Mountain Findings of Highlands, North Carolina
ELEVATE YOUR THRIFT STORE EXPERIENCE
HIGHLIGHTS
A Community of Giving
Welcome to Mountain Findings in Highlands, North Carolina, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to serving our community since 1969. Thanks to our generous donors, our volunteers have raised an astounding $6.5 million in nearly 60 years. Our mission is to inspire and support our community through proactive engagement and to create a lasting impact with meaningful change. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or seeking a grant for your organization or scholarship, we're here to assist!
Our Community Thrift Store welcomes thousands of donated items annually. Feel free to visit and discover the treasures we have in store for you.
PICK-UP or DROP-OFF
Making A Difference With Your Help!
You may drop off donations at your convenience. Just pull around to the back of Mountain Findings. Place items near the garage door. We can email or mail you a tax donation form if needed.
Schedule a pick-up by calling Mountain Findings at (828) 526-9929. Leave a message and someone will contact you.
We DO NOT accept paint, TVs, mattresses, chemicals, clothing, batteries, or other hazardous materials.
Volunteers
Each year our 100% volunteer-run organization thrives due to our volunteers who unselfishly donate collectively an estimated 10,000 hours in running the Community Thrift Store. This represents a $250,000 value.
Annually, our community Thrift Store receives thousands of donated items to resale. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community. Our team of nearly 80 - active volunteers working tirelessly to contribute their part to the greater good.
Volunteers are needed to help in organizing, pricing, cleaning, pick-up, working on days open to the public, and much more.
How to Volunteer or Receive More Information
We are always needing volunteers to cover a variety of positions. If you have time to volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lynda McNeeley. Call 828-526-9929.
Mountain Findings
Grants & Scholarships
In the awarding of grants and scholarships, Mountain Findings, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed),
gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, sexual orientation or military status.
Mountain Findings' 2021 Scholarship Recipient, Abigail Nichols, Graduates
In May of 2021, I graduated from Highlands School in Highlands, NC. I then began my studies in August of 2021 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as an Elementary Education major, driven by a passion for helping children and making a positive impact.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I turned to exercise as a way to cope with the challenges of isolation and overwhelming emotions. That experience allowed me to find a profound interest in the importance of health and wellness in day-to-day life.
Within my first semester, I quickly decided to change my major to Exercise Science with a minor in Public Health. I wanted to understand not only how the human body works but also how to help others improve their quality of life through exercise, preventative habits, and nutrition. The further I got into my studies, the more confident I became that I had chosen the right path.
A major milestone in my undergraduate career was being selected as the first-ever recipient of the Mountain Findings Scholarship. The Mountain Findings Committee not only provided financial support, but they also provided unwavering emotional encouragement. Whether it be a quick text checking in on my studies or a message expressing how proud they were of me, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Being able to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte without worrying about the financial burden was a huge blessing. I was able to focus more on my studies, join clubs, and be a part of the UNC Charlotte community. This scholarship gave me the opportunity to grow into the person I always dreamed of becoming, and I could not be more honored to have been chosen as its first recipient.
Now, I am preparing for the next chapter – chiropractic school. While I have not yet committed to a specific program, I plan to begin in the fall of 2025. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to further my education and discover my true calling.
My goal is to contribute to improving the healthcare system and help individuals reach their full potential through the use of holistic care. None of this would have been accomplished without the unconditional support of the Mountain Findings Committee. I am truly grateful to have received such meaningful support to chase after my dreams. Abigail Nichols
Mountain Findings awards four Highlands High School Seniors $50,000 in Scholarships 2024
Mr. Cooper Hall (center) receives $20,000, 2-year College Scholarship from Mountain Findings members Steve Parnell, Jill Helmer, Katy Postell, and John Warner with a challenge. If Cooper decides to continue his education towards a BS degree, Mountain Findings will cover $20,000 for the remaining two years.
Mountain Findings Members Katy Postell, Steve Parnell, John Warner, and Jill Helmer along with scholarship award recipients Annamaria Silverthorn, Caitlin Tingen, Brooke Fogarty, and Cooper Hall
Mountain Findings President, Jill Helmer presents a $25,000 donation to Literacy & Learning Center Executive Director, Bonnie Potts
Mountain Findings Donates to Combat Food Insecurity
2024 Grant Recipients
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Appalachian Animal Rescue Center
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Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
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Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC
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Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic
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Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau
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Carpe Diem Farms
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Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
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Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers
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Counseling Center of Highlands
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Glenville Cashiers Rescue Squad
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Highlands Emergency Council
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Highlands Historical Society
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Highlands Plateau Greenway
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Highlands School Athletic Booster Club
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Highlands School Fellowship of Christian Athletes
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Highlands School Parent-Teacher Organization
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Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival
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Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
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Highlands-Cashiers Players
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International Friendship Center
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Literacy and Learning Center
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Magnolia Mission
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Mainspring Conservation Trust
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PAC Educational Theatre
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PAWSITIVE Shelter Volunteers of Macon County
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Peggy Crosby Community Service Center
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REACH of Macon County
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Sky Valley-Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue
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The Gordon Center for Children
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Town of Highlands Recreation Department
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Wreaths Across America, Highlands
In 2024, Mountain Findings awarded to qualifying organizations nearly $369,000 to these organizations, thanks to the thousands of donations received by Mountain Findings.
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Mountain Findings Thrift Store
Grants Program
Mountain Findings Thrift Store
2025 Grants Announcement
CLOSED FOR 2025
Organizations interested in a 2025 grant should contact Marilyn Rupp at MountainFindingsGrants@gmail.com by January 2, 2025. See important details below.
Note: Organizations receiving a 2024 Mountain Findings grant do NOT need to submit an e-mail expressing interest. An application will be mailed in early January 2025.
Purpose
Mountain Findings’ Grants Program provides funding for projects that strengthen the Highlands-Cashiers, NC community, especially for the economically distressed or disadvantaged, including animals.
Priority is given to organizations that:
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Serve local populations for which our limited funding will make a significant impact.
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Seek to improve the lives of others without imposing religious views or persuasion.
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Lack a well-organized fundraising arm.
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Provide resources and services free to the disadvantaged within the local community.
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Rely on the help of volunteers.
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Duplication of services already funded will be given low priority.
Priority is given to these focus areas:
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Human welfare
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Youth enrichment
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Conservation and the Environment
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Animal welfare
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Cultural Enrichment
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Civic engagement
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Public Safety
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities.
Organizations serving a regional population may be considered when evidence of the grant’s direct impact on the Highlands Plateau is provided.
Grant funding may not be used for employee travel expenses, contract wages or staff salaries.
Amount of funding
2024 awards did not exceed $25,000. New applicant organizations are generally limited to an award maximum of $5,000.
Application Timeline
January 2, 2025 - Due date for letters of interest. Your letter should include the name of the contact person, email, phone number and mailing address. State the anticipated monetary request and intended use of funds. Submit to Marilyn Rupp at: MountainFindingsGrants@gmail.com.
January 2025 Applications will be mailed to organizations meeting the eligibility and priorities established for 2025.
April 1, 2025 – Applications are due.
July 2025 – Grant awards are announced.
Organizations serving a regional population may be considered when evidence of the grant’s direct impact on the Highlands Plateau is provided. Grant funding may not be used for employee travel expenses, contract wages or staff salaries.
