The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc is an Asheville, North Carolina–based public charity established in 1978. It builds and manages charitable funds and makes grants to nonprofits and public agencies serving 18 counties in Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary.
Key facts about The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
In short: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc gave $59.4M across 793 grants in 2025 (avg $75K), mostly in North Carolina. 43% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 56-1223384
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $59,393,771
- Grants made (2025)
- 793
- Average grant
- $74,898
- Median grant
- $25,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (344 of 791, 2025)
- Total assets
- $481,026,894
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (93% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The website directs applicants to its online grant application system. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$481.0M
+10.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$59.4M
+235.2% YoY
Grant Count
793
+54.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$75K
+117.3% YoY
Is The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 344 of 791 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $61K; repeat grants $86K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $32K repeat.
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to promote and expand regional philanthropy and develop local funds that address changing needs and opportunities in the 18 counties of Western North Carolina. Its website identifies Cultural Resources, Education, Human Services, and Natural Resources as focus areas for discretionary resources. The website also describes a Human Services goal of helping everyone in Western North Carolina meet basic needs.
The 2025 filing’s largest grants show support for organizations working in hunger relief, religion, affordable housing and community development, education, environmental conservation, legal assistance, health, and the arts. Grantees describe their own work in terms including ending hunger in Western North Carolina (MANNA FoodBank), building homes and communities (Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity), expanding resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs (Mountain BizWorks), and improving regional education (Western North Carolina Regional Education Foundation).
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 793 itemized grants totaling $59,393,771. Grant amounts ranged from $5,240 to $3,940,967, with a median grant of $25,000.
The largest reported awards included $3,940,967 to MANNA FoodBank for assisting people in need; $2,025,000 to the North Carolina Synod for religion; $2,021,538 to Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity International for building community and economic vitality; and $1,974,905 to Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry for assisting people in need. Other notable grants were $1,525,000 to North Carolina Baptist Men, $1,151,250 to Mountain BizWorks, $1,059,800 to Western North Carolina Regional Education Foundation, $750,000 to Georgia Tech Foundation, and $714,320 to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
The website describes grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving the foundation’s 18-county region, including the Qualla Boundary. Its 2023 filing says recipient eligibility is confirmed monthly; restrictions are communicated to grantees; and some grants require documentation of how funds were used and evaluation data. The website provides an online application system and recommends that first-time applicants review its tutorial videos. It also lists local fund opportunities, including the Fund for Haywood County and the McDowell Endowment. The currently listed Haywood County opportunity offers grants up to $7,500 to eligible organizations serving the county; the McDowell Endowment lists grants up to $5,000 for eligible organizations serving McDowell County. Both descriptions state that requests showing the greatest community benefit receive highest consideration, and that applicants may submit one application per year.
How to Apply
The website directs applicants to its online grant application system. First-time applicants are advised to review the applicant tutorial videos. The Haywood County and McDowell Endowment opportunities specify eligible organization types, local service requirements, and a one-application-per-year limit.
Open Grants
30 open opportunities from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
Asheville Merchants Fund Grant
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
Amount
Up to US $50,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Asheville Wilbert Vault Service Scholarship Grant
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
Amount
US $4,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Asheville Young Woman Leadership Award Grant
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website describes its grantmaking reach as 18 counties in Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. In 2025, 93% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina; the other listed recipient states were Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Minnesota, each with 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 793 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $15.9M (2021) to $59.4M (2025). In 2025 it made 793 grants totaling $59.4M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Manna Foodbank ($3.9M). Together the top 10 received $15.8M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($38,235), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,761 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,140 grants of 2,761 (78%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Manna Foodbank Mills River, NC | Assisting People in Need | $3,940,967 |
| North Carolina Synod Salisbury, NC | Religion | $2,025,000 |
| Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity International Inc Asheville, NC | Building Community & Economic Vitality | $2,021,538 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (Abccm) Arden, NC | Assisting People in Need | $1,974,905 |
| North Carolina Baptist Men Cary, NC | Religion | $1,525,000 |
| Mountain Bizworks (Mountain Bizcapital Inc) Asheville, NC | Building Community & Economic Vitality | $1,151,250 |
| Western North Carolina Regional Education Foundation (Wresa) Asheville, NC | Improving Educational Opportunities | $1,059,800 |
| Georgia Tech Foundation Atlanta, GA | Improving Educational Opportunities | $750,000 |
| Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Asheville, NC | Enhancing the Environment | $714,320 |
| Pisgah Legal Services Asheville, NC | Assisting People in Need | $646,034 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $481,026,894 | $87,667,848 | $67,270,337 | $59,393,771 across 793 grants |
| 2024 | $434,889,192 | $25,935,032 | $24,774,631 | $17,719,393 across 514 grants |
| 2023 | $407,823,068 | $31,983,295 | $25,282,173 | $18,520,213 across 531 grants |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $481,026,894 | $434,889,192 | $407,823,068 |
| Revenue | $87,667,848 | $25,935,032 | $31,983,295 |
| Expenses | $67,270,337 | $24,774,631 | $25,282,173 |
| Net Investment Income | $16,131,557 | $10,748,840 | $8,393,675 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS April 4, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 31, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 26, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Elizabeth K. Brazas as president. Directors listed are Juanita Wilson, Harris M. Livingstain, Sharon Fouts Taylor, Michael Fields, Natalie N. Bailey, Scott Peterson, Ellen O. Carr, Milton Butterworth, and J. Chris Smith.
