Grant Guidelines

The mission of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation is to preserve our native culture, protect and enhance our natural environment, and create appropriate and diverse economic opportunities – in order to improve the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and our neighbors in western North Carolina.

The Foundation has three main focus areas: cultural preservation, economic and workforce development, and environmental preservation. Proposed projects must fit into at least one of these areas and demonstrate how the project will help achieve the Foundation’s stated Goals and Strategies. Then demonstrate this alignment in your Grant Application.

Eligibility

Cherokee Preservation Foundation will provide grants to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, as well as to schools, institutions of higher learning, federal, state, local and tribal government units.

Applicant organizations must be located on the Qualla Boundary or in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon or Swain County, or serve people of this region.

The proposed work must directly benefit the people of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and must involve EBCI members in project planning and implementation. Regional entities seeking CPFdn assistance must form a collaborative partnership with the EBCI in order to be considered for support.

What We Do Not Fund

Grants will NOT be made to or for any of the following purposes:

Individuals
Debt retirement or operational deficits
General fund drives
Endowment or reserve funds
Influencing elections or legislation
General funding of projects of governmental units
Religious purposes

Small Grant Types

Small grants are for $500 to $20,000. This category has three types of grants: Planning, Capacity and Project Specific.

Planning Grants are awarded to organizations interested in working with others to achieve a shared vision. The funds can be used to support planning consultants, travel, office and meeting expenses and other costs related to planning.
Capacity Grants assist organizations with developing their internal capabilities, such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing and outreach programs, leadership development, volunteer management, etc. “Capacity” refers to the ability of a group to carry out its programs successfully.
Project Specific Grants are awarded for programs/projects that fit at least one of the three areas of focus (cultural preservation, economic development, and environmental preservation).

Large Grant Types

Large Grants are $20,000 and higher. Within this category, there are two types of grants: Project Specific and Preservation and Civic Enhancement Grants.

Project Specific Grants are awarded to organizations for programs/projects that fit at least one the three focus areas of cultural preservation, economic development, and environmental preservation.
Preservation and Civic Enhancement Grants provide resources for specific projects in Cherokee communities and the seven western counties of North Carolina. Since these grants will be larger in size, and some will help fund capital projects, they present an opportunity for the Foundation to offer a “challenge” or “matching” grant. The Foundation will not fund these projects for more than half of the overall budget. All proposed grants must meet the following criteria: 1) Make a contribution to enhancing the Quality of Life of the community; 2) Have broad community involvement in the development of the project; and 3) Be available for significant community usage.

Number of Applications Permitted

Grantees may receive up to one large grant and two small grants per calendar year. For grantees with active CPFdn grants, at least 50% of funds must be spent before new grants will be awarded, and applicants must provide an Outstanding Grant Financial Report Form.

How to Apply

Read the Grant Guidelines and Foundation Goals and Strategies carefully.
Read the Application Form and answer the questions in the order listed. Use the Helpful Tips and Examples in the Application document to assist you with the questions.
A Grant Application Checklist is provided in the Application to help ensure you complete and include all required documents.
Submit one signed original copy and five (5) copies of the Application Form and required attachments. Applications may be delivered to the Foundation office (71 John Crowe Hill Road, Cherokee) or mailed to: Cherokee Preservation Foundation, P.O. Box 504, Cherokee, NC 29719. Do not fax or e-mail the application. Applications must be postmarked by the deadline date or delivered to the Foundation by 5 p.m. on the deadline date.
Please type your application. Please use plain paper and do not bind/staple or place the proposal in any type of cover. Please do not include guidance or instructional material from the foundation other than the Grant Application Checklist with your application. Do not attach videos, publications or organization brochures.
CPFdn will send an acknowledgement that we have received your proposal.
Grant decisions are announced approximately four months after submission.

Notification

Applicants will be notified in writing of the Foundation’s decision. If your project is approved for funding, a legal agreement that outlines the responsibilities of the Foundation and the grantee must be signed prior to release of funds. The grantee must submit an annual report on grant activities, as well as an end-of-grant report on program activities and expenditures, prior to submitting another grant application to the Foundation. Project costs incurred prior to written authorization from the Foundation will be ineligible for reimbursement. All awarded grantees must attend an orientation session prior to the disbursement of funds. For more information regarding orientation sessions, please contact the Foundation.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, call 828-497-5550.