In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction across western North Carolina, the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) and The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) forged a significant partnership to support disaster recovery. Their combined efforts were directed toward restoring MANNA FoodBank, the region’s sole food bank and a crucial source of support for thousands of residents impacted by the storm.
CFWNC responded swiftly by activating its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to address urgent needs such as food, medicine, and emergency aid. Simultaneously, NCCF’s Disaster Relief Fund focused on providing resources for medium- and long-term recovery throughout affected communities.
As damage assessments progressed and MANNA FoodBank’s critical losses were fully understood, both foundations collaborated to support its recovery. This joint effort culminated in a landmark $7 million grant—$3.5 million from each foundation—to rebuild and restore MANNA’s operations. This grant marked the largest disaster-related contribution either foundation had made, underscoring the significance of their collaboration in restoring essential community infrastructure.
