2025 IMPACT Grants

Our goal for the 2025 IMPACT Grant cycle is to empower nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations with funding to address the critical needs arising from Hurricane Helene and tackle ongoing challenges facing their communities.

Application Timeline

Step 1: Complete Proposal (Deadline: February 7, 2025)

Start by reading our updated IMPACT grant guidelines and review process. Now you are ready to submit your proposal no later than February 7 by 11:00 p.m. Organizations selected to move forward will be notified by March 24 and will be provided with a link to the full grant application.

Complete Proposal Now

Step 2: Full Grant Application (Deadline: May 5, 2025)

Invited organizations will be asked to complete and submit our full grant application by May 5, 2025. If needed, we will contact you and set up a time for a phone conversation to ask any clarifying questions.

Step 3: Grant Decisions Made: (June 2025)

WNC Bridge Foundation’s Board of Directors will make final funding decisions and grant recipients will be notified.

Helene Recovery Focus Areas

Organizations must be actively involved in the long-term recovery efforts related to Hurricane Helene’s impact, specifically in the following 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.

Guidelines

  • Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as well as municipal and county government entities.
  • Organizations working within our Helene Recovery Focus Areas within any of the 18 counties or the Qualla Boundary of WNC.
  • Our 2022-2024 IMPACT Capacity Grantees are eligible to apply.

Use of Funds

Funds may be used for direct program expenses, such as materials, staffing, and program delivery. They may also cover costs related to relief and critical services, including utilities, administrative expenses, transportation, and essential supplies needed to maintain operations and deliver services effectively.

Proposals receiving the highest consideration will:

  • Align with focus areas.
  • Demonstrate need and capacity for impactful service delivery.
  • Present organizational readiness.
  • Have the potential for long-term positive community impact.

Click here to see current and former grant recipients.

If you work with a non-profit and have questions, please email grants@wncbridge.org or call 828.274.6159.

Complete Proposal Now