Region a Partnership for Children
Region A Partnership for Children is a nonprofit based in Sylva, North Carolina, that administers North Carolina’s Smart Start and NC Pre-K initiatives in the state’s seven westernmost counties and on the Qualla Boundary. Its work supports young children and families through early education, health, family support, and related services.
Region a Partnership for Children at a glance
In short: Region a Partnership for Children gave $3.0M across 14 grants in 2025 (avg $214K), mostly in North Carolina. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,994,009
- -11.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 14
- -12.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $213,858
- +0.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $222,704
- Total assets
- $1,887,417
- +7.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 13, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Region a Partnership for Children
- How to Apply
-
The organization solicited proposals from qualified contractors for evidence-based Smart Start activities serving children and families from birth through kindergarten. The proposal process called for required documentation, including an activity proposal cover sheet, a sample contract activity description, a budget narrative, and a sample budget. The proposals were to be considered by the board of directors.
- Review Cycle
- The listed deadline of February 28, 2025, for the fiscal years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 cycle has passed.
- Deadline
- The listed deadline of February 28, 2025, for the fiscal years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 cycle has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 116 Jackson St, Sylva, NC 28779
Phone: (828) 586-0661
Website: https://rapc.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Region a Partnership for Children
Who Region a Partnership for Children funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Haywood County Schools ($388K). Together the top 10 received $2.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
84 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 36 grants of 84 (43%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization administers Smart Start and NC Pre-K in the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina and on the Qualla Boundary. Its 2024 filing identifies the counties as Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain. All grant dollars reported for filing year 2025 went to North Carolina recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Region a Partnership for Children open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 0 of 13 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. How we count
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.0M (2025) to $3.8M (2022). In 2025 it made 14 grants totaling $3.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Haywood County Schools Waynesville, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $388,368 |
| Cherokee County School Murphy, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $356,624 |
| Swain County Schools Bryson City, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $341,744 |
| Jackson County Schools Sylva, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $335,792 |
| Macon County Schools Franklin, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $285,696 |
| Cherokee Central Schools Cherokee, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $228,160 |
| Graham County Schools Robbinsville, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $223,200 |
| Clay County Schools Hayesville, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $222,208 |
| Macon Program for Progress Franklin, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $194,880 |
| Haywood Community College Clyde, NC | NC Pre-K Services | $117,197 |
Ready to take the next step with Region a Partnership for Children?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The filing type is Form 990 (a public charity).
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,887,417 | $5,047,186 | $4,880,360 | $2,994,009 | 14 | $18,199 |
| 2024 | $1,752,142 | $5,099,891 | $4,905,650 | $3,390,434 | 16 | $40,774 |
| 2023 | $1,563,232 | $4,780,269 | $4,698,678 | $3,348,239 | 17 | $14,145 |
| 2022 | $1,476,572 | $5,242,697 | $4,992,236 | $3,774,049 | 18 | $1,036 |
| 2021 | $1,175,211 | $4,270,255 | $4,268,320 | $3,045,802 | 19 | $8,318 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life for young children and families in western North Carolina by fostering healthy family systems, promoting inclusion, and building resilient communities. Its website also describes a commitment to equitable opportunities and high-quality programming.
Programs described in the organization’s 2024 filing include NC Pre-K, which provides educational experiences and classroom support for eligible four-year-olds; Smart Start family-centered services, including home visits and child development assessments through Parents as Teachers; child care quality support and technical assistance; literacy services; and family support. The filing also describes Hurricane Helene recovery grants to child care centers for facility repairs, replacement of damaged materials, lost revenue, and operational support.
In its 2025 grantmaking, the organization funded North Carolina Pre-K services through school systems and other local organizations. One recipient, Macon Program for Progress, describes its mission as leading and collaborating to improve quality of life for individuals, children, and families. Mountain Projects describes its mission as changing people’s lives, embodying hope, improving communities, and making Haywood and Jackson counties a better place to live.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 14 grants totaling $2,994,009. Grant amounts ranged from $33,869 to $388,368, with a median of $222,704. The largest awards included $388,368 to Haywood County Schools, $356,624 to Cherokee County School, $341,744 to Swain County Schools, and $335,792 to Jackson County Schools; each was designated for NC Pre-K services. All reported 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina.
