the community foundation of western north carolina PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Fall 2017
When Ray Hust and a group of local visionaries started The Community Foundation nearly 40 years ago, their goal was to create a permanent charitable resource that would grow into a powerful force for good for Western North Carolina. As we plan to celebrate CFWNC’s 40th anniversary in 2018, I wonder if our founders might have foreseen a day when CFWNC would surpass $285 million in total assets and would facilitate more than $18 million in philanthropy annually. Our founders launched this organization believing that philanthropic people want to support their communities and that results could be maximized by working together. They were right. Everything we do today builds on the foundation and investment of those who came before us. Grantmaking and scholarships are the most visible part of our work; the Foundation typically makes more than 3,200 grants a year and awards nearly 100 scholarships. In the recent past, our total grants and scholarships surpassed $200 million, a significant milestone that represents distributions from thousands of funds, many nonprofit programs and scores of deserving students. CFWNC will always be a broad-based funder because of our donors’ many and varied passions; however, our adoption of focus areas in 2011 has enabled us to work more deeply to address some specific regional needs. I am extremely pleased to highlight the investment that CFWNC has made in a program of matched savings opportunities to assist low-income families (see story below). This effort represents a new approach and provides a tool for nonprofits working to help families stay out of financial crisis and find economic stability. Initially and by design, this work was funded exclusively through CFWNC’s discretionary dollars. We offered our donors the opportunity to co-invest in this most recent grant, and they responded with $70,000 of the $200,000 commitment.
Elizabeth Brazas, Doris Kearns Goodwin and fundholder Lisbeth Riis Cooper at the 2017 Power of the Purse® luncheon. Photo by Michael Oppenheim.
have developed over decades will ultimately most benefit Western North Carolina. Our founders understood that a strong community foundation would grow as a source of funding and as a center of philanthropy. They also understood that working together is more productive and that building community is paramount. We are stronger when we are pulling in the same direction. So, the cycle of good work and deliberate generosity continues, and WNC benefits. The Community Foundation has a 40-year track record of investing in the region and has gained an in-depth understanding of its needs and opportunities. I think our founders would be proud.
As the Foundation’s level of engagement grows with each passing year, my optimism grows with it. I believe that the relationships and trust we FOCUS AREA GRANT
$200,000 Awarded to OnTrack to Support Matched Savings Program G R A N T I S L A R G E S T C O M P E T I T I V E AWA R D I N C F W N C H I S T O R Y
In August, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) board of directors approved its largest competitive grant to date when a $200,000 People in Need grant was awarded to OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling to expand the SECURE program that provides financial literacy training and a three-to-one match to help low-income people establish and maintain emergency savings.
To learn more about the matched savings program and how it helps people save and learn, watch the video “When Life Happens” at www.cfwnc.org. Photo courtesy of Fusion Digital Video.
“We are very proud of this grant,” said Elizabeth Brazas, CFWNC president. “With these funds, OnTrack will offer financial literacy and an opportunity for matched savings to clients working with partnering nonprofits on life issues such as childcare, education and job training. Indications are that this comprehensive approach works, and that emergency savings is a key component of that success.” In 2015, CFWNC began researching ways to help people escape the cycle of poverty. The Foundation partnered with three nonprofits in May 2016 when $114,000 was awarded to OnTrack and two other organizations to develop pilot matched savings programs serving several WNC counties. A further investment in match dollars of $8,000 was made when OnTrack’s enrollment exceeded expectations. “Initially, we funded the pilot programs out of our discretionary funds because it was a risk,” explained Brazas. “Over the past two years, we’ve learned that with the right approach and support, participants can become more financially stable. We invited our donors to help, and $70,000 in co-investment came from the Brown Family Fund, the Fidel Duke Fund and a private family foundation.
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Masthead photo, from left: The City of Marion Tailgate Market received funding from The McDowell Endowment. Photo of Estelle Allman, courtesy of City of Marion. Photo of Habitat for Humanity client Pete Finley, courtesy of Asheville Habitat for Humanity, which received 2017 People in Need funding to expand into McDowell County. The Biltmore Lake Charitable Fund awarded the Verner Center for Early Learning $7,500 to help provide early childhood education to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Photo courtesy of Verner. A $45,000 Food and Farming grant supported ASAP’s Telling the Story program. Photo of John Mitchell, courtesy of ASAP. The Bascom was awarded $10,000 by the Cashiers Community Fund to support a cross-disciplinary arts initiative. Photo by Byron Tenesaca.
POWER OF THE PURSE®
Photo by Michael Oppenheim.
