Evolving + Learning PRESIDENT’S
Facilitating philanthropy in WNC is CFWNC’s key purpose. When we analyze our website usage, we see that nonprofits seeking grants and students applying for scholarships know where to look for opportunities and that they recognize our role as a regional funder.
We share information about grants awarded through our competitive and discretionary processes to help people understand what and where we fund and to highlight the work of our nonprofit partners. Grantmaking is our most public-facing work, but money flows from CFWNC in a variety of ways.
Annually, CFWNC calculates spendable income from funds that are endowed. These are designated funds that benefit specific nonprofits; field of interest funds that support defined areas; organizational funds established by nonprofits or by a donor to build sustainability; and some donor advised funds that allow advisors to make grants while preserving the principal. Spendable income from these funds represents a steady revenue stream that supports the sector. Last fiscal year the combined spendable income of these funds exceeded seven million dollars, support that is vital to our nonprofit ecosystem.
We also work directly with donors to help them achieve their philanthropic goals. Some fundholders have interests that align directly with CFWNC’s focus area grants; others have communicated specific preferences. Coinvestment from these fundholders extends grantmaking and, in some cases, helps us to meet needs outside of our programs. Always in these instances, we are intentional and follow a donor’s lead.
In April, we learned of an off-cycle need at Blue Ridge Health (see page 3). BRH had hired a pediatric pulmonologist but lacked necessary diagnostic equipment to support this specialist. Matching needs with resources, a $42,000 grant was awarded to enable BRH to purchase Pulmonary Function Testing equipment and related training and supplies for its pediatric pulmonology practice. The funding was quickly provided by long-time CFWNC fundholders whose philanthropic goals center on children and who understand the importance of this essential tool to manage lung disease for some of the region’s youngest patients.
CFWNC also invested time and resources over the past few months in helping Go Global NC (see pages 11-12) benefit from an appropriation in the state budget to expand and endow their fellowship program for teachers in several WNC counties, an effort we supported financially as well with a $200,000 Education focus area grant.
Community foundations play a leadership role in the regions they serve. It is deeply rewarding to partner with other funders, generous philanthropists, critical nonprofits and committed staff members to extend philanthropy in WNC. Collaboration makes us stronger, allows us to do more, and reduces barriers and redundancies.
Onward together!
Elizabeth Brazas
Senior Program Officer Tara Scholtz and Elizabeth Brazas at a donor event at the Asheville Botanical Garden, which showcases plants native to the Southern Appalachian region and serves as an educational resource and an urban destination for nature. Photo courtesy of CFWNC
Grant to Blue Ridge Health Purchased Essential Medical Equipment
CFWNC facilitated a $42,000 grant to Blue Ridge Health (BRH) to purchase Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) equipment and related supplies for its pediatric pulmonology office. The grant funding was quickly provided by long-time CFWNC fundholders whose charitable goals include addressing the health needs of children and youth.
Dr. Steven Julius recently joined BRH as part of its growing pediatric specialty group. Dr. Julius is one of only two board-certified pediatric pulmonologists in Western North Carolina. BRH has been providing pediatric neurology care for almost five years under the direction of Dr. Lisa Abraham, a child neurologist, who is one of only three child neurologists in WNC. BRH is also welcoming its first pediatric endocrinologist, who will be the only pediatric endocrinologist in this region.
“The acquisition of high-level equipment to perform Pulmonary Function Testing for children in Western North Carolina represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of our pediatric patients,” said Dr. Julius. “By enabling
more accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring of respiratory diseases, the PFT equipment will have a transformative impact on patient care, supporting better outcomes and educational initiatives within our region.”
BRH’s CEO, Dr. Richard Hudspeth, added, “We are grateful to CFWNC for being our community partner in helping us meet this need in such a timely manner. The support of our community helps us expand our impact on the health and well-being of our state.”
