The grantmaking continues to demonstrate the power of philanthropy and donors addressing community needs. New and existing donors have contributed $2 million and established 23 new charitable funds through the foundation since July 2020 creating a lasting impact across many areas of philanthropy.
“We are truly inspired by the generosity of donors as well as the diligent work of the organizations being funded,” President/CEO McCray V. Benson said. “Even under the extremely different circumstances that 2020 brought, donors and grantees have shown their compassionate and innovative spirits that have created possibilities for many who have been impacted most by the COVID-19 disruptions.”
In Fiscal Year 2020-2021, the Foundation’s competitive grant cycles which include Community Grants, Perry N. Rudnick Endowment Fund Grants and Field of Interest Grants have awarded $458,405 as 27 grants to local nonprofits so far. Grants were awarded in the areas of animal care, arts and
Because of restrictions on gatherings, the traditional breakfast held at Blue Ridge Community College was moved to a virtual format. The video is not live, and viewers are invited to watch from the comfort of their homes any time. The video is here.
Introduced by United Breakfast Chair Shirley Davidson, the program features opening and closing gospel songs by Odell D. Suber Jr., and sketches by Ronnie Pepper, who shared brief history sketches of important African-American businesses and institutions during separate but equal segregation. The video was made in a partnership with the Community Foundation of Henderson County.
Pepper s tour included the James Pilgrim Funeral Home, 836 Third Ave. West; the Landina Guest House, at 17 First Avenue West, which was listed in the Green Book African-American travelers used to find overnight lodging; the African-American section of Oakdale Cemetery; the site of the old Sixth Avenue School, which opened in 1916 and served all grade