The Jackson County Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, announced $46,620 in grants to organizations supporting the local community. 

The JCCF board of advisors voted on and awarded $15,120 in grants in mid-September: 

• $2,458 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Plateau for academic support for students not proficient in reading and math 
• $3,000 to Full Spectrum Farms for general operating support 
• $3,000 to International Friendship Center for food pantry supporting Jackson County residents 
• $500 to Meridian Behavioral Health Services for Narcan and first-aid kits 
• $4,162 to Rolling Start NC, Inc. for vehicles for individuals in need 
• $2,000 to Special Olympics North Carolina for Special Olympics Jackson 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.   

Additionally, the Balsam Mountain Preserve Fund for Jackson County granted $31,500: 

• $3,000 to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina for HOMEBASE program at Western Carolina University 
• $3,000 to Center for Domestic Peace for funds for direct client expenses in delivering programs in Jackson County  
• $3,000 to Christmas Connection of Jackson County for supplies to support the Christmas project for Jackson County children 
• $4,000 to Circles of Jackson for transportation support for program clients 
• $2,500 to HERE in Jackson County, Inc. for shelter and food supplies in Jackson County 
• $2,500 to HIGHTS for fuel costs in providing programs for at-risk youth 
• $2,000 to Meridian Behavioral Health Services for Narcan and aid kits for clients experiencing substance disorders in Jackson County 
• $1,000 to Mountain Projects for hands-on Jackson program support 
• $1,500 to North Carolina Symphony for Ensembles in the Schools program in Jackson County 
• $3,000 to Pisgah Legal Services for Plateau Poverty Law Initiative in Jackson County 
• $3,000 to The Community Table for program support for providing food for the needy 
• $3,000 to Uncomplicated Kitchen for supplies needed to provide cooking classes for those experiencing food insecurity

“We were pleased to offer support to these community organizations addressing needs that have become even more critical since Hurricane Helene — from food insecurity, to transportation, to legal or mental health services and more, said Paxton Myers, advisory board president of the Jackson County Community Foundation. “We have seen our community come together and will continue to look for ways to support Jackson County’s recovery.”  

Funds for 2024 grants came from JCCF’s community grantmaking fund and the Balsam Mountain Preserve Fund. Each year, JCCF’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/jackson to learn more about JCCF and its work in the community or make a tax-deductible donation. For information about JCCF, contact the western region community leadership officer. 

Jackson County Community Foundation Advisory Board Members 
Advisory board members live and work in Jackson County, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs and access opportunities. In addition to Myers, board members include Eddie Wells (vice president), Linda Outlaw (secretary), Scott Baker, Jaret Bessette, Patrick Dowling, Hank Hodge, Rob Howard, Karen Jevsevar, Jose Lopez, Patrick McGuire, Lane Perry and Mike Wade. 

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.