The Cherokee Preservation Foundation in Cherokee, North Carolina, has announced twenty-four grants totaling more than $2.7 million to support cultural preservation, economic development, job creation, and environmental preservation.

Established in 2000 as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Compact between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the State of North Carolina, CPFdn is funded from gaming revenues generated by the tribe. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded 683 grants totaling nearly $54 million to EBCI and regional projects and programs that address culture, economic development, and the environment.

Recipients in this funding round include EBCI's Strategic Energy Committee, which was awarded a grant to create renewable energy and energy efficiency projects; the Sequoyah Fund, to help its revolving loan fund meet increased demand for business start-up and expansion loans; the Cherokee Business Development Center, which works closely with the Sequoyah Fund to provide community members with information on credit scores, credit counseling, budgeting and other types of training; the Museum of the Cherokee Indian; and the Kituwah Preservation and Education Program.