The Wilkes Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, has awarded $9,850 in grants to 12 organizations supporting the local community.  

The board of advisors granted: 

• $750 to Appalachian State University for Appalachian Senior Programs 
• $500 to Catherine H. Barber Memorial Shelter, Inc., for Wilkes Transportation Authority Voucher Program 
• $1,500 to Carolina Cross Connection for Access in Wilkes 
• $750 to Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas for Wilkes County Childhood Cancer Safety Net 
• $500 to Cricket Volunteer Fire Department for Improving Medical Response Readiness for First Responders 
• $1,500 to New Damascus Baptist Church Pantry for Silver Lining Project – offering hope and assistance, positivity and help in difficult situations 
• $500 to Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center of Wilkes for general operating support 
• $1,000 to Wilkes Circles of Care for Care Circle Leader Program, awarded in honor of the Kyle Hayes Memorial Endowment 
• $1,000 to Wilkes Community Partnership for Children for Wilkes County Diaper Pantry 
• $500 to Wilkes Developmental Day School for general operating support 
• $850 to Wilkes Literacy for Adult Literacy Learning Curriculum 
• $500 to Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Inc., for Supporting Recovery at the Roots

“Permanent philanthropy is essential to the resilience of our communities,” said Michelle Shepherd, advisory board president of the Wilkes Community Foundation. “We are pleased to be able to support organizations strengthening our community.”  

Funds for 2025 grants came from WCF’s community grantmaking fund. Each year, WCF’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 WCF this year. Earlier this year, WCF 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/Wilkes to learn more about WCF and its work or to make a tax-deductible donation.   

Wilkes Community Foundation Advisory Board Members  
Advisory board members are volunteers who live and work in Wilkes County, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs and access opportunities. In addition to Shepherd, board members include Jean Hefner (vice president), Suzanne Manners (secretary), Ashley Barton, Linda Cheek, Fred Costello, Luke Jarvis, Craig Langston, Lena Lovette, Morgan Mathis and Mary Smith. 

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.