Grant Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
What programs are eligible?
Previous NCCF grants have been made that address the needs of seniors, medical, dental, hunger, childcare, legal services, disabilities, community centers and refurbishing substandard housing. All areas where NCCF has made positive, life-changing contributions. Consideration is also given to enrichment opportunities for Nelsonians via programs focused on education and community engagement.
What causes are not supported by NCCF grants?
Support is not generally provided for endowments, deficit reduction, fund-raising events, or annual appeals of well-established organizations, religious programs, grants to individuals, animal advocacy efforts or projects normally under the dictates of a government agency.
When are grants awarded?
NCCF grants are awarded twice a year. Proposal deadlines are December 31 (for a February/March decision) and June 30 (for an August/September decision).
We are currently accepting grant applications for the December 31, 2025 award cycle.
How do I apply for a grant?
To apply for a grant, you must complete an application and submit it prior to June 30th for an August award cycle or December 31st for a February award cycle. Application documents found here.
Can my organization submit a grant application for two consecutive grant cycles?
Yes. Your organization may apply for grants in two consecutive cycles, but the requests must be for two different and distinct projects. Each will be independently reviewed by the NCCF board.
Can my organization apply for more than one project during the same award cycle?
Yes. Organizations can submit more than one application for two projects during the same award cycle. However, there should be two distinct applications prepared and submitted for independent review and decision by the NCCF board.
When applying for a grant, do I have to specify a period that the grant will be used?
Yes. Each application needs to define the period that the grant will be used. Most grants requested are specified to expire after 12 months. A grant recipient is expected to use the funds for the purpose approved in the grant award within this specified time. If the funds are not used within the specified time, your organization may be requested to refund the unused amount to NCCF.
Are tax-exempt charities limited to Nelson County?
Grants are made to tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and to government agencies. Grants can be awarded to organizations outside of Nelson County, but the projects must directly benefit Nelson County. Grants are made without regard to factors of gender, race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.
Are seed money and sustained grants eligible?
Both seed money grants for innovative new programs and sustaining grants to organizations performing services vital to the community are considered. Projects of interest include those that assist citizens whose needs are not met by existing services and those that benefit a significant number of citizens of the community.
What happens when the grant period is complete?
NCCF requires that grant recipients submit a written report on the funded project no later than one year from the date of the grant, or with a subsequent grant request. Organizations are requested to complete a Grant Financial Reporting Form to satisfy this requirement.