NC’s philanthropic community mobilized quickly in response to Hurricane Helene to meet the immediate needs of the entire western region of North Carolina, and particularly 18 of the state’s westernmost counties and the Qualla Boundary. Philanthropies in WNC continue to provide significant leadership in recovery efforts.

With eyes and ears on the ground, Western North Carolina funders used their community knowledge and relationships to identify and assess where resources are needed most and can have the greatest impact.  

Millions of dollars in grants to community-based organizations and others supporting relief and recovery efforts have flowed through private and community foundations located throughout the western part of the state. Community foundations, serving as intermediaries, have allocated millions from state and national philanthropies contributing funds for relief and recovery.

GROW NC plans to use this discussion to inform development of a comprehensive engagement strategy with the philanthropy sector broadly.  GROW NC speakers/facilitators were Matt Calabria, Director; Emily Gangi, Chief Deputy Director; Scott Elliott, Deputy Director for Engagement; and Juli Kim, State Philanthropy Liaison provided invaluable assistance in organizing for impact.  GROW NC team shared their organizational development, community needs and projects with members of 14 WNC private and community foundations.

Areas of focus for government:

• Debris removal
• Roads and bridges building
• Infrastructure rebuilding including wastewater treatment plants
• Housing support