Cfwnc annual report 2015

the community foundation of western north carolina

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Our passion is our strength.

Board and Staff................................................................ 4 From the Chair and President.........................................5 Fund Profile - Skip and Carol Wilson.........................6-7 Year in Review..............................................................8-11 Sources of Grantmaking Funds....................................12 Services for Nonprofits.................................................13 Fund Profile - Highland-Cashiers Land Trust..... 14-15 Grants by Program Area.............................................16 Services for Fundholders............................................... 17 Fund Profile - Ken and Ida Brown......................... 18-19 Women’s Philanthropy............................................ 20-21 Advisor Profile - Sarah Wenzel............................ 22-23 Services for Advisors.....................................................24 Focus Area Funding 2011-2015................................... 25 Focus Area Funding 2015....................................... 26-27 Regional Affiliates...................................................28-29 Financials.................................................................. 30-31

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CFWNC Counties received under Management (6/30/ 62 New Funds • 9 Regional Grants from the Women Photo courtesy of the Organic Growers School Amelia Fletcher Photography.

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$407,400 in Scholarships •

$180 million in Grants in our 37-year history • 100% of Grants • $15 million in Grants • $257 million in Assets 2015) • 3065 Grants to Nonprofits • 999 Funds Affiliates • $34 million in New Gifts • $258,000 in for Women Giving Circle • 92 Students received 134 Nonprofit Funds

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Board of Directors

Foundation Staff

James W. Stickney, IV, Chair A.C. Honeycutt, Jr., Vice-Chair G. Edward Towson, II, Treasurer Laurence Weiss, Secretary

Sheryl Aikman Vice President, Development

Lezette Parks Scholarship Officer*

Philip Belcher Vice President, Programs

Tim Richards Senior Program Officer

Elizabeth Brazas President

Jennifer Sadler Finance Administrative Assistant

Spencer Butler Donor Relations Officer

Tara Scholtz Senior Program Officer

Diane Crisp Grants Manager

Beth Semadeni Office Manager

Becky Davis, CFRE Development Officer

Janet Sharp Staff Accountant

Naomi Davis Accounting Associate

Sally Weldon Director of Information Technology

Virginia Dollar Senior Program Officer

Marcia Whitney Regional Development Officer

Angela Farnquist Development Administrative Assistant

*Maria Juarez retired November 2015

Maureen Adams Caroline M. Avery James W. Baley Guadalupe Chavarria, II William Clarke Jennie Eblen Ernest E. Ferguson Charles Frederick Howell A. Hammond Susan Jenkins Melanie Johnson Stephanie Norris Kiser Lowell R. Pearlman Scott Shealy Anna S. (Candy) Shivers Sarah Sparboe Thornburg Stephen Watson 4

Lindsay Hearn Communications Director Graham Keever Chief Financial Officer

CFWNC is passionate about building philanthropy for Western North Carolina. Passion is our strength.

Watch the video at www.cfwnc.org.

From the Chair & President

Passion is the theme of our annual report. While CFWNC enhances the good work of charitable people and effective organizations, it is passion that drives philanthropists and nonprofits to push boundaries. Passion is the fuel that excites people and builds coalitions.

In the pages of this report are stories of individuals whose passions have led them to lives of giving and service. CFWNC serves as philanthropic advisor to the generous people and companies that open funds with us. We learn about their passions and help them achieve their charitable goals. Through these relationships, we are uniquely positioned to connect opportunities and resources and to expand private giving for the public good.

CFWNC is here to champion philanthropy, connect donors with community needs, build a permanent source of charitable funds to serve Western North Carolina and address a broad range of community issues through grants and services for nonprofits.

Elizabeth Brazas President

James W. Stickney Chair

Elizabeth Brazas and Jim Stickney joined CFWNC staff and board members for a work day at Habitat for Humanity’s Business Bungalow House. The house was sponsored by donations from local businesses that were matched by $25,000 from an anonymous CFWNC donor.

Additional support came from Publix Super Markets Charities and AvL Technologies.

By any measure, 2015 was a successful year. On the income and distribution sides, we surpassed records and ended the year with more than $250 million in assets and $34 million in contributions. Even more importantly, through the generosity of our fundholders, we facilitated an all-time high of more than $15 million in grants and scholarships, $11 million of which was given on the advice of donors.

CFWNC also distributed more than $1.9 million in grants for People in Need, Food and Farming, Early Childhood Development and Natural and Cultural Resources. More than $800,000, 41% of the total, was provided by grant partners – fundholders, affiliate funds and private foundations that join forces with us to make a difference. Support from our grant partners has increased, as we deepen our engagement with them and continue to strategically invest in the region through our focus areas.

Our objectives are aspirational. Our mission is community serving. Over time, and through the personal passions and philanthropic actions of many generous people, we are building a regional resource singularly focused on improving lives and communities. We do this work in partnership with you, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your trust and support.

Elizabeth Brazas President

James W Stickney, IV Chair of the Board of Directors 5

“We are passionate about helping children with special needs.”

