The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, has awarded $5,850 in grants to five organizations supporting the local community. 

The board of advisors granted: 

• $1,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina for Igniting Potential in Eastern Band Youth 
• $1,000 to HIGHTS for healthy food for Restorative Justice Programs 
• $850 to Museum of the Cherokee People for HVAC Intervention Support 
• $2,000 to Rolling Start NC, Inc., for vehicles for people in need 
• $1,000 to Swain/Qualla SAFE, Inc., for general operating support

“We’re proud to support these organizations that are meeting critical needs in our community—from youth mentorship and restorative justice to transportation and cultural preservation,” said Michael Cooper, advisory board president of the Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation. “These grants reflect our commitment to uplifting our community.” 

Funds for 2025 grants came from EBCCF’s community grantmaking fund. Each year, EBCCF’s advisory board uses dollars from its endowment fund to make grants to eligible local organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, schools and churches. 

The grants are a portion of community support provided by EBCCF this year. Earlier this year, EBCCF granted $180,000 through the NCCF Disaster Relief Fund. The grants were awarded to local organizations to support long-term recovery, resiliency and unmet needs related to Hurricane Helene. Learn more about these grants. 

Visit nccommunityfoundation.org/EBCCF to learn more about EBCCF and its work or to make a tax-deductible donation.  

Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation Advisory Board Members 
Advisory board members are volunteers who live and work on the Qualla Boundary, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs and access opportunities. In addition to Cooper, board members include Jodie Owle Cooke (vice president), Lilyan Huskey (secretary), Myra Cloer, Anna Ferguson, Samantha Ferguson, Lavita Hill, Maggie Jackson, Garrett Lane, Evan Mathis and Carmen Nations. 

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 over 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.