Last Updated on May 31, 2026 10:26 am
BOONE — The Watauga County Community Foundation has awarded $42,270 in grants to 19 organizations across the county, supporting work that ranges from food security and emergency housing to historical preservation and academic enrichment.
The grants were announced May 27 by the foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation.
“When donors come together, their generosity can become a powerful, permanent source of community support,” said Scott Elliott, advisory board president of the Watauga Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support these organizations doing great work in Watauga County.”
Funds for the 2026 grants came from the foundation’s community grantmaking fund along with three endowed sources: the Armfield and Rachel Rivers Coffey Memorial Fund, the Dr. Don Saunders Endowment, and the High Country Recreation Endowment.
The largest single grant — $4,240 — went to Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina for its Food Lockers 2026 program.
Full list of 2026 grants
The board of advisors awarded:
- $4,240 to Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina for Food Lockers 2026
- $3,500 to F.A.R.M. Cafe, Inc. for the “Help-Yourself Hub” construction project
- $3,000 to The Children’s Council for the Dual School program
- $3,000 to Oasis, Inc. for the Family Stability Space in the Emergency Shelter
- $2,500 to The Children’s Playhouse for Learning and Support
- $2,500 to High Country Community Health for Farmworker Health
- $2,500 to Hunger and Health Coalition for the Continuum of Care: Transforming Rural Health through Integrated Food and Health Services
- $2,500 to The Meeting Place for general operating support
- $2,500 to Quiet Givers for general operating support
- $2,500 to W.A.M.Y. Community Action for the WAMY Housing Repair Program
- $2,500 to Watauga County Habitat for Humanity for 37th New Home Construction
- $2,500 to Watauga Housing Council for the Offsite Built Homes Project
- $2,000 to Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture for the Local Food System Resilience Project
- $1,500 to Casting Bread for general operating support
- $1,015 to Mountain Alliance for the School’s Out Academic Enrichment Program in Watauga County
- $1,015 to Valle Crucis School PTSO for teacher classroom supplies replacement
- $1,000 to Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation for general operating support
- $1,000 to High Country Caregiver Foundation for the 2026 HCC Grandma’s Angels program
- $1,000 to Watauga County Historical Society for Digital Watauga Project equipment
About the foundation
Founded in 1993, the Watauga Community Foundation is led by a local volunteer advisory board. In addition to Elliott, the board includes Brian Crutchfield (vice president), Cameron St. Clair (secretary), and members Kristin Bonaz, Isaac Church, Mindy Coatney, Joe Furman, Kathy Graham, Dave Harman, Jake Hutchison, Brad Moretz, Ryan Postlethwait, and Lane Robinson.
Each year, the advisory board uses dollars from the foundation’s endowment funds to award grants to eligible local nonprofits, government agencies, schools and churches.
The North Carolina Community Foundation, the parent organization, partners with donors and a network of affiliates to sustain more than 1,300 endowments totaling over $600 million in assets statewide. Since its founding, nearly $360 million has been awarded as grants and scholarships across North Carolina.
How to learn more or contribute
Visit nccommunityfoundation.org/Watauga to learn more about the Watauga Community Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation.
