Annual Report 2017

No Place Like 2 0 1 7

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Y E A R

E N D

R E P O R T

the community foundation of western north carolina

C O N T E N T S Quick Facts............................................................... 3

Services for Nonprofits .........................................18

Board and Staff........................................................4

Grants by Program Area.......................................19

From the Chair and President............................... 5

Asheville Area Arts Council................................ 20

Taking the Long View.............................................. 6

Women’s Philanthropy...........................................21

Year in Review........................................................... 8

Services for Professional Advisors.......................22

Services for Fundholders.......................................12

Michael Pratt Profile.............................................23

Sources Of Grantmaking Funds..........................13

Affiliate Funds........................................................24

Focus Area Funding...............................................14

Stewardship Of Assets..........................................26

SAHC Nonprofit Fundholder Profile.................16

Financials................................................................. 27

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Photo courtesy of Verner Early Learning Center

$216 million in Grants in our 39-year history 100% of CFWNC Counties received Grants $18 million in Grants

1,070 Funds 66 New Funds 9 Regional Affiliates

Quick Facts

$24 million in New Gifts $270,000 in Grants from the Women for Women Giving Circle

$285 million in 95 Students Assets under Management Awarded $396,000 in (6/30/17) Scholarships 3,312 Grants to Nonprofits 190 Nonprofit Funds Photo courtesy of Candy Mountain Farm

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From the President &

B O A R D

Board of Directors A.C. Honeycutt, Jr. Chair

Stephanie Norris Kiser Vice-Chair G. Edward Towson, II Treasurer Laurence Weiss Secretary

Staff Maurean B. Adams Caroline M. Avery Joanne Badr James W. Baley Guadalupe Chavarria, II William Clarke Jennie Eblen Michael Fields Charles Frederick Connie Haire Susan Jenkins Lowell R. Pearlman Scott Shealy J. Chris Smith Sarah Sparboe Thornburg Stephen Watson

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C H A I R

Sheryl Aikman Vice President, Development Philip Belcher Vice President, Programs Elizabeth Brazas President Spencer Butler Donor Relations Officer Diane Crisp Grants Manager Becky Davis, CFRE Development Officer Naomi Davis Finance and Human Resources Officer Virginia Dollar Senior Program Officer Angela Farnquist Donor Relations Associate

Photos courtesy of SMM Farms

Lindsay Hearn Communications Director Graham Keever Chief Financial Officer Lezette Parks Scholarship Officer Jennifer Sadler Finance Associate Tara Scholtz Senior Program Officer Beth Semadeni Office Manager Janet Sharp Staff Accountant Rebecca Telberg Development Associate Sally Weldon Director of Information Technology

No Place Like Home Those of us who live here know that Western North Carolina is special. A region of incredible scenic beauty; home to a local food culture that supports farmers, entrepreneurs and families; and the hub of an enviable arts community with first-class craft schools, museums, performance venues and galleries, we love living here.

At The Community Foundation, we collaborate with generous donors and skilled professional advisors to expand philanthropy across this wonderful region.

CFWNC transforms gifts from individuals, families and businesses into grants that flow to talented nonprofits in eighteen counties where the funds power programs that support Western North Carolina’s diverse residents and unique assets.

In 2017, CFWNC created 66 new funds, bringing our total to 1,070. These funds represent a powerful permanent source of charitable income for Western North Carolina and are created by people just like you - people who want to have a long-lasting impact on causes or communities close to their hearts. The form these gifts take is personal, but the impulse to protect and preserve things important to you and to help friends and neighbors in need is universal.

During the past fiscal year, CFWNC awarded $18 million in grants; 76 percent, or $13.7 million of the total, was directed by our donors. Understanding our fundholders’ philanthropic goals and helping them find grant opportunities that align with their interests is a rewarding part of our work. It is the depth of these relationships that allows us to steward their charitable legacies, now and forever.

From humble beginnings, the Foundation has grown into a center for philanthropy with $265 million (6/30/17) in assets under management. That growth happened because of relationships that were built over decades, and it is the direct result of people choosing to invest in this region for the long haul. Their generosity is the foundation of our work, and we are honored to serve.

Western North Carolina - there really is no place like home.

In gratitude,

Elizabeth Brazas President

A.C. Honeycutt, Jr. Board Chair

View the No Place Like Home video at www.cfwnc.org.

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Taking the

LONG View

Houck and K.B. Medford have devoted untold hours to the protection of the Blue Ridge Parkway, among other causes. Houck, a Waynesville native and retired dentist, founded the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in 1997 and, shortly thereafter, opened an endowment at The Community Foundation to support that work. He left the organization in 2010 as CEO Emeritus and Founder.

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“Our motivation is to do what’s right - not for us - but for the community.”

“My value system started with my grandparents,” explained Houck. “My grandfather always talked about the long view; his life perspective and commitment became part of our vocabulary.

Endowments are about the long view, and it was easy to translate family values into action at The Community Foundation.”

