ECRS Community Grant Program

The ECRS Community Grant Program has been temporarily suspended pending the impact of COVID-19 on our community.

How It Works

Rules for Participation

Recipients may not use the funds for anything other than the project, as outlined, in their application. If the project changes or the project is cancelled, the organization must notify ECRS and funding must be returned. Funds must be utilized within six months of receipt, unless otherwise agreed to by ECRS.

Grant recipients authorize the release of application materials to ECRS for distribution use. Recipients agree to provide ECRS with photo and/or video materials that depict the results of the funds provided. Recipients authorize the use of their organization name and logo to ECRS, for media purposes, as it relates to the funds and/or project.

Criteria for Applicants

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• Be registered under a 501(c)(3).
• Be able to show their primary mission is in service to local children and/or young adults.
• Be able to provide a copy of 2019 financials.
• Organization must be based in, and serve, Watauga, Avery, and/or Ashe county.
• Only one submission per organization.

Additional weight will be given to applicants who are able to demonstrate:

• A major, positive impact on improving the lives of local children and/or young adults, especially underserved populations, as a result of receiving ECRS’ gift funds.
• 97% or more of ECRS’ gift funds will be used on a direct and specific initiative or project with clear and attainable objectives and timeline for completion.
• Limited total organizational expenses on administrative overhead and fundraising costs, with the majority of expenses being directed toward programs and services.
• Demonstration of how the expenditure will contribute to a more sustainable and better future for our local community.

Video Criteria

This application includes a video component. Videos must be uploaded by the applicant via YouTube, Facebook, or other video hosting platform and cannot be sent as files directly to ECRS.

• Organization’s submission must highlight how their organization impacts, and creates a better future for, the local community.
• All submissions must be original work by the organization and/or its representatives.
• All submissions must be no longer than 2 minutes.
• Videos produced using a smartphone are acceptable – and actually preferred.
• Only one submission per organization.

Grants Available