Fulfilling our Mission
We exist to serve our community, especially in times of critical need. We will continue to monitor needs related to the pandemic as they develop in Western North Carolina. In partnership with Dogwood Health Trust and other regional funders, we activated the CFWNC Emergency and Disaster Response Fund for rapid, flexible and strategic disbursement to human services organizations across the region including the Qualla Boundary.
Emergency and Disaster Response Fund
The Emergency and Disaster Response Fund (EDRF) provided funding for human service organizations in addressing basic needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund was intended to respond to immediate/urgent needs not covered by other sources and provided flexible resources to organizations with deep roots in communities and experience addressing basic needs and filling public health gaps. Grants totaling more than $1.3 million supported nonprofits in 18 WNC counties and the Qualla Boundary. With this final round of grants, CFWNC expended EDRF funds and pivoted to a new fiscal year that began July 1. CFWNC resumed the Janirve Sudden and Urgent Needs grant program and will continue to address the pandemic through its four focus areas.
Learn more about our response to the pandemic and view a list of funders and donors to the EDRF effort.
CFWNC Offices and Staff
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, CFWNC offices are closed and staff members are working remotely. All in-person events and meetings are cancelled until further notice. CFWNC will continue to heed health and government officials' advice and will make a decision about when it is safe for us to resume in-person gatherings as the situation evolves.
During this time, we will ensure that we can prioritize responsive grantmaking and serve our donors, partners and communities.
Working remotely means:
- You can reach CFWNC staff via their office phones and emails.
- We will continue to process contributions to funds and grant requests. Please note that processing gifts and grants may take more time.
- CFWNC website and social media will provide updates.
If you have any questions about our business operations during this time, please contact Julie Klipp Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer, 828-785-4740.
Charitable Assets
Turbulent markets are unsettling. CFWNC is fortunate to have an active and experienced investment committee, a top-ranked investment consultant and a seasoned CFO, Graham Keever, overseeing assets. As a 40-year-old organization, CFWNC is no stranger to market volatility. Responsible investment strategies are in place, and CFWNC will continue to monitor investments closely.