SKIP AND CAROL WILSON

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Burnsville Family Creates Local Legacy

Jay (Skip) Wilson, a retired citrus grower, knew he wanted to bring his wife Carol, a retired university dean and faculty member, and son Jay to Burnsville. The community, nestled in Yancey County, “is the same community that welcomed me into their homes as a young Army Special Forces Airborne trooper performing my training exercises,” said Skip. Many years later, the same friendly welcome was extended to his family when they relocated to Western North Carolina.

Skip and Carol had established a donor advised family endowment fund with the Central Florida Community Foundation and, recognizing the value of working with a community foundation, immediately wanted to establish the same professional relationship with CFWNC with a special emphasis on The Yancey Fund. “The ease with which the staff at the Foundation met our requests when hearing that we were interested in children with special needs, was a delight to experience,” said Carol.

The dedication and enthusiasm of members of The Yancey Fund Advisory Board to meet needs in their community convinced Carol to become a member of that board. “Having established an expectancy fund, along with other members of the Legacy Society who have arranged for a future gift to The Yancey Fund, assures Skip, Jay and me that our desire to continue helping well into the future is guaranteed,” said Carol.

“With time, giving back becomes more and more important,” added Skip. “It is personally rewarding to have an opportunity to see the results of our philanthropy and to know that everything is in place through our relationship with The Community Foundation.”

Photo by Michael Oppenheim

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Year in 7 . 1 . 1 4

People in Need Grants top $1 Million Largest Single Grant Cycle in Foundation History

In November 2014, CFWNC approved grants totaling $1,050,000 to nonprofits serving economicallydisadvantaged populations across the Foundation’s 18-county service area. These awards were funded by discretionary dollars, the Janirve Legacy Fund, CFWNC affiliate funds and donor co-investment. Sixty-two grants of up to $20,000 were made to a variety of nonprofits serving Western North Carolina’s most vulnerable residents.

“Supporting nonprofits that help the region’s individuals and families in times of need will always be a critical component of our work,” said CFWNC President Elizabeth Brazas. “Money for more than half of these grants came from generous donors and our regional affiliate funds. This significant level of co-investment greatly increases our ability to provide access to health care, hunger relief, job training, child services, literacy programs and more.”

A $20,000 People in Need grant helped Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity purchase a new van for the Neighborhood Revitalization Home Repair program. Allowing the nonprofit to pick up more donations means more sales in the ReStore. “The People in Need grant we received last year helped us buy a van, which freed up an older truck for the ReStore. The Asheville Merchants Fund grant we received in the previous round provided the point of sale system that enables us to effectively track our sales,” explained Kit Raines, Habitat Development Director.

“We are truly appreciative of the support CFWNC gives our work. It helps us to operate more productively and to make

Students from the East Yancey and Cane River Garden Clubs with Abby Artemesia, Yancey County After School Garden Coordinator, at the Dig In! Yancey Community Garden. Dig In! received a $17,500 People in Need grant to build organizational capacity and to implement a Mobile Kitchen Demonstration Project to increase outreach and make the issue of hunger more visible to the general public. The Yancey Fund partnered with CFWNC to fund this grant.

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Photo courtesy of Dig In!.

strategic decisions that result in building and preserving more homes in our community.” Photo courtesy of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

Scholarships Support WNC Students Scholarships totaling $407,400 were awarded to 92 students in Western North Carolina. The Bradley Schmidt, recipient Foundation of the Nathaniel Ellis administers Cannady, Jr., Scholarship 60 scholarship funds; 45 run a cycle offered to high school seniors each year.

Scholarship endowments can have broad eligibility criteria or can be focused on a particular school or county, offered to students pursuing a degree in a stated field or available to those who will attend a designated college or university.

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“Sharing the resources of the Foundation and its generous donors through scholarships changes lives and strengthens the economic future of our region and state,” said Jennie Eblen, member of the WNC Regionals Selection Committee. “Serving on a CFWNC Scholarship Committee is an extraordinary opportunity. We support educational goals and aspirations of talented and motivated students who are scholars, athletes, musicians, artists and community servants. It’s an honor to assist these bright students.”

Learning Links Grants to Teachers Provide Classroom Opportunities The Learning Links grant program awarded its largest slate of grants to date, distributing more than $84,000 to over 110 projects in eleven counties.

The program offers grants up to $800 to public school teachers to provide hands-on learning opportunities for their students.

These grants are made possible by the Ben W. and Dixie Glenn Farthing Charitable Endowment Fund and the Cherokee County Schools Foundation Endowment Fund.

Region A Partnership for Children Opens Far West Satellite Office Funding from the Early Childhood

Development focus area supported the opening of the Far West Satellite Office in Murphy for the Region A Partnership for Children (RAPC). Until July 2015, the organization served young children and families in the seven westernmost counties and on the Qualla Boundary from one office in the eastern part of the region in Jackson County.

A $29,970 grant helped RAPC open a satellite in Murphy that has significantly improved its outreach to families.

