GRANTORS and PARTNERS

The Asheville City Schools Foundation is grateful to the following grantors
and educational partners whose support makes our collective work possible.

The Beattie Foundation awarded $4,000 in continued support of the Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Area Schools (TAPAAS) program. Grant funding is allocated to support program coordination and the implementation of classroom artist residencies in 2022-2023.

The Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Department awarded a $6,000 grant to support Health and Wellness recreational clubs in the In Real Life After-School program in 2022-2023. Funding supported the purchase of program materials which connect students to green spaces in our community.

The City of Asheville has continued to provide critical support for In Real Life After-School through the Strategic Partnership Fund. Support is allocated to IRL staff salaries and stipends to equity providers in programming.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina awarded a $7,000 capacity-building grant through a partnership with WNC Nonprofit Pathways to support Year 2 of our Strategic Plan Project Implementation Calendar.

Dogwood Health Trust awarded $160,000 to support the continuation and expansion of the Racial Equity Ambassador Program in 2021-2023. Funding from Dogwood Health Trust supports program coordination, student stipends, and on-going leadership development opportunities for the ambassadors.

Dogwood Health Trust awarded $125,000 to support Educator Innovation and Professional Development in 2022-2024. Funding from Dogwood Health Trust supports continued education for ACS staff and educators, professional development and training, and listening sessions for teacher input.

The Asheville Elks Lodge 608 awarded $6,000 in grant funding to support ACSF programming in 2022-2023. The Spotlight Grant of $2,000 is allocated to support the Emergency Assistance Fund, and the Beacon Grant of $4,000 is allocated to support In Real Life After-School programming.

The Glass Foundation awarded $10,000 in support of the Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Area Schools (TAPAAS) program to fund the purchase of student materials for classroom artist residencies in both Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools.

The Jack and Anne Glenn Charitable Foundation awarded $25,000 to support In Real Life After-School programming in 2022-2023. Grant funding is allocated to program direction and implementation, as well as IRL’s DREAM high school internship program.

The Page and George Bradham Family Foundation awarded $3,000 to support In Real Life After-School programming in 2022-2023. Grant funding is allocated to support student transportation, Student Advocacy, DREAM high school internships, and strengthens opportunities for students to connect with UNC Asheville’s campus, students, and professors.

The Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation awarded $55,000 in support of In Real Life After-School programming in 2022-2023. Grant funding continues to support program direction, coordination, and implementation.

Trinity Episcopal Church awarded over $1,200 in continued support of In Real Life After-School. Funding is allocated to support field trips, which follow school and CDC mandated safety protocols, and pop-up events that connect youth to opportunities and professionals across our city.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County continues to be a critical partner whose support strengthens the efficacy of our programs. Funding from United Way is allocated to the In Real Life After-School Program. United Way’s partnership provides a wealth of resources and learning opportunities through the United for Youth Network.

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation awarded $60,000 through the State-Level Systemic Change grant for the 2022 and 2023 calendar years. ZSR’s generous grant will support our work fostering equitable educational opportunities for ACS educators and students, including programs such as the Racial Equity Ambassadors and our community engagement initiatives.