Keeping Burke’s wealth local with lasting impact

Nearly 125 philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and community pacesetters gathered at the Morganton Community House on Tuesday for the Community Foundation of Burke County’s annual luncheon that was part celebration, part financial report, and part reflection on “keeping it local.”

The occasion marked a milestone for the 27-year-old foundation, which distributed more than $1.8 million through 391 grants benefiting 121 organizations this year, and challenges Burke residents to continue keeping charitable wealth working close to home.

Round tables decorated with yellow and rust-colored chrysanthemums filled the bright dining room. Conversations among familiar faces gave way to attentive listening as foundation leaders recounted the year’s accomplishments.

Financial presentations were punctuated by applause, reflecting both the scale of the foundation’s giving and the community relationships behind it.

“A great accomplishment for us as a community,” said Board Chair Chris T. Brittain, emphasizing that the foundation’s donors and volunteers had helped determine where the money would go.

The foundation also highlighted three community grantmaking programs totaling $251,500. Burke Youth Philanthropists awarded $18,500, the Burke Women’s Fund distributed $33,000, and the Community Foundation’s community grant cycle provided $200,000.

“We’re pushing more and more money out each year,” Brittain said, expressing his hope that the foundation’s distributions will continue to grow.

Education was another area of substantial investment. The foundation awarded $159,850 in 94 scholarships this year for 74 students.

He thanked donors who make unrestricted gifts, explaining that those contributions help support foundation operations and expand its ability to respond to changing community circumstances.

“That’s the money that kind of helps through the day-to-day operations and it helps us grow our grant cycle,” Brittain said. “And it gives us the freedom to make the decisions that we need to make throughout the year. … You entrusted us with your resources and you’re asking us to make good decisions with how to manage your money so that they not only have an impact today, but it can continue to grow year on year,” he said.

This year, Burke’s community foundation made a significant change to its annual Community Grant Cycle. Rather than distributing many smaller, often partially funded awards, it granted 10 $20,000 grants to local nonprofits. Grant Committee Chairman John Heilman recognized the 10 organizations, adding that 40 applications were submitted for consideration.

Keeping wealth in Burke County

Keynote speaker Mary Holmes, retired president and CEO of the Cumberland County Community Foundation, urged the audience to consider a fundamental question: What happens to the wealth created in Burke County when its owners are no longer here to direct it?

Her answer centered on the importance of community foundations and permanent charitable endowments that allow locally accumulated wealth to continue benefiting the community for generations.

“Your goal, all of you in the room, should be focused on retaining what was earned here and helping it stay here to support Burke County’s quality of life,” Holmes said.

Holmes encouraged attendees to view philanthropy as an opportunity to strengthen the community’s long-term financial foundation, not simply as a response to immediate needs.

She cautioned that Burke County faces competition for philanthropic dollars from larger institutions with considerable fundraising resources.

Cornerstone to this was a statement about local university endowments. Duke University, $12.3 billion; UNC-Chapel Hill, $8.16 billion; N.C. State, $3.18 billion; Davidson College, $1.6 billion.

They don’t need your money, Holmes said.

“The national nonprofits and the universities are very well staffed and very, very well funded to drag money out of our county,” Holmes said.

“You are partners in building and growing endowed wealth in your community,” Holmes said.

Barbara Wetsig-Lynam, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Burke County said afterward, “Her story was both inspiring and encouraging, reminding us of what is possible when a community embraces philanthropy and commits to making a difference over the long term.”

The event marked the first anniversary of Wetsig-Lynam’s tenure at the foundation. “We have a strong 25-year legacy to build upon, and our keynote speaker reminded us that the possibilities are truly exciting. But our success won’t be measured simply by the growth of our assets. It will be measured by the difference we make in people’s lives. I envision a foundation that continues to grow philanthropy while also bringing people together, strengthening our nonprofit partners, and helping address the challenges and opportunities facing Burke County. That’s the future I’m excited to help build.”

A foundation built for generations

Established in 1999, the Community Foundation of Burke County began with $20,000 and has grown into a significant source of charitable support for the area.

The foundation manages funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to support a variety of charitable purposes, including education, healthcare, human services, and other community priorities.

The foundation manages $63.9 million in assets, according to its 2025 audited financial statements.

Through its grantmaking and scholarship programs, those resources are directed toward organizations and individuals whose work contributes to the quality of life in Burke County.

The foundation’s structure allows donors to support specific causes or organizations while also creating unrestricted funds that provide flexibility to address needs as they emerge.