The Fund for Mitchell County Awards Grants Totaling $49,500

(April 2023) – The Fund for Mitchell County awarded twelve grants totaling $49,500 to Mitchell County nonprofits in its recent grant cycle. The Fund for Mitchell County, in partnership with The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), has awarded grants totaling $859,109.

“Through the support of friends and neighbors, we are able to fund worthwhile projects and nonprofits doing good work across Mitchell County,” said Advisory Board Chair Beverly Ayscue. “Permanent charitable resources devoted to our community mean that the Fund can be responsive as needs change over time. We are grateful to everyone who has pooled their gifts with those of their neighbors. It really is generosity multiplied.”

The 2023 grants are:

$2,000 to Altapass Foundation for a permanent exhibit that depicts Scottish heritage and influence in the region.

$3,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina for a youth mentoring program for children.

$5,000 to Camp Spring Creek to train teaching assistants and staff in a method that assists children with learning differences.

$2,500 to CareReach to supplement healthcare costs and improve access to care for those without adequate insurance.

$5,000 to Casting for Hope to assist low-income women who suffer from gynecological cancers with basic needs.

$5,000 to High Country Caregiver Foundation for a navigation support program for grandparents raising their grandchildren.

$5,000 to Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina to provide a "wish" to a seriously ill child.

$4,000 to Mitchell County Animal Rescue to provide pet food for low-income families.

$5,000 to Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Food Ministry to purchase food and supplies for community meals.

$5,000 to Pisgah Legal Services for free civil legal assistance and advocacy for low-income residents.

$3,000 to SEARCH for forums about a healthcare study to inform residents of the gaps in local healthcare and to seek solutions.

$5,000 to WAMY Community Action to provide critical home repair for low-income people.

In 1999, local residents established The Fund for Mitchell County as a permanent charitable endowment to meet local needs. Gifts added to the Fund’s principal are preserved and invested, while grants from the Fund support nonprofits in Mitchell County. To make a tax-deductible contribution, donate online or by mail c/o CFWNC, 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 300, Asheville NC 28803. Make checks payable to CFWNC, noting “The Fund for Mitchell County” in the memo line. Contributions of any size are welcome.

The local volunteer Advisory Board includes: Beverly Ayscue (Chair), Robin Buchanan, Christopher Day (Vice Chair), Janie DeVos, Kathryn Hollifield (Secretary), Stuart Jensen, Nicholas Joerling, Andy Palmer, Geraldine Plato, Suzanne B. Russell, Brenda H. Sparks, and Diane W. Walker O.D.

For more information about The Fund for Mitchell County, email Advisory Board Chair Beverly Ayscue.