They didn’t stop there. In 2012, Houck and his sister Philan opened the Mib and Phil Medford Endowment Fund to honor their parents.

The Fund is advised by CFWNC’s affiliate, The Fund for Haywood County, and has awarded $39,000 for beautification projects and public amenities in the Town of Waynesville.

“Locals and natives are in the best position to give advice and perspective on funding and potential projects,” said Houck. “It’s been extremely successful in our view. My folks were committed to improving their community’s quality of life. Working with CFWNC and the affiliate fund is a tremendous way to preserve their legacy.”

Houck and his wife K.B., a renowned whitewater paddler and instructor, opened a donor advised fund in 2013. With their personal philanthropy, the Medfords invest in programs they think will make a difference and might not otherwise have resources.

“There are people who have so much passion about what they’re doing and just need a little boost to make it happen,” explained K.B. “A small donation can go a long way, and that’s what we are able to do through our donor advised fund.”

“CFWNC is a well-wired entity, and there’s an answer for everyone,” continued Houck, who currently works as a documentary artist. “We have received great advice on how to bring our long-range view into focus.”

Left photo by Marc Hunt; above, photo by Harold Blackwood.

View the video at www.cfwnc.org.

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YEAR in Review

“Having a shared vision of how the Forest Service should manage the over one million acres of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests helps turn potential conflict into cooperation.”

- Lang Hornthal, Director, Root Cause Sustainable Forests Group Natural and Cultural Resource Grants Support Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Planning In 2012, the US Forest Service (USFS) began the process of revising the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan that required public input and participation. The Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Partnership was formed to bring together a broad set of interested groups to present shared goals to the USFS. When the revised plan is completed in 2019, it will guide management of the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests for approximately 15 years.

CFWNC invested early and often in this effort, awarding a total of $105,000, including a 2017 grant to American Whitewater to continue facilitation of the Partnership. Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation also provided support to the effort. Participating organizations invested countless staff hours, and some have contributed financially to provide matching grant funds. Beyond the forest plan, the Partnership is committed to creating a lasting voice for innovative management and investment in the public forests of North Carolina’s mountains. The Dogwood Charitable Endowment Fund co-invested in this grant. Above photo by Travis Bordley.

The Asheville Merchants Fund awarded $405,000 to nine Buncombe Country nonprofits to support economic growth and youth success.

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CFWNC Awarded Scholarships totaling $396,000 Sheila Rodriguez of Polk County was one of 95 scholars who received scholarship awards in 2017. She was awarded the Clyde and Mildred Wright Endowment Scholarship valued at $20,000 over four years.

“Education will make you a global citizen. It will help you achieve things you perceived as unattainable. I know this, because I have lived the thought of the unattainable. I was born and raised in a country with little possibility for advancement through education. Cuba was my home until I was 12 years old, and when I came to live to the United States, I started from scratch: new language, new culture, new everything, however; I did not let those barriers stop me. I graduated middle school and went on to an early college.

My perseverance led me to participate in several summer academic programs. I performed experiments at NCSSM through a program called Step Up to STEM; studied neuroscience at the University of Georgia at Athens, thanks to Duke TIP; and discussed the major political and global issues affecting our world today through the Social Science course at the NC Governor’s School East. I graduated top of my class as an NC Academic Scholar.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Rodriguez

My endeavors led me to an even greater opportunity: the ability to receive a college education from the first public university in the United States. For the next four years, I will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I will study Public Policy and Entrepreneurship. Thank you for making this experience possible for me.”

People in Need grants received co-investment from 21 donor advised funds, 8 affiliate funds and 3 private foundations.

Pigeon River Fund The Pigeon River Fund awarded $27,000 to Asheville GreenWorks to continue the Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP).

YELP engages youth from low-income communities in water-quality testing, riparian zone restoration, educational programs and environmental clean-ups, including the TrashBoom project and a live-stake nursery along Hominy Creek. Photos by Angeli Wright, Asheville Citizen-Times.

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August 2017

The Key to Our Futures: Expanding Access to High-Quality Preschool in Asheville and Buncombe County A Report and Recommendations from the Asheville-Buncombe Preschool Planning Collaborative

Early Childhood Development The Buncombe County Partnership for Children was awarded $30,000 to support a county-wide, multi-faceted plan to ensure that high-quality, accessible and affordable preschool is available to all 3 and 4 year olds in Buncombe County. High-quality preschools are built on teacher-child relationships, provide children with support and tools to deal with trauma, use proven methods, collaborate with others and focus on developing the whole child.

Communities that invest in high-quality preschool programs reduce high school dropout rates, special/remedial education costs, discipline issues, medical costs and costs for law enforcement, courts, and incarceration. Local economies further benefit from a workforce that is well educated, stable and productive. The Plan is currently being shared with the community to secure buy-in and feedback and to pursue financial support for implementation. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Partnership for Children.

