The Town of Holly Springs offers a Local Civic Nonprofit Grant to support nonprofit organizations within the community. This grant is aimed at assisting nonprofit agencies in carrying out activities that serve a public purpose and align with the town's strategic priorities. The program is designed to foster community engagement, civic participation, and the growth of local nonprofits that positively impact the town's residents. The grant is open to nonprofit organizations that hold or have applied for 501(c)(3) tax status and have a credible history of financial responsibility for at least two years.

To be eligible, an organization must provide proof of its 501(c)(3) status, such as a tax identification number or a copy of the application. If the organization has not been in existence for at least two years or lacks 501(c)(3) status, they may still apply under the umbrella of another eligible agency. Private individuals or groups requesting funding for improvements or landscaping on Town-owned property must seek prior approval from the relevant department before applying.

The funds can be used for activities that serve a public purpose and are authorized by law. The grant provides funding for up to 25% of an organization's total annual budget or project/event costs, with a maximum of $2,500 per year. Additionally, grants may cover up to 100% of the cost of capital improvements or landscaping on Town-owned property, with the applicant demonstrating the ability to provide matching in-kind services or funds. However, the funds cannot be used for political activities or to benefit a specific person or group, and discrimination of any form is not tolerated.

The grant application requires detailed financial documentation, including an agency's budget and, if applying for amounts over $500, an independent audit. Organizations requesting funding must demonstrate that their projects will be accessible to people with disabilities. It is important for applicants to submit their applications in full, as incomplete submissions will not be considered. Additionally, funds awarded for public projects or events must be spent in accordance with the grant's guidelines, with receipts required for purchases and services made from the grant funds.

The grant application period runs from January 13, 2025, to March 7, 2025. After the submission period, applications will be reviewed for completeness and compliance. A staff committee will score the applications based on various criteria, including the local impact of the project, the agency's managerial capacity, and alignment with the town's strategic priorities. The final funding decisions will be made by the Town Council after recommendations from the Council Grants Committee.