BRH is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that works closely with local communities to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs with high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable healthcare services. It serves more than 50,000 patients per year. With 66 locations in clinics, public schools, and other sites throughout ten Western North Carolina counties, BRH offers primary care, dental, discount pharmacy, behavioral health, and nutrition services that prioritize the patient care experience and promote health awareness and education.
brchs.com
The 4th annual Mighty Four Miler, a race benefitting the Riley Howell Foundation Fund, took place in Waynesville in April. The Fund supports organizations that benefit victims of gun violence. 171 runners, including Senior Donor Relations Officer Spencer Butler and Board Member Carter Webb, enjoyed a chilly but gorgeous morning. CFWNC is honored to play a role in carrying on Riley’s legacy.
Elizabeth Brazas with Blue Ridge Health CEO Dr. Richard Hudspeth and Dr. Steven Julius, photo courtesy of CFWNC
RiverLink and SEL
RiverLink was awarded a $20,000 Pigeon River grant for its Take Me to The River science education program. “Initially, we envisioned our afterschool program to be highly STEM-focused, replicating the success of our in-school lessons. We quickly realized that students are not mentally prepared for more academic learning after a long day at school. This prompted us to shift our focus to social and emotional learning (SEL) and the benefits of outdoor activities in regulating emotions and fostering connections. We worked with our afterschool partners to integrate SEL effectively into our programs. These discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring basic needs are met, establishing trust and inclusion, and incorporating free play and autonomy. Addressing these needs significantly improved students’ ability to absorb new information. Moving forward, our afterschool programs will continue to engage groups once a week during 4 to 8 week sessions. Each session will begin with an SEL component, followed by simplified, play-based freshwater ecology activities. This approach will help children connect more deeply with themselves, their peers, and the environment.
Close collaboration with our partners, many of whom had already implemented SEL practices, has been invaluable. Their expertise has greatly contributed to the improvement of our programs. Our experience in afterschool programming has reinforced the essential role of partnerships in creating enriching experiences for the next generation.”
Justin Young RiverLink, Education and Outreach Manager
riverlink.org
7/1/23-6/30/24
Vice President for Development Laura Herndon attended the groundbreaking for Taylor’s Wave in Woodfin. She’s pictured with Land of Sky Executive Director Nathan Ramsey. A grant from the Pigeon River Fund supported the project, and longtime CFWNC fundholders Marc Hunt and Cat Potts have provided major support and leadership. “As a valued partner to the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway initiative, I am simply thrilled to report that construction is now well underway for Riverside Park Expansion and Taylor’s Wave,” said Shannon Tuch, Woodfin Town Manager. “Our community will reap the benefits of these investments for generations to come, and I could not leave unsaid how much I value your role in realizing the vision. The Pigeon River Fund’s financial commitment makes this climb less steep. Thank you on behalf of Woodfin’s residents and elected officials.”
Photo courtesyofRiverLink
Board News
Volunteers are crucial to CFWNC’s work, from scholarship reviewers to affiliate leadership to service on the Board of Directors. Caroline Avery and Scott Shealy completed their board service on June 30, and we are grateful for their insight and leadership. The following new board members have been elected:
Matthew T. Lee grew up in Asheville, attended Asheville High School and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill then UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law. Matt practiced with a private law firm in Chapel Hill before moving back home where he ran his own practice until two years ago. Matt is a CFWNC fundholder, has a deep understanding of the underlying needs of the region, and values the opportunity to serve his community. Matt also volunteers on the CFWNC scholarship committee.
Scott Peterson is the Chief Investment Officer for Stony Point Group, which he joined after a 23-year career in the financial services industry. The majority of that time was spent as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch helping families and individuals with wealth planning and managing their financial assets. Active in the local community, Scott served on the Board of Directors of the NC Arboretum Society from 2014 to 2023 and serves on the board of the Glass Foundation. Scott served on the CFWNC investment committee prior to joining the board.
Lynn M. Wilson was raised in Asheville, where her first job was in her grandfather’s grocery store on Haywood Road in West Asheville. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill and stayed in Chapel Hill to raise her two daughters. Prior to taking her CPA, she served as Director of Finance for a civil engineering firm and as Director of International Recruitment for the Kenan-Flagler MBA Program at her alma mater. Lynn returned to the Asheville mountains in 2016 to be closer to her extended family. Lynn has served on the CFWNC audit committee since 2017.
