HICKORY, N.C. — The City of Hickory Community Relations Council is accepting grant applications for the 2026-27 fiscal year to fund local community programs.
Qualified groups and organizations must submit grant requests by Sept. 28 at noon.
The grant funding opportunity is open to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit agencies, churches, institutions and schools. Council priority will go to projects designed to deliver the greatest impact on positive human relations, bring different sub-communities in Hickory together, and provide resources to residents who can most benefit.
Agencies are encouraged to partner with one another to avoid duplicating services.
Grant allocations are funded directly by the City of Hickory. Under program guidelines, grant money cannot be used to pay staff salaries or construct buildings. Additionally, funds cannot be used to promote specific political or religious viewpoints, though expenditures for service contracts and specific honoraria are permitted.
Applicants are required to submit 15 copies of their completed grant request. The agency director must approve the application, and detailed grant guidelines will be mailed alongside application forms.
Grant recipients must submit a report detailing how funds were used and may be invited to present at a monthly council meeting. The council reserves the right to audit allocated funds. Projects may be funded partially or in full, though priority will be given to requests with matching funds available.
Agencies receiving awards are required to acknowledge the grant in publicity materials. Official logos for the City of Hickory and the council will be provided for inclusion on promotional items.
Applications will be reviewed following the Sept. 28 deadline as part of the council’s grant review process.
Grant application forms are available online at https://www.hickorync.gov/community-relations-council.