The Avery Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, has awarded $8,700 in grants to organizations supporting the local community.

The board of advisors granted $4,050 from its community grantmaking fund:

• $500 to Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens (doing business as Yellow Mountain Enterprises) for Classroom Without Walls
• $500 to High Country Caregiver Foundation for Kinship Navigation – counseling for Avery County
• $500 to High Country Community Health for Giving Closet
• $500 to Mountain Alliance for Avery Teen Leadership Development and After-school Support Program
• $500 to Oasis, Inc. for domestic violence services and emergency shelter
• $500 to Pisgah Legal Services for legal services for survivors of domestic violence and child abuse in Avery County
• $500 to Prevent Blindness North Carolina for Avery County vision screening program
• $550 to W.A.M.Y. Community Action for Avery County Community Garden

“We are thrilled to support these local service providers,” said Brian Whitfield, advisory board president of the Avery Community Foundation. “Their work in the community is much appreciated.”

The board also granted $4,650 from the Dewey Wells Citizenship Fund:

• $1,550 to Cub Scout Pack 807 Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk
• $1,550 to Scouts BSA Troop 4807 Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk
• $1,550 to Scouts BSA Troop 807 Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk

The Dewey Wells Citizenship Fund, which marked its 10^th anniversary this year, was established by Judge Dewey Wells to encourage good citizenship and character among Avery County’s youth. The fund has now distributed more than $40,000 in grants.

“My objective is to assist in the development of character and promote good citizenship among young people, with the primary intended beneficiaries being Boy and Girl Scout units, including enabling them to better serve children living in low-income situations,” said Wells.

Each year, ACF’s local volunteer advisory board uses dollars from its endowment funds to make grants to eligible local organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, schools and churches. Visit nccommunityfoundation.org/avery to learn more about ACF and its work in the community or make a tax-deductible donation. For further information, contact the western region community leadership officer.

Avery Community Foundation Advisory Board Members

Advisory board members live and work in Avery County, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs and access opportunities. In addition to Whitfield, board members include Gwen Clark (secretary), James Austin, Cody Hoilman, Adam Martin, Scott Mathis, Justin Ray, Barbara Roesner, James Swinkola and Jamey Thompson.

About the North Carolina Community Foundation

The North Carolina Community Foundation brings together generous people and connects them to causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on inspiring lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities.

With $400 million in assets, NCCF sustains over 1,200 endowments and partners with donors and a network of affiliates in 60 counties to strengthen our state. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, NCCF makes a powerful impact through a robust grants and scholarships program, awarding over $270 million since 1988.

For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.