Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation Grant

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation grant program is administered as part of the North Carolina Community Foundation, a statewide philanthropic organization founded in 1988 to support charitable giving and strengthen communities across North Carolina. The foundation operates through a network of affiliate foundations, including the Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation, which focuses specifically on improving quality of life for residents in Bertie and Hertford counties. In 2026, the grantmaking capacity of this affiliate has expanded significantly due to the establishment of the Wayland L. Jenkins Jr. Endowment, positioning the program as one of the largest community-based funding opportunities within the foundation’s portfolio. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support charitable organizations and partnerships that address identified community needs and contribute to long-term resilience and well-being in the region. The program is guided by insights gathered through community listening sessions and focus groups conducted in 2025. These efforts identified priority areas including education and youth development, physical and mental health, employment and workforce development, and housing. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that directly respond to these needs while demonstrating measurable community impact and sustainability. Funding is flexible and may be used across a variety of allowable purposes. Eligible uses include general operating support, specific programs or projects, capital expenditures, and capacity building activities such as leadership development, board training, or fundraising improvement. The program also encourages collaborative proposals that bring together multiple organizations to leverage shared resources and expertise. However, funding is restricted from supporting political activities, lobbying, loans, direct benefits to individuals, or religious programming that promotes doctrine. These restrictions ensure alignment with the charitable mission and regulatory requirements of the foundation. The grant program offers three primary funding tiers designed to accommodate different scales of impact. Community Action Grants typically range from 5000 to 15000 and support grassroots or short-term initiatives. Community Impact Grants range from 15000 to 50000 and are intended for programs with demonstrated or promising outcomes across broader populations. Community Change Grants exceed 50000 and are designed for large-scale, multi-organization or systems-level initiatives. While these tiers provide general guidance, the foundation retains flexibility to consider requests outside these ranges. In 2026, total funding is expected to reach approximately 500000, reflecting increased resources from the Jenkins Endowment. Eligibility for the program includes organizations recognized as charitable by the Internal Revenue Service, including 501c3 nonprofit organizations, government entities such as schools, and religious institutions. Organizations without their own tax-exempt status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. All applicants must serve residents of Bertie and or Hertford counties, and statewide organizations must demonstrate a direct local benefit. The program explicitly welcomes applications from small, emerging, and grassroots organizations as well as partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and community-driven solutions. Applications must be submitted through the North Carolina Community Foundation online Grant Application Portal. Organizations are required to complete all application components, attach necessary documentation including budget forms, and adhere strictly to submission guidelines. The application period for the 2026 cycle opens on July 24 and closes at noon Eastern Time on August 25. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. The review process includes an eligibility screening by foundation staff followed by evaluation by the Bertie-Hertford advisory board, which makes final funding recommendations. Grant awards are expected to be announced in late fall of 2026. Following award decisions, recipients are required to complete reporting activities to ensure accountability and measure impact. Reporting requirements vary based on grant size, with larger awards requiring more comprehensive documentation. Applicants may also access support resources including training modules, workshops, and office hours hosted by foundation staff. These resources are intended to guide applicants through the process and improve the quality and competitiveness of submissions.

Demonstrate clear community impact; align proposal with identified needs; provide both qualitative and quantitative data; submit complete application before deadline; avoid inflating budgets