Press release from Buncombe County:
The application process for Buncombe County’s Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment Grants officially opens on Monday, Feb. 3. Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment funding is available for three years and is subject to Buncombe County’s annual budget approval. Awards available range from $50,000 to $150,000. Organizations are required to apply online at buncombecounty.org/apply. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6. Buncombe County is also seeking volunteers to serve on the review team.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for an Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment Grant, an organization and/or project must:
- Be incorporated as a nonprofit
- Meet a public purpose
- Submit an application through the online platform before the application deadline
- Follow the THRIVE model
- Employ strategies for eliminating racial inequities
For more information on these criteria, please see the attached FY21 grant guidelines. Grant writing workshops (optional for applicants) will be held throughout February at 200 College Street, in the ground floor conference room. Free parking will be available in the County garage at 164 College Street. The workshop schedule is available at buncombecounty.org/grants.
Help Shape Our Community Investments, Volunteer for the Review Team
Buncombe County is seeking volunteers with a vested interest in contributing to the advancement of equitable opportunity and eliminating racial disparities in Buncombe County by serving on the Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment review team. We’re looking for volunteers to join a review team that will analyze and select Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment grantees, as well as review grantee progress and provide additional support throughout the three-year grant period.
The review team will be made up of seven volunteers who must have ties to Buncombe County and will be selected based on meeting criteria and responses from the submitted application. It is important to note this is a three-year commitment.
Interested in this opportunity? Please see the attached file for more information. Apply online at buncombecounty.org/apply. The deadline to apply for the review team is Friday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
Investing in Our Community
We know that people and neighborhoods are impacted by race, poverty, and historical trauma that has resulted in racial disparities. These factors create barriers to educational achievement, economic success, and even impact the health of newborn babies. What we have learned is that health, safety, and well-being are culturally created rather than professionally prescribed. If we want to improve the economic opportunity, health and safety of communities then we must engage with communities in ways that allow them to lead. By investing in organizations focusing on these factors and harnessing the talents of community members, we can build a more vibrant economy and more resilient neighborhoods.Named for social justice champion Isaac Coleman, the Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment Grants aim to target investments in our communities that are currently working toward eliminating racial disparities and to champion equitable opportunity. Our goal with this funding is to rebuild the health, safety, and well-being of our communities.
Read this story and find out more about community grants at buncombecounty.org/grants. Click here for more information on the Isaac Coleman Community Grant Investment.
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