Buncombe Seeks Applicants for Strategic Grant Committee Seats

On December 10, 2025 Buncombe County invited residents to apply for two vacancies on the Strategic Partnership Grant Committee, the citizen body that makes investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. The committee evaluates Strategic Partnership Grant requests from nonprofit organizations that work toward outcomes in alignment with the county strategic plan, and its recommendations influence how county funds are directed across community needs.

The two openings are part of a nine member panel. Terms began immediately and will extend until June 30, 2028. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with special meetings as needed. The grant cycle operates year round, and committee members should expect peak activity in the spring when applications are reviewed and funding recommendations are prepared.

County officials are seeking members who bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan focus areas, including Growth and Development, Economic Development, Education, Community Health, Public Safety, and Energy and Environment. Applicants are encouraged to reflect the diversity of Buncombe County communities. To protect impartiality in funding decisions applicants must not have conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, including current service as board members or staff of applicant organizations.

For local nonprofits and residents the committee is a key mechanism for steering county investments toward priorities that affect services and quality of life across Buncombe. Decisions reached by the committee can influence funding for early childhood programs, workforce and economic initiatives, health and safety services, environmental projects, and neighborhood development efforts. For residents who want to shape which initiatives receive county support serving on the committee offers a hands on role in public budgeting and program oversight.

Interested residents may apply online at boardapplications.buncombecounty.org. The county did not list a closing date for applications in the announcement, and candidates should expect a selection process that considers both subject matter expertise and geographic and demographic representation within the county.