GRANTS

Uwharrie Community Fund Capacity Building Grant Program

The Uwharrie Community Fund Capacity Building Grant Program represents a collaborative investment in the long-term strength and vitality of the communities served by Uwharrie Bank. Through this pilot initiative, grant support will be provided to nonprofit organizations serving residents in Cabarrus County, Stanly County, or both, helping strengthen the organizations working every day to meet local needs and improve quality of life.

As part of this program, five nonprofit agencies will each be awarded $10,000 in capacity-building services through Support Cabarrus, the capacity-building division of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. Rather than traditional grant funding, these awards are designed to strengthen the internal infrastructure, leadership, and operational sustainability of participating organizations.

Each selected agency will receive:

  • A comprehensive organizational review valued at $5,000

  • An additional $5,000 in customized capacity-building services tailored to the organization’s needs

Capacity-building services may include:

  • Strategic Planning

  • Board Governance

  • Marketing Services

  • Bookkeeping Services

  • Grantwriting Services

  • Other organizational support services available through Support Cabarrus

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to helping nonprofits build strong operational foundations so they can grow, adapt, and continue serving their communities effectively for years to come. By investing in organizational strength behind the scenes, the program aims to create long-term impact that extends far beyond a single grant cycle.

As a permanently endowed charitable fund, the Uwharrie Community Fund reflects a long-term commitment to local stewardship and reinvestment. Annual distributions from the fund help ensure philanthropic resources remain rooted in the communities they are intended to serve, creating sustainable opportunities for impact across Cabarrus and Stanly counties for generations to come.

  • Agencies must meet the following criteria to apply:

    • Be a registered 501(c)(3) organization

    • Provide services to residents in Cabarrus County, Stanly County, or both

  • Five agencies will be awarded $10,000 each for capacity-building services through Support Cabarrus.

    Each agency will receive an organizational review (valued at $5,000), plus $5,000 worth of capacity-building services, which may include:

    • Strategic Planning

    • Board Governance

    • Marketing Services

    • Bookkeeping Services

    • Grantwriting Services

    • Or other capacity-building service available through Support Cabarrus

  • Grant applications will be scored using the following criteria:

    • Mission Alignment with Uwharrie Community Fund

    • Support for Cabarrus County or Stanly County Residents

    • Criteria #3

    • Effective Board Governance

    • Financial Stability

    Click here to download the Scoring Rubric.

    Click here to download a printed version of the application.

  • Capacity building services will be available to grant recipients as early as December 2026.

    • July 1, 2026 – Grant Applications Open

    • September 1, 2026 – Application Deadline

    • Nov. - Dec. 2026 – Award Notification

  • Applications will be available on July 1, 2026.

    To view an applicant video tutorial as well as step-by-step details on creating an account, applying for a grant, and managing follow up requests, click here.