Regional Catalyst
Being a Good Neighbor in the Region
As it works to improve the quality of life of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the Cherokee Preservation Foundation also provides support to neighbors in Haywood, Jackson, Clay, Macon, Graham, Swain and Cherokee counties in western North Carolina to strengthen the entire region. The Foundation’s role is to help identify needs and opportunities on the Qualla Boundary and in the surrounding seven counties and address issues that fall within its authorized areas of focus — economic development, environmental preservation and cultural preservation.
The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting programs to foster collaborative partnerships between the EBCI and other players in the region and encourage public involvement. The Foundation funds projects that aim to unify western North Carolinians and increase the capacity of the region as a whole. The three types of programs that follow are representative of the foundation’s regional efforts.
Youth Development
Cherokee Preservation Foundation places special emphasis on initiatives that teach young people critical skills and involve them in developing solutions to regional problems.
Non-Profit Capacity Building
WNC Nonprofit Pathways provides information, training and workshops, assessments, tailored consultancies and networking to help nonprofit leaders improve the governance and management of their organizations.
Technology in Schools
The Foundation funds student participation in an annual Technology in the Classroom conference presented by WRESA, and the Foundation also provides funding for students and teachers to engage in regional collaborations.