Other listed 2025 grants included $194,880 to Macon Program for Progress, $117,197 to Haywood Community College, $116,478 to Long’s Chapel Child Enrichment Center, and $80,640 to Mountain Projects.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Shelly Foreman as chair, Glenda Hensley as vice chair, and Crystal Rumfelt as secretary/treasurer. Directors listed are Mike Drinkwater, Consuela Girty, Todd Goins, Russ Harris, Lester Laminack, Ryan Skaggs, and Teresa Toms-Gillespie.
Region a Partnership for Children is led by Shelly Foreman, Chair since 2025 (on filings since 2022); 2 of 19 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Shelly Foreman
Chair
Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2024
Board Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Cloer
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lester Laminack
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Tanner-McGee
Director
Director Since November → Director, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brenda Triplett
Director
Director Since November → Director, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Deidre McMahon
Director
Director Since November → Director, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Teresa Toms-Gillespie
Director
Director Since November → Director, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Courtney Umphlett
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Consuela Girty
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Winter
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Drinkwater
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Russ Harris
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ryan Skaggs
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tasha Forney
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Todd Goins
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Janice M. Edgerton
Executive Di
Executive Director → Executive Di, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$92K (2021) → $135K (2025)
Kelly P. Vreeland
CFO
Chief Financial Officer → CFO, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$88K (2021) → $120K (2025)
Glenda Hensley
Vice Chair
Director Since November → Secretary & Treasurer, 2023
Secretary & Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Crystal Rumfelt
Secretary & Treasurer
Director → Secretary & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: James Micheal Drinkwater (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Latausha Forney (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Dale Cole (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Ken Nicholson (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Maggie Panther (2021–2023) — Board Chair
- Former: Sheila Hoyle (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Brett Woods (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Donna Tipton-Rogers (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Kimberly Elliott (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Michelle Smith (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Becky Garland (2022) — Director Since November
- Former: Deanna Lyles (2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Deanna Lyles Secretary Treasurer (2021) — To & Vice Chair After
- Former: Gary Shields (2021) — Director
- Former: Harry Baughn Board Vice Chair (2021)
- Former: Jerry McKinney (2021) — Director
- Former: Karen Kephart (2021) — Director
- Former: Shelly Foreman Director (2021) — To, Secretary & Treasurer After
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $135K, to Janice M Edgerton (Executive Di). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Region a Partnership for Children
How much does Region a Partnership for Children give each year?
Region a Partnership for Children gave $3.0M across 14 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $3.4M across 16 grants.
What is Region a Partnership for Children's typical grant size?
Region a Partnership for Children's median grant in 2025 was $222,704, and its average grant was $213,858, across 14 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Region a Partnership for Children give grants?
Region a Partnership for Children gives mostly in North Carolina: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Waynesville, NC (3 grants), Franklin, NC (2 grants) and Bryson City, NC (2 grants).
Does Region a Partnership for Children give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 14 grants with a stated purpose on Region a Partnership for Children's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "NC Pre-K Services" (12 grants).
Who are Region a Partnership for Children's largest grantees?
Region a Partnership for Children's largest 2025 grantees include Haywood County Schools ($388,368), Swain County Schools ($375,613 across 2 grants) and Cherokee County School ($356,624), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 37% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Region a Partnership for Children?
Region a Partnership for Children reported $1.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.0M.
What does Region a Partnership for Children fund?
The organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life for young children and families in western North Carolina by fostering healthy family systems, promoting inclusion, and building resilient communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Region a Partnership for Children?
The organization solicited proposals from qualified contractors for evidence-based Smart Start activities serving children and families from birth through kindergarten. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Region a Partnership for Children's EIN?
Region a Partnership for Children's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-1869575. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 1, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 7, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 28, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 5, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Region a Partnership for Children's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Region a Partnership for Children funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/region-a-partnership-for-children-morg_3cd793edc8c34c78ba41ba29a04ac477
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_561869575_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Region a Partnership for Children funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/region-a-partnership-for-children-morg_3cd793edc8c34c78ba41ba29a04ac477},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Region a Partnership for Children's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Region a Partnership for Children down — hundreds of funders to go?