2018 Power of the Purse® to feature Award-winning Journalist Maria Hinojosa Maria Hinojosa is the featured speaker for the 14th Annual Power of the Purse®. Her talk, “My American Experience: Immigration, Disparity and Opportunity,” will address the critical issues of migration, immigration and changing demographics. Reservations for the May 22, 2018, event can be made beginning March 2018 at www.cfwnc.org. “In Hinojosa’s nearly 30 years as a journalist, she has reported hundreds of important stories, often from marginalized communities,” said Elizabeth Brazas, CFWNC President. “Our country’s changing demographics are forcing a national debate about the future. We look forward to exploring these topics with Maria.” Maria Hinojosa
As the anchor and executive producer of the Peabody Award-winning show Latino USA, distributed by NPR, and anchor and executive producer of the PBS show America by the Numbers with Maria Hinojosa, Hinojosa has informed millions about the evolving cultural and political landscape in America and abroad. In 2010, she created the Futuro Media Group, a nonprofit producing multimedia journalism that explores diversity and tells stories that may be overlooked by mainstream media. Hinojosa has worked for CNN, PBS, CBS, WNBC and WGBH. Her previous projects include PBS’s Need to Know series and the WGBH/La Plaza talk show Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One. Hinojosa has received numerous awards for her work including: four Emmys; the 2012 John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism; Robert F. Kennedy Award for Reporting on the Disadvantaged; the Studs Terkel Community Media Award; and the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Overseas Press Club for best documentary for “Child Brides: Stolen Lives.” Hinojosa was born in Mexico City and raised in Chicago. She received her BA from Barnard College. She is currently the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Chair of Latin American and Latino Studies at DePaul University in Chicago and a Global Post ‘Voces’ columnist. Power of the Purse® benefits The Women’s Fund endowment. Proceeds from The Women’s Fund are distributed through the Women for Women grant program.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin was the featured speaker at the soldout 13th Annual Power of the Purse®. The luncheon raised $73,000 and included the announcement of $270,000 in grants from the Women for Women giving circle to the Boys and Girls Club of Hendersonville County, Mitchell County SafePlace, Park Ridge Health, SAFE of Transylvania County and Steps to HOPE.
GRANT NEWS
Asheville Merchants Fund Awards $405,000 FUNDS TO SUPPORT YOUTH SUCCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Asheville Merchants Fund has awarded grants to nine Buncombe County nonprofit organizations to spur economic growth and support youth success. Innovative projects designed to strengthen community and stimulate economic growth were awarded a total of $405,000. Asheville Merchants Fund grants are awarded every two years; details are at www.cfwnc.org. “This year’s applicants were extremely strong and innovative, which made the selection process difficult,” said Advisory Board Chair Tom Hallmark. “It was also very interesting to see new programs and new twists on others. In total the recipients are a well-rounded group that will provide muchneeded help throughout our community.” Center for Agricultural and Food Entrepreneurship received $50,000 to support the continued growth and success of small businesses using the services of Blue Ridge Food Ventures. The project will provide food and cosmetics processing infrastructure and technical assistance to more than 30 businesses and 50 employees. Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County received $50,000 to help young people succeed in school through the continuation and expansion of the Student Support Specialist program at Joe P. Eblen Intermediate School. The Specialist addresses school-wide needs and identifies services for students at high risk of dropping out. KL Training Solutions/dba My Daddy Taught Me That received $50,000 to expand job skills training for young participants by providing internship opportunities with local businesses. Funding will also support existing training programs in the trades, music production, interview skills, resume building, work ethic development and money management.
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Literacy Council of Buncombe County received $35,000 to provide reading, writing, spelling and English language tutoring to 280 adult students. Increased literacy skills enable participants to meet goals, such as earning a High School Equivalency, gaining employment or promotion, passing the U.S. Naturalization exam or becoming more involved in their children's education. Mountain BizWorks received $50,000 to provide microloans and customized business education to a target population of low-tomoderate income entrepreneurs in Asheville. Support will directly help 150 local businesses get the entrepreneurial training and preparation needed to obtain a loan and start or expand their business. Mountain Housing Opportunities received $50,000 to create a program training affordable housing residents in healthcare professions. This program will focus on a critical gap between underemployed citizens and the education required for earning a living wage.
