Western North Carolina Community Foundation

Western North Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves the Asheville, North Carolina region, including Buncombe County, Henderson County, Madison County, and Transylvania County. The foundation was established in 1978 by a group of local Philanthropists, including James E. Walker and Robert W. Scott, with the goal of supporting the local community through Grantmaking and Community development. The foundation is affiliated with the North Carolina Community Foundation and is a member of the Council on Foundations, a national organization that promotes Philanthropy and Grantmaking. The foundation also partners with other local organizations, such as the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

● History

The foundation was established in 1978 with an initial Endowment of $100,000, which was donated by local Philanthropists, including James E. Walker and Robert W. Scott. The foundation's early years were marked by a focus on Grantmaking and Community development, with a particular emphasis on supporting local Nonprofit organizations, such as the Asheville Art Museum and the Western North Carolina Nature Center. In the 1980s, the foundation began to expand its reach, establishing relationships with other local organizations, such as the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The foundation has also been recognized for its work by local and national organizations, including the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy and the Asheville Citizen-Times.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The foundation's Mission statement is to "improve the quality of life for the people of Western North Carolina by supporting Nonprofit organizations and Community development initiatives." The foundation's objectives include providing Grantmaking support to local Nonprofit organizations, promoting Community engagement and Volunteerism, and building Endowments to support the long-term needs of the community. The foundation is guided by a set of core values, including a commitment to Diversity, equity, and inclusion, Transparency (behavior), and Accountability. The foundation also partners with other local organizations, such as the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits and the Asheville Community Foundation, to advance its mission and objectives.

● Grantmaking_and_Programs

The foundation provides Grantmaking support to local Nonprofit organizations, with a focus on Education, Health, Human services, and Arts and culture. The foundation's grantmaking programs include the Community Fund, which provides support for general operating expenses, and the Program Fund, which provides support for specific programs and initiatives. The foundation also offers a range of other programs and services, including Technical assistance and Capacity building support for local Nonprofit organizations. The foundation has supported a wide range of local organizations, including the Asheville City Schools, the Western North Carolina Alliance, and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.

● Leadership_and_Governance

The foundation is governed by a Board of directors composed of local leaders and Philanthropists, including Janet L. Owen and Thomas W. Ross. The foundation's Executive director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization and implementing its strategic plan. The foundation also has a number of committees, including the Grantmaking Committee and the Investment Committee, which provide guidance and oversight on key aspects of the foundation's work. The foundation is accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations and is a member of the Council on Foundations.

● Impact_and_Accomplishments

The foundation has had a significant impact on the local community, providing over $100 million in Grantmaking support to local Nonprofit organizations since its inception. The foundation's support has helped to establish a range of new programs and initiatives, including the Asheville City Schools' Early childhood education program and the Western North Carolina Alliance's Environmental conservation program. The foundation has also been recognized for its work by local and national organizations, including the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy and the Asheville Citizen-Times. The foundation has partnered with other local organizations, such as the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, to advance its mission and objectives.

● Community_Engagement

The foundation is committed to Community engagement and Volunteerism, and offers a range of opportunities for local residents to get involved in its work. The foundation's Volunteer program provides opportunities for individuals to serve on committees, participate in Grantmaking decisions, and assist with special events. The foundation also partners with other local organizations, such as the Asheville Community Foundation and the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, to promote Community engagement and Volunteerism throughout the region. The foundation has also been recognized for its commitment to Diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has been awarded the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy's Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Category:Philanthropic organizations based in North Carolina