Carolina Foothills Foundation awards $3.5 million to 38 Polk and Rutherford nonprofits

Projects target elder care, wellness and youth development

POLK COUNTY—The Carolina Foothills Foundation has awarded $3.5 million in grants to 38 nonprofit organizations in Polk and Rutherford counties this June as part of the foundation’s annual grant cycle.

“We are honored to support our community in addressing critical needs through these grants,” said CFF President and CEO Rita Burch. “The dedication of our local nonprofits in caring for our communities is truly inspiring. We are also deeply grateful for the diligent efforts of our foundation’s volunteer board, who carefully review each application to ensure that these funds are used effectively.”

Per the grant criteria, the selected nonprofits must focus on elder care, wellness, or youth development. Of the grants awarded to 38 organizations in Polk and Rutherford counties, 76% will serve the elderly, including CFF’s Carolina Foothills Eldercare. Youth development grants totaled 15% of the overall funds awarded, and wellness grants totaled 9%.

The 2024 nonprofit recipients that serve Polk County include:

Champions for Wildlife: $15,000 for the Wild for Art program

City of Saluda: $25,000 for “Reach for the Top”

Pisgah Legal Services: $10,000 for the Elder Law Program

Polk County Council on Aging Inc.: $70,000 for senior nutrition

Polk County Film Initiative Inc.: $25,000 for Hands-On Media Arts for Youth

Polk County Public Libraries: $7,000 for a multisensory collection to support early literacy

Polk County YMCA: $250,000 for Polk County YMCA Facility

Roseland Community Center Inc.: $10,000 for RISE! Cultural Enhancements

Saluda Community Land Trust, Inc.: $15,000 for Henry’s Nature Center

Saluda Pop-Up Pantry: $37,500 for Farm to Neighbor Program

Special Olympics North Carolina Inc.: $10,000 for Special Olympics Health

St. Luke Cme Church Inc.: $20,000 for Reigniting Tryon’s Eastside Youth

The Carolina Foothills Foundation (is a community-based, 501c(3) charitable organization that provides funds and other support to meet the many health challenges that face people in our area. For more information, visit www.carolinaff.org.

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