The Women for Women giving circle of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina announces the grant cycle for 2010.

Revised grant guidelines and updated application forms are now available on the website at www.cfwnc.org. The deadline for Women for Women grants is January 22. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Grants of $15,000 to $100,000 are available. To be eligible for consideration, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or public agency must meet specific guidelines, found at www.cfwnc.org, and serve one or more of these counties: Avery, Cherokee, Haywood, Macon, Mitchell, Swain, Buncombe, Clay, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Transylvania, Burke, Graham, Jackson, McDowell, Rutherford, Yancey.

Women for Women is a special initiative of The Community Foundation that encourages womens philanthropy. As a group, they learn about pressing needs facing women throughout the region and determine how to direct the funds.

Women for Women works to create opportunities for women and girls through grantmaking, advocacy and advancing womens philanthropy. Since 2005, Women for Women has given more than $1 million through high-impact grants in Western North Carolina.

Outreach meetings will take place to encourage rural nonprofit organizations to learn about the Women for Women grant program and consider an application. The meetings are free and open to the public. Register by contacting Virginia Dollar at 828-254-4960 or dollar@cfwnc.org.