Mecklenburg County nonprofits have a new funding window open for programs serving local residents.

The County is accepting applications for its FY2028 Community Service Grant program through November 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Mecklenburg County has preliminarily allocated up to $5 million for the program.

Organizations can request between $50,000 and $500,000 for one- or two-year grants.

Quick eligibility check

Before spending time on the application, an organization should be able to answer yes to all of these:

Active 501(c)(3) status.

The funded program will serve Mecklenburg County residents.

Audited financial statements completed by an independent CPA are available, or the organization can meet the County’s current audit-submission requirements.

A documented Equal Employment Opportunity policy is in place.

The latest IRS Form 990 is available.

The program clearly advances at least one Mecklenburg County SMART goal.

One detail applicants should not miss

The County’s application guidance says applicants attesting to a pending audit must submit a letter of engagement with the application and provide the audited financial statements by April 1, 2027.

That requirement could be a major hurdle for smaller organizations, so it is worth confirming eligibility before building the full application.

Choose the County goal before writing the narrative

Applicants must align their program to one of four County focus areas: Healthy and Thriving Community, Learning and Educational Opportunities, Jobs and Economic Opportunities, or Safe and Prepared Community.

The application then asks the nonprofit to select a specific County goal and explain how its program strategy will move that goal forward.

What the application asks for

Applicants will need to explain the program’s purpose, specific services, the number of individuals or households served, the target population and the geographic area served.

Organizations also need a program budget showing the Community Service Grant request, total program funding and other revenue sources.

Organizations seeking a two-year award must explain why two years are necessary to achieve the proposed outcomes.

How to make the application easier to evaluate

The County does not publish a simple point-based scoring rubric on the grant page, but the application fields make the priorities clear.

Use measurable outcomes instead of broad mission statements.

Name the exact County SMART goal your program advances.

Be specific about who will be served, how many people will be served and where they live.

Connect the requested dollars directly to the services and outcomes described in the narrative.

If requesting two years, make the case for why a one-year award would not be enough.

Missed the information session?

The October 29 information session was recorded, and the County says the recording and presentation materials are available from the Community Service Grant page.

When funding decisions happen

Applicants are expected to receive a status update after the county manager’s recommended budget is announced in May.

Final awards are not official until the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners adopts the budget in June.

Official application, eligibility and County planning resources are linked below.

Deadline: November 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Organizations that received funding previously must apply again for the FY2028 cycle.

These are the most useful official links to keep open while you review eligibility, prepare your application, and make sure your proposal aligns with Mecklenburg County’s priorities.

Start here: Official Community Service Grant Page

Use this page for the current application details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and supporting materials.

Read the County’s announcement: Mecklenburg County Grant Announcement

This provides the County’s overview of the funding opportunity and the goals the grant program is designed to support.

Align your proposal with County priorities: Mecklenburg County SMART Goals

Review these before writing your narrative so you can clearly connect your program to a specific County goal.

Confirm your nonprofit status: IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search

Use the IRS database to verify that your organization’s tax-exempt status is active and current.

Review your Form 990 requirements: IRS Form 990 Information

The application requires your latest Form 990, so this is a useful reference if you need to confirm filing details.

Catch up on the application guidance: Information Session & Application Materials

If you missed the County’s information session, use this page to look for the recording, presentation, and application materials.

Follow the final funding decision: Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners

Final grant awards depend on the County budget process, so this is the place to follow Board activity and budget adoption.