Allison Jordan, Children First/CIS Executive Director, Emma Elementary students and Amanda Fox, Student Support Specialist at Emma Elementary, working in the school garden. Photo by Michael Oppenheim.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County received $50,000 to support Homework Diners at Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen middle schools. Homework Diners are a key strategy of the United Way’s Middle School Success Initiative and the Asheville-Buncombe Middle Grades Network. W4H Asheville/dba Working Wheels received $40,000 to build internal capacity by investing in tools and equipment for a two-bay garage facility and to purchase parts and pay for labor to fully recycle eight donated vehicles for families in need. Western Carolina Rescue Ministries received $30,000 to fund equipment needs for Abba's House, a program that works with opiateaddicted, pregnant mothers to teach bonding, budget management and life skills.
GRANT NEWS
Mark Doty has been delivering meals daily for more than twenty years. Above, he passes through the new automated doors that have made deliveries more efficient. Photo courtesy of CFWNC.
Senior Program Officer Virginia Dollar and MOW staff inspect a supplemental food box that provides nutrition to clients when deliveries are not possible. Photo courtesy of CFWNC.
CFWNC Grants Support Meals on Wheels PROVIDING MORE THAN A MEAL TO HOMEBOUND CLIENTS
Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County (MOW) operates five days a week and provides a nutritious lunchtime meal and other lifeenhancing services to nearly 500 homebound people throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. Last fall, CFWNC awarded a $15,000 grant to provide supplemental food boxes and nutrition drinks for the winter weather when deliveries can’t take place due to hazardous driving conditions. A Janirve Sudden and Urgent Needs grant recently repaired the door through which an army of delivery volunteers passes, loaded down with coolers and boxes. Locally, MOW is marking its 40th anniversary. It is a lean organization with eleven full-time staff and hundreds of volunteers. The organization understands that when homebound people have the right support, they gain greater quality of life, need fewer hospital stays and live longer. MOW reduces food insecurity, improves nutrition and alleviates isolation for their homebound clients. “We want to serve any elderly resident who needs food and has no way to get it,” said Debbie Sprouse, Development Director. "Sometimes clients’ needs are for temporary assistance, while others’ needs are full-time. We ask people to cover the $3 cost of the food, if they can, but many of our clients are overwhelmed by medical costs or are living on a small fixed income. We also serve many military veterans.” Two social workers serve on the staff of eleven. “Volunteers serve as the eyes and ears for the social workers and are often the first persons to identify other issues such as elder abuse, the need for protective services and necessary housing repairs,” explained Executive Director Dianne Trammel. “They check on the health of clients and, occasionally, we have had to call 911. Sometimes clients just need help changing a light bulb. We really want to know if anyone else is helping this person. Nutrition is important, but the companionship and contact that volunteers provide can also relieve anxiety and stress.” Learn more at www.mowabc.org. Matched Savings continued from page 1.
“When I think of the SECURE participants, I think of people who have a job and are trying to make ends meet, but for many of these people the smallest, unplanned financial event can turn into a crisis,” said OnTrack’s Executive Director Celeste Collins. “This program is innovative because it does not dictate to people what they have to do with their money. It provides crucial opportunities for failure, learning and ultimate success.” “We know that a lack of emergency savings is a significant factor in trapping low-income people in a cycle of high cost borrowing, poverty and dangerous debt. SECURE is teaching people that they can save money and prepare for financial events,” added Collins. “For some families that is a catalyst for a different way of managing their money. The Community Foundation’s continued investment in the SECURE program will enable us to work with expanded populations and to continue to test the outcomes in our community. It is an amazing opportunity.”
August Focus Area Grants E A R LY C H I L D H O O D D E V E L O P M E N T
$10,000 to Mountain Area Health Education Center, Inc. (MAHEC) to support the Adverse Childhood Experiences Southeastern Summit 2017: The Art of Healing ACEs. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are recognized as major risk factors for the leading causes of illness, death and poor quality of life in adulthood. The Summit will raise awareness and share best practices for addressing ACEs in schools and in mental health, juvenile justice and healthcare settings. The Wasson-Stowe Charitable Fund partnered with CFWNC to fund this grant. F O O D A N D FA R M I N G
$25,000 to Mainspring Conservation Trust to assist with an agricultural conservation easement of a heritage farm in Cherokee County. The Long Farm, with prime farm soil and 2,300-feet along both sides of Grape Creek, produces seeds for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and has been actively engaged in the EBCI’s efforts to increase access to heritage crop varieties and educate its community about the importance of local food production. The Riverbend Fund partnered with CFWNC to fund this grant, which is contingent upon receipt of other funds. N AT U R A L A N D C U LT U R A L R E S O U R C E S
$27,936 to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to purchase technology to deter poaching of natural resources such as ginseng, galax, bog turtles and peregrines in eight counties along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The workforce on federal lands continues to shrink, making it difficult for staff to patrol and protect the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway from illegal harvesting of natural resources. The James G. K. McClure Educational & Development Fund and the Riverbend Fund partnered with CFWNC to fund this grant.
