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The Polk County Appearance Commission has matching grants available for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

PCAC was created in 2007 by the Polk County Commissioners and operates with a board of committed volunteers. We encourage community and civic leaders throughout the county to continue the traditions of tasteful landscaping, building design and creative beautification that have always made Polk County a special place to live and visit.

Since 2016, the Appearance Commission has offered Matching Grant money for Public Beautification Projects in Polk County. The maximum matching grant amount is $1,000 per approved project. The criteria for receiving a Matching Grant are: Property used by and for the public, Street Appearance and Public Enhancement. Over the years, PCAC has helped projects in Columbus, Tryon, Saluda, Sunny View and Mill Spring.

Examples of types of improvements that have been awarded a Matching Grant are tasteful landscaping with native trees, shrubs and flowers. Structural improvements to buildings such as exterior renovations that are visible from the street or sidewalk, signage, awnings and architectural elements are also eligible.

PCAC fully supports and urges the importance of using native plants in the projects. Several links to native plants can be found on our website at www.beautifulfoothills.org. Our website was updated last fall and is a great source for links to many subjects including the Adopt a Highway program, Dark Sky info, Environmental and Conservation Organizations, Native and Invasive Plants info, County and Town information and much more.

The deadline for the applications is September 15, 2020. The requirements are explained on the website and you can contact us through the site if you have questions. The grant monies are not given until the projects are completely finished and the Final Grant Reports have been turned in, any time before May 31, 2021. This must be submitted with proof of monies spent, receipts for expenses and photos of the finished work. Applications can be submitted online or mailed to P.O. Box 308, Columbus, NC 28722 by the September 15^th deadline.

 

Submitted by Cathy Brettman