Senior Program Officer Tara Scholtz attended the Dam Removal Funders Symposium held in D.C. in April. The Resources Legacy Fund and American Rivers hosted the gathering of private and public funders and practitioners of dam removal for discussion, learning and case studies focused on effective and innovative funding solutions to grow the capacity for dam removals across the country. Tara is pictured here with American Rivers’ Erin McCombs.
Photo courtesy of CFWNC
Photo courtesy of CFWNC
Affiliate Funds Award Grants
Eight of CFWNC’s nine affiliate funds awarded grants totaling $751,765 to address needs in their communities.
Black Mountain – Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund
$117,890
Cashiers Community Fund - $166,330
The Fund for Haywood County - $80,700
The McDowell Endowment - $53,300
The Fund for Mitchell County - $30,930
Rutherford County Endowment - $90,660
Transylvania Endowment - $91,470
The Yancey Fund - $120,485
Complete lists of grants are at cfwnc.org.
Photos from top left, courtesy of Faith Action East Marion IPHC en Espanol, Waypoint Adventure, Big Brothers Big Sisters WNC, Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers, Hunger Coalition of Transylvania County, and L.E.A.P. – Leaders and Entrepreneurs for the Advancement and Promotion of Girls and Youth
Nonprofit Partners
Human Services
$200,000
to Support SECURE Matched Savings
A focus area grant of $200,000 was awarded to OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling to continue the SECURE Matched Savings program that offers a 4:1 match and financial education to low-income people to help them build emergency savings and financial literacy. CFWNC provided seed funding for this program in 2016.
SECURE has a waiting list of more than 400 people; this grant will allow an additional 143 to participate. SECURE is now offered in Spanish, has increased its services to diverse communities, and is in 12 WNC counties. The last cohort’s retention rate was significantly higher than that of previous cohorts, which led to a gap in funding for those completing the steps and savings. CFWNC’s Brown Family Fund closed the gap with a $38,000 grant recognizing the commitment and savings of 42 additional participants. With this grant, CFWNC and its co-investors will have awarded nearly $950,000 to the program.
SECURE is available to people with household incomes between 30% - 80% of Area Median Income, $25,750 (30%) to $64,250 (80%) for a family of four. SECURE’s structure enhances incentives and accountability for participants to make lasting changes to their financial habits. Graduates experience a 125% increase in their ability to save and a 166% increase in feelings of financial security.
The Rick and Bridget Eckerd Charitable Fund, Dogwood Charitable Endowment Fund and an anonymous fund provided coinvestment for this grant.
Photocourtesyofthe Asheville Symphony Orchestra
SECURE graduate Paula Valladares received the Client of the Year award at OnTrack’s Toast & Boast Client Celebration. Photo courtesy of OnTrack.
Cultural Resources - $125,000
General Operating Grants - CFWNC awards $5,000 general operating grants to cultural nonprofits through a simple application. The grants provide much-needed unrestricted support and expand the pool of eligible organizations.
In April, $45,000 was awarded to regional arts councils including: Arts Council of Henderson County, ArtsAVL, Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, Madison County Arts Council, Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, Toe River Arts Council, Transylvania Community Arts Council, Tryon Fine Arts Center, and Valley River Arts Guild
In July, $40,000 was awarded to regional craft organizations including: North Carolina Glass Center, Center for Craft, Clay County Historical & Arts Council, Local Cloth, Open Hearts Art Center, Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild, The Bascom, and Tryon Arts and Crafts.
Co-investment: Minigowin Fund and Terrence Lee One Love Fund
Asheville Symphony (ASO) received $40,000 to help alleviate the financial hardship brought about by the closure of Thomas Wolfe Auditorium (TWA) in 2023. Funds will support musicians, soloists and venue rental costs. TWA served as ASO’s primary home for performances until the venue’s abrupt closure following a catastrophic HVAC failure. The sudden loss created a domino effect, resulting in expenses that could not have been anticipated, increases in other expenses, and decreases in revenue opportunities, adding up to a six-figure deficit this fiscal year.
