The Episcopal Foundation of WNC
Who We Are
The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a grant giving organization that strengthens the programs and parishes of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. The Episcopal Foundation is a non-profit corporation independent of the Diocese of Western North Carolina, The Foundation is composed of ten directors from different deaneries. They are approved at the annual diocesan convention. The directors are not compensated for their service. The Bishop is the Chair.
What We Do
The Foundation provides money, through grants, to parishes and/or programs within the diocese. Since its founding in 1963, the Foundation has made hundreds of grants totaling millions of dollars. From playgrounds to kitchens, roofs to air conditioners, parking lots, programs and more; these are just some of the ways the Foundation gives back to our diocese.
How We Do It
Parishes and/or programs make their request by using the Unified Loan/Grant application linked at the button below. Applications are submitted to the CFO of the diocese and then forwarded to the Foundation president. The Foundation meets four times each year where it reviews the merits of each request and awards grants accordingly. Grant requests are presented in person at the Foundation meeting. For questions or more information on the process, email episcopalfoundationprez@gmail.com
Our History
The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a non-profit corporation founded in 1963 by Bishop Henry with an initial gift from Mr. Charles Timson who was also a major benefactor for Deerfield Retirement Community. The Foundation operates under its own independent charter. The Foundation uses the income from its investments primarily to make grants up to $20,000 to small parishes and institutions within the diocese who otherwise cannot afford renovations, capital improvements, and major repairs.
Your Gift
A contribution to the Foundation is a gift that will keep on giving. Mr Timson’s original gift continues to generate new grants today. Today’s contributions will do the same. From a modest $250,000 in 1963, today, the Foundation administers a fund balance exceeding $4,000,000. You may make a gift by emailing the president at episcopalfoundationprez@gmail.com or contacting the CFO Cliff Hudgins.
2026 Board of Directors
The Rt. Rev. Jose McLoughlin, Chair
Dillon Manly, President | Asheville | Trinity, Asheville
Judy Hopkins, Vice President | Piedmont | Redeemer, Shelby
Matt Henry, Treasurer | Hendersonville | St. James, Hendersonville
Jann Mellman, Secretary | Hendersonville | St. Philips, Brevard
John Russell | Western | All Saints, Franklin
Jane Erickson | Mountain | Holy Communion, West Jefferson
Carl Tolbert | Foothills | St. James, Lenoir
Steve Campbell | Piedmont | St. Mark's, Gastonia
Sunny Denton | Foothills | St. Marys & St. Stephens