Florida

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation in Venice has announced that it is working with Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation to provide immediate relief to food and beverage workers who live or work in local impacted areas. Funds are being raised for Gulf Coast’s Rapid Response Fund to rapidly support the individuals, families, and communities impacted by natural disasters. Gulf Coast will deploy the funds to the areas of greatest need identified. Many workers live paycheck to paycheck and bridge funding provided by Southern Smoke Foundation will be critical to their survival until government support is available. Individuals may receive up to $1,000, and families may be eligible for up to $1,200.

Georgia

Augusta National Golf Club and the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area (CFCSRA) have announced a joint $5 million gift toward the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund, which will support local relief efforts in response to the devastating impact of the storm throughout the greater Augusta community. Augusta National Golf Club, CFCSRA and the Medical College of Georgia Foundation have made separate contributions in support of response and recovery efforts led by the American Red Cross and other local community partners.

Kansas

The Central Kansas Community Foundation has announced that its Hillsboro affiliate has appointed Chad Hughbanks as associate director. In December 2023, he joined the board of directors and has helped coordinate several events.

North Carolina

The Cumberland Community Foundation in Fayetteville awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $7.3 million during its recently completed fiscal year, the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal reports. During 2023-24, it awarded a total of $1,164,000 in new and renewed college scholarships. And it sent 1,351 children to summer camp, the highest number since its Summertime Kids Program was launched in 1992.

The New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) in Wilmington has awarded $14 million in grants for affordable housing efforts, WECT reports. Recipients include Cape Fear Collective, Eden Village, Good Shepherd Center, and Better Is Possible.

Pennsylvania

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF), an affiliate of the Chester County Community Foundation, has announced a $9,000 grant to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) for its annual Farmer Managers Conference and to acquire a full equine skeleton as part of TRF’s Second Chance program. In addition, TERF awarded $5,000 to MidAtlantic Horse Rescue for thoroughbred-only clinics.