Eligible nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding amounts at/upwards of the $35,000 minimum. Applications will be accepted until February 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM.
The Strategic Partnership Grant Program (SPG) provides funding for non-profit organizations that serve Asheville residents to support school-aged children from low- to moderate-income households in and outside of the classroom. SPG was relaunched in June 2022 after a three-year pause in funding. Since then, 16 SPG grants with a combined value of over $780,000 have been awarded to nonprofits working in Asheville.
Organization Eligibility
Organizations eligible for funding are those with plans to provide services that close the educational and experience opportunity gap for Asheville’s underserved youth in one or more of the following ways;
- Providing access to educational opportunities
- Examples include: Tutoring, literacy, language, STEAM activities, computer skills, etc.
- Building networks and readiness for success
- Examples include: Internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, field trips, cultural events, financial literacy skills, etc.
- Providing access to support services and resources
- Examples include: Access to mental health services, health services, college prep assistance, food security, device provision or equipment loan programs (like tablets or computers), internet connectivity support or activities, etc.
Funding Criteria
Additionally, grant applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding;
- Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, classified as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service, in active operation as an incorporated nonprofit for a minimum of two (2) years.
- Organizations must provide services to close the opportunity gap in Asheville. However, attendance at Asheville City Schools is not a requirement.
- If an organization does not meet these criteria, it may partner with another organization to serve as a fiscal agent that does meet the above criteria for the purposes of administering grant funding.
To find out more about the Strategic Partnership Grant Program and to apply, visit the program webpage.