Forest City, N.C. – July 7, 2025 - The Carolina Foothills Foundation (CFF) awarded $461,600 in grants to 13 nonprofit organizations serving Polk County this June as part of the foundation’s annual grant cycle. 

 

“The nonprofits awarded these grants are providing much needed programs in the area. We are honored to be able to assist the organizations as they continue their missions.  We are also grateful for the efforts of our foundation’s volunteer board, who carefully reviews each application to ensure that these funds are used effectively,” said CFF President & CEO Rita Burch.

 

Per the grant criteria, the selected nonprofits must focus on the areas of elder care, wellness, or youth development. Of the grants awarded to 13 organizations in Polk County, 62% of the funds will serve the elderly, including CFF’s Carolina Foothills Eldercare. Youth development grants totaled 19% of overall funds awarded and wellness grants totaled 19%.

 

The 2025 nonprofit recipients are as follows:

1. Champions for Wildlife: $25,000.00 for Wild for Art Programs in Polk County 

2. Guiding Reins: $10,000.00 for Mental Health Wellness Supports for First Responders & Veterans in Polk County

3. Laurel Lake Music Society Inc.: $9,600.00 for Summer Camp Fee 

4. Out of the Ashes Inc: $125,000 for Polk county support 

5. Polk County Council on Aging Inc.: $100,000.00 for the Polk County Senior Nutrition Program 

6. Polk County Film Initiative Inc: $15,000 for the Tryon International Film Festival Education Institute 

7. Polk County Health and Human Services Agency - Senior Services: $60,000.00 for the Emergency Shelter Infrastructure 

8. Polk Public Libraries: $7,000.00 for Early Literacy Technology 

9. Roseland Community Center Inc.: $4,000.00 for the RISE! Cultural Enhancements II

10. Saluda Pop-Up Pantry: $40,000.00 for the Farm to Neighbor Program 

11. Share Thy Bread: $40,000.00 for the Share thy Bread-Feeding the Foothills 

12. St Luke CME Church Inc.: $10,000 for the Engaging Eastside Youth 

13. Tryon Arts and Crafts School: $16,000.00 for the TACS Young Makers Initiative and TACS Brighter Future Initiative 

 

About the Carolina Foothills Foundation

The Carolina Foothills Foundation (CFF) is a community-based, 501c(3) charitable organization that provides funds and other support to meet the many health challenges that face people in Rutherford and Polk Counties. We provide direct support and empower carefully selected non-profits to impact individual and community wellness in the areas we serve, which are elder care, youth development, and wellness. Learn more at www.carolinaff.org or call 828-222-4350.

 

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