In March 2017, a $10,000 Janirve Sudden and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grant was awarded to Pisgah Legal Services to support the hiring of an additional immigration attorney to meet dramatically increased demand for information and services in 17 counties. Pisgah Legal is the only source of free civil legal services for immigrants west of Charlotte.

The new attorney will help families navigate technical requirements of the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services and will support volunteer attorneys and translators.

People in Need MemoryCare was awarded a $20,000 People in Need grant to provide dementia care services to low-income families in its Haywood County satellite clinic. MemoryCare is an alternative to the traditional medical approach to dementia care.

The program incorporates caregiver education, counseling and support into the medical management of the patient and coordinates support services. Demand has grown steadily as excellent outcomes enable families to keep loved ones in a home setting as long as possible. The Peterson Endowment Fund, Wasson-Stowe Charitable Fund and two anonymous funds partnered with CFWNC to fund this grant.

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Pictured from left: CFWNC Grants Manager Diane Crisp with Carly Woods, Lisa Verges, Virginia Templeton and Elizabeth Hart of Memory Care. Photo by CFWNC.

Food and Farming Southwestern NC Resource Conservation & Development Council was awarded a $24,000 Food and Farming grant to perform farm assessments in seven far west counties to maximize available assistance. The goal is to go beyond basic workshops and outreach to assist both large scale commercial farmers and under-served or disenfranchised farm communities. The program supports farm operators by identifying specific needs and addressing barriers to food safety certifications, expanding markets and value-added production.

SMM Farm in Clay County is a medium to large scale farm supplying their produce stand, a tomato packing house, a brewing company, a farmers market and roadside stands. From left: Elizabeth Brazas, Salvador Moreno, Sr. and his daughter-in-law Alyssa Moreno. Photo by CFWNC.

Affiliates The Fund for Haywood County awarded Girls on the Run of WNC a $3,500 grant to allow 85 Haywood County girls to participate in the 10-week, 20-lesson program. “The Fund for Haywood County’s investment in Girls on the Run of WNC is having a direct impact on the number of Haywood County girls we can reach with our life-changing afterschool program.

The Fund’s 2016 grant award increased program participation by 54%, with six additional Haywood County schools offering a program last year. With this 2017 grant Girls on the Run is available to ALL Haywood County girls, regardless of their fitness level or their family’s ability to pay the registration fee,” said Amy Renigar, Executive Director, Girls on the Run of WNC.

Girls OTR

Pictured left to right: Leigh Pettus, Nikki Santiago, Robin Lenner, The Fund for Haywood County Advisory Board member Nyda BittmannNeville, Amy Renigar, Stephanie Bilotta, Hayley Harrell, Stephanie Emerson, Aileen Sheehan-Wilson, Marlene Frisbee, Charlie Snider, Hana Bieliauskas, and The Fund for Haywood County Advisory Board Chair Christine Mallette. Photo courtesy of The Fund for Haywood County.

Seventy People in Need Grants of up to $20,000 totaling $1,146,583 were made throughout the region served by the Foundation.

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SERVICES for Fundholders

CFWNC works with generous people during their lifetimes and stewards charitable legacies into the future. Creative planning solutions and compelling opportunities are paired with an array of flexible, taxadvantaged giving vehicles that provide a custom fit for your philanthropy.

Becoming a Fundholder

Giving and Grants

A relationship with CFWNC begins with your goals and interests. You can focus on an array of needs or a specific issue or organization, all with the level of involvement you choose and according to your needs and timing.

When you want to support your community, CFWNC can help.

Donor Central provides quick and convenient online access for grant recommendations and fund monitoring.

What to Give

Advice and Opportunity

CFWNC can turn complex assets into a charitable gift. You can give cash, appreciated property, retirement accounts, life insurance, real estate or private foundation assets. Your professional advisors are partners in this process, ensuring coordination across your charitable, financial and estate planning.

CFWNC’s staff engages daily with nonprofits and community leaders. Our commitment and regional knowledge make giving simple and rewarding. If you choose, you can review funding requests for the areas you care about. Some fundholders use CFWNC as philanthropic advisors to maximize the impact of charitable giving.

Sound Investment

Estate Planning

While each fund is accounted for separately, CFWNC’s assets are pooled for investment, yielding significant economies of scale.

CFWNC adheres to a sound investment policy, with a focus on maintaining and increasing the value of charitable assets.

As you plan your legacy, we can advise you and your advisors on tax-advantaged strategies. There are charitable giving vehicles to help take care of current income needs, provide for heirs or ease estate administration.

Contact us to see how we can help you give back and achieve your charitable goals.

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Photo by Travis Bordley.

S O U R C E S

O F

Grantmaking Funds Affiliate

Scholarship

6%

12%

2% 2% Unrestricted 2%

Designated

Field of Interest

21%

Nonprofit

55% 52%

Donor Advised

Between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, in partnership with fundholders, donors and affiliates, CFWNC awarded $18 million in grants and scholarships across Western North Carolina and beyond.

Donor Advised Grants are recommended by the donors who established the funds or the named advisor.

