The Hometown Strong Rural Grants Program
Our team is working to bring federal dollars to rural communities across the state by providing municipalities with access to grant writers, financial resources, and training in grant writing and administration. Our team works closely with local staff, helping build their knowledge of and capacity to write successful proposals and grant applications.
The Rural Grants Team is Ready to Write
The Rural Grants team onboarded six new staff members in January. The diverse team is composed of experienced grant writers and those with backgrounds in public engagement, communication, emergency management, resiliency, community and inclusive economic development, and business development. We look forward to introducing you to the rest of our amazing team in the coming months.
| Emily Adair, Rural Grants Director The team is led by Emily Adair, who has more than two decades of grant writing experience across the country and in North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Policy from Western Carolina University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a research thesis in Rural Economic Development. Emily has expertise in food systems, agriculture, economic development, water and sewer infrastructure, land conservation, research, and data analysis. |
 | Mariah Matheson, Grants Specialist Marian is a committed public servant with more than 12 years of experience in the public sector. Following a break dedicated to parenting, Mariah is eager to re-enter the workforce and contribute to positive change. Specializing in legislative research and policy analysis, she has a deep passion for making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit or government sectors. Mariah has strength in legislative research, specifically focused on environment, water, wastewater, utilities, solar, renewable energy, telecommunications, and agriculture. |
 | Ashley Traynum-Carson, Senior Grants Specialist Ashley is an experienced public servant with more than a decade of experience in grants management, public affairs, and community engagement. Ashley is responsible for working with rural towns, counties, and government councils to increase federal funding for projects within North Carolina through grant writing. Ashley has experience as a grant writer and program manager for justice initiatives, housing, transportation, sustainability and climate resiliency. Additionally, Ashley trained on DEI through the Government Alliance on Racial Equity (GARE). |
Our Work
The Rural Grants Team is already hard at work - here’s a snapshot of what the team has accomplished through February 2024.
Interested in Grants Support?
Here’s how the Rural Grants Team process works: First we will have a short intake call with you and your team to learn more about the projects you have underway, your basic eligibility for federal funds, and your specific capacity and financing needs. Over the next two weeks, our team will create a funding research brief that outlines federal, state, and private funds that may be able to support your projects, along with recommendations for ensuring you’re fully leveraging grant funds in the future. If there’s a federal opportunity that you’re ready to apply for, our team can talk with you about preparing the application free of charge – and if not, you’ll have all the information you need on file when you’re ready to move forward with financing a public project.
Community Stories
The rural grants team has spoken to more than 30 communities in the past month, and we've heard inspiring stories of how people across the rural areas of our state are responding to local challenges. We will share some of those stories with you each month.
Water Conservation: One municipality seeks the introduction of radio-read water meters with cutting-edge AMI transmitters. Imagine a world where water loss is tracked in real-time, sparing citizens from bewildering high bills caused by unnoticed leaks. Driven by a commitment to efficiency, this municipality envisions a future where the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system becomes the guardian of water conservation.
Foster Care System: A county's social services department is seeking to provide better living conditions for some of its most vulnerable residents: children entering the foster care system. Currently, these children are spread across the state or placed in temporary facilities, such as emergency rooms, that are either too far away or not designed to provide the right emotional and physical support. In partnership with other counties across the region, this community hopes to build a temporary foster care shelter that can house and serve these children through trying times.
Senior Citizens Center: In one community, compassion is driving an initiative to better care for their senior citizens. The county seeks funds to build a new senior center. They have a swelling population of seniors, but the current facility falls short, having last been updated several decades ago. A relocation to a vibrant wellness center complex will honor their local seniors and ensure swift aid from EMS service.
Let’s Chat
If you're interested in working with our team on a specific grant or getting support with funding and financing research for your community, visit us online and fill out our intake form. Staff will respond within 72 hours to schedule a time to meet with your team and discuss your project(s).
Not ready to bring a project in yet? Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on training opportunities, grant deadlines, and more.
Thanks for staying in touch with us!
The Rural Grants Team
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
116 West Jones Street, 20320 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699