Chatham County Charitable Fund Application

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GALLOWAY RIDGE CHATHAM COUNTY CHARITABLE FUND APPLICATION

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GALLOWAY RIDGE CHATHAM COUNTY CHARITABLE FUND APPLICATION

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GALLOWAY RIDGE CHATHAM COUNTY CHARITABLE FUND APPLICATION

Background

Galloway Ridge Inc. is a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation. Through the Galloway Ridge Chatham County Charitable Fund (GRCCCF), we support Chatham County nonprofit organizations working to alleviate poverty and improve the well-being of the county’s most vulnerable residents. By investing in programs that provide essential services, education, housing, healthcare, and the arts, we help build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community.

Grants are awarded annually, in mid-November, with funds distributed in January the following year. Grant funds may be requested for any administrative or program expenses and grants may be used to maintain existing successful programs that have demonstrated effectiveness. New grants and initiatives are welcome as long as they comply with the mission of the GRCCCF. Typical awards range from $500 to $10,000. 

Eligibility

Grants will be awarded to 501(c) (3) organizations that serve Chatham County, Chatham County Public Schools and other Chatham County governmental units. Agencies are limited to one request each year in the grants process. Agencies that have received funding from Galloway Ridge in the past are eligible to apply provided the End of Grant Report has been received from the previous year. Grants will not be awarded to agencies that plan to pass money to another agency.

Application Procedures and Guidelines

Please adhere to the length limitation criteria and use this online form ONLY. Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 4, 2026. The GRCCCF Committee will serve as the selection committee. For questions regarding the application, please contact Linda Johnsen at ljohnsen@gallowayridge.com or 919-545-0752. For questions regarding grant criteria, please contact Loretta Muss, Grants Chair, at loretta_muss@med.unc.edu or (919) 259-1135.

Before you start your application, please use our application checklist to complete the form in its entirety.

The committee may request a site visit to gain a firsthand understanding of your organization’s work and the impact it is making to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of Chatham County’s most vulnerable residents.

Attachments Required

Upon completion of the online application, you are required to upload the following documents:

  1. IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
  2. Most recent financial statements or audit
  3. Board of Directors list
  4. Progress Report (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to apply?

Organizations with current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that serve residents of Chatham County are eligible to apply. Chatham County Public Schools and other Chatham County governmental units are also eligible.

How much funding can I request?

Typical grant awards range from $500 to $10,000. Requests outside this range may be considered but are less common.

How much funding is available this year?

A total of $118,000 in grant funding is available for distribution during this grant cycle.

What types of projects are funded?

Grant funds may be used for:

  • Program expenses
  • Administrative/operating expenses
  • Existing successful programs
  • New initiatives that align with the mission of the GRCCCF
What types of organizations or requests are not eligible?

The GRCCCF does not fund:

  • Organizations that intend to pass grant funds to another agency
  • Organizations that do not primarily serve Chatham County
  • Applicants that fail to submit required documentation
Can organizations that have received funding before apply again?

Yes. Previous grant recipients are welcome to apply, provided they have submitted a progress report from the previous grant cycle or include one with this year’s application.

Can grant funds be used for administrative or operating expenses?

Yes. Funds may be used for administrative costs as well as program expenses.

Can funds be used for new programs?

Yes. New projects and initiatives are encouraged if they align with the mission of the GRCCCF.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, September 4, 2026.

Are late applications accepted?

No. Applications submitted after the deadline cannot be considered.

How do I apply?

Applications must be completed and submitted through the online application form. Paper applications and emailed applications will not be accepted.

What documents are required?

Applicants must upload:

  • IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (if applicable)
  • Most recent financial statements or audit
  • Current Board of Directors list
  • Progress Report
Can I save my application and finish it later?

Yes. You may save your progress and return to complete your application before the deadline.

Can I edit my application after submitting it?

Once an application has been submitted, changes cannot be made online. If you need to correct or update information before the deadline, please contact Linda Johnsen as soon as possible (ljohnsen@gallowayridge.com or 919-545-0752).

Will I receive confirmation that my application was submitted?

Yes. You will receive an email confirming that your application has been successfully submitted.

When will grant decisions be made?

Grant recipients will be notified in mid-November 2026.

When are grant funds distributed?

Approved grant funds will be distributed in January 2027.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed by the GRCCCF Grants Committee, which considers:

  • Alignment with the GRCCCF mission
  • Community impact
  • Organizational capacity
  • Financial need
  • Feasibility of the proposed project
  • Stewardship of previous grant funding (if applicable)
What if my organization was not funded previously?

Organizations that have not received funding in the past are encouraged to apply. New applicants are welcomed each year.

Who should I contact with questions?

Questions about the application process

Linda Johnsen

ljohnsen@gallowayridge.com

(919) 545-0752

Questions about grant criteria or eligibility

Loretta Muss, Grants Chair

loretta_muss@med.unc.edu

(919) 259-1135