Beatrice Cobb Trust gives half a million in funds to local and regional causes

The Beatrice Cobb Trust, a staple of philanthropy in Morganton, and a quiet yet impactful force in supporting community growth and well-being, recently announced grants totaling $500,846 to 25 organizations, most of them in Burke County.

Formal distribution will occur Friday from 1-3 p.m. at the Trust’s office at 201 Collett St. in Morganton.

The funds aim to bolster a diverse array of institutions, from religious groups to community service organizations.

MAJOR BENEFICIARIES

The major beneficiaries of the Trust include the following organizations and entities.

• First United Methodist Church in Morganton, $78,467
• UNC School of Journalism in Chapel Hill, $78,467
• Junior Order Children’s Home, $52,312
• Christmas Cheer Fund, 26,156
• CHS Blue Ridge-Morganton, 26,156
• Greensboro College, 26,156
• City of Morganton, 26,156
• UNC Greensboro, 26,156

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHURCHES

A significant portion of the Trust’s distribution went to local churches and community-based institutions.

• Gaston Chapel AME Church, $15,694
• Calvary Lutheran Church, $15,694
• First Baptist Church, $15,694
• First Presbyterian Church, $15,694
• Grace Episcopal Church, $15,694
• Crossnore School & Children’s Home, $15,694
• Morganton Parks & Recreation Foundation, $15,694
• Burke County Public Library, $15,694
• Slades Chapel AME Church, $15,694
• Morganton Women's Club, $9,274

DISCRETIONARY FUNDING

In keeping with its mission to address a range of needs, the Beatrice Cobb Trust designated 2% of its income as discretionary funds, benefiting health, welfare, and cultural institutions. The discretionary funds distributed this year totaled $10,300.

• Good Samaritan Clinic, $2,000
• Alder Springs Deaf & Blind Community, $2,000
• History Museum of Burke County, $2,000
• The Meeting Place Mission, $1,075
• Foothills Conservancy of NC, $1,075
• Mimosa Christian Counseling Center, $1,075
• Burke Arts Council, $1,075

Founded in memory of Beatrice Cobb, a pioneering figure in North Carolina journalism and a former publisher of The News Herald, the trust has long been committed to enhancing various aspects of community life, especially in Burke County.

In August 1979, the Trust sold its 2,941 shares of common stock of The News Herald Publishing Co., Inc. and related real estate to Park Newspapers, a New York concern, for $5.48 million.

As of July 31, 2024, the Trust was valued at $13,242,264.

Managed locally, the trust honors Cobb’s spirit by focusing on sustainable projects that foster growth and long-term benefits for Morganton and surrounding areas. Through these contributions, the Beatrice Cobb Trust remains a key supporter of regional progress, embodying Cobb’s vision of an enriched and connected community.