Wake County Community Capital Competitive Grant Program (Impact Fund Track)

Wake County Community Capital Competitive Grant Program (Impact Fund Track) is sponsored by Wake County Government. Wake County's Community Capital Competitive Grant Program (Impact Fund Track) funds smaller or emerging nonprofit organizations for modest long-term capital investments that directly enhance service delivery and address critical, unmet community needs within Wake County.

Wake County Community Capital Competitive Grant Program | Wake County Government Wake County Community Capital Competitive Grant Program Wake County’s Community Capital Competitive Grant Program funds nonprofit organizations for long-term capital investments that address critical, unmet community needs.

The program supports projects that strengthen the local safety net, expand access to essential services, and improve the health and well-being of Wake County residents. Community Capital funding is intended for physical assets—not day-to-day operations.

Eligible projects include the construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities; major infrastructure upgrades; and the purchase of durable equipment or service vehicles with a long useful life. Funded assets must have a minimum useful life of 10 years for facilities and 5 years for equipment and vehicles.

The program is typically offered every two years, pending authorization by the Wake County Board of Commissioners and funding availability. The most recent competitive cycle ran from July to November 2025. The next cycle may begin in summer 2027, though timelines are subject to change.

The Community Capital Program offers two funding pathways to ensure access for nonprofits of varying sizes and capacities. Introduced in 2023, the Impact Fund supports smaller or emerging nonprofits that may lack the capacity for large-scale capital development but play a critical role in serving their communities.

This track features streamlined requirements and supports modest capital investments that directly enhance service delivery. This track supports larger-scale capital projects , including facility construction, major renovations, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades. These projects typically involve higher costs, longer timelines, and more complex planning requirements.

Any eligible nonprofit organization, regardless of staff size or total revenue. Eligible nonprofit organizations that have averaged over the last three years: Employees equal to or less than 25 full-time equivalents, and Total revenues of $2. 5 million or less annually.

Capital project greater than $100,000 . Maximum request for County funding is $1. 5 million or 40% of the eligible costs, whichever is less.

Capital project greater than $25,000 . Maximum request for County funding is $200,000 or 40% of the eligible costs, whichever is less. Application Requirements Differences 10-year operating and maintenance plan.

Alternatives analysis is required. 5-year operating and maintenance plan. Alternatives analysis is not required.

Important Note: Funding thresholds, match requirements, and other program parameters may change in future competitive cycles at the direction of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. The following are example documents from the most recent competitive process completed in November 2025 (or FY 2026). Wake County will update these materials for future processes, including changes to the proposal's requirements.

FY 2026 Community Capital Competitive Grant Process Presubmittal Meeting (Video) Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 2026 Community Capital Process FY 2026 Community Capital Recommendations to the Board of Commissioners (Note: The Board approved the recommendations as presented on November 17, 2025). Frequently Asked Questions Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following requirements: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing with the North Carolina Secretary of State Apply through the County’s competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process Propose a clearly defined capital project located within Wake County For facility-related projects, own the property or demonstrate long-term site control Provide two years of audited or reviewed financial statements Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and requirements What types of capital projects are eligible?

Eligible expenditures include construction, renovation, expansion, permanent building improvements, durable equipment, and service vehicles with a long useful life. Technology infrastructure (e.g., servers and hardware) could qualify if it is directly linked to service delivery. Can we apply for more than one project?

Yes. Organizations may submit multiple projects within a single proposal. The evaluation team may recommend funding for some—but not all—components.

Other considerations about organizations with multiple projects include: During the evaluation process, the County may choose to fund some projects, but not others, in a proposal. Organizations are not permitted to swap or trade selected projects for those that were not selected after the grant award.

If an organization receives a Community Capital grant for a project, that grant must be completed and closed (as determined by Wake County) before participating in future Community Capital grant competitive processes. Are operating costs allowed? No. Staffing, subscriptions, service contracts, utilities and fundraising are not allowable for reimbursement and cannot be included as matching funds.

What does “60% match” mean? Applicants must demonstrate that at least 60% of the project cost is secured, pledged or in-hand through cash, fundraising commitments or eligible in-kind assets. County funds must be the “last dollars in.

” Can we use land value as part of our match? Yes, if the land was acquired recently and is not already in use for operations or services. Are projects already under construction eligible?

Yes, but only future eligible expenses incurred after the Board’s approval may be reimbursed. Pre-award costs can count toward the match but cannot be reimbursed. What is required for the 10-year operating plan?

Applicants must demonstrate how the facility or equipment will be sustained, including staffing, maintenance, utilities and repairs, without additional County operating funds. Do leased facilities qualify? Unfortunately, leased facilities or lease reimbursements are not eligible.

This includes long-term (e.g., 10 years or more) and short-term leases (e.g., annual agreements, month-to-month rent). When will the next competitive cycle begin? The next cycle could begin in the summer of 2027 , pending direction of the Board of Commissioners and funding availability.

Individuals interested in being notified when the next competitive cycle is announced should fill out the interest form on this webpage. For additional questions about the Community Capital program, please email community. capital@wake.

gov .