High Country Women's Fund

History

The High Country Women's Fund (HCWF) began as a kitchen table vision, inspired by a grassroots effort underway in Asheville, NC, to help women in need.

Tricia Wilson brought the concept home to her friends Kim Kincaid and Jenny Miller, and they launched the effort that was to become the HCWF. Tricia, Kim, and Jenny inspired hundreds of women and local businesses to get involved. One of the first women to embrace the effort was Mary Jo Grubbs. Her early work was so important that she stands with Tricia, Kim, and Jenny as "Founding Mothers."

These four women have been recognized by Governor Beverly Perdue's office for their outstanding contribution to the community.

The HCWF was formally established in May of 2006 through a generous grant by the Josephine L. Leiser Foundation as an initiative of the High Country United Way. Our affiliation with the United Way (UW) allows the HCWF to:

• Keep overhead and administrative costs at a minimum, allowing more money to go to the community
• Work through local agencies that provide measurable results for volunteer and financial investments
• Align with UW's commitment to women's philanthropy and local community programs and services that meet the most pressing needs of the community