Fundholders often choose to partner with CFWNC to fund grants aligned with their interests to increase the effectiveness of their charitable dollars.

Nonprofit Funds provide cost-effective investment strategies and enhanced stewardship for nonprofit organizational assets.

Field of Interest Grants are awarded through our Focus Areas and other grant programs.

Designated Grants are made from funds created by a donor to support a specific nonprofit organization.

Affiliate Funds support grantmaking in specific geographic areas. Four of CFWNC’s nine affiliate funds – Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund, Cashiers Community Fund, Rutherford County Endowment and The Yancey Fund – provide grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes in their communities; the five other affiliates partner with CFWNC to support local nonprofits through the People in Need grant program and other grant opportunities.

Scholarships are awarded to help students achieve their educational goals. CFWNC administers 50 scholarship funds for students across our region.

Unrestricted Funds are awarded through CFWNC grant programs and initiatives.

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Focus Area Funding

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

Southwestern Child Development Commission was awarded $75,000 to educate and engage stakeholders regarding improved access to quality, affordable early childhood education in WNC. Program partners include Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County, Verner Center for Early Learning, Children & Family Resource Center of Henderson County and Pisgah Legal Services. Photo courtesy of Verner Center for Early Learning.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) Partnership was awarded $25,000 to help launch the Blue Ridge Craft Trails to support and enhance cultural tourism and improve local economies in 25 WNC counties. CFWNC grant funds provided critical, non-federal matching funds to a larger Appalachian Regional Commission grant. Photo courtesy of BRNHA.

FY 2017 $269,600

Donor Co-investment $42,200 (16%) Grants • $261,600

Blue Ridge Partnership For Children Buncombe Partnership for Children Reach Out and Read Carolinas Region A Partnership for Children Smart Start of Transylvania County Southwestern Child Development Commission

Capacity Grants • $8,000 Smart Start of Henderson County

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FY 2017 $208,000

Donor Co-investment $68,909 (33%) Affiliate Co-investment $2,500 (1.2%) Grants • $185,500

Asheville Downtown Association Foundation American Rivers American Whitewater Asheville Museum of Science Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Carolina Public Press The Center for Craft, Creativity and Design, Inc. Madison County Commission NC International Folk Festival, Inc.

Capacity Grants • $22,500 Asheville Art Museum Association Friends of the WNC Nature Center, Inc. Western North Carolina Green Building Council

• • •

$ 2

M I L L I O N

• • •

FOOD & FARMING

PEOPLE IN NEED

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) was awarded $45,000 for “Building Connections: Helping Appalachian Grown Farmers Tell Their Farm Story.” The project provides farmers and markets tools and training to improve marketing strategies and reach, expand customer bases, build connections between community members and local farms and increase sales of local food. Stories are shared in ASAP’s Local Food Guide, through the ASAP Farm Tour and through marketing materials and other media. Photo courtesy of ASAP.

Rural Education Partners of Mitchell County was awarded $15,000 to establish an office to expand in-school support services, afterschool and summer activities and case managed student services at Bowman Middle School in Bakersville, NC. Photo of the Roan Readers book club, courtesy of Rural Education Partners.

FY 2017 $1,287,377

FY2017 $233,810

70 grants totaling $1,146,583 Donor Co-investment $569,675 (48%) Affiliate Co-investment $165,210 (14%)

Grants

Janirve Sudden and Urgent Needs Grants • $89,994

Donor Co-investment $45,000 (19%) Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project Bountiful Cities Project McDowell County Government Organic Growers School Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Southwestern NC Resource Conservation and Development Council TRACTOR (Toe River Aggregation Center Training Organization Regional)

Capacity Grants • $50,800 All Souls Counseling Center Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC, Inc. Blue Ridge Literacy Council Girls on the Run of WNC Green Opportunities Safelight, Inc. Under One Sky Village Foundation

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SAHC

Nonprofit Fundholder

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) is an Asheville-based land trust that has protected more than 70,000 acres since 1974.

Its conservation efforts focus on unique plant and animal habitat, clean water sources, farmland and the scenic viewsheds of the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.

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“Our partnership with CFWNC is profoundly beneficial to SAHC.”

Supporting Conservation and Building Sustainability SAHC serves ten counties, spanning the Southern Appalachians from the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Highlands of Roan.

“We are working hard to protect resources as a legacy for future generations,” said Carl Silverstein, SAHC executive director. “The Community Foundation partnership has been transformational for us both in terms of our ability to do more conservation work and for institutional stability. We have opened an array of funds with CFWNC to support various aspects of our mission.”

SAHC created its first CFWNC endowment in 1999 and followed with a second in 2005. Distributions from these funds support operational costs. SAHC subsequently opened two additional endowments with more specific purposes – one to acquire conservation easements and another to support the long-term stewardship of conservation easements.