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FOCUS AREA GRANT
Transylvania County ‘Smartly United’ to Support Early Childhood Education In February, CFWNC awarded Smart Start of Transylvania County a $100,000 Early Childhood Development grant over two years to support the Smartly United Early Childhood Collective (SUECC). This joint effort by Smart Start and United Way of Transylvania County has the goal of facilitating data collection, cross-county collaboration, community convening, parent involvement and program implementation tailored to meet the unique needs of children aged 0-5 years in the county. Deb Tibbetts, Executive Director of Smart Start of Transylvania County; Rachel Keeney, Collective Impact Facilitator, Smartly United Early Childhood Collective; and Steve Pulliam, CEO, United Way of Transylvania County, review ‘next steps’ during a project planning meeting. Photo courtesy of SUECC.
A majority of children in Transylvania County do not attend any childcare or preschool program, and many kindergarteners test below or far below proficiency upon entering school. These statistics reflect the multitude of challenges affecting this population, including poverty, lack of transportation and family support, limited childcare capacity in the county and the high turnover within childcare centers due to low levels of pay.
Grant funds allowed SUECC to implement a Collective Impact model and to hire Rachel Keeney as a Collective Impact Facilitator. Keeney helps make connections within the community to identify opportunities for collaboration, gathers data to inform stakeholder decision making and is working on engaging parents with young children to participate in the conversation. “Collaboration is the ideal, but it is a lot of work! Many times, organizational staff are so swamped with their day jobs that collaborative efforts get put on the backburner. What I do is the behind-the-scenes work that is crucial to maintain momentum, action and data-informed decision making,” Keeney explained. The Early Childhood Initiative, comprised of community-wide organizations, government, schools and concerned citizens, has identified increasing affordable, high-quality pre-school options as a top priority. SUECC will provide community outreach, fundraising, project management and a business development role for any large project emerging from the Early Childhood Initiative. As the Initiative continues to gather input and perspectives from stakeholders, the project focus has shifted to prioritize support for existing childcare centers to improve quality and capacity and towards exploring programs that will provide resources to families with young children living in the other townships outside of Brevard. Such resources include kindergarten readiness activities, health services, family support and recreation. “The ability of SUECC to work with others to identify unique challenges in Transylvania County and respond with tailored programmatic initiatives demonstrates its adaptability, relevance and dedication to collaboration,” said Keeney. These projects have many positive implications for Transylvania County relative to the rate of return to the community. Numerous studies that have shown an investment in early education, coupled with training for parents, results not only in economic gains for the children as they grow, but sizable savings on future economic costs. SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships Awarded Totaling $425,600 Ninety-five students in Western North Carolina were awarded scholarships totaling $425,600 in the 2017 scholarship cycle. Scholarship endowments can have broad eligibility criteria or can be focused on a particular school or county, offered to students pursuing a degree in a stated field or available to those who will attend a designated college or university. Top recipients were: • Raleigh Cury of Asheville High School who was awarded the Marilyn Lester and William Lester Scholarship, valued at $40,000 over four years, as well as the one-time William Bradley Ayers Scholarship, valued at $1,000 • Erin Madden of Andrews High School who was awarded the Reichman Scholarship, valued at $30,000 over four years • Justin Sech of Asheville High School who was awarded the Irving Jacob Reuter Award, valued at $20,000 over four years, and the one-time Dr. Brian Ling Memorial Scholarship, valued at $1,000 • Connie Feinberg of Tuscola High School who was awarded the Nathaniel Ellis Cannady, Jr. Scholarship, valued at $20,000 over four years, as well as the one-time Chuck D. Hargrove Memorial Scholarship, valued at $500 • Jennifer Burns of Hendersonville High School who was awarded the Clyde and Mildred Wright Endowment Scholarship, valued at $20,000 over four years • Annabelle Cram of East Henderson High School who was awarded the Nathaniel Ellis Cannady, Jr. Scholarship, valued at $20,000 over four years • Marissa Bischoff of Hendersonville High School who was awarded the Nathaniel Ellis Cannady, Jr. Scholarship, valued at $20,000 over four years • Samantha Fortner of Mitchell High School who was awarded the Charles C. and Suzanne R. McKinney Scholarship, valued at $20,000 over four years, and the Lucas Lanier Memorial Scholarship Fund, valued at $8,000 over four years • Sheila Rodriguez of Polk County Early College who was awarded the Clyde and Mildred Wright Endowment Scholarship, valued at $20,000 over four years "As a member of the WNC Regional Scholarship Committee, I continue to be amazed by the high caliber of scholarship candidates we review,” said Lane Lastinger. “All of them are nearly perfect academically, while participating in numerous sports, clubs and community service organizations. We are fortunate to personally interview a number of them each year, and the CFWNC scholarships are critical in allowing the brightest of the bright to pursue their dreams. It is extremely rewarding to participate in this process, but each year I wonder about the students that just missed the cut. I am very thankful for CFWNC's efforts to continue to grow the WNC Regional Scholarship fund so we can help more very deserving students."
