About Us

For 30 years, Western North Carolinians and their professional advisors have relied on The Community Foundation to help them turn their charitable passions into meaningful and effective philanthropy. In partnership with our donors, the Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and public institutions to enhance the quality of life throughout our 18-county mountain region and beyond. Learn More>>

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina promotes and expands regional philanthropy and develops local funds that address changing needs and opportunities in the 18 counties of Western North Carolina.
 

Our History

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1978 to create a permanent pool of charitable capital that will always be available for the 18 counties of Western North Carolina. We work with individuals, families and businesses to create and manage charitable funds and then make grants to nonprofits or public agencies in our mountain region. The Foundation is now a collection of more than 800 individual funds, each with a specific charitable purpose as determined by the donor who created it. In 2008, CFWNC assets exceeded $170 million.  The economic downturn has affected all investors, institutions and individuals alike, and as of 12/31/08 total assets are $126 million.  We are confident in our long-term investment strategy that will permanently protect and grow these funds for the benefit of Western North Carolina. In partnership with area donors, CFWNC has awarded more than $100 million in scholarships and grants to nonprofit organizations and public institutions across our 18-county mountain region and beyond.
 

What We Do

• Work with donors to create charitable funds according to their specific interests
• Inform donors about critical needs and match them with giving opportunities
• Responsibly manage more than $126 million in charitable assets
• Make grants and provide support to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies for improving life in our region
• Encourage and participate in community initiatives and partnerships
• Build awareness of the importance of philanthropy

All to improve the quality of life for the people of Western North Carolina
 

WNC Region / Counties We Serve

Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey

Our 2008 Annual Report Read More >>