Polk County Community Foundation Inc
Polk County Community Foundation Inc is a community foundation based in Tryon, North Carolina, serving Polk County and surrounding areas. Established in 1975, the organization functions as a philanthropic intermediary, receiving charitable donations and distributing grants to local nonprofits, awarding scholarships to students, managing endowment funds, and administering donor-advised funds tailored to individual charitable wishes.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$65.7M
+5.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.6M
+38.0% YoY
Grant Count
44
+41.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$59K
-2.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation is dedicated to advancing philanthropy and improving the quality of life for all citizens in the community centered in and around Polk County, North Carolina.
The Foundation's primary activities include:
- Awarding grants from unrestricted funds to support meaningful local nonprofit projects
- Providing vocational and college scholarships to local students
- Distributing income from endowment funds according to donor or nonprofit guidelines
- Administering planned giving programs
- Offering resources and meeting spaces for nonprofits
- Helping donors and nonprofits achieve their charitable goals
Grantmaking
The Foundation currently administers over 225 charitable funds. Active grant programs include:
How to Apply
for quick and effective distribution of critical resources to organizations focused on recovery and reconstruction.
Ready to take the next step with Polk County Community Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Polk County, North Carolina and surrounding areas.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue (2024):
- Total assets: $65,749,988
- Total revenues: $4,359,340
- Total expenses: $3,647,577
Historical Assets:
- 2013 total assets: $36,979,962
Organization Details:
- EIN: 51-0168751
- Tax-exempt status: 501(c)(3) with unconditional exemption
- Incorporated: 1975
- Employees: 5 (as of 2024)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $65,749,988 | $62,182,358 | $56,500,870 |
| Revenue | $4,359,340 | $2,549,691 | $3,247,757 |
| Expenses | $3,647,577 | $3,091,951 | $2,512,033 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $2,500,137 | $1,808,373 | $902,156 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
159 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
9 open opportunities from Polk County Community Foundation Inc
Free Community Events Grant
Polk County Community Foundation Inc
Amount
US $3,000 - US $8,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Kirby Event Grants
Polk County Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Mary F. Kessler Fund Grant
Polk County Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Conserving Carolina ($302,630), Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry ($254,358), Polk County Schools ($229,182).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aspire Polk County Columbus, NC | Support for child and family services | $20,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC Tryon, NC | Support for mentoring programs in Polk County | $29,410 |
| Children's Theater Festival Tryon, NC | Support for annual Super Saturday Event | $21,969 |
| Conserving Carolina Hendersonville, NC | Support for land conservation | $302,630 |
| Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross Tryon, NC | Endowment fund distributions for operating support | $103,880 |
| e-Polk Inc Tryon, NC | Support for nonprofit broadband connectivity | $10,000 |
| FENCE Tryon, NC | Support for 400+ acre nature & equestrian center | $170,946 |
| Foothills Humane Society Inc Columbus, NC | Support for animal welfare in Polk County | $28,169 |
| Go Global NC Council Inc Wake Forest, NC | Support for international fellowships for local educators | $35,000 |
| Housing Assistance Hendersonville, NC | Support for safe & affordable housing | $73,057 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Thomas Jackson | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Monica E Jones | Secretary | 1 | — |
| Peter R Franklin | Vice Chair | 1 | — |
| Sherry M Carter | Chair | 1 | — |
| Carolyn Gibson | 1 | — | |
| Dale L McEntire | 1 | — | |
| Frances H Parker | 1 | — | |
| Kevin D Burnett | 1 | — | |
| Norma W Batchelder | 1 | — | |
| Susan S McHugh | 1 | — | |
| Sara Barron Bell | President & CEO | 40 | $201,250 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In August 2022, the Foundation secured $250,000 to support the Saluda Grade Trail in North Carolina.
In January 2018, the Foundation funded Duke TIP scholarships and made education investments.
In May 2016, the Foundation acquired 430 acres along the Green River.
The Foundation maintains a Four-Star rating based on accountability and financial metrics.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Polk County Community Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation is dedicated to advancing philanthropy and improving the quality of life for all citizens in the community centered in and around Polk County, North Carolina. The Foundation's primary activities include: • Awarding grants from unrestricted funds to support meaningful local nonprofit projects • Providing vocational and college scholarships to local students • Distributing income from endowment funds according to donor or nonprofit guidelines • Administering planned giving programs…
How do I apply for a grant from Polk County Community Foundation Inc?
The Foundation currently administers over 225 charitable funds. Active grant programs include: • Free Community Events • Kirby Event Grants • Mary F. Kessler Fund Grant • Organizational Strengthening & Board Planning Grants • Paul Culberson Agricultural Development Fund • Public Safety Organizations Grants • Saluda Community Fund In response to Hurricane Helene, the Board of Directors authorized the use of the Emergency Relief Fund to address urgent community needs. Three new grantmaking funds …
Where does Polk County Community Foundation Inc make grants?
Polk County, North Carolina and surrounding areas.
What size grants does Polk County Community Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Polk County Community Foundation Inc awarded 44 grants totaling $2.6M — an average of about $59K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Polk County Community Foundation Inc's EIN?
Polk County Community Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 51-0168751. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Polk County Community Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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