“SAHC is the beneficiary of two designated funds and several charitable gift annuities managed

by CFWNC,” said Sheryl Aikman, CFWNC Vice President for Development. “SAHC has taken full advantage of the ways we partner with regional nonprofits. Their conservation work is important to us and to future generations. The Foundation is proud to play a role in SAHC’s success.”

“CFWNC has been helpful when landowners or other donors come to us with a complex gift,” continued Silverstein. “Working with the Foundation, we’ve been able to secure gifts that otherwise might never have happened.”

Opposite page, from left: Carl Silverstein of SAHC, Lee Warren and Cameron Farlow of the Organic Growers School, CFWNC Senior Program Officer Tara Scholtz, Suzanna Denison of WNC Farmlink and Chris Link and Kristy Urquhart of SAHC. Photo courtesy of WNC Farmlink. Above photo by Travis Bordley.

View the video at www.cfwnc.org.

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SERVICES Strong organizations make strong communities.

Nonprofit assets under management now account for 21 percent of CFWNC’s total funds, or $62 million.

Nonprofits choose to invest their assets with CFWNC to gain access to institutional-caliber strategies in a costeffective manner and because they know and trust the Foundation.

Nonprofit Funds number nearly 200. CFWNC helps

regional nonprofits by offering expertise in administration and investment management. Our nonprofit fundholders complement their development efforts with CFWNC’s full range of charitable products such as gift annuities and remainder trusts. CFWNC is available to help negotiate complex gifts and offer solutions. Nonprofits gain access to layers of supervision, diversity of investments, benchmarks and standards that an independent portfolio might not command on its own. For information about opening a nonprofit fund, contact Vice President for Development Sheryl Aikman at 828-367-9900.

WNC Nonprofit Pathways is a funders’ collaborative formed in 2006 that supports the nonprofit sector through technical advice, consultancies and grants.

Pathways hosts the Duke Certificate Program in Nonprofit Management. CFWNC supports the efforts 18

for Nonprofits of nonprofits to be as efficient and effective as possible through Pathways participation.

In addition to CFWNC, Pathways funders include the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Mission Health and the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. Last year, CFWNC made eleven Capacity Grants totaling more than $81,300. Pathways is also supported by The Duke Endowment, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. For more information, visit the Pathways website at www.nonprofitpathways.org.

Grant Funding is awarded throughout the year to

nonprofit organizations, schools and public agencies. The majority of CFWNC’s grants are donor advised. Grants from discretionary funds and field of interest funds are made in alignment with the focus areas. Grant programs and deadlines are listed on our website. For additional information, contact Grants Manager Diane Crisp at 828-367-9904.

Subscribe to CFWNC enews and follow CFWNC on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed.

Photo courtesy of Penland School of Crafts.

B Y

Grants

P R O G R A M

Scholarships 2%

A R E A

Animal Welfare

6%

14% 13%

1%

20% 16% 14% 14% Religion

People in Need

Health

Arts

Community/ Economic Vitality

Environment

Education

Animal Welfare Arts

Competitive $6,000

$98,276

TOTAL $104,276

$2,423,962

$2,554,376

Community/ Economic Vitality $383,906

$1,916,010

$2,229,916

Environment

$735,115

$1,716,800

$2,451,915

Education

$573,164

$1,958,477

$2,531,641

Health

$472,292

$2,517,902

$2,990,194

$1,589,496

$1,954,650

$3,554,146

People in Need Scholarships Religion Total

$130,414

Non-Competitive

$396,000 N/A $4,286,987

N/A

$396,000

$1,132,883

$1,132,883

$13,718,960

$18,005,947 19

ARTS

& Wellness for Veterans

With help from CFWNC’s Ramble Charitable Fund, the Asheville Area Arts Council (AAAC) launched an Arts & Wellness program for area veterans, some of whom are dealing with post-traumatic stress or other issues stemming from their military service. A collaborative of arts organizations, teaching artists and therapists is offering veterans hands-on workshops to support healing and recovery.

The Ramble Charitable Fund’s goal is to improve the quality of life in Shiloh and south Buncombe communities. “When we learned of this opportunity to assist veterans and local artists, we knew it was something we wanted to support,” said Ramble Advisory Board Member Brad Galbraith. “I am impressed with this collaboration, and we hope that it encourages others to support programs like this.”

The Arts & Wellness program takes a multi-tiered approach.

Instead of one- or two-day workshops, the AAAC program offers longer term art-making experiences. “There are a lot of arts programs in and around Buncombe County but not one specifically targeted for veterans,” said Stephanie Gerber Darr, AAAC executive director. “What’s really great about this collaborative program is that we are putting artists to work and bringing programs to a specific population.”

“We depend on The Community Foundation for our grant process but also to help us grow our funds,” continued Galbraith. “The more that fund grows, the more people we are able to help.”

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Photos courtesy of CFWNC.

View the video at www.cfwnc.org.

2017 Power of the Purse® - Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin was the featured speaker at the sold-out 13th Annual Power of the Purse®. The event included the announcement of the Women for Women grants and raised more than $73,000 for The Women’s Fund, bringing the fund balance to more than $1.25 million.

