Grants

Our Resourceful Communities small-grant program, the Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF), provides direct investment in community-based efforts. Seed money supports a range of projects: ecotourism and heritage tourism, youth conservation programs, farmers markets, alternative energy production and more.

A portion of CNEF funds is available to help rural United Methodist Churches (UMCs) strengthen food ministries. All UMCs are encouraged to contact our project staff or email smallgrants@conservationfund.org with questions.

Information About Our Small Grants Program

The 2025 Creating New Economies Fund Grant Cycle will open January 3, 2025.  Stay tuned for more details and application instructions.  Don’t miss your chance to apply! 

• We do not support individuals, for-profits (LLCs), nonprofit organizations with budgets over $300K, or nonprofit organizations in the following counties: Buncombe, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Orange and Wake Counties. 
• Applicants are required to speak with a Resourceful Communities staff member about their proposal before applying. 
• Click here to view important dates for the 2025 Creating New Economies Fund grant cycle. 
• Click here to view Eligibility and Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Creating New Economies Fund grant cycle.
• Click here to view the Creating New Economies Fund’s 2024 list of grantees.

Tools and Forms to Assist CNEF Applicants

• Sample Application: Click here to download a sample Word Version of our CNEF Application. Please note you will still need to complete and submit your application online at: https://tinyurl.com/CNEF2025. 
• Tripple Bottom Line: Need help understanding the triple bottom line (CNEF Application Question #6), a requirement for all funded projects? Click here for more information. 
• Sample Budget: Click here to download a sample budget (Word document). Click here to download a sample budget (Excel spreadsheet).
• In-Kind Support: Please be sure to include non-cash support or in-kind support for your project. Learn more here.
  

Working with a Fiscal Agent?

• Fiscal Agent Overview: If your organization is not a nonprofit and you are working with a fiscal agent:  – Click here to learn more about fiscal agents. 
• Sample MOU: Click here.
  

Faith and Food Coalitions

Faith & Food Coalitions: Funding up to $25,000 is available for groups of three or more rural churches and/or faith-based organizations that are improving access to fresh and local food for their communities.

If a church coalition is interested in learning more, please contact Faith and Food Coordinator, Emily Stambaugh or Dave Walker to discuss potential projects. You can also email smallgrants@conservationfund.org with questions.

For Past CNEF Grantees

• Click here for the 2024 CNEF Grant Report Form. 
• Click here for the 2024 Faith and Food Coalition Final Report Form.