On September 21, 2020, the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a budget exclusively
for kudzu eradication.  The Polk Co Appearance Commission assumes oversight for the matching
grant applications and disbursement of grant monies. Applicants eligible for this grant include towns
and non-profit organizations.  The Appearance Commission will seek to award kudzu eradication
grants in diverse locations throughout the geographic area of Polk County, prioritizing highly visible
public areas.  
 
The Kudzu application requires an assessment by a qualified individual, County Extension Agent, or
a company who has expressed a willingness to do kudzu control. Scott Welborn is the Polk County
Extension Director, and he is available to provide an assessment and guidance for kudzu control.
His number is 828-894-8218. 
 
Historically, our grant appliers typically request up to $1000 although this is not an absolute ceiling.
The Commission recommends that each applying agency match the total grant request by at least
25% cash. Since this is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, the balance of any grant request not
matched in cash can be remedied with in-kind labor. The Commission welcomes any nonprofit
agency to apply, and they will be considered regardless of if they don’t meet the above
recommendations.      
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The submission of applications for the upcoming year opens October 15, at which time funds
will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated.
 
A final report is required of each approved applicant and that must be submitted the
following year by Oct 31.
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Our Purpose: We offer Matching Grants for kudzu eradication projects that enhance the
appearance of public spaces in Polk County. The Polk County Appearance Commission is dedicated
to plantings of native trees, bushes and flowers. 
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When completing this application, please note that the Total Project Budget must be at least the
amount of the Grant Request Amount as this is a Matching Grant.
 
The Appearance Commission will seek to award kudzu eradication grants in diverse locations
throughout Polk County. 
 
What is Needed to Apply:
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• The Kudzu Matching Grant Application must be filled out in full. 

• Include “before” pictures. Pictures after the completion of the project will be due with the Final Report.

• Detailed budget including dated: itemized quotes for equipment, products, and labor.

       If any volunteer work will be done, you can allocate.

       it as in-kind labor using the equation:

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                              Number of volunteers X number of hours @ $25 per hour​

 

•  Kudzu eradication is a problem that needs continual surveillance for years. Address how you

        plan to monitor and control kudzu at this site in the future.

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If you have any questions regarding the kudzu matching grant or have applied and wish to submit
before pictures and detailed budget, please email us at polk.nc.kudzu@gmail.com or contact the

Polk County Appearance Commission by leaving your name and contact number with the county
offices at 828-894-3301 Extension 8.