WNC Communities

Each year since 1949, WNCC has evaluated the applications of community centers across 20 counties in WNC and given cash awards to a network of over 70 community centers that have offered quality programs to serve their residents needs. Each November, the WNC Awards event brings these community clubs together to celebrate and receive recognition and cash awards for the work they have accomplished during the year. In 2024, 73 participating communities received over $106,000 (donated by WNC business and industry) in awards to recognize their hard work. These good deeds represented 5800 volunteers, clocking 128,600 volunteer hours, representing an estimated $6.7 million investment of time, talent, and money benefitting rural residents in WNC. These efforts include providing food pantries, meals, assistance with accessing medical care, affordable rental space for events, family- oriented social gatherings, free wi-fi, business incubation, afterschool programs, and more.

WNC Agricultural Options Program: Since 2012, WNC Communities has managed a cost-share grant program to support small family farms in WNC. Funded by the North Carolina General Assembly, through the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the mission of the WNC AgOptions program is to build sustainable farming communities in the mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying and expanding their operations. In 2024, WNC AgOptions awarded 29 farm businesses a total of $228,000 in $4,000 and $8,000 grants. Funded projects highlight farmer innovation, operational improvements, and investments that increase productivity and long-term farm viability. Returns on initial farm investments are often immediate, with new farm income frequently matching the size of the grant in the first year and continuing to grow over time. Since the programs inception in 2004, more than 600 farm businesses in Western North Carolina have received over $3 million in support.