Community Based Organization Policy

Each year, Guilford County provides funds to a variety of dedicated community organizations meeting the definition of a 501(c) nonprofit to facilitate economically, culturally, and civically valuable services. These services are designated as carrying out a public purpose by North Carolina statute, and include community and youth development, education, and support for cultural and artistic activities.

Applying for Funding

The county conducts a competitive process to distribute the funding, with a standard application and training required for all applicants requesting resources. Funds are awarded for each fiscal year (FY), although an award in one year is not a guarantee of funding in future funding cycles. Applications seeking to fund traditional economic-focused activities, such as job creation, might require a public hearing and review process prior to award based on requirements set out in North Carolina G.S. 158-7.1.

FY 2025 Application Timeline:

January 6 - Virtual Information Session at 9:00 AM or 3:00 PM
January 20 - February 28: Application Period
February 4: Second Information Session at 3:00 PM
March 1–April 18: Application review
May 15: County Manager's Recommended Budget
June 5: Public Hearing on the Recommended Budget
June 19: Anticipated Budget adoption
June 23: Contract routing for approved organizations start

CBO Information Session 1 Recording - January 6, 2025

Resources

Prior Year 2024-25 CBO Awards

The following organizations were awarded funding for Fiscal Year 2025.

Fiscal Year 2025 Community Based Organization Awards

Fiscal Year 2024 Awarded Organizations.

Reporting

Organizations granted funding via the County CBO process are required to provide certain quarterly reports, linked below. First, an organization must submit quarterly financial report that outline the allocation of awarded funds. Second, performance reports detailing the utilization of these funds to bolster the programs or initiatives outlined in the CBO application are due for public transparency and accountability. All reports are due 30 days after the last day of the quarter by 5 p.m., reports will need to be emailed to the County's team member.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the application be available?

Will applicants be able to save their application as a draft?

Will the county accept a P.O. Box as an address?

How much funding will be awarded?

Are organizations required to have an office in Guilford County?

The policy states: "Organizations serving Guilford County are defined as those having 501(c) designations and meeting the legal requirements of the State of North Carolina, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the County of Guilford and which use locations within Guilford County limits for its primary service place, have an office in Guilford County, have a majority of Guilford County residents in their service population, and/or conduct a majority of their activities and programs in Guilford County."

How will funding be disbursed?

Can new nonprofit organizations apply for funding?

What is the average amount organizations are awarded?

When will organizations be notified if awarded funding?

Should organizations provide a specific project budget or a full organizational budget?

If awarded, will organizations be required to show how funds are expensed?

Will organizations be required to provide receipts when submitting quarterly reports?

What evaluation criteria will the county use to review grant submissions?

Are certificates of liability insurance required?

Guilford County, NC

Community Based Organizations (CBOs)