Women’s Philanthropy Since 2006, the Women for Women giving circle has awarded more than $3 million to programs helping women and girls in Western North Carolina. 2017 grants totaled $270,000 and supported the Facilitation of Safe Living Environments for Women and Girls: • Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County was awarded $31,772 for the SMART Moves Program • Mitchell County SafePlace was awarded $41,428 for a Domestic and Sexual Violence prevention education program • Park Ridge Health was awarded $70,000 to create a Henderson County Sexual Assault Response Team • SAFE of Transylvania County was awarded $100,000 to develop a Family Justice Collaborative and hire a Victim Navigator • Steps to HOPE was awarded $26,800 to upgrade the security system of its domestic violence shelter

In 2018, Women for Women will announce a collaborative high impact grant of up to $450,000 over three years to a collective of three or more organizations at the 2018 Power of the Purse®.

Join the Giving Circle members make a taxdeductible contribution of $1,100 each year for at least three years; $1,000 is granted out and $100 supports administrative costs.

Membership currently exceeds 300 women. Visit www.cfwnc.org for more information or call 828.254.4960.

Women for Women Endowment Fund – The $250,000 endowment will provide annual income that will support a stable and sustainable future. Gifts of any size are welcome.

The Women’s Fund - This permanent endowment grows through gifts of all sizes. Its proceeds are distributed through the Women for Women grant program. This year, $37,650 was added to the funds available for grants.

Power of the Purse® photos by Michael Oppenheim 21

SERVICES for Professional Advisors

When your clients’ needs involve charitable giving, The Community Foundation is here to help. CFWNC develops personalized solutions, confidentially and without a fee.

CFWNC can help you develop a customized charitable plan that integrates your clients’ business, personal and financial decisions and tax-planning needs.

We can serve as philanthropic advisors, connecting your clients with effective charities, strategic giving opportunities and others who share their interests. We offer a range of charitable products with immediate tax benefits and can help your clients build a legacy for future giving. We develop personalized solutions - confidentially and without a fee.

CFWNC offers an annual professional seminar with continuing education credit, informal “lunch and learns” and an e-newsletter to keep you informed and connected.

The Professional Advisory Committee links CFWNC with professional advisors across the region. The members are recognized as leading and trusted advisors.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: James W. Baley, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, Chair Joel B. Adams Jr., Raymond James Financial Services L. Daniel Akers Jr., Altavista Wealth Management, Inc. Nicki Applefield, Patla, Straus, Robinson & Moore, P.A. Andrew D. Atherton, McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A. Wm. Michael Begley, Begley Law Firm, P.A. Cindy D. Causby, CTFA, AEP®, C&C Senior Services Vincent D. Childress Jr., Roberts & Stevens, P.A. R. Walton Davis III, R. Walton Davis, III, P.A. Betty A. Doll, Long Term Care Insurance Services Larry B. Harris, CPA, CFP, Burlingham & Harris, P.A. O. John Igharas, Colton Groome & Company Harris M. Livingstain, McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A. Shon Norris, Gould Killian CPA Group, P.A. Kale Olson, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. Harli L. Palme, Parsec Financial Management, Inc James W. Plaster, Altamont Capital Management Townsend Tanner III, Wells Fargo Advisors LLC Carter B. Webb, Strauss & Associates, P.A.

Photo by Travis Bordley.

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MICHAEL PRAT T “I firmly believe the Foundation will be rock solid and there way beyond all of our lives.”

Helping Build Legacies Professional advisors often refer clients to The Community Foundation. Brevard attorney Michael Pratt says that The Community Foundation is a great resource for his philanthropic clients and for those interested in complex gifts, such as charitable gift annuities or remainder trusts.

“It’s in the nature of CFWNC’s staff that they want to help,” said Pratt. “It’s been a tremendous boon for clients who are charitably inclined. CFWNC gives advice aligned with client goals and appropriate to their situation. I have complete trust in the Foundation and would recommend them to any charitably-minded clients.”

One of Pratt’s clients approached him about starting a private foundation. After learning more, he eventually recommended a CFWNC donor-advised fund. His clients were able to enjoy immediate tax advantages, simple administration

and reporting, cost savings and grantmaking flexibility.

“If I find out that my clients want to create a legacy, I talk to them about different options,” he continued.

“I like to help them build on their inclinations and goals.”

“Finishing an estate plan is a major accomplishment,” said Pratt. “It’s easier for some people to think about their own mortality. It’s my hope that clients feel a sense of relief at having a plan in place, leaving them more time to enjoy their lives.

I don’t think that charitable giving would have the support that it does in this region if it weren’t for The Community Foundation. And, it will just continue to grow. It’s a wonderful thing for Western North Carolina.”

Photo by Angelo Gianni.

View the video at www.cfwnc.org.

