Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

Many North Carolinians are wondering “How can I help?” after Hurricane Helene. Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing several ways to support our neighbors to the west. First up: NC Counts Coalition is delivering emergency supplies directly to community-led organizations in Western NC, including those serving immigrants, via trucks and planes. You can donate to their relief efforts here: https://lnkd.in/e83huA-V If you're in the Triangle, you can drop off bottled water, nonperishable food items, and toiletries today or tomorrow — drop-off locations below. Many resources have been shared, and all of these efforts are critical. Let’s continue to come together as North Carolinians to help each other through this disaster.

NC foundations and many others are coming together to support western NC after Hurricane Helene. One way to help: give to The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund. This fund is getting money out quickly to frontline nonprofits in 18 WNC counties and the Qualla Boundary. You’ve probably seen coverage of nonprofits at work in the aftermath of Helene — handing out food and water, making sure people have accurate information, organizing supply drives and more. Nonprofits often have the agility and networks to quickly mobilize and provide essential aid, stepping in to help where others can’t. Many resources have been shared, and all of these efforts are critical. Let’s continue to come together as North Carolinians to help each other through this disaster.

"It's more important than ever to have access to trusted, accurate information about what's happening on the ground, where to get support if you're affected, and how to help from near and far." For people affected by #Helene, several trusted local news sources linked below via North Carolina Local News Lab Fund ⬇️ 

40 days 'til Election Day. We believe that every North Carolinian, across the political spectrum and all 100 counties, should be informed and empowered to participate in our democracy. This month's newsletter offers helpful guides for NC voters from Common Cause North Carolina, Democracy North Carolina, Enlace Latino NC and You Can Vote. We also highlight some awesome stories from across NC, including: • An environmental justice victory from Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN) and Southern Environmental Law Center • Beloved Community Center's Long March for Unity & Justice • Enlace Latino NC's coverage of Hispanic Heritage Month • North Carolina Local News Lab Fund's announcement of more than $2 million for local news in Charlotte • NC Rural Center's statewide listening tour & how you can make your voice heard Like what you see? Learn something new? Comment below!

Great news for Charlotte and for all of North Carolina!

Last week, I had the honor of representing the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation to present the Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award during the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce's "State Of Our Community" annual luncheon. The award goes to the most improved high school in Guilford County. This year's winner was High Point Central High School! The award is named in honor and in memory of the life and contributions of Mr. Humphrey, an exceptional lawyer, public servant, and philanthropist. Through his career in public service, he: -Served as a Trustee of the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation for more than 20 years -Served in both the House and Senate in the North Carolina General Assembly, -Chaired the board of trustees at both Wake Forest University and UNC Greensboro. The Humphrey Award is based on 10 objective data-driven performance metrics that measure the progress each school makes from the beginning of the school year to the end and considers factors such as End of Course testing, ACT proficiency, graduation rates, and parent and community involvement. The winner of this award also receives a $12,000 check to be used to strengthen and develop the entire staff of the school. It was great to celebrate this school as students made it back into the classroom to begin the new school year. Congrats High Point Central High school!

CALL FOR ARTISTS: Alongside its cultural partners, Cherokee Historical Association and Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc., Museum of the Cherokee People seeks traditional and contemporary artists to beautify Cherokee’s Cultural District through updated welcome signage. Six selected artists will form a team to design signs that will visually define the Cultural District. Artists will receive an honorarium. This project is made possible through the generous support of Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Learn more and apply by September 13 via bit.ly/cherokeeartistcall. #NativeArt #CallForArtists #NCArt

In our August newsletter, we: -Promote funding NC's local public schools (there's simply no excuse for NC ranking 38th in teacher pay and 48th in per student spending!) -Highlight stories of hope and action from partners including Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Dogwood Alliance, Rural Opportunity Institute & CREED (Center for Racial Equity in Education) -Provide updates from ZSR Like what you see? Learn something new? Comment below!

Did you know western NC is home to the hellbender, North America's largest salamander? 🦎💚 Outside of Boone, hellbenders are getting an assist from American Rivers and MountainTrue. These two orgs are removing a dam and restoring 35 miles of aquatic habitat in the Watauga River. This work will allow hellbenders, trout and other animals to thrive, help keep waters colder in the face of climate change, and maintain the river’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations. 

In 2020, Asheville became the first city in the US South to commit to a local reparations process. The Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville, Inc. has been a central advocate for this work. The organization recently released the Every Black Voice Report, the culmination of a participatory research project to uncover perspectives and experiences of Black people in Asheville and Buncombe County. Check it out here ⬇️