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You can donate to the Fund for Scholarships at www.cfwnc.org/Donors/RegionalEndowments.
Connie Feinberg attends NC State and studies engineering. Photo courtesy of Connie Feinberg.
"I graduated as the salutatorian from Tuscola High School in Haywood County, where I was involved in numerous organizations. After spending the summer before my junior year participating in Summer Ventures in Science and Math and taking the Mathematical Evolutions course, and then the summer following at the Governor’s School of North Carolina for math, I knew I was beginning to discover my passion. Math and science are beautiful and elegant, and like every beautiful thing they grow and mature and at a faster rate than has ever been seen in this day and age. I want to be a part of that growth, to be able to experience and contribute to the whirlwind of advancement for the rest of my life. I looked into careers which would allow me to use math in order to explore the depths of science, while still encouraging creative problem solving. I came to a rather obvious conclusion: engineering. The Nathaniel Ellis Cannady, Jr. Scholarship and Chuck D. Hargrove Memorial Scholarship have both aided me in furthering my education and pursuing this dream at North Carolina State University."
GIVING BACK
Funds Created Between January 1 and June 30, 2017
A Charitable Gift Annuity allows donors to make a future gift and receive income and tax advantages now. • Meeke Charitable Gift Annuity 3
Designated Funds support specific nonprofits named by the donor when the fund is established.
Kay and Blan Aldridge surrounded by their family. Photo by Emilija Guobyte.
Lives of Purpose and Giving Blan and Kay Aldridge met in 1951, shortly after college, at a hospital where Kay was working as an occupational therapist and Blan was being treated for TB. They have been together for 66 years. For the last three decades plus, they have been helping people through their careers and their philanthropy here in Western North Carolina. “When Blan retired from the Presbyterian Church in Princeton, NJ, we knew we wanted to come south and find a community that needed help with mental health services,” explained Kay, who has a master’s degree in social work from Rutgers. We wanted to work together, so we opened a group and individual therapy office on the town square in Burnsville in September of 1981.”
“Philanthropy is contagious, and the Foundation fosters that.”
“I had a brother who died of schizophrenia and I had always wanted to work with people with mental and developmental disabilities,” said Blan. “In Burnsville, I was asked if I would be interested in befriending a troubled young man named Jeff who was living in a group home for mentally ill adults. For years, I would pick him up and we would spend time together.” That relationship continues to this day. Thirty-five years and a move to Asheville later, Blan is still Jeff’s friend. Staff at Jeff’s current group home come to pick Blan up once a month since he no longer drives. “It’s not a duty, it’s a joy,” said Blan. “He considers us his family.” The Aldridges knew of CFWNC through their work with local agencies in Yancey County. Blan joined the board in 1995, representing Yancey County, and served for two terms. In 1998, Blan and Bubba Crutchfield worked together to launch the CFWNC affiliate, The Yancey Fund. Blan and Kay opened a CFWNC donor advised fund in 2007 and have used the fund to make more than 340 grants. Favorite causes are too numerous to list but include YWCA, Planned Parenthood, Brevard Music Center, MANNA FoodBank and others. “Giving back – that’s what life is about,” said Kay. “I have been so fortunate in the gifts and things that have been given to me and the opportunities that I have had. I feel the desire, almost a duty, to give what I can to others.” “I feel the same way,” added Blan. “We have been able to share with others, which brings us joy as well.” “The Foundation has opened up avenues for us to supporting certain causes,” said Blan. “We feel comfortable making donations to a competent, well-managed organization. They do the research for us on the best places to give, for example, in the case of a natural disaster. CFWNC gives us advice about distributing our funds to organizations that can directly assist the groups or individuals we are interested in helping.” "Over the years, the CFWNC staff has come to feel like family. I tell people about The Community Foundation any time I have a chance,” said Blan.
