The Columbus County Community Foundation (CCCF), an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF), is currently accepting applications for its 2025 competitive grant cycle. Founded in 1999, CCCF is managed by a local volunteer advisory board and serves as a hub for philanthropic giving in Columbus County. Through the creation of permanent endowments, CCCF strengthens community resources and provides strategic grants to nonprofit organizations addressing local needs.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle will be accepted from March 28 to noon Eastern Time on April 29, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the NCCF’s online grant system. Late submissions, including those impacted by technical difficulties, will not be accepted. All applicants are encouraged to read the guidelines thoroughly before beginning their application. First-time users must create an organizational profile as outlined in Training Module I, while returning users should log in to their existing accounts and follow the procedures in Training Module II.

In 2024, CCCF distributed a total of $109,720 in grants. Two primary funding sources are available for 2025: the community grantmaking fund, which typically provides grants ranging from $500 to $1,000, and the Columbus Anonymous Fund, which offers larger awards between $5,000 and $15,000. The Columbus Anonymous Fund supports initiatives focused on literacy, food insecurity, human services, and poverty alleviation. All awarded projects must serve the Columbus County community.

The Foundation uses various tools to guide its grantmaking decisions, including an annual community needs assessment. Applicants are encouraged to review this assessment to better understand current community priorities and improve the alignment of their proposals. Most funding decisions are made approximately two months after the application window closes.

For questions or additional support, applicants are advised to contact the Program Officer associated with CCCF. General assistance is also available from NCCF’s central office in Raleigh. Contact details include a main phone line at 919-828-4387 and a toll-free number at 800-532-1349. More information on past grantees, application guidelines, and the community needs assessment is available on CCCF’s webpage.