Support for Local Impact: 2026 Grant Applications Now Open Across Davie County

on January 1, 2026
A collage shows people outdoors dining, cyclists racing, classic cars, families in a park, storefronts, and a theater. Text reads: "Local Impact: 2026 Grant Applications now open across Davie County.

Organizations across Davie County have an exciting opportunity to turn big ideas into reality with three grant programs now open for 2026: Davie County Tourism Grants, Mocksville Tourism Grants, and Davie County Recreation and Parks Community Recreation Agency Grants. These funding opportunities are designed to support projects that enhance community experiences, boost tourism, and strengthen local economic growth in Davie County and Mocksville.

Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. Davie Chamber President Caroline Moser, Mocksville Director of Marketing and Community Development Jeannette Pitts, and Davie County Recreation and Parks Director Paul Moore emphasize that eligible organizations may apply for grants from each funding source, maximizing opportunities to bring impactful projects to life.

Read on to explore each grant program, eligibility details, and how to apply.

Children sit at tables under a large, purple canopy, engaged in activities outdoors. Surrounded by green grass and trees, with a clear blue sky above, they enjoy the fresh air. A brick building is partially visible to the left, and a black metal fence encloses the area—2025 awaits their potential!.

Davie County Recreation and Parks Grant: Enhancing Quality of Life in Davie County 

Community Recreation Agency Grants provide supplemental funding for qualified agencies in Davie County interested in partnering with Davie County Recreation and Parks (DCRP) to advance its mission and vision by promoting recreational fitness, health, wellness, and quality-of-life initiatives.  It is the intent of this grant to provide financial assistance for minor capital improvements and community-based program activities that increase recreational opportunities for the Davie community.  This grant is not intended to be a designation of donation or sponsorship.

 Applications are evaluated in a three-phased process, including a) the Recreation and Parks Team and County Attorney, b) the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, and c) the Davie County Board of Commissioners.  The Board of Commissioners will determine final approval of the recommended grant awards, with all organizations being notified via e-mail in July 2026.

“DCRP’s community recreation agency grant program promotes agencies seeking to enhance quality of life and recreational opportunities.  If your agency is looking for minor capital improvements or programming activities and equipment to grow these initiatives, then this grant program is actively fit for you!” shared Moore.

A few past awardee examples:

  • Cognition of Davie County – $29k for shade sail and big blue block learning equipment.
  • RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls – $11k for new canoe portage, river flag advisory, and picnic shelter (*matching funds).
  • Camp Manna – $9k for obstacle course additions, life jackets, and picnic tables.
  • Sheffield Calahaln Recreation – $8k for new playground equipment and site amenities.

Eligibility and Resources:

  • Mission: To enrich the quality of life through exceptional recreational experiences and cultural resources.
  • Resources: Applicants are strongly encouraged to watch the training video, which guides them through each section of the grant application and details the processes and submittals involved. 

Application Details:

  • Deadline: February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applications received after this date/time will not be considered under any circumstances.
  • How to Apply: Complete the online application at http://www.daviecountync.gov/DCRPGrant.
  • Contact: Email RecTeam@daviecountync.gov or call 336-753-TEAM (8326).
A peaceful waterfall flows over rocks with lush green trees in the background. A red bench sits beneath the trees. Overlaid is a circular logo: “Discover Davie, You Belong Here, Davie County, NC”—highlighting Davie County's local impact.

Davie County Tourism Grant: Investing in Experiences That Showcase the Whole County

The Davie Chamber plays a central role in promoting Davie County as a vibrant destination through county-wide tourism initiatives, the Discover Davie County website, and the operation of the Davie County Visitor Center, where visitors can access free regional brochures and maps.

Funded by the county’s hotel occupancy tax, the Davie County Tourism Grant supports projects that strengthen and market local attractions while enhancing the visitor experience across the county. Applications are reviewed by the Davie County Tourism Advisory Board, which evaluates proposals focused on developing, promoting, and expanding Davie County’s tourism assets and potential destinations.

“Over the years, we have had the opportunity to support dozens of special organizations and programs,” said Davie Chamber President Caroline Moser. Past grant-supported projects have included concerts at Davie County Community Park, Cycling Davie events, and improvements at RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls—initiatives that continue to draw visitors and enrich the community.

Application Details:

  • Deadline: February 28, 2026, at 5 p.m.
  • How to Apply: Complete the online Special Projects/Events Funding Request form at discoverdaviecounty.com. NO handwritten or emailed applications will be allowed. 
  • New Annual Reporting Requirement: Awarded agencies will be required to submit a prerecorded video presentation for DCTAB and staff after event/project completion. Presentations are limited to two minutes. Presentations must focus on the agency’s completed project goals and highlights.

Contact: Call the Chamber at 336-751-3304 for more information.

A band performs on an outdoor stage at night with colorful lights and instruments, including keyboards, drums, and guitars. Audience members in Davie County watch from lawn chairs in the foreground, highlighting the event’s local impact.

Mocksville Tourism Grant: Bringing Visitors and Energy to Downtown

The Mocksville Tourism Development Authority (MTDA) is now accepting proposals for projects designed to attract visitors to Downtown Mocksville and the surrounding area. The grant supports creative initiatives that enhance the visitor experience while highlighting what makes Mocksville a welcoming and lively destination.

Past grant-funded projects have included community festivals, outdoor movie nights, and live concerts—events that draw people together and create memorable experiences for both residents and visitors.

“Our goal is to drive more visitors downtown and meet new people! There is so much to enjoy here in Downtown Mocksville,” Pitts said.

Application Details:

  • Deadline: March 6, 2025, at 5 p.m.
  • How to Apply: Complete the Special Project Funding Request Form and Budget Form. Applications can be submitted online or via hard copy.
  • Applications received after the grant cycle will be considered in the next grant cycle in the following fiscal year. 
  • New Presentation Requirement: Applicants must present a five-minute presentation of their proposal on March 17th at 5:30 p.m. Applications will be reviewed and considered at the next Mocksville Tourism Board Meeting scheduled in May.
  • Contact: Email Jeannette Pitts at jpitts@mocksvillenc.gov or call 336-753-6705.

Take advantage of these grant opportunities to create meaningful programs, events, and projects that will benefit the entire Davie County community. Start your applications today!

About Jeanna Baxter White

Jeanna Baxter White is a writer and the editor of the Davie County Blog. Relentlessly curious, she loves hearing and retelling the stories of Davie County. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends or curling up with a good book.