RAPC provides services in partnership with public health departments, public school districts, family resource and child advocacy centers, professionals and private childcare providers. The satellite office hosts events related to Smart Start, advocacy, NC Pre-K and other early childhood and family/foster family support activities, several of which CFWNC is funding, including the First 2000 Days, Parents as Teachers and Reach Out and Read in the far west.

Photo courtesy of RAPC.

CFWNC Vice President of Programs Philip Belcher cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the satellite office.

A Learning Links grant allowed students from Andrews High School Art Club to visit the Asheville Art Museum to see exhibitions of work by artists they studied, such as Chuck Close and Pablo Picasso; to tour the Biltmore House and Gardens; to sample Middle Eastern cuisine at the Jerusalem Garden Café; and to watch and participate in the Pritchard Park Drum Circle. Photo courtesy of Andrews High School Art Club.

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Asheville Merchants Fund Awards $350,000 in Grants The Asheville Merchants Association was formed more than a hundred years ago in support of the idea that retail cooperation would increase sales. The Association existed for decades and bore witness to downtown Asheville’s growth. Its legacy lives on in various ways, including the annual holiday parade and an endowment fund that makes two-year grants to support economic development.

services we provide to the community will be practically uninterrupted,” said Nick Giardina, Acting Board Chair, Buncombe County Rescue Squad.

Photo courtesy of the Buncombe County Rescue Squad.

The Fund for Haywood County made a grant of $3,360 to Haywood Waterways Association to support a Lake Junaluska greenway project to stabilize the shoreline and maintain the reservoir for recreation and as an economic driver in Haywood County. Photo courtesy of The Fund for Haywood County.

SUN Grants Total Nearly $100,000

The goal of the grant program is to strengthen the community through community asset development and entrepreneurship; quality jobs and workforce development; social infrastructure encompassing family success and affordable housing; and youth success in school. Awards are announced every two years, and this year a total of $350,000 was awarded to Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, Buncombe County Schools Foundation, Green Opportunities, Mountain BizWorks and OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling.

Photo courtesy of ASAP.

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2014-15 Janirve Sudden and Urgent Need Grants were awarded totaling $99,338 to 15 nonprofits. These grants helped human service organizations facing an unforeseen crisis. Funds were used to replace and repair critical equipment. The Buncombe County Rescue Squad received $10,000 to help rebuild its fleet when an ambulance caught fire and there was a gap between the cost of a new vehicle and the insurance reimbursement.

“We are so fortunate to have an organization like CFWNC that can not only provide grant money to non-profits, but also have the vision to recognize that emergency funds are often needed very quickly when the unexpected happens. We are thankful for all they did and that the

The Pigeon River Fund made 2014-15 grants totaling $492,411 to improve water quality in Buncombe, Haywood and Madison counties. Since 1996, the Fund has distributed more than $5.3 million.

The Ramble Charitable Fund Benefits Students The Ramble Charitable Fund awarded $7,228 to Valley Springs Middle School to purchase handheld graphing calculators for 8th-grade math students. The graphing calculators are wirelessly networked to an instructor’s Navigator system, allowing the teacher

to observe students’ efforts to create and manipulate graphs, equations and other math representations in real time. The technology enables teachers to capture and address student misconceptions about mathematics during in-class discussion, while protecting student anonymity. Photo courtesy of Valley Springs Middle School.

Partnership (NPFP) dedicated to engaging diverse interests and drafting an alternative forest management plan. When revision of the Plan is completed, it will guide management of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests for approximately 15 years.

The Forest Service published its current Plan in 1987.

Food and Farming Supports Beginning and Limited Resource Farmers

Through NPFP, broad consensus was sought from a diverse set of stakeholders including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and diverse communities such as recreation, hunting, conservation, cultural heritage, economic development, forest products and tourism. In working together to find shared agreement and goals, the Partnership acknowledges the importance of the National Forests to the entire region.

There is a strong local food network developing across Western North Carolina, and coordination among nonprofits is contributing to its growth. Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), WNC FarmLink and the Organic Growers School are teaming up to develop a region-wide Farmers Training Program, which received $100,000 from the USDA. “While there are many good training resources for farmers, the region lacks a coordinated, one-stop program responsive to the multi-level needs of agricultural entrepreneurs,” said Senior Program Officer Tim Richards.

“This effort is a great opportunity to develop a collaborative region-wide program that will significantly support success and preserve working farmland.”

of the comprehensive, regionallyinformed farmer training curriculum, Farm Pathways: Access to Land, Livelihood, and Learning. The program will cover all facets of whole-farm business planning—from fiscal management and marketing to sustainable production—and will pull together best practices and training components of regional organizations into a one-stop “school-and-field” educational program. Photo courtesy of The Organic Growers School.

Natural and Cultural Resources Grants Support Forest Planning The Wilderness Society received $60,000 over two years to sustain the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest

“This is our third grant supporting the engagement of the public in this process,” said CFWNC President Elizabeth Brazas. “The plan touches sixteen of eighteen counties in our service area. There is no question that it will impact our region and that the facilitation of this work is important.”

CFWNC awarded SAHC $34,500 for its Incubator Farm that serves beginning and limited resource farmers.

