Our Grant Guidelines

The following is based on our 2025 Grant Guidelines. Although our Grant Guidelines tend to be similar from year to year, we review them each year and may make changes for 2026. We expect to update this page for our 2026 Grant Guidelines by May 31. 


Overview:


Each year, WCMA Members complete a survey to guide our Board of Directors in allocating available grant funds which we raise through Membership dues and donations. Timely submitted Applications that meet our eligibility requirements are given in-depth review by our volunteer Grants Committee. Available funding varies each year, and the award process can be competitive.


Eligibility Requirements:


  • Only nonprofit organizations that serve Western North Carolina and are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code are eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be sponsored by a WCMA Member who is actively engaged as a volunteer with their organization. Active involvement may include serving on the nonprofit’s board or a committee or volunteering time with its programs.
  • National organizations are only eligible for a grant if they have a regional or local office serving Western North Carolina. The entire grant must be used to support needs of WNC residents and must be executed by the local office, with no WCMA funds going to the national headquarters.
  • Any organization that discriminates on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, physical ability or any other characteristic protected by law will not be considered.


The applicant nonprofit’s mission should serve one of the following focuses:


  • Tier 1: Social or healthcare services: Programs that offer food, clothing, shelter or basic needs to underserved individuals or that provide services or support to those in need. Grant requests in this category will provide programs or services to help address the health care, food or shelter needs of low-income individuals. Programs may include 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, and associated transportation or legal services related to one of the foregoing issues. Housing related missions may address support services for low-income individuals or families or those assisting unhoused populations in navigating life transitions, finding safety and stability, and promoting independent or shelter living arrangements.


  •  Tier 2: Education: Programs that enhance the educational success and academic achievement of students. Grant requests in this category will address youth education and development or family and parental support services such as after-school programs. Educational programs including summer camps or outdoor/environmental education should be multi-week with defined activities or curriculum and measurable objectives. Short term “experiences” for the participants will be afforded less weight in terms of funding.


  • Tier 3: Animal Welfare, Natural or Cultural Resources: Animal welfare programs that assist low-income households with costly veterinary expenses such as spay/neuter or similar type programs or Programs that support our region’s rich environmental or cultural resources. Grant requests in this category will address animal welfare, arts and cultural development and enrichment, or developing/enhancing outdoor recreational resources. This category includes organizations and/or programs focused on outdoor recreation, or cultural institutions such as theater, music, art, or museums. Programs in the cultural resources category that have an educational component with defined activities or curriculum and measurable objectives will be afforded a higher rating than those without an educational component. Short term “experiences” for the participants will be afforded less weight in terms of funding. Animal welfare programs should assist low-income pet owners with costs of pet care or a similar type program.


Maximum Grants: 


Because of the number of deserving applications we receive, we limit the maximum grant amount that any nonprofit can receive in any year. In doing so, we assign each nonprofit to one of the three Tiers described above based on that nonprofit’s overall mission (not on the nature of the project for which funding is sought). Thus, for example, education programs for a museum are classed as Tier 3 (“Cultural”) rather than Tier 2 (“Education”). Our 2026 caps will be announced by May 31.


Funding Restrictions:


Applications for the following requests are ineligible for funding:


  • Capital improvements (funding for brick and mortar).
  • Endowments.
  • Sectarian purposes.
  • Rental Assistance Programs.
  • Deficit funding.
  • Private Schools.
  • Private Clubs.
  • Sports teams.
  • Workshops.
  • Re-granting, where a nonprofit is not executing the specific program but is using the money to fund another nonprofit, unless specifically approved by our Board of Directors.


Allowable Costs:


  • Scholarships or internships related to the program objectives.
  • Salaries and other administrative expenses used to implement the specific project.
  • Equipment, tools and/or materials necessary for the project’s implementation and success.
  • The grant request may not exceed 75% of the project’s budget or 50% of the nonprofit’s total annual budget.


Grant Objectives:


 All funding proposals should demonstrate:


  • Specifically stated objectives that include measurable outcomes and note how success will be achieved and measured.
  • An identified need that will be met by the grant.
  • A significant impact on the community and an estimated number of WNC residents impacted by the grant proposal.
  • The sustainability of the program/project, including efforts to create new funding streams or collaboration with similar organizations to continue objectives of the program/project.
  • The financial sustainability of the grantee, with adequate management/oversight by a board of directors or equivalent.


Additional Information:


  • Applicants must provide a copy of their most recent IRS 501(c)(3) letter, IRS Form 990,  or equivalent and a list of the members of its board of directors or equivalent.
  • During the application review process, additional information and/or a site visit may be requested by our Grants Committee.
  • Based on the amount of money we raise each year, WCMA may not be able to fund all applicants or to provide the full amount requested by each applicant. Grant awards are approved by our Board of Directors.
  • Our grants must be used within one year of award. Funds may not be carried over to another year or another project without our express written approval.


For more information, please  Click Here for our Grant Process Details and Click Here for our Grants FAQ.