Mountain Findings Thrift Store
2026 Grants Announcement

Mountain Findings Thrift Store

2026 Grants Announcement

GRANTS PROCESS OPEN FOR 2026

 

Organizations interested in a 2026 grant should contact Marilyn Rupp at MountainFindingsGrants@gmail.com by January 2, 2026.  See important details below.

Note: Organizations receiving a 2025 Mountain Findings grant do NOT need to submit an e-mail expressing interest. An application will be mailed in early January 2026.

Purpose

Mountain Findings’ Grants Program provides funding for projects that strengthen the Highlands-Cashiers, NC community, especially for the economically distressed or disadvantaged, including animals.

Priority is given to organizations that:

• Serve local populations for which our limited funding will make a significant impact.

• Seek to improve the lives of others without imposing religious views or persuasion.

• Lack a well-organized fundraising arm.

• Provide resources and services free to the disadvantaged within the local community.

• Rely on the help of volunteers.

• Offer unique services not already funded.

 

Priority is given to these focus areas:

• Human welfare

• Youth enrichment 

• ​Conservation and the environment

• Animal welfare

• Cultural enrichment

• Civic engagement

• Public safety

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities.

Organizations serving a regional population may be considered when evidence of the grant’s direct impact on the Highlands Plateau is provided.

Grant funding may not be used for employee travel expenses, contract wages, staff salaries or pass-through grants.

Amount of funding

2025 awards averaged $12,750. New applicant organizations are generally limited to an award maximum of $5,000. 

​

Application Timeline

January 2, 2026 - Due date for letters of interest. Your letter should include the name of the contact person, email, phone number and mailing address. State the anticipated monetary request and intended use of funds.  Submit to Marilyn Rupp at: MountainFindingsGrants@gmail.com.

January 2026 - Applications will be mailed to organizations meeting the eligibility and priorities established for 2026.

April 1, 2026 – Applications are due.

July 2026 – Grant awards are announced.

​

In the awarding of grants and scholarships, Mountain Findings, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, sexual orientation or military status.