Education
-
$789,500
Go Global NC for the Global Teachers Fellowship WNC (GTF) received $200,000 to implement and endow GTF in several rural counties in WNC, thereby decreasing the burden of annual fundraising and ensuring that this established program is available to generations of teachers across WNC. GTF funds are used to support teachers’ experiences, not operational costs. These funds are matched by public funds, and this effort received generous co-investment. Please read the detailed story on pages 11-12.
Scholarships - In June, CFWNC approved scholarships totaling $589,500 to 91 WNC students in 55 schools in 19 counties. More than 60 volunteers from the community worked to review applications and select recipients. Complete list of recipients is at cfwnc.org.
Natural Resources - $342,000
American Rivers received $150,000 over two years to build a queue of readyto-fund dam removal projects leading to design and implementation stages of river restoration efforts. Dam removal provides climate change resiliency, as well as community safety and health, ecological and economic benefits. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act provides $800M in federal funding for dam removal nationwide. This project will help WNC access some of those funds.
Co-investment: Mandler / Tambor Family Fund, White Pine Fund and Little Acorn Fund – W
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PhotocourtesyofCaitlyn
Muniz
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation (BRPF) received $50,000 to support collaborative efforts to analyze land in 11 NC counties and the Qualla Boundary to help prioritize landowner outreach and voluntary land conservation. This work is part of a larger effort to analyze non-federal lands in all 29 Parkway counties in VA and NC. BRP-protected lands are often narrow, and many of the scenic views that inspire visitation are private lands open to development. The future of the BRP’s plants, animals, migration corridors, and scenic views depends significantly on thousands of private land parcels.
Co-investment: John and Janet Garrett Charitable Fund, White Pine Fund, Little Acorn Fund - W, Trillium Fund, Rick and Bridget Eckerd Charitable Fund and Stewart Fund for Life & Love
Camp Grier (CG) received $44,000 to build out a Salesforce customer relationship management system (CRM) to manage volunteers, donors, customers, and partners, thereby increasing constituent engagement and stewardship of public lands in WNC. CG has been a key partner in leading the redevelopment and revitalization effort in Old Fort. This effort is centered on growing the outdoor recreation economy in a sustainable and equitable way to not only grow and diversify the local economy but also to support local wealth creation, highlight local history and heritage, and encourage stewardship of local public land resources. The CRM will enable CG to coordinate information with CG’s collaborative partners: the G5 Trail Collective, the Worx Project, Tanawha Adventures, Pisgah Productions, and the future Grier Village development.
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) received $47,000 toward the acquisition costs for the permanent protection of 1,711 acres in the Pinnacle Mountains section of the South Mountains in Rutherford County. This builds upon a network of nearly 60,000 acres of connected, unbroken conservation land across 13 miles. It will become part of a statefederal conservation land assemblage, including Box Creek Wilderness, Bobs Creek State Natural Area, South Mountains State Park, South Mountains Game Land, and FCNC’s Pinnacle Mountains. It protects public water supply watersheds, four miles of streams, riparian buffers, critical habitats for 17 federal and state priority species, and wildlife connectivity.
Co-investment: The Dogwood Charitable Endowment Fund, Walnut Fund and Stewart Fund for Life & Love
MountainTrue received $51,000 to develop a LongTerm Conservation Plan for Jackson County’s District 4, which includes six Townships: Caney Fork, Canada, River, Mountain, Hamburg, and Cashiers. In 2019, Jackson County Commissioners adopted the Cashiers Small Area Plan to guide development in a way that promotes positive growth while maintaining the rich natural environment. In 2022, the Urban Land Institute was hired to study development trends in the Cashiers region. Its top recommendation was the creation of a long-term conservation plan identifying critical natural areas, steep slopes, green spaces, and scenic views that should be permanently protected. In 2023, Commissioners expanded the study’s scope to include all of District 4, incorporating the headwaters of three critical watersheds.
Co-investment: Dogwood Charitable Endowment Fund
PhotocourtesyofBlue
Ridge Parkway Foundation
Staff Reflection: NC Rural Center Annual Summit
Since 1987, the NC Rural Center (the Center) has been working collaboratively with government, education, philanthropy, business, faith and grassroots leaders to understand critical issues and develop innovative and sustainable solutions to support economic development in rural communities. Each year, it hosts a Rural Summit, and in March, more than 630 people from 79 NC counties attended the sold-out event in Raleigh.
