NOW Grants
WNC Bridge Foundation recognizes there are many WNC non-profit organizations whose good works have limited options to turn to for quick funding decisions. NOW Grants address this gap in our region. Through this fund, WNC Bridge will award grants up to $10,000. The application process is low-stress and simple, with a quick turnaround time for funding decisions.
Based on feedback from past NOW Grant recipients, WNC Bridge will prioritize awarding full award amounts to deserving organizations. Please note this will make NOW Grants more competitive than in years past.
For NOW Grant application questions or to sign up for grant updates email grants@wncbridge.org or call 828.274.6159.
What We Will Fund:
Organizations must demonstrate that the majority of their work aligns with one of the following strategic focus areas. While requests related to Hurricane Helene are welcome, they should also align with our focus areas:
- Basic Needs: Organizations providing essential needs to individuals in the areas of fresh food access/prepared meals, healthcare, home/property repair, and transportation.
- Mental Health: Organizations helping individuals and communities through community outreach and access to mental health services. Recovery and substance abuse focused organizations are not eligible to apply.
- Youth Development: Organizations fostering positive outcomes for children, including mental and emotional support, academic support for K-12 students, child welfare, and family support.
Use of Funds:
Funds may be used to support direct program expenses, including materials, staffing, and program delivery. Additionally, they may cover related costs such as administrative expenses, transportation, and essential supplies required to ensure smooth operations and the effective delivery of services.
Who We Will Fund:
- Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipal and county government entities, and community service organizations.
- Organizations must address the needs of individuals within any of the listed 18 counties or the Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina.
- IMPORTANT: If your organization has applied or intends to apply for a 2025 IMPACT Grant, please do not submit a NOW Grant application until you receive notification from WNC Bridge regarding your invitation to submit a full IMPACT Grant application. Please note that organizations awarded 2025 IMPACT Grant funding will not be eligible for 2025 NOW Grant funding.
What We Will Not Fund:
- Athletic Boosters or Youth Sport Programs
- Capital projects such as building repair, renovations, new building construction, or land purchase
- Sponsorships
Instructions to Apply for a NOW Grant:
- Applications are due on the 15th of each month. Organizations will be notified the last week of each month of funding decisions.
- If the request is for equipment or professional development, please include an estimate or invoice.
- Organizations are limited to one NOW Grant application per year.
- If your organization received a NOW Grant in 2024, the final report for the 2024 grant must be submitted before your 2025 NOW Grant application can be considered.
- For schools and universities, NOW Grant applications must be completed by your organization’s foundation. Please note that each individual school or university is eligible to receive only one NOW Grant per year.
New Online Application Portal
WNC Bridge Foundation is using a new online application portal as of January 6, 2025.
This portal will simplify the application process. To access it, you must sign in securely with a new Blackbaud ID or use an existing Blackbaud ID if you already use Blackbaud products. Please bookmark https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/applications for easy access to your applications and requirement forms. Additionally, add noreply@yourcause.com to your safe senders list to ensure you receive all communications.
Please note that your application history will not carry over to the new portal. We recommend downloading any previous applications and reports before August 25, 2025, for your records. You can access your submitted applications by clicking here.
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