Carolina Foothills Foundation Annual Grant Cycle

Carolina Foothills Foundation Annual Grant Cycle

Geographic Focus: Rutherford County and Polk County, North Carolina

Mission Areas: Elder care, youth development, and wellness

Grant Year: July 1 - June 30

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be classified as tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or government entities

Serve Rutherford and/or Polk Counties, NC

Provide programs and services consistent with the Foundation's mission and values

Demonstrate that grant goals are measurable and sustainable

Submit only one application per agency and request funding for only one of the three categories (eldercare, youth development, or wellness)

Funding Focus Areas

Elder Care: Examples include increasing access to essential needs (food, shelter, utilities), minimizing barriers to quality healthcare, creating social activity opportunities, elder law services (elder abuse, consumer fraud, end-of-life planning), transportation, nutrition programs

Youth Development: Programs removing barriers preventing youth from reaching their full potential, leadership development, educational enrichment, outdoor adventure programs, arts programs

Wellness: Services responding to urgent community needs and connecting individuals to care for improved health outcomes and quality of life

What the Foundation Will NOT Fund

• Grants or loans to individuals
• Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns
• Organizations that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
• Endowments
• Organizations not serving Rutherford/Polk County residents
• Funding for salaries
• K-12 public or private schools, charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges, or universities (Note: Separate 501(c)(3) organizations established to support schools should contact the Foundation prior to submission)

Contact Information

Rita Burch, CEO (for eligibility guidance)
Email: rita.burch@carolinaff.org

General Inquiries:
Email: info@carolinaff.org
Phone: 828-222-4350
Elderage Line: 828-222-4375

Mailing Address:
Carolina Foothills Foundation
P.O. Box 336
Forest City, NC 28043

Physical Address:
376 Hudlow Road
Forest City, NC 28043

Background

The Carolina Foothills Foundation is a community-based, 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed in May 2022 after Hospice of Rutherford County/Hospice of the Carolina Foothills sold the hospice license and established the foundation with proceeds. The organization carries a 40-year legacy of caring for critically ill and elderly residents (Hospice of Rutherford County began in 1982; merged with Polk County's Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in 2016).