WFBR Grant Program
Filling Critical Gaps for Women and Girls
The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge is powered by the collective generosity of our donors and dollars raised through our signature events. Each year, those combined funds fuel our competitive grant cycle, supporting nonprofit programs that serve women and girls across Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties.
Many essential services for women and girls remain unfunded or overlooked by traditional funding sources. That’s where WFBR steps in. WFBR grants are often the difference-makers, filling critical gaps, launching new programs that address unmet needs, sustaining effective services that lack other funding, and expanding impact in education, health, safety, and economic stability.
Our Grantmaking Impact
Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge impacts our community through strategic grantmaking. We empower local to support initiatives for women and families, fostering a more equitable environment. Join us in the positive changes we're creating together!
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WFBR Funding
The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations whose programs and services demonstrate meaningful impact in the lives of women and girls residing in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties of North Carolina. Grant awards range from $1,500 to $15,000. Since inception, WFBR has awarded over $2.9 million in grants to local nonprofits, supporting programs that create measurable change across our region. In 2025 alone, we awarded approximately $275,000 to 29 local programs, reaching nearly 7,000 women and girls through education, health and wellness, empowerment, and human services initiatives.
WFBR awards grants to qualified nonprofit organizations for programs that:
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Serve women and girls in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties
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Deliver direct, measurable community impact
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Fill funding gaps not met by other philanthropic resources
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Align with WFBR’s mission and values
Our grantmaking process is guided by clear eligibility criteria and a structured evaluation rubric to ensure thoughtful decision-making and responsible stewardship of community resources.
How the Grant Cycle Works
Application & Review
Each year, WFBR conducts an open, competitive grant cycle.
Applications are submitted through our online form and reviewed by the WFBR Grants Committee using transparent eligibility criteria and a detailed scoring process.
Decision & Award
Decisions are made in November and shared with applicants. Award amounts are based on committee recommendations and may differ from requested amounts. Funding is distributed before the end of the year.
Reporting & Impact
Grantees submit mid-year and final narrative reports to demonstrate outcomes and ensure transparency. Impact summaries are published on our website and shared with donors to show how your collective support is making a difference.
2025-26 Grantee Recognition Luncheon
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Why WFBR Grants Matter
Our collective funding model is rooted in community needs, informed by data and stories from local partners, and guided by a belief in equity and opportunity for all women and girls. Typically, grant awards range from $1,500 – $15,000.
Multi-year grants are not available. Grant funds are intended to be used in the year awarded and cannot be applied to more than 25% of the operating expenses for the program being funded.
From year to year, we do not know how much we will have for grants and there are times when we are not able to fund all applications. There is also no guarantee that receipt of funding one year, will result in future funding.
Who Can Apply
Non-Profits
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Are registered 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities
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Provide programs that directly benefit women and/or girls in Ashe, Avery, or Watauga counties
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Demonstrate clear community need and capacity for impact
WFBR does not fund political or partisan organizations. All proposals must meet eligibility requirements and align with our mission.
What We Fund
Grant Awards
Typically range from $1,500 to $15,000 and are intended for direct program costs. Funding may not exceed 25% of program overhead to ensure the majority of support goes directly to impact.
We fund programs in areas including:
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Education
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Health and Wellness
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Human Services
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Empowerment
Applicants must clearly outline how funds will be used, how impact will be measured, and how the program aligns with WFBR’s mission.
How We Evaluate
Grants Committee
Evaluates proposals based on:
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Alignment with our mission
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Clear goals and measurable outcomes
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Responsible budgeting
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Demonstrated community need and impact
Grants are competitive, and award amounts may vary. Funding one year does not guarantee future support. Grantees are required to submit mid-year and final reports to ensure accountability.
Grant Timeline (2026–2027 Cycle)
The 2026-27 Grant Application window will open Monday, August 3, 2026 through Thursday, September 9, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
A link will be posted online with the grant application on Monday, August 3, 2026
Milestone | Timeline |
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Grant Application Opens | August 3, 2026 |
Application Deadline | September 9, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
Committee Review | September – October 2026 |
Notification of Awards | November 2026 |
Grant Award Presentations | November 2026 |
Mid‑Year Reports Due | April 2027 |
Final Narrative Reports Due | September 2027 |
Grant Award Reception | November 17, 2026 |
What Makes a Strong Application?
WFBR’s grant cycle is competitive. Strong applications clearly demonstrate how a program will create meaningful, measurable impact for women and girls in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties. Successful proposals typically include:
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Clear Alignment with WFBR’s Mission
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The program directly benefits women and/or girls in our three-county service area and aligns with our focus on education, health and wellness, human services, and empowerment.
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Defined Community Need
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The application clearly describes the local need being addressed, supported by data, experience, or community insight.
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Specific Goals and Measurable Outcomes
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Strong proposals outline realistic objectives and explain how success will be measured. Applicants should describe what will change as a result of this funding.
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Detailed and Transparent Budget
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The program budget clearly shows how WFBR funds will be used. Line items are specific, reasonable, and tied directly to program activities. The majority of funds should support direct service delivery rather than administrative costs.
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Organizational Capacity
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The organization demonstrates the experience, staffing, partnerships, and financial stewardship necessary to successfully implement the proposed program.
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Sustainability Plan
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While WFBR grants are one-year awards, strong applications explain how the program will continue beyond the grant period through other funding sources, partnerships, or earned revenue.
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Application Process
Applications must be submitted through our online Google Form.
The following documents are required and must be uploaded within the form:
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Organizational operational budget
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Program-specific budget outlining how grant funds will be used
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List of current Board of Directors
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Most recent IRS Form 990
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Proof of 501(c)(3) status
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Signed Grant Attestation Form (available within the application)
Budget Guidance
WFBR prioritizes funding that supports direct program impact.
Program budgets should:
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Clearly identify how WFBR funds will be allocated
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Distinguish between direct program expenses and administrative costs
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Indicate other confirmed or pending funding sources, if applicable
Clear, detailed, and transparent budgets strengthen your proposal and demonstrate responsible stewardship of community resources.
Review & Award Process
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Applications are reviewed by the WFBR Grant Committee from September through October.
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Funding amounts may differ from the amounts requested.
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All applicants will be notified of decisions in November.
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Grant awards will be distributed by the end of the year, with an award reception (date TBA).
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Award announcements will be shared via our email newsletter and published on the WFBR website.
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Award reception November 17, 2026 for grant recipients.