NOW Grants- Hurricane Helene Relief
At this time, we have temporarily paused our NOW Grant program as we reassess regional needs and consider the most impactful ways to support Western North Carolina.
We remain committed to aligning our grantmaking with the urgent and evolving needs of our communities. As of November 21, WNC Bridge awarded 88 organizations a total of $849,561 in NOW Grant Hurricane Helene funding.
Please check back for future updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. We’re grateful for your patience and understanding during this time.
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 clearly demonstrate that NOW Grant funding will be dedicated to Hurricane Helene relief and recovery efforts. These funds are designated to cover the costs of providing emergency relief services to individuals and/or eligible organizations impacted by the storm.
- Funds can be used to help individuals affected by Hurricane Helene directly and/or to support the applicant organization with its own storm recovery needs.
Examples
- NOW Grants can help cover the costs of emergency relief services provided by organizations to individuals such as food distribution, temporary shelter, medical care, youth programs, mental health support, and transportation needs.
- Many organizations suffered damage to their facilities during the storm. NOW Grants can fund repairs, and the replacement of damaged equipment, enabling them to resume operations. We will not fund new building construction or land purchase.
- Hurricane Helene disrupted organizations’ operations, making it difficult for them to continue serving their communities. NOW Grants can help bridge gaps in funding, allowing nonprofits to pay staff, maintain services, and provide ongoing support during the recovery period.
Who We Will Fund:
- A community-based nonprofit designated by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, a faith-based organization, or a public agency serving individuals and families that were affected by Hurricane Helene.
- Organizations addressing the needs of individuals within any of the 18 counties or the Qualla Boundary of WNC.
- Organizations that were declined a NOW Grant before October 2024 are still eligible to apply for a NOW Grant- Hurricane Helene Relief.
- Organizations that received a NOW Grant before October 2024, are still eligible to apply for a NOW Grant- Hurricane Helene Relief.
- Current IMPACT Capacity Grantees are eligible to apply for a NOW Grant- Hurricane Helene Relief.
What We Will Not Fund:
- Athletic Booster or Youth Sport Programs
- New building construction, or land purchase
- Sponsorships
Instructions to Apply for a NOW Grant:
- Applications are not being accepted at this time.
- Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.
- Please submit only one request for funding at this time.
- If you are a school or university, NOW Grant applications should be completed by your organization’s foundation. Only one NOW Grant can be awarded to an individual school/university per year.
