(April 2026) – The Fund for Mitchell County has awarded thirteen grants totaling $56,890 to nonprofits serving Mitchell County. In partnership with CFWNC) The Fund for Mitchell County has awarded grants totaling $966,379.
"Supporting local nonprofits is essential for meeting the needs of our friends and neighbors in Mitchell County", said Advisory Board Chair Geraldine Plato. “These grants, funded by a long-standing charitable endowment built from community contributions, support areas like food security, health and wellness, legal aid for low-income residents, the needs of public schools and much more. With demand for services remaining high, the Advisory Board is proud to collaborate with organizations making a meaningful impact.”
The 2026 grants are:
$5,000 to Center for Rural Health Innovation to provide telehealth medical services through the Buladean Community Clinic.
$5,000 to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge to assist hospice patients by covering costs not reimbursed by Medicare.
$5,000 to Mitchell County Animal Rescue to provide affordable veterinary care to low-income families.
$2,500 to Mitchell Elementary School to support an on-campus tutoring program to address learning gaps resulting from disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene.
$4,650 to Mitchell Giving Gardens to hire a Garden Intern for the 2026 growing season who will help increase local food production and support educational programs.
$3,500 to Parkway Playhouse of Burnsville to expand the Reading is Alive program by offering free theater classes at The Hive.
$5,000 to Partners Aligned Toward Health (PATH) to support the Appalachian Youth to Youth leadership and empowerment program.
$5,000 to Pisgah Legal Services to provide free civil legal assistance and advocacy to low-income survivors of domestic violence and child abuse.
$5,000 to Special Olympics North Carolina to support Mitchell County's Special Olympics equestrian and ski programs and revive the local Spring Games competition.
$2,500 to St. Lucien Catholic Church to provide high-quality proteins for the clients of its food pantry.
$3,740 to Toe River Aggregation Center Training Organization Regional to purchase a display freezer and cooler for a new, full-service retail grocery store.
$5,000 to WAMY Community Action to assist in repairing homes for low-income residents.
$5,000 to Williams YMCA of Avery County to support evidence-based healthy living programs for adults in Mitchell County, including Diabetes Prevention, Livestrong for Cancer Survivorship, and Moving for Better Balance.
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 serving 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: Chair Geraldine Plato, Vice Chair Christopher Day, Secretary Kathey Hollifield, Robin Buchanan, Katie Elkins, Stuart Jensen, Cindy Lindsey, Andy Palmer, Suzanne B. Russell, Zan Sistare, Diane W. Walker O.D., and Dwight Willett.
For more information about The Fund for Mitchell County, contact Advisory Board Chair Geraldine Plato at 828-467-0979.