The Clay County Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, has awarded $4,560 in grants to organizations supporting the local community. 

The board of advisors voted on and awarded the following grants in early September: 

• $560 to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina for foster and cottage care support 
• $1,200 to Four Square Community Action, Inc. for Hayesville Head Start safety improvement project 
• $500 to HIGHTS for mediation services fuel 
• $800 to Lilith Lidseen Performing Arts Association, Inc. for accessible restrooms 
• $500 to North Carolina Symphony for music discovery for Clay County preschoolers 
• $500 to Rock Bottom Recovery and Support, Inc. for general operating support 
• $500 to Special Olympics North Carolina for Special Olympics North Carolina Clay County

While these grants were awarded for specific projects, the organizations are being offered flexibility to repurpose funding awarded for specific programs or projects to best support their current needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  

“Now more than ever we believe in the power of local philanthropy for local good,” said Harry Baughn, advisory board president of the Clay County Community Foundation. “We were pleased to be able to support the efforts of these organizations meeting critical community needs and will look for more ways to support recovery in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.” 

Funds for 2024 grants came from CCCF’s community grantmaking fund. Each year, CCCF’s local volunteer advisory board uses dollars from its endowment fund to make grants to eligible local organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, schools and churches. 

Visit nccommunityfoundation.org/clay to learn more about CCCF and its work in the community or make a tax-deductible donation. For information about CCCF, contact the western region community leadership officer. 

Clay County Community Foundation Advisory Board Members
Advisory board members live and work in Clay County, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs and access opportunities. In addition to Baughn, board members include Henry Angelopulos (secretary), Gail Criss, Jim Rich, Jodi Sullivan and Jim Tiger.

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 $460 million in assets, NCCF sustains nearly 1,300 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 $300 million since 1988. For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.

The NCCF Disaster Relief Fund supports long-term recovery and unmet needs in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. To support recovery in western NC, visit: nccommunityfoundation.org/Helene.