The Asheville Merchants Fund (AMF) seeks to improve the quality of life in Buncombe County by supporting projects or programs that strengthen economic effects in the community.
Donor Name: Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
State: North Carolina
County: Buncombe County (NC), Haywood County (NC), Henderson County (NC), Madison County (NC)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/06/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
Approximately six to eight grants are awarded during each three-year funding cycle. Grants are paid in three installments, with the second and third year of funding contingent upon reasonable progress toward expected results.
Projects or programs must contribute to economic growth, educational advancement, social welfare, or cultural vitality. Priority will be given to projects or programs comprehensively addressing one or more of the following interest areas:
- Innovative Economic Approaches
- Community asset development: investing in emerging local economies, especially those related to home-grown businesses
- Entrepreneurship: resources for entrepreneurs, including access to training, service providers, and capital to accelerate business success
- Quality Jobs & Workforce
- Appropriate skills: training for jobs that are in demand and critical to community viability, especially those that provide living wage work
- Non-traditional training and employment services: flexible schedules, certificate programs or activities related to job skill development
- Social Infrastructure
- Programs contributing to family economic success, such as financial education and asset development
- Services that increase employees’ ability to participate fully in the workforce, such as transportation, literacy, and dependent care
- AMF supports organizations that have the capacity and vision to develop multi-faceted projects or programs to help Buncombe County and its citizens thrive in the emerging economic environment. Factors considered in evaluating applications include:
- Focus on a critical need
- Defined, measurable results that can be achieved within the grant period and make a long-term difference in the beneficiaries’ lives
- Skilled leadership from organizations with the capacity and vision to carry out integrated efforts effectively in one or more of the interest areas
- Additional Funding Parameters
- New or existing programs are eligible for support.
- Operating expenses may be approved if the application clearly demonstrates how the proposed work is critically important to achieving the goals of the AMF Grant Program.
Funding Information
The Fund provides grants of up to $35,000 a year over three years.
Eligibility Criteria
- AMF grants may be awarded to tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public agencies, or faith communities.
- Organizations may be located in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, or Madison counties; however, programs or projects proposed must provide direct economic benefit in Buncombe County.
- Organizations must already be established in or serving Buncombe County.
- Organizations may submit only one funding proposal per grant cycle.
For more information, visit CFWNC.
