The application cycle for several 2026-2027 grant programs is now open with grant deadlines throughout the spring, according to a recent report by Buncombe County. Grant awards will be available for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. 

Affordable Housing Services Program (AHSP): Affordable Housing funding is intended to ensure comprehensive opportunities for affordable and safe housing. AHSP supports: Construction Loans; Downpayment Assistance Loans; Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Grants; Construction Grants; Emergency Repair Grants; New Start Grants; and Administrative Support Grants. This funding cycle will prioritize affordable housing for Buncombe County residents permanently displaced by Tropical Storm Helene. Applications open Dec. 17, 2025, with an application deadline of January 30, 2026. 

Aging Services Funding: The Aging Services grants are made in alignment with the Buncombe County’s Age-Friendly Action Plan, which reflects the vision of an age-friendly community where older adults are safe, well, and engaged. While the 2024 Action Plan is under development the committee will  continue to review applications in connection to the 2018-2023 Action Plan goals which are to: prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults; prevent financial fraud and scams; improve health and wellbeing among older adults; improve and support financial wellbeing among older adults; improve and support caregiver wellbeing; increase older adults’ access to transportation; improve older adults’ access to services and supports; and increase age-friendly capability of Buncombe County. Funding includes State/Federal Home and Community Care Block Grant as well as local County dollars. Applications open January 2026 (exact dates TBD). 

Early Childhood Fund: The overall goal of the fund is to ensure that every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days including access to quality early childhood education. Funding is earmarked to support early care and education for children birth through kindergarten, including infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarteners. Funding will be allocated for projects working toward: increasing slots for enrollment; increasing quality; developing/diversifying the early childhood workforce; supporting families; and enhancing the effectiveness of the overall system of early care and education. Applications open Jan. 5, with an application deadline of Feb. 20, 2026. 

Isaac Coleman Grants: Isaac Coleman Grants support the Buncombe County Strategic Plan Goal: "Work with community partners towards parity in the public-school graduation gap with a 50% reduction amongst at risk populations by 2030." According to data from the NC Department of Public Instruction, the subgroups graduating at lower rates than the average for all students in Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools are those with the following designations: Black; Hispanic; Two or More Races; Economically Disadvantaged; English Learners; Foster Care; Homeless; and Students with Disabilities. This investment also supports Buncombe County’s commitment to United for Youth (U4Y), a local cradle-to-career partnership with a mission to “actively identify and remove barriers to opportunity and co-create solutions that support student success” and a goal that “all Asheville City and Buncombe County students graduate from high school ready and fully prepared to pursue their goals and dreams.” U4Y has established grade-level opportunity objectives for school-aged youth with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for youth through community and adult engagement. Applications open Jan. 5, with an application deadline of Feb. 20, 2026. 

Safety Net & Behavioral Health Maintenance of Effort Grants: Safety Net systems are designed to provide healthcare and other wraparound services to people who are uninsured, underinsured, or have high-deductible plans, and other vulnerable populations. These funds are intended to help fill gaps and thereby increase access to care. Two funding streams, totaling $1.2 million annually, are available for a three-year grant cycle beginning in FY2027: Safety Net funds, supported by County dollars and contracted directly through the County (amount may vary annually); MOE funds, supported by County dollars and passed through to Vaya Health, with a minimum/maximum annual budget of $600,000. Applications open Jan. 16, with an application deadline of Feb. 27, 2026.

Strategic Partnership Grants: Strategic Partnership Grants fund nonprofit organizations that promote a healthy, safe, well-educated, and thriving community with a sustainable quality of life. Funded projects must align with strategic objectives in Buncombe County’s 2030 Strategic Plan, which includes the following focus areas: Growth & Development; Economic Development; Education; Community Health; Public Safety; and Energy & Environment. This funding cycle will prioritize projects that contribute to recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. Applications open Jan. 5, with an application deadline of Feb. 20, 2026.

Visit buncombenc.gov/grants for full details including application information, previously funded projects, performance reporting, and funding committee materials.  

Source: Buncombe County government