The Cherokee Preservation Foundation in Cherokee, North Carolina, has announced twenty-four grants totaling $1.8 million in support of cultural preservation, economic development, job creation, and environmental conservation.

Established in 2000 as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Compact between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and North Carolina, the Cherokee Preservation Foundation is funded by gaming revenues generated by the tribe. Since its inception, the foundation has made 731 grants totaling more than $58 million.

The latest round of grants includes awards to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in support of celebrations associated with the 250th anniversary of the Emissaries of Peace exhibit, the Southeast Tribes Festival, and the Snowbird Cherokee language camp; EBCI Tribal Government, in support of its efforts to promote greater energy, fuel, and water efficiency; the Cherokee Children's Home, to support the installation of geothermal heating and cooling, solar-heated water, rainwater harvesting, and a solar photovoltaic system; and Swain County Schools, which is developing a STEM curriculum plan.