The Organic Growers School received $15,000 to support the development

View from Graveyard Fields. Photo courtesy of Robert Stephens, Solitary Traveler Photography.

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Sources of Grantmaking Funds Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, in partnership with fundholders and affiliates, CFWNC awarded more than $15 million, an all-time high, in grants and scholarships across Western North Carolina.

Unrestricted

1.3%

13.6% Nonprofit 13.9% 5.7%

Affiliate

2.1%

Field of Interest

Designated

Donor Advised

60.8%

2.6% Scholarship Donor Advised Grants are made at the recommendation of the donors whose gifts established the funds or the named advisor. Fundholders often choose to co-invest with CFWNC, according to their passions, to achieve more impact with their charitable dollars.

Donor-Advised 60.7% 61 2.6% 2 Nonprofit FundsScholarship provide cost-effective investment Designated 5.7% 6 strategies and enhanced stewardship nonprofit Field of Interest for 13.9% 14 organizational assets.

NPO 13.6% 14 Unrestricted 1.3% 1 2 our Field of Interest Affiliate Grants are awarded2.1% through

Focus Areas and other grant programs.

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

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Affiliate Funds support grantmaking in specific

geographic areas. Three of CFWNC’s nine affiliate funds – Black Mountain – Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund, Cashiers Community Fund and Rutherford County Endowment – offer independent grant programs specifically for their communities; the six other affiliates partner more closely with the Foundation to support nonprofits through the People in Need grant program and other co-investment opportunities.

Scholarships are awarded to help students achieve their educational goals. CFWNC administers 60 scholarship funds for students across our region.

Services for Nonprofits Grant Funding

CFWNC awards grants throughout the year to nonprofit organizations, schools and public agencies.

The majority of our grants are donor advised. Grants from discretionary funds and field of interest funds are made in alignment with our focus areas.

Nonprofits are encouraged to subscribe to CFWNC enews and to follow CFWNC on Facebook to stay informed.

Grant programs are listed on our website. For additional information, contact Grants Manager Diane Crisp at 828-367-9904.

WNC Nonprofit Pathways

Formed in 2006, WNC Nonprofit Pathways is a funders’ collaborative supporting the nonprofit sector through technical advice, consultancies and grants. It also hosts the Duke Certificate Program in Nonprofit Management. Pathways is built upon the belief that strong organizations make strong communities.

CFWNC supports the efforts of nonprofits to be as efficient and effective as possible.

In addition to CFWNC, Pathways funders include the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Mission Health

Nonprofit Funds

The Community Foundation helps 134 regional nonprofits by offering them expertise in administration and management of their investments. Working with CFWNC enables nonprofits to access institutionalcaliber strategies in a cost-effective manner and complements their development efforts with our gift planning expertise. Nonprofits gain access to layers of oversight, diversity of investments, benchmarks and standards that an independent portfolio might not command on its own.

For information about opening a nonprofit fund, contact Sheryl Aikman at 828-367-9900.

and the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. Last year, CFWNC made Capacity Grants totaling more than $82,500. 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.

Photo courtesy of Highlands Cashiers Land Trust.

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“I am passionate about being a good steward of our planet.”

DR. GARY WEIN

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Saving Special Places Since 1909

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) was founded more than 100 years ago to protect the scenic views, clean water and wildlife habitat of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. A long tradition of working to conserve streams, woodlands and vistas has resulted in the protection of more than 2,500 acres in Macon and Jackson counties.

HCLT opened a CFWNC nonprofit fund to diversify its investment portfolio and provide donors with access to strategic giving tools.

“We like to work locally,” said executive director Dr. Gary Wein. “The recommendation to work with CFWNC came from other land trusts, local nonprofits and board members.”

“We work with generous people who want to protect resources to pass on to their children and grandchildren,” continued Wein. “Through The Community Foundation we can offer our donors ways to give strategically. Having funds at CFWNC ensures long-term stewardship.

It frees our small staff from the burden of investment management and reporting so we can focus on fulfilling our mission.”

“Not everyone has the means. Those who do can make up for those who are less fortunate,” said Wein. “It’s important to give back and put your money or your time where your ideals lie.”

Photo courtesy of Highlands Cashiers Land Trust.

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F I S C A L

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Grants by Program Area Scholarships 2%

Religion Animal Welfare 1% 9% Arts 11% Community/ Economic Vitality 14%

People in Need 21%

Environment 12%

Health 15% Education 15%

` Competitive Non-Competitive

TOTAL Animal Welfare Arts Community/Economic Vitality

$1,500 $109,825 $129,000

$111,325

$1,556,859 $1,685,859

$715,411

$1,398,974

$2,114,385

Environment

$625,771

$1,146,851

$1,772,622

Education

$478,174

$1,835,466

$2,313,640

$295,550

$1,899,610

$2,195,160

$1,394,601

$1,767,273

$3,161,874

$371,900

N/A

$371,900

N/A

$1,410,458

$1,410,458

$4,011,907

$11,125,316

$15,137,223

Health People in Need Scholarships Religion TOTAL 16

Services for Fundholders

The Gragg Family Fund was founded by sisters Mavis and Monica Gragg to honor their parents. The Graggs strongly believed higher education and seeing the world were the keys to a rewarding life. The Gragg Family Fund continues their legacy by providing students access to higher education and travel. Photo of Monica Gragg by Michael Oppenheim.

