Mountain Findings of Highlands, North Carolina
Welcome to Mountain Findings of Highlands, North Carolina, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been giving back to our community since 1969. Our volunteers have raised an incredible $5.5 million in over 55 years, due to our generous donors. Our mission is to inspire and support our community through action and to mark a difference with lasting change. Whether you'd like to volunteer, donate, or request a grant for your organization or scholarship, we are here to help!
Our Community Thrift Store receives thousands of donated items every year, so stop by and see what 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 52 - 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 awards 13 Highlands High School Seniors $50,000 in Scholarships 2023
Ms. Anna Stiehler receives $20,000, 4-year College Scholarship from board members Steve Parnell, Delaine Mehder, and John Warner
Mountain Findings President, Jill Helmer presents a $25,000 donation to Literacy & Learning Center Executive Director, Bonnie Potts
2023 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 Cashiers
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Carpe Diem Horse Farm
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Chattooga Conservancy
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Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers
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Counseling Center of Highlands
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Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Highlands School
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Highlands American Legion
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Highlands Emergency Council
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Highlands Food Pantry
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Highlands Historical Preservation Society
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Highlands Performing Arts Center
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Highlands School PTO
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Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival
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Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
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International Friendship Center
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Magnolia Mission Foster & Adoptive Family Support
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Mainspring Conservation Trust
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Peggy Crosby Community Center
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REACH of Macon County
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Scaly Mountain/Sky Valley Fire Dept
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The Gordon Center for Children
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The Literacy & Learning Center of Highlands
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The Mountain Retreat and Conference Center
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Wreaths Across America of Highlands
In 2023, Mountain Findings awarded to qualifying organizations nearly $264,000 to these organizations, thanks to the thousands of donations to Mountain Findings.
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Mountain Findings Thrift Store
Grants Program
Organizations interested in a 2024 grant should contact Marilyn Rupp at MountainFindingsGrants@gmail.com by January 2, 2024. See important details below.
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.
We assist 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
No individual award exceeded $25,000 in 2023. New applicant organizations are generally limited to an award maximum of $5,000.
Application Timeline
January 2, 2024 – Due date for letters of interest. Your letter should include name of contact person, email, phone number and mailing address and state the anticipated monetary request and intended use of funds. Submit to Marilyn Rupp at: MountainFindingsGrants@gmail.com.
February 2024 – Applications to apply will be mailed to organizations meeting the eligibility and priorities established for 2024.
April 1, 2024 – Applications are due.
July 2024 – Grant awards are announced.
