Burke Women’s Fund awards $33,000 to nine local programs
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Angela K. Copeland
Editor
Each year, the Women’s Fund Annual Event features a powerful female voice as keynote speaker. This year that person was Tonya Little, associate vice chancellor for academic programs at NCSSM-Morganton.
Madelyn Russ, executive director of Open Hearts Place, works with the others at her table during a team-building STEM project.
The Burke Women’s Fund leadership includes (from left) Heather Landry, Allison Pryor, Michelle Rodgers, Mackenzie Bostian-Adams, Sarah Griffin, Ashley Bunner, Chelsea Ledford, Trish Keene, and Jennifer Fletcher.
The Women’s Fund Annual Event is always highly anticipated. Nine nonprofits were awarded grants to further their missions.
Burke Women’s Fund awarded $33,000 in grants to nine programs serving women and families in Burke County during its annual event Sept. 30 at the Morganton Community House.
More than 75 members, grant recipients, and guests attended the event celebrating the 2026 grantees.
Dr. Tonya Little, associate vice chancellor for academic programs at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton, was the keynote speaker.
Burke Women’s Fund is a giving circle of local women who provide grant funding to programs that support Burke County women and their families. Annual dues from members provide the money distributed through grants.
In 2026, the organization grew to 106 members, who collectively gave $33,000 for grant funding.
NINE PROGRAMS RECEIVING GRANTS
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina: Middle School Girls Groups
- Burke Literacy Council: Read and Grow with Me!
- Burke United Christian Ministries: Food Assistance for Families
- Carolina Caring Foundation: Cardinal Kids Pediatric Palliative Care in Burke County
- Christ United Methodist Church: Drexel Elementary Backpack Project
- Good Samaritan Clinic: Seeds of Well-Being: Cultivating our Mental Health
- Hands of Hope for Families: Hope Pantry
- Legal Aid of North Carolina: Legal Support for Women in Crisis
- Options: A Tint of Safety
Every program funded by Burke Women’s Fund demonstrates a commitment to invest in the well-being and promise of Burke County women and their families.
Since its founding in 2009, Burke Women’s Fund has awarded $476,781.98 to initiatives benefiting women and families throughout Burke County.
Those grants have supported services including women’s shelters and housing programs, women’s and girls’ empowerment programs, nutrition programs, and out-of-school-time activities.
Burke Women’s Fund was created in 2009 by a group of 15 women and operates under the auspices of the Community Foundation of Burke County. The organization aspires to connect all parts of the community and bring a diverse group of women together around substantive issues affecting women and families.
— AKC