Becoming a Fundholder

A conversation with CFWNC begins with your goals and passions. 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.

What to Give

The Community Foundation works with generous people during their lifetimes and stewards charitable legacies into the future. Creative solutions for planning and compelling opportunities for impact are paired with an array of flexible, tax-advantaged giving vehicles in a custom fit for your philanthropy.

Giving and Grants

When you want to support your community, CFWNC is here to help.

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

Advice and Opportunity

CFWNC can turn even the most complex assets into a charitable gift. You can give cash, securities, 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. Grant partners learn about emerging programs and can review funding requests for the areas they are most passionate about. Charitable co-investing with CFWNC creates meaningful impact.

Sound Investment

Estate Planning

While each fund is accounted for separately, the Foundation's assets are pooled for investment, yielding significant economies of scale. CFWNC has a sound investment policy and the discipline to adhere to it, with a focus on maintaining and increasing the value of charitable assets.

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

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

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Farm Team Collaborates to Save Bowditch Bottoms

Bowditch Bottoms farm in Yancey County has been saved from development and placed into production through the support of fundholders Ken and Ida Brown. “Most of the land in Western North Carolina that is flat and desirable is priced for development. Farmers, in essence, can’t afford it,” explained Ken Brown. “We don’t know anything about farming,” added Ida Brown.

“We just knew that our goal was to purchase a piece of property for the farmers who couldn’t afford it.”

The Browns contacted Elizabeth Brazas to explore their desire to purchase a farm, protect it with an easement and get farmers permanently on the land. After doing research, she introduced them to experts at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) and Toe River Aggregation Center Training Organization (TRACTOR), a local food hub serving farmers in five counties.

“One of the reasons that I am personally and professionally so excited about this project is that it is completely unlike any other farmland preservation project that we’ve done,” said William Hamilton, SAHC’s Director of Farmland Preservation.

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Bowditch Bottoms farm represents a new approach to making agricultural land accessible to local farmers in areas where land prices have soared.

The tract includes 25 acres of highly productive soils and a lay of the land that would have made it ripe for development.

While pursuing the conservation easement, the Browns partnered with TRACTOR to get the land back to farmers quickly. “TRACTOR has connections in the regional food network that make it feasible for qualified beginning farmers to continue food production at the farm,” said Carl Silverstein, SAHC’s Executive Director. “Thanks to the Browns’ generosity in securing this iconic farm for continued agricultural use, they are providing a valuable new model for making land accessible for farmers in the mountains, where high land prices have been an impediment to finding affordable places to farm.”

The Browns have given TRACTOR a ten-year lease, and five farmers will cultivate crops on Bowditch Bottoms in 2016. The Browns are pursuing their passion and actively looking at farms, with SAHC’s assistance, and hope to permanently protect more acreage.

See the Video Saving Bowditch Bottoms www.cfwnc.org.

Photo by Michael Oppenheim

“We are passionate about saving farmland for farmers in Western North Carolina.�

KEN AND IDA BROWN

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Women’s Philanthropy The Women for Women giving circle makes smart, substantial grants to projects supporting women and girls across Western North Carolina. Since 2006, Women for Women has awarded more than $2.5 million.

2015 grants totaled $258,186 and supported the Facilitation of Safe Living Environments for Women and Girls.

• Helpmate, Inc. was awarded $98,686 to create a case management position to work with victims of domestic violence in Buncombe County. With the opening of a Family Justice Center in Asheville (see below), a centralized source for help for victims of abuse, Helpmate anticipates an increase in the number of clients utilizing its services.

From top: MAHEC was awarded $45,000 in support of the Family Justice Center. From left Women for Women members Beth Johnson and Marla Adams, Kellett Letson and Cate Hendren of MAHEC and Elizabeth Brazas.

Power of the Purse attendee Tiece Ruffin.

From left: Jewel Tavener, Piper Kerman and CFWNC Board Member and Women for Women member Jennie Eblen.

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• Mountain Area Health Education Center was awarded $45,000 to support the Family Justice Center (FJC). FJC is a coalition of public and private agencies that will operate in a centralized location to provide enhanced services for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse.

• Options, Inc. was awarded $24,500 to purchase a van to provide transportation for victims of domestic and sexual violence residing at its Burke County shelter.

• Pisgah Legal Services was awarded $90,000 to expand free civil legal aid to rural women in 16 WNC counties who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Join the Giving Circle Women for Women members make a tax-deductible contribution of $1,100 each year for at least three years. Annually, $1,000 is granted to deserving nonprofits and $100 supports administrative costs. Women for Women membership exceeds 280, making it one of the most successful giving circles in the Southeast.