• Mary and Leland Bartholomew Designated Fund #2 • Burgin 2017 Charitable Fund • Hembree Designated Fund 2017 • Hibbard Philanthropic Fund #1
Donor Advised Funds allow donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and recommend grants over time.
• Allen Charitable Endowment • George Morosani Charitable Fund • Drs. Tom and Joanne Parker Foundation Fund • Gregg Polubinsky & Bruce Mowrey Charitable Fund • Siler Venture Fund
Expectancy Funds are established to receive assets at a later time, typically through an estate plan, charitable gift annuity or charitable trust.
• Bluedoor Fund • Charles and Patricia Sloan Clogston Charitable Fund • John W. Sloan and Patricia S. Clogston Family Fund • Craig and Jacqui Friedrich Gift Fund • Murray Giving Fund • John Myers and Jane Lawson Fund • Gilna Nance and David Allred Fund • Russell E. Newton, Jr. and Ladene H. Newton Fund • Dr. W. Gresham Orrison Charitable Fund • Aleta J. and Edward G. Tisdale Charitable Fund • Kenneth F. and Kathleen M. Wilson Fund
Nonprofit Funds are created to invest and steward a nonprofit’s long-term or endowed assets.
• Asheville Area Arts Council Fund • Black Mountain Center Foundation Endowment Fund • Camp Grier Endowment Fund • Ecology Wildlife Foundation Outdoor Education Endowment Fund • Endowment for Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church • Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Reserve Fund • Vickie Hogan-Allied Health Scholarship Fund • Junior League of Asheville Legacy Fund • Jean M. Mattson Fund
Donor Advised Funds at CFWNC CFWNC’s most popular fund option, a donor advised fund, provides maximum convenience and flexibility to address issues now and as your giving priorities change over time. You, your family members and even future generations can be involved. You can create a donor advised fund with an initial gift of $10,000 and then add to your fund at any time in any amount. You can give cash, stock, real estate or other assets, and your gift is tax deductible at fair market value.
Invested as part of CFWNC’s $285 million portfolio, your fund can grow over time. You’ll be able to recommend grants to your charities of choice in any amount of $250 or more. There are no annual distribution requirements, and CFWNC makes giving to your chosen charities and record keeping easy and efficient. CFWNC’s stewardship ensures that your charitable intent is fulfilled. You can manage your giving online or with the help of CFWNC’s staff. We are here to help you articulate your
giving goals, identify and evaluate nonprofit organizations, connect with grant opportunities and other fundholders who share your interests, create a plan to involve your family, and plan for your fund’s future. CFWNC can help you decide if a donor advised fund fits you, your family and your philanthropy. There is no cost for a consultation or to establish a fund. Call Sheryl Aikman or Becky Davis at 828-254-4960 for more information or to get started.
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A F F I L I AT E N E W S
The Fund for Haywood County Receives $100,000 Gift Waynesville resident Ann Mitchell Coley remembered Haywood County in her estate plans and the Fund received a gift of more than $100,000. “Ann Coley’s generosity and planning will mean a great deal to the people of Haywood County for generations to come,” said Advisory Board Chair Christine Mallette. “Making a significant gift to the endowment means that grants can support the projects of highest need now and continue to meet changing needs over time. We are so thankful she chose to support the region she loved in this way.” Ann Coley was a native of Wake County, North Carolina. She was a world traveler, living in various countries over the years. Upon retirement in Haywood County, Ms. Coley continued her interest in the financial world and her love of books and research in the spiritual and healing arts. Her gift provided for her friend and companion Shirley Embody and, upon Ms. Embody’s death, the remaining assets were directed to The Fund for Haywood County.
The Black Mountain - Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund Supports BMH The Black Mountain - Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund awarded $10,000 to Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families (BMH). The money will be used for apprenticeship programs in maintenance, hospitality and housekeeping, recreation and outdoor leadership, and culinary industries. The programs are designed to give “aging out” youth the tools required to be independent by earning a living wage without dependency on government aid or another adult. BMH recognizes that not all of its youth will have the opportunity or desire to obtain a collegiate education, so are offering an alternative. “We want to make sure the kids who come here are treated like we would want our kids or grandkids treated,” said Tom Campbell, President of BMH. “Those are not just words; that's what we feel in our heart.” BMH’s 2016 high school graduates. Photo courtesy of Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families.