Summit sessions and plenaries addressed what is important for rural economic prosperity, including internet access and housing, improving public education, strengthening community colleges, and providing livable communities for the aging.
Steve Troxler, NC Agriculture Commissioner, recommends that rural communities focus on:
• creating data/technology centers
• supporting business development that addresses climate change and renewable energy
• increasing outdoor and recreational activities
Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institute stressed that collaboration and cooperation are essential for rural communities to grow and be vibrant. He also emphasized the importance of heritage and history and the role that beauty plays in building pride in a community.
CFWNC makes grants to help WNC rural communities thrive and supports endeavors that support this approach. In August 2022, a three-year $225,000 Natural and Cultural Resource grant was awarded to the Catawba Vale Collaborative in Old Fort, an effort supporting equitable community development that builds and expands access to trails and brings significant economic potential to and awareness of its historical African American community.
In 2023 and in partnership with Dogwood Health Trust, CFWNC launched the WNC Community Enhancement grant program to support projects in rural downtowns or commercial corridors that enhance appearance, infrastructure or the pedestrian experience. Thus far, we have awarded 19 grants totaling $189,089.
Several CFWNC grant programs have supported technology training programs, entrepreneurship for rural and diverse people, weatherization and energy-savings efforts, and improving recreational opportunities and access. CFWNC has also made numerous grants to move forward important conservation and water quality projects.
The summit also provides an opportunity to celebrate rural leaders. Paula Swepson and Dawna Ledbetter discussed their efforts with the West Marion Community Forum, a primarily Black-led organization that is bringing communities together to address critical issues, build consensus and move forward. They are currently planning the development of a technology and data center.
It is an honor to play a role in these efforts across WNC. CFWNC will continue to listen and learn, support collaboration, and address community needs in rural counties. We celebrate the recognition of effective leaders and are grateful to the Center for the opportunity to learn from our peers and partners.
Virginia Dollar, Senior Program Officer
Virginia is pictured above with Margarita Ramirez, Executive Director, and Carlos Lopez, Youth Engagement Coordinator, of Centro Unido Latino Americano in Marion. Margarita was named Rural Leader of the Year. Photo courtesy of CFWNC
Go Global NC Supporting Teachers and Students
CFWNC worked with Go Global NC to bring funders together to leverage a legislative appropriation and support WNC teachers and students. Go Global NC’s programs foster relationships and connections for education, business, government and community leaders.
The Fellowship is an 18-month leadership program that includes intense study and immersion in another country. Participants develop and implement global curriculum units and deliver presentations, workshops or projects to share their experiences and lessons. They report that the benefit endures throughout their careers and ripples out, affecting their classrooms, schools and communities. The impact increases exponentially as more teachers participate. Fellowship funds support teacher participation, not operations.
“When we were made aware of an opportunity to engage
others to match funds that would draw down a legislative appropriation and support educators participating in the Go Global NC Teachers Fellowship, we knew we wanted to be part of that effort,” said Elizabeth Brazas.
“CFWNC went into action as soon as the matching legislative funds were appropriated, so WNC low-wealth communities were among the first to benefit,” said Go Global NC Executive Director Meredith Henderson.
“Their statewide advocacy among their network of NC community foundations provided the awareness and support needed to secure matching funding for 17 lowwealth school systems across NC, ensuring teachers will participate in the international professional development program every year, in perpetuity.”
Millie Ravenel, a Go Global NC board member and former Executive Director, reached out to CFWNC
Ashley Gragg-Yancey County
Caesar Campana-Cherokee County Caesar, Ashley, Leah, Jodi and Greg
“What the Foundation has done is a game changer for WNC!”
when she realized that there was funding in the general assembly’s budget, and that time was of the essence.
CFWNC helped to leverage support for Go Global NC by awarding a $200,000 Education focus area grant, with a $100,000 co-investment from Dogwood Health Trust, and by coordinating outreach across the NC philanthropic community. Go Global NC operates already in several WNC counties. The long-term goal is to have it endowed in each Tier 1 and 2 county, allowing educators to participate without annual fundraising, thereby making the program more sustainable.