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The volunteers who lead CFWNC’s nine regional affiliate funds raise local dollars and provide expertise to guide affiliate grantmaking. They are rooted in their communities and know that there is no place like home. CFWNC relies on them to help spread philanthropy throughout the region.

Our regional affiliate funds are: Black Mountain – Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund Established in 1999; June 30 assets* surpassed $2.3 million Advisory Board: Kannah Begley, John Buckner, John Corkran, Chip Craig (Chair), Barbara Griffin, Carol Groben, Roger Hibbard, Margaret Hurt, Bill McGee, Scott Roy, Mark Siler, Joe Standaert, Lori Turley and Betsy Warren *The Board also makes grants from the Buckner Family Endowment Fund, the Helen S. and Jerry M. Newbold, Jr. Endowment Fund and the Forbes Fund for Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley.

Affili Lucke, Sam Lupas, Will Madden, Sarah Nelson, Harry Phillips, Jr., Linda Quick, Jeff Sikes and Toby Summerour *The Board also makes grants from the Lyn K. Holloway Memorial Fund.

The Fund for Haywood County Established in 1994; June 30 assets* over $1.1 million Advisory Board: Nyda Bittmann-Neville, Adam Bridges, Neal Ensley, Dionne Ghaussy, Jeff Haynes, George D. Ivey, Bruce Kingshill, Christine Mallette (Chair), Scott McLeod, Steve McNeil, Jeremy Phillips, Bennie Sharpton, M.D., Don Stanton, Ed.D., David Sutton and Sarah Wenzel *The Board also makes grants from the J. Aaron and Adora H. Prevost Endowment Fund and the Mib and Phil Medford Endowment Fund.

Highlands Community Fund Established in 1996; June 30 assets* surpassed $1.4 million

Cashiers Community Fund Established in 1992; June 30 assets* exceeded $3.2 million

FY 2016-17 Advisory Board Members: Katherine Bowman, Caroline Cook, Gayle Cummings, Amanda Gregory, Ann Klamon, Jim Landon (Chair), Jeff Nixon, Diane Riddle, Jim Stokes, Cindy Trevathan, John Viani and Jeff Weller

Advisory Board: Lisa Bates, Jeanne Builder, Charles W. Coker, T. Wayne Davis (Chair), Shannon Hargrove, Harriet Karro, Jochen

*The Board also makes grants from the Mildred Miller Fort Charitable Fund.

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Photos from left: Highlands Community Fund awarded $20,000 to The Bascom for a community arts education, photo courtesy of The Bascom; The Cashiers Community

liates

Fund awarded Jackson County’s Blue Ridge Community Health Services $6,500, photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Health; Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic received funding from the Highlands Community Fund, photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountains Health Project; the McDowell Endowment supported the City of Marion tailgate market, photo of Estelle Altman, courtesy of City of Marion.

The McDowell Endowment Established in 1995; June 30 assets* exceeded $1 million

Transylvania Endowment Established in 1998; June 30 assets* nearly $1.4 million

Advisory Board: Marion Baker, George Simeon Butler, Rebecca B. Cross, Simeon R. Cross, Marsh Dark, Juanita Doggett, Nancy Hunter, Michael Lavender, Ray McKesson (Chair), Rob Noyes, Sharon Lee Parker, Jan Ramsey, Joy Shuford and Nancy Spencer

FY 2016-17 Advisory Board Members: Don Bieger, Bill Carrington, John Goins, Don Guffey, W. Andrew Harvill, Char Holbrook, Beth Holimon, Patti Jerome, Beth Lastinger, Scott Latell (Chair), Amye McCallie, Layne Racht, Robin Saul, Mark Shevory, Jerry Stone and Judy Welch, Au.D.

*The Board also makes grants from the Margaret Westmoreland Gibson Memorial Fund, Greenlee Family Fund, A.C. Hogan Family Fund and the Daniel I. and Joy Q. Shuford Fund.

The Fund for Mitchell County Established in 1999; June 30 assets over $400,000 Advisory Board: Beverly Ayscue, Daniel Barron, Ph.D. (Chair), Lindsey Canipe, Janie DeVos, Lee Ellis, Sammie Ellis, Rhonda Gunter, Nick Joerling, Delphia Lamberson, Sue Ledford, Starli McDowell, Becky Plummer, Brandon Roberts, Yolanda Sommer, Brenda Sparks and Teaky Tollison

Rutherford County Endowment Established in 1996; June 30 assets exceeded $1.8 million Advisory Board: Jane Alexander Bell, John Condrey (Chair), Lucille Dalton, Nick Elliott, Jackie Hampton, Katy Hunt, Keven McCammon, Karen V. Moore, Travis Oates, Janice Paris, Judy Toney and Diane Warner

*The Board also makes grants from the Richard G. Adamson Memorial Fund, Duncan-Bicknell Endowment Fund, Burlingame Charitable Fund, Lake Toxaway Charities Endowment Fund, My Brother’s Keeper Fund, Bobby Orr Memorial Fund for Transylvania County Sherriff’s Department, Karen Wilde Memorial Fund for Brevard Police Department and the Transylvania Directors’ Fund.

