Natural Resources Grants

Natural Resources Grants is sponsored by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Supports projects in Western North Carolina focused on natural resource protection, habitat connectivity, river restoration, land conservation, and environmental education.

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Our goal is to preserve and cultivate WNC’s sense of place by investing in environmental projects and programs that protect or enhance the health of the region's natural systems. Preserving Natural Resources CFWNC partners extensively with a committed network of land trusts and nonprofits working to protect natural resources.

Many of these conservation projects also support economic development, as a healthy environment is good for people and business.

In partnership with others, funds have supported the Ecusta Trail in Henderson and Transylvania counties; inclusive growth in Old Fort; a wildlife safe passage on I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge; and the Wolfpen Loop Trail connecting to the Wilderness Gateway State Trail that will link over 55,000 acres of conservation lands across Catawba, Burke, McDowell and Rutherford counties.

These projects and others acknowledge that taking responsible and strategic care of resources supports our quality of life and is good policy.

Support the Fund for the Environment Photo courtesy of Mainspring Conservation Trust Photo courtesy of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Photo courtesy of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Funds are Distributed through Proactive Grants Continuing its Natural Resources work, CFWNC will focus on a “return to what was” or “protecting what is” by considering proposals that address the following areas: Water Resources : Water Quality, Dam Removal, Stream Restoration Land & Water : Conservation, Wildlife Diversity, Climate Resilience Land Resources : Invasive Species Removal, Native Species Restoration, Forest Management Eligible organizations must be: (1) tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public agencies or faith communities; and (2) located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey.

Organizations must already be established in and serving Western North Carolina. Grants generally do not support activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made. Preference will be given to projects or programs that serve or benefit multiple counties.

If an organization is located in Haywood, Buncombe or Madison counties, potential applicants may also consider the Pigeon River Fund grant program. Additional eligibility must be determined in consultation with Vice President for Programs Tara Scholtz. Contact her at 828-367-9913 or by email to discuss your proposal.

A limited number of opportunities are available and may be invited as often as quarterly or until all available funds have been awarded for that year.