“Working with the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers, I was able to arrange for Go Global NC to meet with community foundations and other education funders across the state, as a group by Zoom, allowing them to get information out quickly without the need for multiple individual meetings,” said Brazas. “As we worked to reach more funders across the region, it was evident that others were very interested in both the program and showing support for our public school teachers.”
“The Polk County Community Foundation and the Stuart and Margaret L. Forbes Foundation partnered to help endow
the program for Polk County students and teachers,” said Sara Bell, Polk County Community Foundation President & CEO. “Collaboration between the Forbes Foundation Board of Directors and our Board is a wonderful example of how funders and generous philanthropists can be powerful and effective. We can do more when we work together.”
CFWNC’s grant will provide matching funds in Clay, Graham, Madison, Mitchell, and Polk counties at varying levels. The Fred A. Moss Charity Trust Fund, a CFWNC donor advised fund, awarded $25,000 to close a gap in Clay County to enable them to access the match. Funds are allocated and pending for Avery, Macon, Swain and Transylvania counties.
“Offering diverse, enriching experiences to teachers promotes cultural understanding and empathy in students and builds community and connectedness,” said Ravenel. “What the Foundation has done is a game changer for WNC!”
globalnc.org
Photos of WNC teachers in South Korea, funded by the James G.K. McClure Educational and Development Fund at CFWNC and the Beattie Foundation, courtesy of Go Global NC
Greg Kerr-McDowell County Jodi Bell-Rutherford County
Shannon LaBreque - Buncombe County
Sara Monson - Asheville City Schools
Leah DowningHaywood County
MILLIE RAVENEL
Welcome Home
An overflowing courtroom was the setting for the May graduation from the Veterans Treatment Court of Buncombe County (VTC), a program that supports justice-involved Veterans in their journey of recovery and reintegration into society. “It’s an alternative to the traditional justice system where a Veteran simply goes to prison,” says Kevin Rumley, the program’s director. “Our focus is on healing and addressing the deeper sources of suffering.”
The program was launched in Buncombe County by Superior Court Judge Marvin P. Pope, Jr. “The system that we have now is a total failure,” he says. “What we are doing with Veterans Treatment Court is the future of the justice system, one in which we see the humanity of each person. It’s an evidence-based system, and it works.”
VTC, established in 2015, is a phased program focused on the rehabilitation and recovery of Veterans experiencing addiction or mental health challenges. Judge Pope assigns each Veteran specific tasks and steps that must be accomplished. Over two years, if the participants complete the requirements and 50 hours of community service, their charges are expunged. The Department of Justice reports that 83% of people will return to the justice system over a nine-year period; VTC’s recidivism rate is below 20%.
The Veteran population of Buncombe County is 19,908. The subset served by the VTC is composed of high-risk and high-need individuals who have historically not been successful in probation or the community. Research shows that this subgroup benefits most from intensive structures exemplified by the VTC.
A supporting nonprofit arm connects Veterans with supplemental resources including substance abuse and mental health treatment, medical and dental services, and support for cell phones, housing, clothing, transportation and emergencies. A $20,000 Human Services grant was awarded in November 2023 to support these services. Integrating humanitarian needs with judicial system case processing makes the program unique in the region.
“What we are doing with Veterans Treatment Court is the future of the justice system, one in which we see the humanity of each person. It’s an evidencebased system, and it works.”
Judge Marvin P. Pope, Jr.
Broad, deep and numerous collaborations provide support, volunteer activities and opportunities to engage. They include Heart of Horse Sense, Warren Wilson College, Veterans Healing Farm, the VA, Pisgah Legal Services, Caruso Dental, From the Ashes, Homeward Bound, Our VOICE, RHA Health Services, WNC Veterans Writers Alliance and too many more to be listed here.
In May, each graduate was honored by Judge Pope, Kevin Rumley and their broader community. And while each Veteran’s story is different, a common theme was that the VTC provided the accountability, structure, support and acceptance that they needed to heal.
