Cherokee County Community Foundation’s network of endowments benefits students in the region
The Cherokee County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation, works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments to benefit the community. Annually, endowment funds in its network support scholarships for local students and provide lasting support for nonprofits.
“Each year, our family of funds creates meaningful opportunities for students and strengthens the organizations that serve our community,” said Carmen Lance, advisory board president of the Cherokee County Community Foundation. “Because these are endowed funds, their impact doesn’t end with this year’s recipients as they will continue for generations to come. We hope these stories inspire others to consider creating an endowment so they, too, can leave a lasting legacy in Cherokee County.”
This year, Cherokee County High School students Alexis Beasley, Madison Queen, and Caleb Stillwell were awarded the Hermann K. Brauer Memorial Scholarship which awarded $5,000 to each student, with the opportunity to renew.
Beasley and Queen plan to attend North Carolina State University and Stilwell will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“Growing up in a rural community has taught me the value of perseverance and neighborly support,” Stillwell (pictured at left) said of growing up in Cherokee County, which he credits with his success.
He said he plans to continue his passion for helping his community, with a desire for lifelong service and learning.
Queen (pictured at right) thanked a teacher for encouraging her to pursue further education.
“I instantly felt a connection with [Mrs. Merrit], she was not only a teacher but a mentor, someone who I looked up to,” said Queen. After completing her degree, she plans to return to Cherokee County to give back to her community.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity that you have given to students like me,” said Beasley (pictured at left) of the impact of the scholarship. “Every dollar counts when it comes to funding an education.” She also emphasized the positive impact that her parents made on her growing up.
The Hermann K. Brauer Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to students from Andrews, NC, who have attended a Cherokee County high school and plan to attend a four-year accredited college or university and are preparing for a career in medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering or other science, teaching or law.
Two other NCCF scholarships, the Dr. Al Swan Memorial Endowment and the James Albert Wood, Lee “Teddy” Nichols and Wells Family Scholarship, also benefit students in Cherokee County.
In addition to its network of scholarships, CCCF annually accepts applications for its community grantmaking program. Eligible organizations may apply beginning July 31, and applications are due at noon on Sept. 1. To learn more, visit: nccommunityfoundation.org/Cherokee.
About the Cherokee County Community Foundation
The Cherokee County Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.
Founded in 1991, CCCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. CCCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. In addition to Lance, board members include Steven Aft (vice president), Ann Lukens (secretary), Jeana Conley, Terelle Harr, Kathryn Jenkins and Kimberly Johnson.
About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation transforms the collective generosity of our donors into a permanent source of community support, with a focus on the state’s rural areas.
NCCF partners with donors and a network of affiliates to sustain over 1,300 endowments totaling over $600 million in assets. More than $360 million has been awarded as grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students, creating stronger communities for generations to come.