Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Awards $10,000 Grant to Safelight

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) recently awarded nine WNC Community Enhancement grants totaling $82,117 to support charitable organizations and eligible public agencies engaged in projects in downtowns or commercial corridors that enhance appearance, infrastructure, or the pedestrian experience.

Grant Recipients

Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau

A $10,000 grant was awarded to the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau for a beautification project along public sidewalks beside the organization’s building in Cashiers. The funds will support the purchase of an existing temporary art installation to beautify landscaped areas.

City of Marion

The City of Marion received a $10,000 grant to revitalize Main Street in its Historic Downtown district by purchasing planters to enhance pedestrian safety and create a visually pleasing streetscape.

Grow With Drexel

Grow With Drexel was granted $10,000 to beautify the Downtown Business Area with additional seating, awnings, signage, flower plantings, banners, and a downtown mural.

Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild

The Guild received a $10,000 grant to create an original painted mural on the exterior wall of the Guild’s building in downtown Rutherfordton, enhancing the building’s aesthetic appeal.

Safelight

Safelight was awarded $10,000 to beautify the area surrounding two buildings it owns on Church Street in downtown Hendersonville. The project aims to improve the physical appearance and pedestrian experience in the downtown area.

Community Impact

Town of Andrews

The Town of Andrews received a $2,117 grant to upgrade electrical poles for food trucks supporting town events, reducing noise levels and enhancing the event experience for attendees.

Town of Maggie Valley

The Town of Maggie Valley was granted $10,000 to purchase an addition to the Maggie Pavilion, providing open-air seating for Pavilion events and enhancing the space for various activities.

Town of Murphy

The Town of Murphy received a $10,000 grant to complete a mural on a building in Downtown Murphy, celebrating local history and culture to increase economic activity and promote community engagement.

Western Carolina Pacesetters

Western Carolina Pacesetters received $10,000 to enhance the appearance and efficiency of storefronts in Downtown Murphy, revitalizing the area and improving energy efficiency.

Partnership and Funding

CFWNC and Dogwood Health Trust partnered to make WNC Community Enhancement grants available, aiming to support rural economic development and build community spaces that foster connections and economic growth.

Grant Application

Organizations applying for grants must be tax-exempt and located in specific counties in Western North Carolina. Priority is given to projects in rural or under-resourced areas. The next deadline for applications is June 10.

CFWNC manages over 1,200 funds and facilitated $34 million in grants last year, totaling over $362 million since its founding in 1978.