Funding aims to support Community-Based Organizations and Economic Development Organizations seeking to improve the quality of life for Guilford County residents.
Guilford County is now accepting applications for funding to support local non-profits that provide a wide variety of services to county residents. Each year, Guilford County dedicates county funds to support 501(c) organizations providing human services and economic development programs. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, youth and community development, education, arts, culture, improving business prospects, and job creation.
“Our local non-profits are not only trusted resources in our community, they are on the ground every day supporting a wide variety of initiatives to improve the overall wellbeing of our communities and are consistent advocates for the residents they serve,” said Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Melvin “Skip” Alston. “Increasingly, our local non-profits are serving more people and doing more work with fewer resources. These funds will help bolster their capacity to serve our communities in critically important areas.”
Community non-profits seeking to improve the quality of life for Guilford County residents are strongly encouraged to review and complete the Community Based Funding application before March 31, 2023.
A local non-profit organization intending to use funds primarily for economic development purposes can complete the same application. Applications primarily focused on economic development activities will be separated from community-based organizations to align with North Carolina statute (G.S. 158-7.1). Under state law, economic development applicants must complete a separate process that includes a public hearing.
A panel of county department representatives most closely affiliated with the proposed service will review applications and make recommendations for funding. Funding recommendations will be included in the County Manager’s FY2024 Recommended Budget and presented to the Board of Commissioners on May 18, 2023. The Board of Commissioners will review the recommendations as part of the budget adoption process. The County will notify non-profits that are awarded funding and begin the contracting process before July 1, 2023.
Funding awards of up to $100,000 will be distributed upfront, and organizations receiving funds must submit quarterly reports documenting how the dollars are spent. Funding awards of more than $100,000 will be eligible to receive $100,000 upfront with the remaining funds distributed quarterly. Awardees receiving more than $100,000 must submit quarterly reports documenting the funding expenditures and must provide an external audit.
Guilford County estimates as much as $1.6 million will be available for Community Based Funding in FY 2024, however the total amount is subject to change based on funding availability.
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