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Keep North Carolina Beautiful will begin accepting applications for the 2026–27 Window of Opportunity

(WOO) Grant Program in September, 2026.

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Application Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025

Award Notification Date: No later than Friday, January 29, 2026

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Before You Apply

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WOO Grants support student-centered outdoor learning, beautification, recycling, sustainability, and environmental stewardship projects throughout North Carolina.

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Successful projects actively engage students in the planning, development, implementation, and long-term stewardship of the project while providing meaningful hands-on learning experiences.

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Most grants are awarded at $1,000, with a limited number of exceptional projects eligible for funding of up to $2,500.

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For complete program information, project eligibility requirements, and examples of previously funded projects, please visit the About WOO Grants page.

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Application Requirements

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All applicants must submit:

1. Completed WOO Grant Application - Download and complete the application form below.

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2. Project Proposal (Word or PDF Document)

     Please include:

•      Project description and scope of work

•      Anticipated student learning outcomes

•      Project timeline

•      Line-item budget

•      Expected environmental and educational impact

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3. Letter of Commitment

A completed Letter of Commitment signed by the organization's principal, director, or authorized representative must accompany all applications.

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What Makes a Strong Application?

Competitive applications typically:

✓ Place students at the center of the project

✓ Demonstrate meaningful hands-on learning opportunities

✓ Include clear educational goals and outcomes

✓ Present realistic budgets and timelines

✓ Show long-term sustainability and maintenance plans

✓ Create positive environmental and community impacts

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Reporting Requirements

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Organizations receiving a WOO Grant are required to submit:

• A final expense report with an accounting summary of grant expenditures

• Photographs documenting the project:

  • Before implementation

  • During construction/installation/development

  • Upon project completion

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Each WOO Grant recipient will receive a dedicated project webpage that chronicles the journey of their project—from planning and implementation to completion and impact. By sharing project photos, student participation, and educational outcomes, Keep North Carolina Beautiful can celebrate student achievement, measure program success, and inspire future projects throughout North Carolina.

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Submission Instructions

Please email all application materials to: kyle@keepncbeautiful.org

Subject Line: 2026 WOO Grant Application

 

The application dealine is Friday, December 18, 2026.

Out of respect to those who meet the deadline, no exceptions will be allowed.

All grant award recipients will be notified via email no later than Friday, January 29, 2027. 

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All applications must also include a filled out letter of commitment, as seen below.​​