Women's Giving Circle

Grant Timeline and Application

Women's Giving Circle Grant Cycle

APPLY NOW ( only those who have attended a 2019 grantseekers information session are eligible to apply.)

The Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County (WGCCC) awards high-impact grants to projects focusing on women and children in Cumberland County, NC. 

In 2019-2020, the focus areas are :

1. Child abuse - Data for 2015-16 indicates that an estimated 6,632 children in Cumberland County were victims of abuse or neglect, resulting in a victimization rate of 76.99 per 1,000 children in the population compared to a state rate of 56.99.

2. Foster care - In 2016, Cumberland County had an average of 872 foster children, a 40% increase in five years. Nowhere in NC is the surge in foster care population more evident than in Cumberland County, which had the highest in the state. There is a shortage of foster care families.

3. Life skills - Programs that focus on financial literacy, career development, personal health and basic living skills.

4. Literacy - Improving literacy among all ages is needed.  The WGCCC has highlighted reading proficiency by 3rd grade as a focus area for the past several years.  This focus will continue as data indicates that improvements are still needed.  Additionally, adult literacy programs will also be considered for grant support.

Special consideration will be given to projects that incorporate any of the following:

  • A new, creative approach to a critical community need
  • Opportunities to collaborate and foster partnerships, as well as leverage other funding sources
  • Projects that demonstrate the ability to achieve measurable results and have a high probability of successful continuation beyond the grant period
  • Projects that impact a larger population will be given priority

Timeline :

August 14th and August 21st - Grantseeker information meetings
( see below for details)

August 23, 2019- Applications available online

October 6, 2019- Application deadline (11:59 pm) 

November - Site visits and evaluation of applicants

February 2020-  Final grant approval by members of the Women's Giving Circle 

March 2020 - Funds available 

Additional Instructions:

Application

DO NOT APPLY IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED A WOMEN"S GIVING CIRCLE INFORMATION SESSION.

How to apply -

For questions about the online application system, contact Amanda Klinck: amanda@cumberlandcf.org or Kimmi Nettles : kimmi@cumberlandcf.org. 

If you still have questions after attending a Grantseekers Information Meeting,  contact Susan Barnes: susan@cumberlandcf.org  or
910-483-4449 ext. 108

Grantseekers Information Meetings

This meeting is designed to help nonprofit organizations learn about the Women's Giving Circle funding opportunities, eligibility, and application guidelines. The meeting includes a demonstration of the online grant application. Organizations are required to attend one session. 

Registration is required.   

Select the day and time that works for your schedule through our calendar of events page and register by clicking on the event in the calendar.  

Both sessions will be held next door to CCF office in the Community Room (310 Green Street, parking and entrance in back) :

Wednesday, August 14th 
10:00 am -11:00 am

Wednesday, August 21st 
1:00 pm -2:00 pm

Eligibility for Women's Giving Circle Grants   

  • Organizations must be located and provide services in Cumberland County, North Carolina.
  • Organizations must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a qualified unit of government which includes Native American tribal governments.
  • Organizations must not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious beliefs.
  • Organizations must have met all reporting and communications requirements on previous Women's Giving Circle Grants to be eligible to apply.  If the organization has an active grant in process with the Women's Giving Circle, a final or interim report must be submitted to be considered for funding. 

Not Eligible for Women's Giving Circle Grants 

  • Organizations for re-granting purposes
  • Capital and endowment campaigns
  • Event sponsorships
  • Grants to individuals
  • Deficit budgets
  • Projects promoting political and religious views
  • Scholarships (Check the scholarship program page of CCF) 

Priority will go to 501(c)3 charitable organizations with governing boards located in Cumberland County, NC.