In The News

2024 Grant Awards

October 16, 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Jill Miracle, (828) 202-4630

RHI Legacy Foundation Awards 2024 Grants

RHI Legacy Foundation recently completed their 2024 grant year, electing to contribute $780,922 to non-profit organizations and municipalities in Rutherford County.

Board chairperson Kerry Giles stated, “This is our eleventh year of awarding grants. We received more than fifty applications this year. We were pleased to approve 65% of those requests.  As always, the number of excellent proposed projects inspired our Board. We look forward to the results of the work of those fine organizations.’’

The Foundation approved commitments for thirty-four initiatives for projects that fit RHI Legacy Foundation’s three focus areas, designed to make Rutherford County a healthier place to live.

  • Active Living – 9 grants totaling $160,780
  • Chronic Disease – 7 grants totaling $145,305
  • Healthy Eating – 18 grants totaling $474,837

Agencies that receive grant 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 the health of our county. It is a joy to visit our grant recipients to hear more about their work. We will be bringing grantees with common missions together throughout 2025 to seek opportunities to improve local health outcomes.”   

Miracle continued, “We make investments in active living and healthy eating opportunities for our residents because physical activity and good nutrition have such an important impact on the quality of life, and even the expected length of life. Our county struggles with both areas, as reflected in the county’s rankings compared to other areas of the state. Supporting the organizations that offer opportunities for residents to make healthier choices, regardless of their ability to pay for those resources, is important to our county.”  https://www.countyhealthrankings.org

Terry Hines, executive director, stated, “RHI Legacy Foundation remains committed to supporting local nonprofits and municipalities in their work that aligns with our focus areas. This year’s contributions bring the financial support from RHI Legacy Foundation in our community to $16,721,905 since 2014. In addition, we have committed $13,546,707 toward construction of the Legacy Soccer Complex, which we expect to be completed by fall of 2025.”

2024 Grant Awards

Active Living Grants

Forrest Hunt Elementary School – $5,000 for Star Strong 5K and healthy summer experiences

Piedmont Council, Boy Scouts of America – $15,000 for scholarships for Rutherford County camp and recreation programs

Rutherford Opportunity Center – $10,780 for ROC On! Creating healthy habits for life.

Rutherford Housing Partnership – $20,000 for portable ramps for disabled persons

Rutherford Outdoor Coalition – $20,000 for outdoor recreation programs

Safe Kids of Rutherford County – $10,000 for traumatic injury prevention

South Mountain Christian Camp – $20,000 for Rutherford County camp scholarships

Special Olympics – $10,000 for Programming for Rutherford County

Town of Spindale – $50,000 for the North Slope skate park and pump track

Chronic Disease Grants

Blue Ridge Hope – $35,000 for mental health counseling

Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas – $7,305 for Rutherford County children undergoing cancer care

Rutherford County Transit – $25,000 for transportation to medical care and food distribution

Family Resources of Rutherford County – $20,000 for child medical exams for victims of sexual and physical abuse

Foothills Health District – $25,000 for flu vaccination outreach in remote locations

Pisgah Legal Services – $20,000 for access to health insurance and economic programs in Rutherford County

United Way of Rutherford County – $13,000 to sustain and promote NC211

Healthy Eating Grants

Abounding Grace Ministry – $22,337 for healthy food for former female inmates

Basics Christian Ministries – $35,000 for operating support

Chase Corner Christian Ministries – $15,000 for shelter and freezer repairs

EFNEP – Rutherford County Cooperative Extension – $4,000 for nutrition education for students from limited income families

Grahamtown Team – $20,000 to expand a food pantry

Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach – $15,000 for food programs for students

KidSenses Interactive Children’s Museum – $175,000 for The FACTORY to complete the facility to offer healthy life skills for adolescents

Lake Lure Classical Academy – $8,000 for Breakfast-On-the Go for students

Lake Lure Classical Academy – $26,000 for electrical, plumbing, and equipment for a school meal program

Liberty Baptist Church – $3,500 for Thanksgiving food boxes for seniors

New Beginnings Soup Kitchen – $17,500 for food purchases

Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation – $45,000 for BackPack program coordinator position

Rutherford County Senior Center – $40,000 for Home Delivered Meals

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy – $5,000 for the school BackPack program

Union Mills Community Development Club – $3,000 for kitchen equipment

Union Mills Learning Center – $7,500 for Healthy Lifestyles Nutrition Program and kitchen improvements

Washburn Community Outreach Center – $25,000 for access to healthy foods and operations support

Wells Spring United Methodist Church – $8,000 for meals for families and holiday food support for seniors

Plans for the 2025 grant cycle will be announced in the Spring.

Please 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 the Foundation’s grant-making process.