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WNC Honors Program - Annual Cash Awards

WNC Communities

Foundation Annual Community Services Grants
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Funding Amount

$730 per community, plus additional awards up to $2,000 for Best in Class

Deadline

August 6, 2026

120 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

WNC Honors Program - Annual Cash Awards

Status: Active, ongoing since 1949

Geographic Scope: 20 western-most counties of North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)

Focus Areas: Community center excellence across six competency areas:

  • Good Governance

  • Leadership Excellence

  • Financial Stewardship

  • Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

  • Community Programs and Civic Engagement

  • Collaboration

    • Overview: The WNC Honors Program is designed to cultivate the vitality and prosperity of mountain communities through education and collaboration. It supports community center leaders to strengthen excellence in governance, leadership, financial, volunteer, and collaboration practices. Small annual grants are offered to all active members at the annual WNC Honors Awards ceremony.

    Award Levels & Recognition:

  • Trillium Level: Base award $730, Best in Class additional $250

  • Mountain Laurel Level: Base award $730, Best in Class additional $500

  • Redbud Level: Base award $730, Best in Class additional $1,000

  • White Oak Level: Base award $730, Best in Class additional $2,000

    • Special Awards:

  • Impact Award: Recognizes substantial and measurable efforts to improve community well-being; includes site visit and consultation with WNC Communities and Dogwood Health Trust

  • Youth Volunteer Award: Given to young person showing exceptional volunteerism and leadership; includes money for youth to develop a project at their community center and celebration funding

  • Calico Cat Awards: Two awards (Sr. and Jr.) given to communities making significant physical improvements to facilities

  • President's Awards: Given to communities reaching 25, 50, or 75 year milestones

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Formally organized with a president and other officers

  • Engaging broad range of community residents in programs impacting families, seniors, and youth

  • Established community center active in WNC Communities' Honors Awards program in the past, OR new organization replacing inactive club, OR only club seeking WNCC membership in that specific community

  • One organization per community

  • Communities must apply in June; applications due in August

    • Contact: Susan Garrett, Community Programs Manager at susangarrett@wnccommunities.org or (828) 252-4783

    General Contact: WNC Communities, 594 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806; (828) 252-4783; info@wnccommunities.org

    How to Apply

    WNC Honors Program Application Process

    Timeline:
    1. Communities interested in joining apply to WNC Honors Program in June
    2. Applications due in August (2026 deadline: August 6 by 11:59 pm)
    3. Applications reviewed by Honors Committee
    4. Awardees recognized at annual WNC Honors Awards ceremony in November

    Application Steps:
    1. Verify your community's eligibility
    2. Request application link once approved for eligibility
    3. Complete application demonstrating competencies across six areas of evaluation
    4. Submit by deadline

    Evaluation Criteria - Six Competency Areas:
    1. Good Governance
    2. Leadership Excellence
    3. Financial Stewardship
    4. Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
    5. Community Programs and Civic Engagement
    6. Collaboration

    Required Information:

  • Demonstration of how community has developed competencies in the six areas

  • Evidence of serving broad range of residents

  • Community accomplishments and programs

  • Leadership structure and organization details

    • Eligibility Verification:

  • Contact Susan Garrett at susangarrett@wnccommunities.org to verify eligibility before applying

  • All eligible communities that submit completed applications will receive recognition and cash award

    • Additional Resources:

  • Full WNC Honors Levels document available for download

  • Learning Center materials available at wnccommunities.org

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    community-services

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