(September 2016) CFWNC recently approved three focus area grants totaling $110,000 to support regional projects in Food and Farming and Natural and Cultural Resources.
Funding focus areas are Early Childhood Development, Food and Farming, Natural and Cultural Resources and People in Need. The Foundation's funding priorities were identified to benefit the region and enable the Foundation to work strategically and deeply in specified areas. Focus area grants are made proactively and reflect significant staff outreach and collaboration with regional nonprofits to identify funding opportunities. The most recent grants are described below.
Natural and Cultural Resources
$65,000 over two years to American Rivers to plan the Tuckaseigee River Blue Trail (TRBT) in Jackson County. Funding will allow American Rivers to undertake necessary preliminary work to remove the Cullowhee Dam and create the plan for the TRBT, which will guide local efforts to enhance the river, promote family-friendly recreation, connect people to nature and boost the local economy. American River's Blue Trails have proven effective for building community support to protect rivers and ensure water quality for future generations.
$25,000 to the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design toward an ArtSpace Affordable Housing Feasibility Study to inform and advance place-based affordable mixed-use developments for artists and the creative sector. The Dogwood Charitable Endowment Fund and the Oliver Family Fund partnered with CFWNC to fund this grant.
Food and Farming
$20,000 to North Carolina Cooperative Extension in McDowell Country to determine the feasibility of a Community Food and Health Hub. The Hub would serve as a central location for MANNA FoodBank to store and distribute to pantries throughout the county and would strengthen the county's overall food system.