(June 28) Highlands Community Fund is pleased to announce $54,500 in grants and an upcoming cycle that will award grants in October 2018. The Highlands Community Fund awarded $25,500 in People in Need grants, made in partnership CFWNC in November 2017, to local nonprofit organizations providing critical services for economically disadvantaged people and GIFT Fund grants totaling $29,000 supporting programs benefiting the Highlands region.
People in Need grants were funded by the Highlands Community Fund, the Janirve Legacy Fund and CFWNC fundholders. They include:
$5,500 to the Peggy Crosby Community Service Center, Inc. to replace its water fountains.
$20,000 to Literacy Council of Highlands, Inc. to support community learning programs.
Other grants awarded from the Highlands Community Fund were:
$5,000 to The Bascom for community education initiatives.
$10,000 to the ML Performing Arts Center for the PAC Youth Theater Program.
$4,000 to the Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers, Inc. for equipment upgrades for the chronic disease management program.
$5,000 to the Blue Ridge Mountains Health Project for the Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic Hygiene program.
$5,000 to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust for the Kids in Nature program.
Nonprofits and public agencies are invited to apply for grants of $2,500 to $10,000 for charitable purposes, including programs and capital needs. The application deadline is Friday, August 10. A grant information session will be offered on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Highlands Recreation Center. Contact Amber Harrelson-Williams to RSVP at 828-367-9916 or harrelson@cfwnc.org.
The process is competitive, and the Fund's Advisory Board will review applications to select those demonstrating the greatest community benefit. Applications must be submitted using the online application on CFWNC's website. CFWNC does not accept paper applications.
The Highlands Community Fund, a CFWNC affiliate, is a permanently endowed fund designed to meet local needs. Tax-deductible gifts are added to the principal, which is preserved and invested. The returns are used to make grants to support nonprofits in Highlands. Since 1996, the Highlands Community Fund, in partnership with CFWNC, has awarded 125 grants totaling more than $809,000.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Fund, donate online or by mail to Highlands Community Fund, P.O. Box 1150, Highlands, NC 28741-1150. Checks should be made payable to CFWNC, noting Highlands Community Fund in the memo line. Contributions of any size are welcome.
The local volunteer Advisory Board works to raise awareness of the Highlands Community Fund and to build assets for the future. These board members are: Kathy Bowman, Caroline Cook, Gayle Cummings, Amanda Gregory, Ann Klamon, Jim Landon (Chair), Jeff Nixon, Diane Riddle, Jim Stokes, Cindy Trevathan, John Viani and Jeff Weller.