The Watauga County Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, has awarded $40,405 in grants to 19 organizations supporting the local community. 

The board of advisors granted: 

• $2,000 to Back 2 School Festival for general operating support 

• $3,000 to Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture for empowering local food producers post Hurricane Helene 

• $2,500 to Children’s Council of Watauga County, Inc. for D.U.A.L. School scholarship and outdoor resource replacement project 

• $3,000 to Community Care Clinic (CCClinic, Inc.) for support for clinical staff 

• $2,500 to Daniel Boone Native Gardens for deer fence construction and installation of rain garden plants 

• $1,000 to Foscoe Grandfather Community Center for disaster relief 

• $2,000 to Freedom Farm Ministries for Freedom Farm Addiction Treatment Center’s purchase of commercial hydraulic dump trailer to serve Watauga County residents 

• $1,500 to Hunger and Health Coalition for program and general operating support 

• $1,500 to Immigrant Connection of the High Country for general operating support 

• $3,000 to Mountain Alliance for School’s Out academic enrichment program in Watauga County 

• $2,000 to New River Conservancy for New River cleanup coordinator for Watauga County 

• $1,500 to Quiet Givers for general operating support 

• $2,500 to The Children’s Playhouse for connection, curiosity and joy for families with young children at The Children’s Playhouse 

• $1,000 to Valle Crucis School PTSO for enrichment program 

• $2,955 to W.A.M.Y. Community Action for housing repair program 

• $2,500 to Watauga Community Housing Trust for home repairs for families living in the Junaluska neighborhood 

• $3,000 to Watauga County Arts Council for general operating support 

• $2,000 to Watauga County Immigrant Justice Coalition for expansion of a community ID card program in Watauga County 

• $950 to Watauga County Parks and recreation for general operating support 

“Our communities thrive when we support local nonprofits and community organizations,” said Brad Moretz, advisory board president of the Watauga County Community Foundation. “Permanent philanthropy and impactful grants are the cornerstones of this success.” 

Funds for 2025 grants came from WCCF’s community grantmaking fund, the Armfield and Rachel Rivers Coffey Memorial Fund, the High Country Recreation Endowment and the Dr. Don Saunders Endowment. Each year, WCCF’s advisory board uses dollars from its endowment funds to make grants to eligible local organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, schools and churches. 

The grants are a portion of community support provided by WCCF this year. Earlier this year, WCCF 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/Watauga learn more about WCCF and its work or to make a tax-deductible donation.  

Watauga County Community Foundation Advisory Board Members 
Advisory board members are volunteers who live and work in Watauga County, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs and access opportunities. In addition to Moretz, board members include Scott Elliott (vice president), Mindy Coatney, Brian Crutchfield, Joe Furman, Kathy Graham, Dave Harman, Jake Hutchison, Stephen Poulos, Cameron St. Clair and Lane Robinson. 

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.