Jean Gordon
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 12:32 pm
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RHI Legacy Foundation recently completed their 2022 grant year, electing to contribute $1,236,540 to non-profit organizations and municipalities in Rutherford County.
John Condrey, chairman of the RHI Legacy Foundation Board, said, "RHI Legacy Foundation is blessed to have wonderful organizations with great leadership in Rutherford County that we can help with our grant program. This is our eighth year of awarding grants with over $1.2 million dollars committed this year. In addition, we have invested heavily in the construction of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. We have also committed significant funds to construct a new soccer complex. We look forward to seeing how these projects enhance people's lives in the future."
In the regular grant cycle, the Foundation approved commitments for 40 initiatives totaling $1,236,540. All projects align with RHI Legacy Foundation's three focus areas which are designed to make Rutherford County a healthier place to live.
• Active Living;16 grants totaling $776,240
• Chronic Disease; 7 grants totaling $146,700
• Healthy Eating; 17 grants totaling $313,600
Each grantee submitted a proposal summary during the Spring and was invited to complete a full grant application during July. Agencies that receive funding provide regular reports and have conversations with Foundation staff throughout the year regarding the health impact that the grant is accomplishing.
Jill Miracle, community impact director for the Foundation, explained, "We believe that partnerships are keys to identifying and resolving issues that affect our county. By maintaining relationships with those who receive grant funding, we learn more about community needs and seek additional ways that we can respond."
Miracle continued, "We are pleased to note that our county has improved in state health rankings over the years. When we began operations in 2014, our county ranked 75th of 100 counties in North Carolina. In 2021, our county had moved upward to 66th in the state, even considering the serious local impact of the pandemic. While we have a long way to go, we are pleased to see this upward movement in the county's rankings reflected in improved health outcomes and health behaviors." https://www.countyhealthrankings.org
Terry Hines, executive director, stated, "RHI Legacy Foundation is again pleased to be able to provide financial assistance to each grant recipient this year. It is through the committed efforts of these organizations that we can have a positive impact on health and wellness in our community, which is our primary objective."
RHI Legacy Foundation has allocated over $14,373,066.83 to non-profit entities and municipalities to create or expand health-related services, to meet the basic needs of county residents, and to provide additional avenues for outdoor and recreational activity since their organization in 2014.
2022 Grant Awards
Active Living
Carolina Climbers Association- Buffalo Creek Upper Boulders Trail $23,000
Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School- Inclusive play area -$75,000
Forest City Swim Team- Swimming club support $35,540
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge - New education center $37,500
East Rutherford High School- Athletic training programs $7,000
Forrest Hunt Elementary School- Star Strong program $6,200
Rutherford County EMS- Middle and high football medical standby $20,000
Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority- Broad River Paddle Trail $100,000
Rutherford Housing Partnership- Critical home repairs for the elderly 25,000
Rutherford Outdoor Coalition- Outdoor programs $35,000
Safe Kids Rutherford County- Traumatic injury prevention $9,000
South Mountain Christian Camp - Rutherford County camp scholarships $18,000
Special Olympics Rutherford County- Sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities $10,000
Town of Rutherfordton- Crestview Park updates $100,000
Town of Spindale- Skatepark and pump track construction $250,000
Union Mills Learning Center- Expand wellness park $25,000
Chronic Disease
Blue Ridge Hope- Access to mental health services $35,000
Cherry Mountain Volunteer Fire Department-Cardiac lifesaving equipment $15,000
Community Health Council of Rutherford County- Coordination of health agency projects $18,700
Pisgah Legal Services- Health advocate for Rutherford County $15,000
Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation- Homeless Outreach $15,000
Rutherford Housing Partnership- Handicap ramps and lifts $35,000
United Way of Rutherford County- 2-1-1 program support $13,000
Healthy Eating
Abounding Grace Ministry- Healthy foods and nutrition education $12,500
Basics Christian Ministries- Operational support for food distribution $20,000
Chase Corner Ministries- Freezer and shelter for distribution $14,500
Grahamtown Team- Food and healthy living programs $5,600
KidSenses Interactive Children's Museum- The Factory healthy living programming $75,000
Lake Lure Classical Academy- Breakfast on the Go $4,000
Liberty Baptist Food Pantry- Thanksgiving meals for elderly $3,500
New Beginnings Soup Kitchen- Meal supplies $15,000
Out of the Ashes Ministries- Refrigeration for meals $5,000
Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation- Backpack Program Coordinator $45,000
Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation- supplemental Backpack supplies $25,000
Rutherford County Senior Center- home delivered meals $50,000
Sandy Run Baptist Association- Food and hygiene for motel ministry and emergency assistance $4,500
Spindale United Methodist Church- Community food outreach $5,000
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy- Backpack supplies $4,000
Washburn Community Outreach Center- Food assistance $20,000
Wells Spring United Methodist Church- Emergency food assistance $5,000
Visit the RHI Legacy Foundation website at https://RHILegacyFoundation.com or the organization's social media to learn more. Contact Jill Miracle at 828-202-4630 with questions about their grant-making process.