Family members, other Veterans, mentors, police officers, emergency medical workers, social workers and friends attended the ceremony. During it, graduates used words like “transformative”, “proud” and “humbled”. One said, “Through this program, I was able to gain my family, trust and a job. It helped me to get my mind right.” Another who had been unhoused for 40 years addressed the audience by saying, “I now have a meaningful life.”
The VTC is changing lives through its approach. Watch the video at cfwnc.org.
buncombeveteranscourt.com
Friends + Neighbors + Philanthropists
Funds Created between January 1 and June 30, 2024
Charitable Gift Annuities allow donors to make a future gift and receive income and tax advantages.
Jane Tara Cicchetti Charitable Gift Annuity 4
John Hazlehurst Charitable Gift Annuity 21
Kimmel Charitable Gift Annuity 2
Kimmel Guest Charitable Gift Annuity 2
Kimmel Guest Charitable Gift Annuity 3
Kimmel Guest Charitable Gift Annuity 4
Timothy Kurtz Charitable Gift Annuity
Designated Funds support specific nonprofits named when the fund is established.
Bayer Designated Fund 2024
Brame-Mattox Designated Charitable Fund 2024
Hembree Designated Fund 2024
Hibbard Philanthropic Fund #8
Noel Childhood Hunger Fund
John Bush Rogers Designated Fund 2024
Sciara Designated Fund 2024
Donor Advised Funds allow donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and recommend grants over time.
John Webber Buell and Susan Covino Buell Fund
Camp Glen Arden Campership Fund
Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Fund Gratitude Fund
Anne McBryde Legacy Fund and one anonymous donor advised fund
Expectancy Funds are established to receive assets at a later time, typically through an estate plan, charitable gift annuity or charitable trust.
Barton Gowan Fund
Dr. John Hazlehurst Health Science Award at Wake Tech College Fund
Hoferer Hoheisel Erhart Fund
Jeff & Nancy Kueffer Fund
Lee Lancaster Fund
Jason & Amber Mahler - Dr. GM Kosco Charitable Fund
J. Smith and R. Williams Charitable Fund
Trahan Moen Fund
Trammel / Busey Fund
Patrice White and David Phillips Fund
Field of Interest Funds support a broadly-defined area such as the arts, the environment or health.
Tim and Wanda Barrett Transylvania Growth Fund
Jane Cole Endowment Fund
Nonprofit Organization Funds are created to invest and steward a nonprofit’s long-term or endowed assets.
Thomas C. Bolton Endowment Fund
West Marion Incorporated Legacy Fund
Scholarship Funds support educational opportunities for students.
Tri-County Healthcare Education Scholarship
A Plan for the Future
Sharon Trammel and Steve Busey worked with April Burt, their advisor, and CFWNC to plan to support their community in ways meaningful and important to them through an expectancy fund. These funds receive assets later, but the process creates a place and a plan for the future.
A WNC native, Sharon is an artist who retired in 2023 as the Chair of the Fine Art and Performing Art Department at AB Tech Community College, where she taught since 1991. Steve moved to Asheville in 1997 after a career in the music industry and has been at Blue Ridge Public Radio since 2002. He is currently the Director of Business Sponsorship.
“We have been nurtured and grounded as part of the community in Asheville and Buncombe County. It is our hope that contributions from our fund will enhance the area for years to come. It would be fantastic if our work with CFWNC encouraged others to leave a legacy by funding activities and interests that have been meaningful in their lives.”
An expectancy fund or bequest is a simple way to leave a legacy of caring for the issues, organizations or community most important to you during your lifetime. A bequest can include cash, appreciated stocks, property or other assets. Retirement plan accounts are particularly attractive for bequests, since heirs would otherwise be taxed on the income. Your intent for the purpose of the fund is honored by CFWNC forever.
Photo by Michael Oppenheim
Women for Women Giving Circle Awards $288,000 to Support WNC Women and Girls
In May, the Women for Women (WFW) giving circle awarded six grants totaling $288,000.
The largest award of $125,000 was to Mountain Housing Opportunities to expand its Down Payment Assistance program. Leveraged with matched funds, individual household support will range from $5,000 to $40,000. This project will support up to 100 low-income households, 60-70% of which will be women-headed households, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties.
