The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) awarded two grants totaling $67,500 to public agencies providing hurricane recovery services in Western North Carolina. With these awards, the total amount awarded from the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund (EDRF) is $39.6 million.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many local governments in Western North Carolina have found themselves overwhelmed by the ongoing pressures of balancing immediate needs with project development and important funding applications.
Grants of $33,750 each have been awarded to Regional Councils of Government (COGs) including the Southwestern Commission (serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties) and the Land of Sky Regional Council (serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties) to subscribe to IMPLAN, an economic analysis software. Analyses will also be provided on an as-needed basis to other regional local government requesting assistance.
“We are grateful for the Community Foundation’s ongoing support as our region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, said Russ Harris, Executive Director, Southwestern Commission. “IMPLAN is a tool that helps communities clearly demonstrate the return on investment of recovery projects, strengthening grant applications and helping ensure that recovery dollars are used where they will have the greatest impact.”
“Following Helene, the COGs’ work has centered on recovery efforts and has required extensive coordination across the region,” said Vice President for Programs Tara Scholtz. “With access to IMPLAN software, they will extend support and technical assistance to local governments and regional partners to help ensure that communities have the analytical tools to pursue funding, justify recovery investments, and accelerate long-term economic resilience.”
CFWNC has distributed most of the funds that were donated post-Helene but continues to be engaged in efforts across WNC and to make grants when opportunities arise. The North Carolina Community Foundation is awarding grants from its Disaster Relief Fund for long-term Hurricane Helene recovery.