News & Events
Scott Buchanan to Retire as CEO of WNC Bridge Foundation After Decades of Service to Western North Carolina
Scott Buchanan, President and CEO of WNC Bridge Foundation, has announced his retirement after more than three decades of leadership in Western North Carolina. His last day with the Foundation will be December 31, 2025.
“I am deeply honored to have spent the past 30 years working alongside so many dedicated people to support the health and well-being of our neighbors across Western North Carolina,” said Buchanan. “The relationships built and the lives touched through this work have been the most meaningful part of my career….

2026 IMPACT Grant Cycle Now Open
WNC Bridge is opening our IMPACT Grant cycle to support organizations doing essential work in our community.

Non-Profit Yard Sale…
Reserve a table today for our 4th Annual Non-Profit Yard Sale!

IMPACT Grants in Action: Expanding Access to Equine-Assisted Therapy
IMPACT Grantee Heart of Horse Sense uses equine-assisted therapy to support mental health, healing, and connection.

Small Tools, Big Moments: Supporting Sensory Needs in Graham County
WNC Bridge supports Graham County Schools through Children’s Services Fund.


Retiring CEO Awarded NC Governor’s Highest Honor
Scott Buchanan was awarded the Long Leaf Pine Award, the state of North Carolina’s highest honor from the governor.

Thankful for Our Amazing Volunteers
Rathbun House dedicates their patio to Pete Falcigno, for his contributions and service at the house with a heart.

Celebrating the Service of Rathbun House’s Retired Maintenance Director
Rathbun House dedicates their patio to Pete Falcigno, for his contributions and service at the house with a heart.

WNC Bridge Supports Youths’ Grief through Passionate Arts
WNC Bridge sponsored a grief workshop that taught students how respond to grief through therapeutic arts.

NOW Grant Supports Babies Need Bottoms
Babies Needs Bottoms, an organization based in Buncombe County, receives a NOW Grant to bridge the gap for limited availability of baby formula for the most vulnerable.

WNC Bridge Foundation Receives $100K to Help Families Access Food Amidst Government Shutdown
Dogwood Health Trust grants WNC Bridge Foundation $100K to support families needing access to food during government shutdown.

WNC Bridge Foundation Announces President and CEO
Join us in congratulating WNC Bridge Foundation’s new President and CEO, Zach Levin.

Scott Buchanan Nursing Scholarship
To celebrate Scott Buchanan’s decades of leadership, the Scott Buchanan Nursing Scholarship has been established to support future nurses in our region.

Clean Energy Microgrid Initiative Brings Resilience to Helene-Affected NC Communities
Microgrids to be installed across six Helene-affected counties.

Bringing Hope and Resources to Helene Survivors in Yancey County
A NOW Grant Supports Coalition of Organizations Identify Helene Survivors Needing Resources.

WNC Bridge Foundation Supports Appalachian Design Center for Helene Recovery
WNC Bridge awards a partnership grant to Appalachian Design Center (ADC).

Welcome Matt Groome
Welcome Matt Groome as our new Board Chair and learn more about his leadership and community impact.

Comfort That Counts: A Grateful Thanks to Tuck and Howell
Family-owned company donates 11 HVAC units to support disaster relief.

Graham County Builds for Community Wellness
Last month we featured members of the Graham County, NC task force leading the visionary development of the fitness center complete with natatorium, workout rooms, elevated walking track and other fitness supports currently needed in the community.

Grow NC – WNC Philanthropy May 1 Convening
NC’s philanthropic community mobilized quickly in response to Hurricane Helene to meet the immediate needs of the entire western region of North Carolina, and particularly 18 of the state’s westernmost counties and the Qualla Boundary.

Cash Support for Helene Recovery
WNC Bridge is partnering with GiveDirectly and Propel to provide direct financial assistance to households in Avery, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Donors Helping Families Rebuild After Trauma
In the heart of Western North Carolina, where resilience meets compassion, our Community Initiatives advocates are changing lives one connection at a time.

Graham County Leaders Unite to Build Community Fitness Center
With guidance from Partnerships Officer Sara Coplai and support from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s rural investment collaborative, this ambitious project is moving from vision to action.

Third Annual WNC Nonprofit Community Yard Sale
Join us for a fun and meaningful day of shopping at our Third Annual Nonprofit Community Yard Sale.

Women’s History Spotlight: Dr. Adelaide Key
Dr. Adelaide Key’s lasting contributions continue to shape and inspire Rathbun House.

Reliable Transportation for a WNC Family
When a grandmother’s only vehicle began to fail, support from our Greatest Needs Fund helped keep her family moving forward.

Rural Connections: Overnight Success, 10 Years in the Making
After years of hard work and dedication, the Rural Connections for Elders project is making a lasting difference for older adults and caregivers.

Neighborhood Partnership Milestone
Shiloh Community Development Corporation will support local residents and families.

Nonprofit Yard Sale: Reserve Your Spot Today
Join us for an opportunity to raise funds, connect with the community, and showcase your nonprofit’s mission at our annual WNC Nonprofit Yard Sale!

Helene Recovery: Community Initiatives Repairs Damaged Roof
WNC Bridge is helping residents rebuild and restore safety after Hurricane Helene through its Community Initiatives program.

Launch of Rural Connections for Elders Partnership
The Rural Connections for Elders partnership supports seniors and caregivers in rural Western North Carolina.

2025 IMPACT Grant Cycle Now Open
Our 2025 IMPACT grant cycle is now open.

Scholarship Spotlight
We were excited to hear from Emma, a 2022 WNCBF Health Scholarship recipient from Hayesville, who is passionate about rural healthcare.

Stairlift Helps Restore Safety
Shoshana received a stairlift after recovering from multiple falls, thanks to our Greatest Needs Fund.