Affiliate Funds
Black Mountain - Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund Cashiers Community Fund The Fund For Haywood County Highlands Community Fund The McDowell Endowment The Fund for Mitchell County Rutherford County Endowment Transylvania Endowment The Yancey Fund
Women for Women
Browse Affiliates Funds
Black Mountain - Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund Cashiers Community Fund The Fund For Haywood County Highlands Community Fund The McDowell Endowment The Fund for Mitchell County Rutherford County Endowment Transylvania Endowment The Yancey Fund
mountain fog
Becoming A Donor

Your Partner in Giving

You are invited to a personalized and confidential conversation to discuss your charitable priorities. Whether you want to simplify your giving, focus on certain causes, provide scholarships or plan your legacy, we are here to help.

More than 1,300 funds make up our Foundation. Each has a unique purpose reflecting the wishes of the donor. The funds are as varied as the people who created them; what is universal is the focus on giving back and helping others.

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Leave a Legacy
About

“We are passionate about issues related to children, education, social services and the provision of basic needs. We also care deeply about land management, usage and preservation; environmental and wildlife protection; and the humane treatment of animals. WNC has so many local organizations that do so much with so little. It is rewarding to see the direct impact of giving locally.” Read Living Here Giving Here, 

Photo by Michael Oppenheim.
<p>Altura Architects is committed to creating a positive lasting impact on the community. The Altura Architects, P.A. Fund supports nonprofits that are aligned with the Organization’s values, including Mountain BizWorks, Literacy Together, Asheville Art Museum, Helpmate, Pisgah Conservancy and many more. Photo courtesy of Altura Architects. Photo courtesy of Altura Architects.</p>
About

Altura Architects is committed to creating a positive lasting impact on the community. The Altura Architects, P.A. Fund supports nonprofits that are aligned with the Organization’s values, including Mountain BizWorks, Literacy Together, Asheville Art Museum, Helpmate, Pisgah Conservancy and many more. Photo courtesy of Altura Architects. Photo courtesy of Altura Architects.

 <p>John Hazlehurst opened his first CFWNC fund in 2007 and his most recent in 2024, for a total of 27 funds - twenty-one charitable gift annuities and six expectancy funds. “I’ve spent most of my life in Asheville, and I feel very attached to this place. It makes me feel good to be giving back, and I have found CFWNC to be a good match for my giving. In the process of wanting to make charitable gifts in the community, annuities ease some of my tax obligations, and the process is straightforward. It is pleasing to me to know that in addition to satisfying my desire to give back that I have the opportunity to modify my plans. My loyalty is with CFWNC.”</p>
About

John Hazlehurst opened his first CFWNC fund in 2007 and his most recent in 2024, for a total of 27 funds - twenty-one charitable gift annuities and six expectancy funds. “I’ve spent most of my life in Asheville, and I feel very attached to this place. It makes me feel good to be giving back, and I have found CFWNC to be a good match for my giving. In the process of wanting to make charitable gifts in the community, annuities ease some of my tax obligations, and the process is straightforward. It is pleasing to me to know that in addition to satisfying my desire to give back that I have the opportunity to modify my plans. My loyalty is with CFWNC.”

Photo by CFWNC.

Explore Giving Options

Cash

This is the simplest, most convenient way to start a fund or add to an existing one. Your gift of $10,000 or more can start a fund. Gifts of any size may be added to an existing fund.

Appreciated Property

Real estate, appreciated securities and closely held stock are all suitable gifts and may be deductible as a charitable contribution. Capital gains taxes can be avoided in most cases, and deductions can be taken immediately and carried forward for up to five years. If you would like to contribute stock or make a wire transfer, Melissa Crouse can help.

IRA Assets

If you are interesting in using your IRA assets to support nonprofit organizations through The Community Foundation, please contact us.

Retirement Accounts

If you hold a qualified retirement plan, you can name the Foundation as a beneficiary.

Life Insurance

Designate The Community Foundation as the owner and irrevocable beneficiary of a life insurance policy, and you can enjoy an immediate tax deduction as well as deductions on future premiums.

Private Foundation Assets

When you transfer the assets of a private foundation to create a donor advised fund at The Community Foundation, you free yourself from administrative tasks and have a team of experts to assist you in your strategic philanthropic goals. Your foundation can retain its name, purpose and grantmaking discretion. We take care of the administrative functions, reporting and financial management — all for lower fees than most private foundations. Learn more.

Gifts of Real Estate

You can turn your home, vacation home, business property or land into a charitable gift through the Western North Carolina Real Estate Foundation, a CFWNC supporting organization. Learn More.

“Having the Foundation as the responsible custodian of the funds provides a great sense of comfort. In addition to satisfying my desire to give back, I can easily modify my plans. My loyalty is with CFWNC, and I’m sticking with them.”

John Hazlehurst CFWNC Fundholder

Ways to Give

  • Establish your own fund.
  • If you want to make a tax-deductible gift to an existing fund, donate online.
  • You may also send a check to CFWNC, 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803. Please note the name of the fund your gift should benefit.
  • If you would like to contribute stock or make a wire transfer, Melissa Crouse can help get you started.
  • Learn more about making a gift of Gifts of Real Estate.
  • For questions and information about the Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Policy, or to request a copy, please contact Laura Herndon. 

Ready to join our community of givers?

Contact Laura Herndon

Vice President, Development

828-367-9900

Email Laura