Becky Cross Receives North Carolina Lifetime Achievement Award In May, Governor Roy Cooper presented Medallion Awards for Volunteer Service to honorees at the State Capitol in Raleigh. The McDowell Endowment’s Becky Cross was one of two recognized for a “Lifetime Achievement” Award. “Volunteerism teaches us all that we need to know about being good neighbors and better citizens,” Gov. Cooper said. “Volunteers are the best of us, and those of you being honored today have gone above and beyond.” Cross was the driving force in establishing The McDowell Endowment. She served as the founding chair and has been an active member of the Advisory Board since it was established. The McDowell Endowment holds assets of nearly $1 million and, to date, nearly $950,000 in grants have been awarded to nonprofits and service agencies in McDowell County. Volunteers like Becky Cross have enabled philanthropy to spread across the region. We salute Becky for her award and thank her for her service to The McDowell Endowment and CFWNC.
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Henry the Horse was rescued by MCAR. Too weak to stand on his own, a hoist was made with the help of the local volunteer fire department to keep Henry upright so he could eat and regain his strength. He now lives with a family, loved and cared for by three cowgirls. Photos courtesy of Mitchell County Animal Rescue.
The Fund for Mitchell County Supports MCAR In the spring, a $1,000 grant was made to the Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR) for general operations by The Fund for Mitchell County. Voted Best Nonprofit of the Year in 2016, MCAR offers a variety of services from a low-cost spay and neuter program and rabies clinics to a pet food bank and adoption program. MCAR accepts all animals, provided they are from Mitchell County, regardless of breed, age or condition. “The Fund for Mitchell County supports the efforts of nonprofits in Mitchell County,” said Dr. Dan Barron, Advisory Board Chair. “This increases, to the greatest extent possible, the quality of life for all of our residents. We are convinced that services like those offered by MCAR make a difference for all of us. In addition to this grant, in the past year we were able to provide $50,000 to nonprofits serving people in need.” Since 1999, The Fund for Mitchell County has been making grants to its community nonprofit organizations. Over the years, the affiliate fund has awarded 71 grants to 36 organizations totaling $643,209.
N O N P R O F I T PAT H WAY S
WNC Nonprofit Pathways Supports Nonprofit Strength One in four children in Buncombe County lives in poverty. Poverty is linked to a higher rate of school dropouts, which is linked to things like teen pregnancy, poor health and increased criminal activity. Local nonprofit Children First/Communities In Schools has been advocating for Buncombe County’s children and families for more than 40 years. Its mission is simple; its work is not: to empower children and their families to reach their full potential through advocacy, education and services. Executive Director Allison Jordan said, “Food boxes and emergency services are crucial, but they’re just a Band-Aid. We asked ourselves, how do we make systems change? It’s economic security; it’s affordable housing; it’s a living wage and childcare subsidies.” Jordan described the organization’s stance on advocacy as something that has transformed over time. Children First/CIS initially focused on “softer issues” to avoid alienating any one donor group. Eventually recognizing a firmer stance was necessary, it began speaking out about more controversial issues such as Medicaid expansion and raising the age of youth being criminally charged as adults.
Allison Jordan, Executive Director, Children First/CIS, and Amanda Fox, Student Support Specialist at Emma Elementary. Photo by Michael Oppenheim.
When asked how a small organization tackles such daunting issues she replied, “Advocacy and collaboration.” Community collaboration is one of the key values of Children First/CIS. “Everything we do requires collaborating with other organizations,” continued Jordan. Children First/CIS values its partnership with WNC Nonprofit Pathways, a collective of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, CFWNC, Mission Health and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. Pathways was launched to help nonprofits build organizational strength to effectively carry out their missions. Through education and consultation, Pathways focuses on the key areas of organizational strength, including board and leadership development, fundraising, financial management, human resources and more. Described by Jordan as “a blessing to the nonprofit community,” WNC Nonprofit Pathways has been turning out enhanced leaders in the region for more than a decade. “The health of an organization is very dependent upon the strength of its leaders,” said Cindy McMahon, WNC Nonprofit Pathways lead consultant. “If we want strong nonprofit organizations to support our community, we need the leadership of those organizations to be strong.” To address that need for strong leadership, Pathways’ funders nominate a short list of nonprofit leaders to participate annually in The Pathways for Nonprofit Leadership program. This program is entirely unique in that it is focused on specific leaders within specific nonprofits in Western North Carolina. “Sixteen to nineteen nominees are put into a cohort which goes through the six-month program,” explained McMahon. The training includes educational retreats, executive coaching, a survey that assesses an individual’s emotional intelligence, as well as a 360 survey that allows a leader to receive candid, honest feedback from managers, direct reports and peers. From the beginning of WNC Nonprofit Pathways, Children First/CIS has been taking advantage of its programs. They have twice taken the Core Capacity Assessment Tool (an organizational assessment, followed by customized coaching) and are in the process of a third assessment, participated in Duke University’s nonprofit management courses, received sustainability consulting and, in addition to the Pathways for Nonprofit Leadership program, participated in the leadership forums offered each fall. “The benefits of the leadership training were immense,” said Jordan. “It allowed me to really look at myself as a leader, to focus on my strengths and to identify where work still needed to be done.” “We have certainly seen a maturing of Children First/CIS over the years, especially in its role regarding advocacy,” said McMahon. “By honing its approach and focus, it has become much more effective.” Jordan and McMahon agreed that the relationship between funding partners, nonprofits and the communities served is a symbiotic one. Funders of WNC Nonprofit Pathways know that their investments are advancing nonprofit leadership, which benefits Western North Carolina as a whole. To learn more about Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County, visit http://childrenfirstcisbc.org. To learn more about WNC Nonprofit Pathways, visit http://nonprofitpathways.org. POWER OF THE PURSE®
From left, Junaluska Elementary students and teachers with CFWNC staff Philip Belcher and Spencer Butler; Atkinson Elementary students with Principal Mark Page; and Claxton Elementary School students with plants and books and CFWNC President Elizabeth Brazas.
