CFWNC’s Melvin R. Lane Fund awards $900,000 to nonprofits that help the disadvantaged

Press release from CFWNC

CFWNC’s Melvin R. Lane Fund Awards $900,000 to Nonprofits that Help the Disadvantaged

(July 16, 2013) – Six nonprofits serving Western North Carolina will receive $150,000 over three years from the Melvin R. Lane Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The mission of the Fund is to promote access to quality health care, safe and affordable housing and supportive social services for young, elderly and disabled people living in Western North Carolina

The program helps human service organizations improve their operations, become more collaborative and secure their futures to improve lives for disadvantaged citizens. The 2013-2015 grant recipients are:

Blue Ridge Literacy Council – $150,000 to increase organizational capacity and sustainability with new technology and implement strategic, business and fundraising plans to better serve current students and to reach more students in Henderson County.

Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County – $150,000 to hire an experienced Program Director to focus on developing, implementing and supporting effective programs and program staff.

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County – $150,000 to increase organizational capacity in fundraising and marketing by hiring a Development Coordinator to assist staff and board with donor development and cultivation and a consultant to assist with brand development, marketing and public relations.

Homeward Bound of WNC – $150,000 to implement a major gift initiative by hiring an Annual Campaign Coordinator and purchasing improved fundraising software. Homeward Bound serves Buncombe and Henderson counties.

The Mediation Center – $150,000 to build fundraising capacity by hiring a full-time Development Coordinator and increasing administrative staff hours and providing fundraising training for staff and board. The Mediation Center serves Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania and Polk counties.

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Buncombe County – $150,000 to increase organizational capacity by hiring an operations director, running an annual campaign and providing training and development for staff and advisory board.

“We really appreciated how intentional the Lane Fund was with their process, especially the intentional focus on capacity building,” said Allison Jordan, Executive Director of Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County. “The assessment process opened the door for us to engage in authentic conversation. Receiving this funding is a game-changer for the organization and will enable us to unleash our potential.”

The multi-year grants are made possible through the Melvin R. Lane Fund, created by Melvin and Georgianna Lane, longtime residents of Henderson County. Lyn Fozzard, daughter of Melvin R. Lane, oversees the fund with her husband Harry and members of the Advisory Board. CFWNC President Elizabeth Brazas said, “The Lane Fund grant program continues the legacy of caring and philanthropy started by the Lanes during their lifetimes. The Lanes were passionate and generous members of their community and, through their investment with the Foundation, the causes they care about continue to be supported. We are proud to work with the family and greatly appreciate their on-going trust and partnership.”

The Community Foundation is a permanent regional resource. The Foundation focuses discretionary resources on People in Need, Early Childhood Development, Food and Farming and Preserving Natural and Cultural Resources. Foundation staff work with donors to enrich lives and communities in the 18 counties of Western North Carolina. CFWNC facilitates $11 million in charitable giving annually. Visit www.cfwnc.org to learn more.