The Yancey Fund Established in 1998; June 30 assets* exceeded $2.3 million Advisory Board: Jim Ashton, Jill Austin, Gretchen Banks, M.D., Larissa Bare, Amber Westall Briggs, Frances Coletta, Ph.D., R.D., Jim Gentry, Linda Goldberg, Elliott Grosh, David McIntosh, Jamie McMahan, Ron Powell (Chair), Wanda Proffitt, Greg Stella, and Sam Young *The Board also makes grants from the Bailey-Hilliard Fund.

To learn more about our affiliates, visit www.cfwnc.org.

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Stewardship of Assets The stewardship of CFWNC’s assets is a critical responsibility of the Board of Directors. The Investment Committee, comprised of local professionals with investment and financial expertise, has responsibility for all investment activities including policy, asset allocation and performance review. A consulting firm supports our work through analytical studies, manager searches and compilation of performance data. Multiple investment managers apply their knowledge and experience in portfolio management to the process.

CFWNC has a sustained record of prudent investment management. We offer donors and

nonprofits access to institutional investment strategies and management typically available only to larger investors.

Fundholders can recommend an investment option from among multiple portfolios under the oversight of the Investment Committee.

The primary investment pool utilized by our donors is a broadly-diversified portfolio that provides strategic allocations to equities, fixed income, alternative investments and real assets.

The Foundation also maintains valued local investment management relationships with the following firms:

Altamont Capital Management

Merrill Lynch

A l t a v i s t a We a l t h M a n a g e m e n t

Parsec Financial Management

Boys Arnold & Company

Raymond James & Company

Colton Groome & Company

U B S We a l t h M a n a g e m e n t

IFG/Russell Investments

A N N U A L I Z E D I N V E S T M E N T R E T U R N S through 6/30/17:

A S S E T A L L O C AT I O N as of 6/30/17:

CFWNC Benchmark*

One Year

11.5%

10.8%

Three Years

3.5%

4.6%

Five Years

7.4%

8.1%

Global equity

48.8%

Alternative investments

20.9%

Real Assets Fixed Income & Cash

6.5% 23.8%

100.0% *The benchmark utilized is 60% MSCI World, 40% Barclays Aggregate Index. Investment returns are reported net of investment expenses.

Note: Standards of financial accounting for nonprofit organizations affect the reporting of charitable remainder trusts and certain endowment funds managed by CFWNC for other nonprofit organizations. On the statement of activities, among the categories of revenue and expense impacted by these reporting requirements are Contributions and Program Services, which includes grant distributions. References to Contributions and Grants in other parts of this report reflect total contributions received and total grants disbursed.

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Statement Of Financial Position

Assets

Cash & cash equivalents Prepaid expenses Accounts receivable Note receivable Promises to give, net Investments Property and equipment, net Real Estate Investments, permanently restricted

Total assets

2017 2016 6,046,990 5,690 205,514 1,000,000 - 142,864,364 2,371,022 570,186 131,444,356

284,508,122

3,890,036 27,424 151,693 1,000,000 41,400 124,016,519 2,459,340 570,186 121,790,958

253,947,556

Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities

Grants and scholarships payable Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Long-term debt Liabilities under split-interest agreements Funds held as agency endowments

Total liabilities

377,827 5,855 1,172,347 4,497,776 61,185,339

67,239,144

Net assets

Unrestricted (deficit) Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted

Total net assets Total liabilities and net assets

2,882,463 82,942,159 131,444,356

217,268,978 284,508,122

345,157 5,601 1,285,902 4,293,724 53,166,675

59,097,059 1,693,986 71,365,553 121,790,958

194,850,497 253,947,556

Statement Of Activities

2017 Revenues and other support:

Contributions Investment Income Realized and unrealized losses - net Change in value of split-interest agreements Management fee income Grant income Other income

Total revenues and other support

17,804,769 2,308,558 19,207,286 (260,228) 419,592 47,503 264,489 39,791,969

Expenses

Grants & Program services Supporting services

15,848,498 1,524,990

2016 18,429,268 2,231,938 (5,841,105) (541,612) 382,958 53,673 227,650

14,942,770 15,706,312 1,435,274

Total Expenses 17,373,488 17,141,586

Change in net assets 22,418,481 (2,198,816) Net assets, beginning of year 194,850,497

Net assets, end of year 217,268,978

197,049,313 194,850,497 27

CFWNC the community foundation of western north carolina people place prosperity

4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 300 Asheville NC 28803 • 828-254-4960 www.cfwnc.org

Cover photos, clockwise from left: S. Jones at Tater Hill Farms, photo courtesy of ASAP; Black Balsam Sunset, photo by Wes Harkins; Fall Tree, photo by Wes Harkins; photo courtesy of Cashiers Valley Preschool; Above: Snow on the Roan, photo by Travis Bordley

Confirmed in compliance with national standards for US Community Foundations

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