Every member has a voice, and a vote, and determines her level of participation. Members learn about issues facing women and girls and can choose to take advantage of opportunities to volunteer, advocate and network.

Visit www.cfwnc.org for more information, or call 828.254.4960.

The Women’s Fund The Women’s Fund is a permanent endowment. Its proceeds are distributed through the Women for Women grant program. Gifts of any size can be made to The Women’s Fund. In 2015, $23,000 in spendable income supported Women for Women grantmaking.

“Prison is a very bad place to address substance abuse, mental illness or trauma. We need to get these people out and provide them with services, so that prison can serve its rehabilitative function.

Low-level offenders do not need to be confined to guarantee public safety, and we must address the racial disparities in the penal system.” – Piper Kerman

The Power of the Purse® The sold-out 11th Annual Power of the Purse® took place May 20th in Asheville, with a keynote address from bestselling author and prison reform activist Piper Kerman.

Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black, spoke candidly about her route to incarceration and brief involvement with the

drug trade. The afternoon included the announcement of $258,186 in grants made by the Women for Women giving circle and raised more than $130,000 for The Women’s Fund, bringing the fund balance to $1,117,727.

Photos by Michael Oppenheim

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Haywood Advisor Helps Clients Give Back

Haywood County attorney Sarah Wenzel learned about CFWNC through The Fund for Haywood County, an affiliate fund. “My mother-in-law Judy Wenzel was at the first meeting of the affiliate and, over time, I heard about its work, the Foundation and the ways people can support nonprofits knowing their efforts would benefit Haywood County,” says Sarah. “You could say it’s a family thing.”

As a professional advisor, Sarah values CFWNC’s expertise and experience. “The staff has a lot of knowledge,” she says. “That makes my clients feel comfortable; knowing I can work with the Foundation as a partner makes me feel comfortable.”

“The Community Foundation touches so many people, in so many ways,” she continued. “My clients can discuss their goals and individual situations. They trust the Foundation’s knowledge and process.”

“In some cases, clients want to support a nonprofit over a long period of time. In others, a client might wonder if a nonprofit can handle a large gift or might want to give more strategically,” she explained. “People trust CFWNC to give advice aligned with their goals and appropriate to their situation.”

“In my work, I get to help my clients support causes they care about,” said Sarah. “It’s a privilege to help people give back, and I get more out of the process than I would have ever imagined.”

Photo by Michael Oppenheim

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“I am passionate about helping kids in Haywood County.”

SARAH WENZEL

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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.

Betty Doll, Doll and Associates Long Term Care Insurance Services, with her financial advisor, Al Davis, Davis Financial Planning.

Photo by Michael Oppenheim.

We can help you integrate your clients’ business, personal and financial decisions and tax-planning needs with a personalized charitable plan that reflects their giving priorities.

We offer a range of funds and charitable products with immediate tax benefits or your clients can build a legacy for future giving.

CFWNC can connect your clients with effective charities, strategic giving opportunities and other generous people who share their passions.

Our services can help you deepen client relationships, expand your role and connect family members over generations. CFWNC offers an annual professional seminar with continuing education credit, informal “lunch and learns” and an e-newsletter to keep you informed and connected.

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The Professional Advisory Committee links the Foundation with professional advisors across the region. The members are recognized as leading and trusted advisors. The committee includes: Sarah Sparboe Thornburg, McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A, Chairperson Joel Adams, Raymond James Financial Services L. Daniel Akers, Jr., Altavista Wealth Management, Inc. Andrew D. Atherton, McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A. Mike Begley, Begley Law Firm, P.A. Carter Webb, Strauss & Associates, P.A. Larry Casper, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. Cindy D. Causby, CTFA, AEP®, C&C Senior Services Vincent D. Childress, Jr., Roberts & Stevens, P.A. R. Walton Davis, R. Walton Davis, III, P.A. Betty Doll, Doll & Associates, Long Term Care Insurance Services

Kerry Friedman, Patla, Straus, Robinson & Moore, P.A. Jacqui Friedrich, Altavista Wealth Management, Inc. Larry B. Harris, CPA, CFP, Burlingham & Harris, P.A. Melanie Johnson, Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP Harris 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 Plaster, Altamont Capital Management Susan Taylor Rash, Adams Hendon Carson Crow & Saenger, P.A. Townsend Tanner, Wells Fargo Advisors LLC

Focus Area Funding 2011 - 2015 CFWNC invests strategically across the region in four focus areas. Since 2011, the Foundation has awarded $5,362,472. Grant partners co-invest with us to make a difference in Western North Carolina.

Early Childhood Development $609,430 • 13 grants Food & Farming $597,879 28 grants

11% 11%

People in Need

$3,592,942 • 208 grants

10% Natural & Cultural Resources

68%

$562,491 • 18 grants

In the chart above, co-investment is represented by the dotted areas. In 2015 co-investment in the focus areas grew from 28 percent to 33 percent. Fundholders, affiliate funds

and private foundations choose to partner with CFWNC to support grantmaking because together we can do more to improve lives and communities in Western North Carolina.

