Community Foundation Grants
Grants to nonprofits benefiting the residents in Burke County.
Congratulations to our 2026 Community Grant Cycle Grantees!
This year, the Community Foundation of Burke County made a significant change to its Community Grant Cycle: rather than distributing many smaller, often partially-funded awards, it granted ten $20,000 grants to local nonprofits.
The change followed listening sessions held earlier this year by President & CEO Barbara Wetsig-Lynam. Nonprofit leaders across the community shared their desire for larger, more impactful grants, and the Community Foundation responded.
The new approach made for an especially competitive cycle this year. Applicants could request $20,000 from the Community Foundation, as well as additional funding from Burke Charitable Properties for facility-related needs. The Community Foundation received 40 applications requesting nearly $900,000.
Given the strength of the applicant pool, the Grants Committee chose to prioritize organizations with a physical presence in Burke County. Committee members conducted site visits and spent hours in deliberation before selecting the ten grant recipients.
We are proud to announce our 2026 grantees:
Blue Ridge Community Action – Circles Program: A community-led initiative to end poverty through relationships
Brighter House – Development of a Transitional Employment Program
Deaf and Blind Pathways Foundation – Improving Emergency Resilience at Alder Springs
Good Samaritan Clinic – Expand access by enrolling and retaining uninsured patients
Grow with Drexel – Covered Picnic Area at the R.O. Huffman Center
Old Colony Players – Updated Lighting Towers for the Amphitheater
Open Hearts Place – Open Hearts Place Programming: Guiding families to financial stability and homeownership
Options – Emergency Shelter for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
Southmountain Children and Family Services – Restoring the Resilience Pavilion
The Overflow – Seeds of Purpose: Mentoring Burke County young men in character, practical skills, and purpose
Community Grants allow the Community Foundation of Burke County (CFBC) to make grants to tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations that have programs benefiting the residents of Burke County. These programs and projects should promote cooperation and collaboration among organizations without duplication of services. At this time we do not review proposals outside of Burke County or make grants or loans to individuals.