Partnership with ASAP Delivers Plants and Books to Schools In the spirit of the Foundation’s Food and Farming focus area, and in partnership with Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), the 2017 Power of the Purse® centerpieces featured edible plants. Following the luncheon, the plants were donated to local schools through ASAP’s Growing Minds program. Growing Minds connects farmers, distributors, and school food leaders to ensure students have access to healthy, local food. In addition to the centerpieces, copies of the book The Vegetable Alphabet were added to the libraries of the schools.
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CFWNC Staff News Current staff member Angela Farnquist has been named Donor Relations Associate. Angela came to The Community Foundation in 2015 as our Development Administrative Assistant and was later promoted to Development Associate. Starting this fall, she will be the frontline contact Photo by Michael Oppenheim. for individuals and families who have established a fund with CFWNC and will support the Donor Relations Officer and President to address the needs of fundholders and advisors. “I’m really looking forward to the challenges that a new role will offer and hope to build the position into a supportive, creative part of the organization. I’m excited to be in this donor-focused role as I enjoy learning what inspires our donors to be philanthropic and am eager to help them meet their charitable goals.”
Our Affiliates
CFWNC
Phone: 828-254-4960 Fax: 828-251-2258 www.cfwnc.org
Management Team
Sheryl Aikman, Vice President, Development Philip Belcher, Vice President, Programs Elizabeth Brazas, President Lindsay Hearn, Communications Director Graham Keever, Chief Financial Officer
Officers
Board of Directors
A.C. Honeycutt, Jr., Chair Laurence Weiss, Secretary
Board Members Maurean B. Adams Caroline M. Avery Joanne Badr James W. Baley Guadalupe Chavarria II William Clarke
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
Stephanie Norris Kiser, Vice-Chair G. Edward Towson, II, Treasurer Jennie Eblen Michael Fields Charles Frederick Connie Haire Susan Jenkins Lowell R. Pearlman
Scott Shealy J. Chris Smith Sarah Sparboe Thornburg Stephen Watson
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New Board Members Elected CFWNC welcomed two new board members in July. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is pleased to announce the following new board members who have been elected to serve a three-year term: Joanne Badr is an attorney whose law practice emphasizes the representation of banks and other financial institutions in commercial loan transactions involving asset-based and real estate-secured loans. She also represents real estate developers and business owners in connection with acquisition, disposition, planning, financing, construction and leasing negotiations. Joanne's representation extends to developers and housing authorities in connection with tax credit developments of multi-family and affordable housing. Badr is a Leadership Asheville Alumna, a member of the Advisory Council for Buncombe County Boys & Girls Club and board member for CFWNC’s Western North Carolina Real Estate Foundation.
Connie Haire retired as Vice President of Southwestern Community College Macon Campus where she provided leadership and administrative management, working with the community, public schools and businesses. She is currently chairperson of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area board of directors; vice chairperson of the board of directors of public radio station WCQS; and serves on the board of directors of Angel Medical Center, Cashiers Historical Society and Mainspring Conservation Trust. Dr. Haire also serves on the Development Council for the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University. She was recently appointed to the Jackson County Historic Preservation Commission, and she and her husband Phil are recipients of Preservation NC’s Carroway Award.