Ashley Nydish and Nicole Fiehley of Bags of Hope, flanking Andi Griffin, Pam Varghese and Caroline Stevens of the PCF

July 26. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, the Peninsula Community Foundation has just been able to award grants in excess of $150,000 to 14charities in the Lake Norman area.

In addition to the “core” charities that the PCF historically supports, the Ada Jenkins Center, The Lake Norman Community Health Clinic, Caterpillar Ministries and Bags of Hope, the all-volunteer board was able to fund many new charities, according to George Searle, PCF president.

—Many of the new charities support the needs of local children, namely Cornelius Early Scholars, a new program for preschoolers housed in the First Baptist Church in the heart of “old Cornelius;” Bridge of Hearts, which provides birthday celebrations, hygiene items and snacks for needy students; Little Smiles, with programs that bring technology to children in hospitals and for those in traumatic situations; summer Arts Camp scholarships to the Cain Center for local students; and Dream Big Basketball—developing character in young people through basketball and related mentorship.

—Several new charities help to meet the needs of local families: Alongside Families helps families stay together during times of crisis by providing financial and other support; the THRIVE organization empowers needy students by providing resources and training to students and their families; Davidson Lifeline supports mental health awareness and suicide prevention, as well as tackling the Fentanyl crisis among local youth; and Cornelius Community Development Corp. increases the availability and affordability of local housing in Cornelius for firefighters, policemen, teachers and their families.

Big Day At The Lake 2021 / Photo by Brock Williams-Smith

Other PCF beneficiaries include Safe Alliance, Smithville Summer Camp Scholarships, Hope House and Big Day at the Lake.

“We are excited to see the positive impact these charities will bring to the Lake Norman area, and we celebrate the continued success of the non-profits we have supported for years,” says Caroline Stevens, communications director for the PCF. “We try to bring charities with overlapping missions together so that they can share resources, and connect the older with the newer non-profits so that they can share their valuable experience,” Stevens added.

How to apply

To apply for a grant, donate, or to see other ways to help the charities the PCF supports, go to www.YOURPCF.org.