare, Natural or Cultural Resources

Animal welfare programs assisting low-income households with veterinary expenses (spay/neuter, etc.)
Arts and cultural development and enrichment
Outdoor recreation resource development/enhancement
Cultural institutions (theater, music, art, museums)
Programs with educational components and measurable objectives receive higher funding weight

Funding Restrictions (Not Eligible):

Capital improvements (brick and mortar)

Endowments

Sectarian purposes

Rental assistance programs

Deficit funding

Private schools

Private clubs

Sports teams

Workshops

Re-granting (unless specifically approved by Board)

Allowable Costs:

Scholarships or internships related to program objectives

Salaries and other administrative expenses to implement the specific project

Equipment, tools, and/or materials necessary for project implementation and success

Grant cannot exceed 75% of project budget or 50% of nonprofit's total annual budget

Grant Objectives: All proposals must demonstrate:

Specifically stated objectives with measurable outcomes

How success will be achieved and measured

Identified need that will be met

Significant community impact and estimated number of WNC residents impacted

Program/project sustainability and efforts to create new funding streams

Financial sustainability of grantee with adequate board oversight

Required Documentation:

Copy of most recent IRS 501(c)(3) letter

IRS Form 990 or equivalent

List of board members or equivalent

May be required to provide additional information or allow site visit

Award Details:

Grants must be used within one year of award

Funds cannot be carried over to another year or project without written approval

Grant recipients must submit post-project report documenting fund usage and individuals impacted

Failure to submit required reports may affect future grant awards

Available funding varies annually; award process is competitive

Maximum grant amounts vary by Tier; 2026 caps to be announced by May 31, 2026

Contact Information:

Email: info@walnutcovemembers.com

Address: PO Box 374, Skyland, NC 28776

Application Timeline: 2026 Application Acceptance Window: August 14 - September 25, 2026. All applications must be submitted electronically by September 25. Year-end reports for 2025 grants must also be submitted by September 25, 2026.

How to Apply

Application Process

Step 1: WCMA Member Sponsorship

A WCMA Member must sponsor the local nonprofit

Member must be actively engaged as a volunteer with the organization

Active engagement includes serving on the nonprofit's board/committee or volunteering time

Step 2: Complete Grant Application
The nonprofit must submit a complete electronic application consisting of:

Sponsor application from WCMA Member

Nonprofit application including:

- Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) letter
- Most recent IRS Form 990 or equivalent
- Proposed program budget for grant funds

Step 3: Committee Review

Grant Committee (comprised of active WCMA Members) reviews and prioritizes applications based on:

- Amount requested
- Number of people impacted
- Budget quality
- Merits of proposed project
- Nonprofit's assigned Tier (based on overall organizational mission)

Step 4: Board Determination

Grants Committee submits recommendations to Board of Directors

Board makes final determination of grant funding

Step 5: Award Notification

Award agreement letters prepared confirming:

- Purpose of grant
- Restrictions on fund usage
- Instructions for post-project report

Award agreement must be signed by authorized individual and returned

Step 6: Announcement

List of grantees and project descriptions made available via website and member emails

Step 7: Post-Project Reporting

Grant recipient must submit report detailing:

- How funds were used
- Approximate number of individuals impacted