WNC Communities recognizes that farmers in our region have immediate disaster relief needs to stabilize their farm businesses and to support a resilient regional food system. The goal of this program is to provide resources quickly, while making reasonable efforts not to duplicate other funding sources. These funds are meant to assist legitimate farm businesses with urgent needs that will directly impact the ability to get the farm business back in operation as soon as possible.
The Immediate Disaster Needs grant is offered by WNC Communities as part of our WNCC Regional Support, LLC. Farm businesses with damages directly related to Tropical Storm Helene are eligible. Any farm with direct damages within WNC Communities’ 20-county service region may apply: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, Macon, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey.
We are working with partner agencies throughout WNC to expedite this process in order to get funds in the hands of farmers most in need. To do this, we ask you to contact one of the partners (see details in the application) and let them know that you intend to apply.
For our first round of funding, we will be accepting applications from October 10th - 31st. Funds will be awarded on a rolling basis, prioritizing the most urgent needs first. Funds not distributed during the first round of funding will be made available through subsequent application periods. More funding may also be available for additional support in subsequent application periods.
To apply:- Contact a partner agency to let them know you want to apply. A representative from the agency will pre-qualify your application to make sure your farm meets the requirements of our assistance program.
- Complete and sign the attached application. Please answer all the questions to the best of your ability and complete the W-9*. For online submission through Google form, you will be emailed a W-9 once your application is received.
- Return to WNC Communities as soon as possible. Applications can be hand delivered or emailed or you can use the online Google form.
* While filling out the W-9 does not guarantee funding, it will expedite the process should you be awarded. Also, an optional Direct Deposit form is provided should you want your funds deposited into your bank account instead of being issued a paper check.
Mail or hand deliver hard copies to: Email a scan (pdf) of a hard copy to:
WNC Communities grants@wnccommunities.org
594 Brevard Road
Asheville, NC 28806