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc is led by Elizabeth K. Brazas, President on every filing since 2021; 8 of 28 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Elizabeth K. Brazas
President
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$265K (2021) → $344K (2025)
Joanne Badr
Chair
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ellen O. Carr
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jean McLaughlin
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Juanita Wilson
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Fields
Director
Secretary → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Natalie N. Bailey
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Himanshu Karvir
Director
Treasurer → Director, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Fouts Taylor
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yolanda Fair
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carter B. Webb
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Harris M. Livingstain
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carla Barnard
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Constance M. Haire
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
J. Chris Smith
Director
Chairperson → Director, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Milton Butterworth
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lynn M. Wilson
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew T. Lee
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Peterson
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Graham Keever
Assistant Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer → Assistant Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$165K (2021) → $231K (2025)
Janet Sharp
Assistant Treasurer
Staff Accountant & Assistant → Staff Accountant, 2022
Staff Accountant → Assistant Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$67K (2021) → $94K (2025)
Julie D. Klipp
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Secretary → Chief Operating Officer, 2022
Chief Operating Officer → Assistant Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$127K (2021) → $164K (2025)
Naomi Davis
Assistant Treasurer
Accounting Associate & Assistant → Finance & Hr Officer, 2022
Finance & Hr Officer → Assistant Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$70K (2021) → $98K (2025)
Philip P. Belcher
Vice President Programs
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$131K (2021) → $158K (2025)
Laura Herndon
Vice President & Development
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$130K (2025)
Melissa Crouse
Assistant Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$54K (2025)
Francisco Castelblanco
Vice Chair & Secretary
Director → Vice Chair & Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heather P. Norton
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Caroline M. Avery (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Joanne Badr Morgan (2021–2024) — Vice Chairperson
- Former: Scott Shealy (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Virgina L. Dollar (2021–2024) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Laura Herndon-Key Employee (2022–2024) — Vice President & Development
- Former: Connie Haire (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: J. Chris Smtih (2021–2023) — Chairperson
- Former: Susan Jenkins (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: William Clarke (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Sarah Sparboe Thornburg (2021–2022) — Chairperson
- Former: Stephanie Norris Kiser (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Charles Frederick (2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Guadalupe Chavarria II (2021) — Director
- Former: Sheryl L. Aikman (2021) — Former Vice President of Development & Assistant
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 $344K, to Elizabeth K Brazas (President). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: (828) 254-4960
Website: https://cfwnc.org
Frequently asked questions about The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
How much does The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc give each year?
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc gave $59.4M across 793 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $17.7M across 514 grants.
What is The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's typical grant size?
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $74,898, across 793 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc that year got $61K on average.
Where does The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc give grants?
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc gives mostly in North Carolina: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Asheville, NC (191 grants), Hendersonville, NC (37 grants), Burnsville, NC (24 grants) and Brevard, NC (21 grants).
Does The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 793 grants with a stated purpose on The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Assisting People in Need" (208 grants), "Building Community & Economic Vitality" (138 grants) and "Improving Educational Opportunities" (130 grants).
Who are The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's largest grantees?
