Clay County in western North Carolina is home to a number of wonderful nonprofit organizations devoted to helping the community. One of these is Matt’s Ministry, which is supported by a dedicated group of core volunteers and local church supporters.

Matt’s provides a choice-based food pantry every Saturday morning, where clients select the food items they need, serving hundreds of local families each week. They also offer deliveries to homebound residents and seniors, as well as weekend meal bags for local students.

As demand for these services continues to grow, Matt’s Ministry has stepped up to meet the challenge. Thanks in part to a 2025 grant of $25,000 from the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, the ministry has been able to expand both its food offerings and its food handling facility. On a typical Saturday morning, the deep appreciation of clients is obvious as they browse a wide selection of meats, breads, canned goods, fresh vegetables, and essential home care items.

“We truly appreciate the donations we receive that keep our ministry going. The large grant from NCCF definitely makes a difference,” noted Maggie Butler.

In addition to supporting Matt’s Ministry, NCCF awarded major grants through its Disaster Relief Fund to several other vital local groups supporting long-term recovery following Hurricane Helene including the Clay County Food Pantry, Hinton Rural Life Center, Tri-County Community College, and Clay County Fire and Rescue.

Clockwise from top left: Shelves at Matt’s Ministry, fresh produce, canned goods and bread.

About the Clay County Community Foundation and How to Get Involved

The Clay County Community Foundation (CCCF) is a local affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation. Led by a volunteer board of residents, CCCF works to build permanent charitable endowments and award annual grants to local non-profit organizations, local government agencies, schools, and churches.

• Apply for grants: Non-profit organizations serving Clay County can apply for grants from CCCF’s community grantmaking funds online through NCCF’s grant application portal at nccommunityfoundation.org/clay. The annual application window opens July 31, and the deadline to apply is Sept. 1 at noon. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000.

• How to give: Community members can make tax-deductible contributions directly to the Clay County Community Foundation to support our grantmaking or establish a personalized endowment to support local needs.

• Contact and more: To learn more about local grant opportunities, how to start a fund, make a donation, or to find contact information for NCCF staff supporting western NC, visit nccommunityfoundation.org/clay.