We are thrilled to launch our brand new quarterly+ newsletter, Building Community! We hope to use and grow this communication channel to keep you informed about the Polk County Community Foundation's grants, scholarships, and other work to benefit our community.

Like many of you, 2022 has been an important year of transition for our organization, including welcoming a new President & CEO, returning to in-person grantmaking cycles, and enhancing the Foundation's brand with a new website, logos, and even our first social media presence on Instagram! Please follow and tag us (@polkcommunityfoundation) to highlight the good work you do with support of the Foundation.

As we prepare for a new year of building community, we invite you to join us as we continue to honor the Foundation's generous donors through our grantmaking. Thank you for helping us keep our promises to our donors with your important work to benefit our community.

Read more below about how we're wrapping up 2022 and looking ahead to 2023!

We are still accepting scholarship applications from adults living in our community who wish to continue their education to gain career skills or follow a passion. Adults must be residents of our community and demonstrate financial need, broadly defined. All are encouraged to apply!

Back to school season means that we're launching our annual scholarship program for graduating high school seniors. Generous donors who established scholarship funds with the Foundation now allow us to award approximately $300,000 each year to local students. Please help us spread the word to students in our community!

Community Foundation Awards Major Grant

to Support Saluda Grade Trail

The Polk County Community Foundation has pledged a $250,000 grant toward the Saluda Grade Trail—the first major grant toward purchase of the rail corridor and trail development in North Carolina. The grant is also a powerful expression of community support.