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Manna Foodbank ($3,940,967), North Carolina Synod ($2,025,000) and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity International Inc ($2,021,538), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($38,235), which are not listed by name. Together they received 13% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc?
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc reported $481.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $87.7M.
What does The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to promote and expand regional philanthropy and develop local funds that address changing needs and opportunities in the 18 counties of Western North Carolina. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc?
The website directs applicants to its online grant application system. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's EIN?
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-1223384. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in North Carolina
Dogwood Health Trust
Asheville, NC
Dogwood Health Trust funds work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness that improves wellbeing in Western North Carolina, including its 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $21 million, with a median of $37,500; application requirements vary by funding opportunity.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
835
Total Given
$148.2M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
WNC Bridge Foundation
Asheville, NC
WNC Bridge Foundation funds health and community wellbeing in Western North Carolina, including the region’s 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary, with priorities in basic needs, mental health, and youth development. Its NOW grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $10,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$128.6M
Grants
138
Total Given
$3.9M
State Employees Credit Union Foundation
Raleigh, NC
The foundation funds capital projects, regional or statewide programs, and organizational capacity building that strengthen North Carolina communities; it favors projects with broad or replicable impact and does not fund operating budgets or shortfalls. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,250 to $1 million, with a median of $2,500. Applications are accepted at any time and typically reviewed semiannually.
Assets
$61.0M
Grants
1,806
Total Given
$17.4M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds education and youth development, environmental and wildlife work, health and human services, and animal welfare, with a reported median grant of $25,000 in 2024. Its competitive programs focus on Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Carolinas, and specific local communities, while donor-advised funds may support eligible nonprofits more broadly; it accepts applications for some competitive grants, but most grants are recommended by fund advisors and have no application process.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
The Winston-Salem Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The Winston-Salem Foundation funds charitable organizations serving Forsyth County, North Carolina, across areas including education, housing, economic opportunity, civic engagement, arts, health, and human services. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000; specific programs offer grants ranging from small grants of up to $2,000 to capital grants of up to $100,000. The profile describes application-based programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$630.1M
Grants
823
Total Given
$90.4M
North Carolina Community Foundation Inc
Raleigh, NC
The North Carolina Community Foundation supports charitable organizations and community programs in areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. Its typical grant was $15,000 in 2025; it serves communities statewide, with an emphasis on rural North Carolina, and accepts applications through specific affiliate, giving-circle, and other grant programs.
Assets
$569.1M
Grants
732
Total Given
$30.6M
Triangle Community Foundation Inc
Durham, NC
The foundation supports nonprofits in cultural arts, education and youth, nonprofit capacity building, and sustainable communities, with grants also benefiting fields such as health, conservation, and human services. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000 and ranged from about $5,000 to $1.39 million; it primarily serves Durham, Orange, Wake, and Chatham Counties in North Carolina. It accepts applications for competitive discretionary programs during open grant cycles; donor-advised fund grants are also made.
Assets
$335.8M
Grants
599
Total Given
$26.7M
The Leon Levine Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Leon Levine Foundation funds healthcare, human services, education, and Jewish community work, primarily benefiting people in North and South Carolina. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $2.1 million, with a median of $60,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an eligibility quiz and portal, starting with a letter of inquiry.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
522
Total Given
$57.9M
NCHSAA Foundation Inc
Chapel Hill, NC
The NCHSAA Foundation supports NCHSAA member schools, mainly in North Carolina, with programs and resources for student-athletes’ wellness, safety, life skills, equipment, and scholarships. In 2025, grants ranged from $750 to $5,000, with a median of $1,845. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.9M
Grants
498
Total Given
$967K
The Duke Endowment
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Endowment funds child and family well-being, health care, higher education at four named colleges and universities, and rural churches, primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina. Its 2024 grants ranged from $7,000 to $6.8 million, with a median of $200,000. The application process varies by program; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$3.6B
Grants
480
Total Given
$251.2M
The Morehead-Cain Foundation
Chapel Hill, NC
The Morehead-Cain Foundation primarily funds scholarships and leadership-development experiences for UNC–Chapel Hill students, with additional support for North Carolina educators and selected organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $23 to $4.75 million, with a median of $27,004; reported giving was concentrated in North Carolina. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$225.0M
Grants
422
Total Given
$14.9M
More Funders in North Carolina
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?