Aura Home Women Vets – $36,000 to provide safe, stable housing to help women Veterans readjust to civilian life. It will also provide direct assistance to female Veterans in Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties.
Just Economics – $20,000 to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in WNC. Funding will support general operations and the expansion of its living wage and paid family leave advocacy work in Buncombe, Transylvania and other rural WNC counties.
Mountain BizWorks – $30,000 over two years to serve 80 aspiring and existing Latina small business owners in actively growing their business skills and knowledge through Spanish language business courses, coaching and technology. The project will serve the WNC region, with a focus on reaching into rural communities.
THRIVE Appalachia – $17,000 to create opportunities, connections, and hands-on learning experiences for youth. Funding will support microenterprise ventures that teach financial literacy and small business skills and provide apprenticeship opportunities to young women in Yancey, Mitchell and Avery counties.
YWCA of Asheville – $60,000 to support four key programs –Empowerment Childcare, MotherLove, Getting Ahead and Light a Path – that provide the practical assistance women in Buncombe County need to pursue economic or educational opportunities that enhance access to socioeconomic mobility.
The Women’s Fund, a CFWNC endowment addressing the unmet needs of women and girls, contributed $73,510 to the grants.
Grant Award Celebration photos by Michael Oppenheim
With these grants, WFW has exceeded $5.2 million in grants to more than 60 programs since 2006. Learn more about membership at cfwnc.org/initiatives/women-for-women.
Funds + Planned Giving Options
When you give through CFWNC, you join thousands of like-minded individuals committed to the region and to giving back.
Give Now
CFWNC builds endowments to address needs as they change over time. You can make a taxdeductible contribution to any of these funds, knowing that your support helps WNC forever.
Fund for Western North Carolina Affiliate Funds
Fund for Animal Welfare Fund for the Arts Fund for Education
Fund for the Environment Fund for Health Fund for People in Need Fund for Scholarships
Fund for Strong Communities
Women for Women Endowment Fund
The Women’s Fund
Create a Fund
CFWNC offers customized giving solutions. We can help you develop a plan that is personal, thorough and effective.
Become a Fundholder
A donor advised fund, named or anonymous, may provide tax benefits and a convenient way to consolidate your giving. You can open a fund that benefits a favorite nonprofit or supports students or a particular cause.
What to Give
You can give cash, marketable securities and mutual fund shares, closely held stock, retirement accounts, interest in a limited liability partnership, life insurance, real estate or private foundation assets. Your professional advisors partner in this process, ensuring coordination across your planning.
Give Later
A bequest is the simplest way to leave a legacy of caring for the issues, organizations or community most important to you. Other options include Charitable Gift Annuities or Charitable Remainder Trusts.
In June, CFWNC partnered with B Local Asheville & WNC for a briefing about charitable giving for businesses. B Local is a growing collective of for-profit companies working to leverage business as a force for good. B Local Asheville & WNC supports businesses wishing to be certified as B Corps with mentorship, events, and resources. Chair Adrianne Gordon shared information about B Corp certification and how charitable giving aligns with B Corps’ commitment to the community. Heather Hatmaker and Tyler Housholder from Altura Architects, a longtime corporate fundholder, discussed its partnership with CFWNC in support of their philanthropy. CFWNC can help businesses with their philanthropy, including fund establishment, grantmaking and co-investment opportunities.
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“The ability to build healthy, connected, and attuned relationships with self, others and the natural world is one of the most important skills any person can acquire. Anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD all share the challenge of disconnection. By engaging with the therapeutic team of a mental health professional, a horse professional and one or more horses, we can impact and improve both the physiology - selfregulation - and the psychology - the patterns of thinking - of our clients, creating lasting change well beyond the therapeutic benefits of simply being with animals. Horses provide a door into working through challenges great and small, whether improving communication, increasing responsiveness to the needs of self and others, or practicing skills related to managing trauma and anxiety.”
Shannon Knapp Heart of Horse Sense Founder & Executive Director
Heart of Horse Sense was awarded a $20,000 Human Services grant to support equine-assisted therapy for youth. It has also served thousands of Veterans since 2003, including through a deep partnership with Buncombe Veterans Treatment Court (pg 13).
Photo courtesy of CFWNC