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FOCUS AREA FUNDING $1.9 MILLION FY 2015 Investment $187,391

Grants Land Trust for the Little Tennesseeoo Toe River Arts Council The Wilderness Society Wild South

Capacity Grants

North Carolina Stage Co. Pack Place Performing Arts, Inc.oo

FY 2015 Investment $244,430

Grants Blue Ridge Partnership for Childrenoo Buncombe County Partnership for Childrenoo Mountain Area Health Education Center, Inc.oo Reach Out and Read Carolinas Region A Partnership for Childrenoo Southwestern Child Development Commissionoo

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Photos courtesy of Wild South, RAPC, The Organic Growers School, and McDowell Technical Community College

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

FY 2015 Investment $294,000 Grants

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project Land-of-Sky Regional Council Macon County Public Health Center MANNA FoodBank Mountain Valleys RC&D Council Organic Growers School Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Southwestern Commission Southwestern NC Resource Conservation and Development Council TRACTOR WNC Communities

FOOD AND FARMING PEOPLE IN NEED

Capacity Grants Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project Organic Growers School

FY 2015 Investment

$1,200,812

Grants $1,050,974 to 62 nonprofits in 18 counties (complete list available on the website)

Grants

Janirve Sudden and Urgent Need Grants - $97,338

Capacity Grants

ARC of Buncombe County Asheville City Schools Foundation Helpmate Latino Advocacy Coalition of Henderson County Mitchell County SafePlace SAFE of Transylvania County WNC AIDS Project

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Regional Affiliate Funds CFWNC extends philanthropy across Western North Carolina through a network of nine affiliate funds. Each affiliate’s endowment fund grows through gifts, makes grants to support local nonprofits and is a permanent resource for the future. Through local leadership and support, affiliates connect resources to needs.

From top left: The McDowell Endowment partnered with CFWNC to award $20,000 to Grace Community Church to partner with the McDowell Housing Coalition to complete building and repair projects for nine families. Photo courtesy of Grace Community Church.

Free Rein Center for Therapeutic Riding and Education received $12,800 for the Free Rein/Davidson River School Project Horsepower program from the Transylvania Endowment. Photo courtesy of Free Rein.

Rutherford Housing Partnership received $7,800 from the Rutherford County Endowment for the Pro-Skills program that pays professionals for repairs when timing is critical or when the need is outside of the capacity of volunteers.

The McDowell Endowment partnered with CFWNC to award $20,000 to McDowell Technical Community College’s Camp Opportunity to offer a one-week summer camp for 120 low-income, middle school children. Photo courtesy of McDowell Technical Community College.

Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry received $10,000 from the Cashiers Community Fund to help alleviate hunger in the Cashiers community by providing food to people in need.

Top right: Highlands Community Fund awarded $2,100 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina for the “323 Little Organics Program,” a model positive activity for the child-adult matches to grow herbs and vegetables in community gardens. Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC.

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For 23 years, The Community Foundation has helped extend philanthropy across Western North Carolina through geographic affiliate funds.

Our affiliates are: Black Mountain – Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund Established in 1999; June 30 assets* nearly $2.3 million FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Sandra Abromitis, Mike Begley, Gladys Brooks, John Buckner, Julia A. Capps, John Corkran, Chip Craig, Lynn Deese, Barbara Griffin, Carol Groben, Roger Hibbard (Chair), Gretchen Naff, Scott Roy, Joe Standaert and Lori Turley *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 MountainSwannanoa Valley.

Cashiers Community Fund Established in 1992; June 30 assets* exceeded $3.1 million FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Lisa Bates, Jeanne Builder, Patrick Carlton, Charles W. Coker, T. Wayne Davis, Robert Dews, David S. Dimling, Louis M. Freeman, Shannon Hargrove, J. Taliafero Lane, Jochen Lucke, Sam Lupas, Will Madden, Becky McKee, Edward G. Michaels, III, Sarah Nelson, Harry Phillips, Jr., Brenda Pollak, Toby Summerour, Tommy A. Valenta (Chair), Eleanor Welling, Dennis Winchester and Tony Zande *The Board also makes grants from the Lyn K. Holloway Memorial Fund.

The Fund for Haywood County Established in 1994; June 30 assets* approximately $1 million FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Michael Beadle, Nyda Bittmann-Neville,

Parrish Ezell, Dionne Ghaussy, George D. Ivey (Chair), John Keith, Bruce Kingshill, Christine Mallette, Scott McLeod, Jeremy Phillips, Bennie Sharpton, Don Stanton, David Sutton and Sarah Wenzel

Nikki Street and Sarah Virnelson

*The Board also makes grants from the J. Aaron and Adora H. Prevost Endowment Fund and the Mib and Phil Medford Endowment Fund.

FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Jane A. Bell, John Condrey, Lucille Dalton, Forest Edwards, Nick Elliott, Mike Gavin, Katy Hunt, Sally Lesher, Keven McCammon, Karen Moore (Chair), Juanita Newton, Janice Paris, Michael S. Tanner, Nancy Tanner, Judy Toney and Diane Warner

Highlands Community Fund Established in 1996; June 30 assets* exceeded $1.2 million FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Tricia Allen, Katherine Bowman, Laney Capron, Caroline Cook, Gayle Cummings, Amanda Gregory, John Hopkins, Ann Klamon, Sid Nurkin (Chair), Stan Sharp and Jim Stokes *The Board also makes grants from the Mildred Miller Fort Charitable Fund.

The McDowell Endowment Established in 1995; June 30 assets* exceeded $970,000 FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Ellen “Bunnie” Salsbury Burgin, George Simeon Butler, Arthur Campbell, Rebecca B. Cross, Simeon R. Cross, Laura Dover (Chair), Amy England, W. Hill Evans, Nancy Hunter, Michael Lavender, Ray McKesson, Rob Noyes, Sharon Lee Parker and Joy Shuford *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 exceeded $330,000 FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Daniel Barron (Chair), Anne Castro, Brett Cloer, Jane Crowe, A. Christopher Day, Janie DeVos, Patty Elkins, Rhonda Gunter, Delphia Lamberson, Susan Larson, Sue Ledford, Cindy Lindsey, Silvia Peterson,

Rutherford County Endowment Established in 1996; June 30 assets exceeded $1.75 million

Transylvania Endowment Established in 1998; June 30 assets* exceeded $915,000 FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Sara Champion (Chair), John Goins, W. Andrew Harvill, Char Holbrook, Beth Holimon, Patti Jerome, Maurice Jones, Amye McCallie, Layne Racht, Louisa Reed, Margaret Riecke, John R. Rowe, Jr. and Jerry Stone *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 $860,000 FY 2014-15 Advisory Board Members: Patricia Bennett, Mel Chin, Paul “Bubba” Crutchfield, William O. Cullom (Chair), Elliott Grosh, Howell Hammond, Richard Kennedy, David McIntosh, Jim McQueen, Tom Oreck, Ron Powell, Wanda Proffitt, Dick Soffe, David Strawn, Carol Wilson, Carol Woodard, Fred Young and Sam Young

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

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Stewardship of Community 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 Foundation’s 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 firms below:

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

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 6/30/15:

A S S E T A L L O C AT I O N as of 6/30/15:

CFWNC Benchmark*

One Year

1.3%

2.0%

Three Years

9.4%

9.6%

Five Years

9.1%

9.7%

Domestic Equity

28.3%

International Equity

20.6%

Emerging Markets Equity

3.8%

Alternative Investments

21.7%

Real Assets *The benchmark utilized is 60% MSCI World, 40% Barclays Fixed Income Aggregate Index. Investment returns are reported net of Cash Equivalents investment expenses.

6.1% 16.5% 3.0%

100.0%

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S TAT E M E N T

O F

F I N A N C I A L

Assets

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

P O S I T I O N

2015 2014 10,144,068 11,069 2,828,655 1,000,000 111,900 119,153,019 8,107,278 2,537,563 713,186 115,504,943

3,406,975 29,249 42,554 1,000,000 87,241 138,516,192 2,631,795 713,186 92,571,046

Total assets 260,111,681 238,998,238

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

350,200 3,766 1,358,000 4,825,479 56,524,923

295,700 53,143 1,459,000 5,400,639 54,319,366

63,062,368

61,527,848

Net assets

Unrestricted (deficit) Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted

Total net assets Total liabilities and net assets

2,552,849 78,991,521 115,504,943

197,049,313 260,111,681

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

10,391,433 1,834,307 21,185,311 252,937 394,681 113,117 227,907

35,835,647

34,399,693

Expenses Program services Supporting services

177,470,390 238,998,238

32,516,786 1,946,792 710,530 (156,083) 415,144 143,463 259,015

2,594,770 82,304,574 92,571,046

14,830,744 1,425,980

13,998,299 1,377,911

Total Expenses 15,376,210 11,854,484

Change in net assets 19,578,923 19,023,483

Net assets, beginning of year 177,470,390 158,446,907

Net assets, end of year 197,049,313 177,470,390 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 annual report reflect total contributions received and total grants disbursed.

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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 image: Full Sun Farm, Amelia Fletcher Photography Full Sun Farm is a small family farm run by Alex Brown and Vanessa Campbell located in the Big Sandy Mush Valley of Leicester, NC. A variety of vegetables, cut flowers and berries are cultivated on five acres. Since 1997, Full Sun Farm has sold naturally grown produce at local tailgate markets and through a CSA. Full Sun is a founding member of the Organic Growers School (OGS) CRAFT farmer network.

The Organic Growers School inspires, educates and supports people to live, farm and garden organically. OGS is the premier provider of practical, regionally appropriate and affordable organic education in the Southern Appalachians since 1993. In 2015, OGS received a $15,000 Food and Farming grant to support the development of a comprehensive, regionally-informed farmer training curriculum tailored to maximize economic possibilities for WNC farmers. The farmer training program is a collaborative effort by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, WNC Farmlink and OGS, supported by a $100,000 USDA grant.

Confirmed in compliance with national standards for US Community Foundations