Raleigh – The North Carolina Community Foundation dispersed $35,600 in grants to community foundations in Graham County and for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The Graham County Community Foundation awarded $2,680 in grants to three organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, HIGHTS (Helping Inspire Gifts of Hope, Trust, and Service) and Make-A-Wish Central.
“We’re grateful to the organizations doing important work in our community and are pleased to provide these grants to help support them,” said Brady Cody, advisory board president of the Graham County Community Foundation.
Funds were divided as follows:
* Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina received $893, to aid igniting the power of Graham County youth;
* HIGHTS received $893, to help cover fuel costs for mediation services;
* Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina received $894 for Fund-A-Wish in Graham County.
The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation awarded $4,440 to two organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina and Rolling Start NC, Inc.
“These funds are an investment in our collective future,” said Anna Ferguson, advisory board president of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Community Foundation. “By working together, we help each other.”
The Eastern Band’s awards were split as follows:
* Big Brothers Big Sisters received $2,220, for Cherokee High School’s “Bigs” program;
* Rolling Start NC, Inc. received $2,220 to go toward vehicles for people in need.
The North Carolina Community Foundation is the only statewide community foundation serving North Carolina and has administered over $243 million in grants since 1988.