Applications must be submitted through our online Google Form. Before beginning the form, applicants should:Review the eligibility and funding requirements.Download the Project Budget Instructions.Gather all required organizational documents.Allow enough time to upload attachments and submit before the deadline. Applicants should receive an email confirming that their application was received. if a confirmation is not received, contact WFBR before the application deadline.

Applicants should have the following documents ready before beginning the Google Form:Organizational operational budgetProgram-specific budget outlining how grant funds will be used. Required to use the WFBR Project Budget Workbook. List of current Board of DirectorsMost recent IRS Form 990Proof of 501(c)(3) statusSigned Grant Attestation Form Forms are downloadable from the Application or can be downloaded from clicking the buttons below:

WFBR prioritizes funding that supports direct program impact.  A clear and complete project budget is an important part of the WFBR grant application. It helps the Grants Committee understand the full cost of your project, how the requested funding will be used, and how other project expenses will be supported.​All applicants must submit a project-specific budget using the WFBR Project Budget Workbook. What a strong budget should show:The total cost of the projectThe amount requested from WFBRThe specific expenses WFBR funds would supportOther cash fundingIn-kind contributionsQuantities, rates, hours, or participant calculationsThe status of other funding sourcesExplanations for significant or unusual expenses Clear, detailed, and transparent budgets strengthen your proposal and demonstrate responsible stewardship of community resources.

Applicants with questions about the budget workbook or application requirements are encouraged to contact WFBR before the application deadline.Email: info@wfbrnc.orgPhone: 828-264-4002Questions received close to the deadline may not receive an immediate response, so applicants should request assistance as early as possible.

The WFBR Grants Committee evaluates eligible applications using a standardized review process and scoring rubric.​Review considerations include:Alignment with WFBR’s mission and geographic focusDemonstrated needClear and achievable project goalsQuality and feasibility of the proposed activitiesDirect benefit to women and/or girlsReasonable and well-supported project budgetOrganizational capacityMeasurable outcomes and evaluation planPotential for meaningful or lasting impactResponsible use of grant funds​Grant funding is competitive. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award. Applications are reviewed by the WFBR Grant Committee from September through October. The Grants Committee develops funding recommendations, which are presented to the WFBR Board for final approval.​Funding amounts may differ from the amounts requested.All applicants will be notified of decisions in late October.Award announcements will be shared via our email newsletter and published on the WFBR website.Grant Awards will be distributed at the Grant Reception November 17, 2026 for grant recipients.

After the application deadline:WFBR reviews applications for completeness and eligibility.Grants Committee members review assigned applications using the WFBR scoring rubric.The committee meets to discuss applications and prepare funding recommendations.Recommendations are presented to the WFBR Board for approval.All applicants receive an award or decline notification by email.Funding amounts may differ from the amount requested.

Organizations selected for funding must:Use funds only for the approved purposeNotify WFBR before making significant changes to the project or budgetSubmit a mid-year progress reportSubmit a final narrative and financial reportProvide requested information for the Grant Award LuncheonProvide an organizational logo and the names of two luncheon attendeesReturn unused or improperly used funds when required by the grant

WFBR grantees are required to submit both a mid-year and final report.Mid-Year ReportThe mid-year report should provide:Progress toward project goalsActivities completedNumber and characteristics of people servedOutcomes achieved to dateChallenges or changesGrant funds spent to dateAny anticipated changes to the approved budget or timelineFinal Narrative and Financial ReportThe final report should provide:A summary of the completed projectFinal participation numbersOutcomes and impactSuccesses and challengesLessons learnedA final accounting of grant expendituresStories, photographs, or testimonials when appropriate and properly authorizedPlans for continuation or sustainabilityLate or incomplete reports may affect eligibility for future WFBR funding.

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: ​​ Clear Alignment with WFBR’s Mission 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. ​​ Defined Community Need The application clearly describes the local need being addressed, supported by data, experience, or community insight. ​​ Specific Goals and Measurable Outcomes Strong proposals outline realistic objectives and explain how success will be measured. Applicants should describe what will change as a result of this funding. ​​ Detailed and Transparent Budget 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. ​ Organizational Capacity The organization demonstrates the experience, staffing, partnerships, and financial stewardship necessary to successfully implement the proposed program. ​ Sustainability Plan 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.