John M. Belk Endowment Commits Another $1.2M, Raising Helene Recovery and Investment Support for NC Community Colleges to $3.2M

RALEIGH, N.C. – Building on a legacy of support for North Carolina’s community colleges, the North Carolina Community College System and the John M. Belk Endowment (JMBE) are proud to announce an additional $1.2 million in funding, bringing JMBE’s total commitment this year to $3.2 million. This partnership establishes a Disaster Relief and Strategic Investments Fund to strengthen communities and support students affected by disasters while investing in innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes statewide.
 
This new investment builds on the success of a $2 million grant announced earlier this year, which provides vital long-term Hurricane Helene relief to Western North Carolina community colleges. Those funds were instrumental in aiding colleges and communities hit hardest by the storm, enabling them to recover, rebuild, and maintain their critical role in workforce development and education.
 
“North Carolina’s community colleges are lifelines for students and communities, particularly in times of crisis,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “The additional support from the John M. Belk Endowment builds on the relief efforts that began after Hurricane Helene and reinforces our mission to provide opportunities for all North Carolinians. This funding will allow us to address urgent needs while making strategic investments in student success and resilience.”
 
The expanded Disaster Relief and Strategic Investments Fund will focus on several key areas:
  • Relief and Recovery: $700,000 will provide flexible support for ongoing disaster relief and rebuilding efforts, including those in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
  • Wrap-Around Services Fund: $500,000 will expand access to essential supports such as transportation, childcare, food security, mental health services, and emergency funds at community colleges statewide.
  • Rural College Support: Continued investment of $400,000 will bolster initiatives supporting rural colleges, emphasizing equity and innovation.
  • Future Access and Completion Initiative: $1 million will support a new initiative designed to improve student access, retention, and graduation rates.
 
“This partnership highlights the ongoing importance of community colleges in meeting the educational and workforce needs of North Carolina,” said MC Belk Pilon, President and Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment. “From disaster relief to long-term innovation, this investment is about creating opportunities that transform lives and build a brighter future for our state. We are honored to continue supporting the System in this vital work.”
 
The North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation will be the System’s partner in managing this important grant program. The Foundation is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the System’s mission.
 
As part of Giving Tuesday, the North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation is inviting individuals and organizations to join these efforts. Donations can be made online at https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/about-us/foundation/. Contributions will directly support initiatives that empower students, strengthen communities, and ensure the continued success of the state’s community colleges.
 
About the North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System is a network of 58 community colleges created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The 58 institutions located throughout the state provide easy access to low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities and academic support that focuses on increasing employability.
 
About the John M. Belk Endowment
The John M. Belk Endowment is a private family foundation committed to transforming postsecondary educational opportunities to meet North Carolina’s evolving workforce needs.
 
About the North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation
 
The North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation (the Foundation) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to support the mission of the NC Community College System. The Foundation is governed by a diverse board of directors who steward the endowment, raise awareness and funds to develop and advance the System, manage several scholarship and award programs that honor excellence, and support public-private partnership programs that foster innovation. Going forward, the Foundation is leading a comprehensive campaign to drive more student, college, employer, and system success, and deliver more community, economic, and workforce development value for the state.
 
 
For Media Inquiries:
Nathan Hardin
Executive Director for Marketing and Communications
North Carolina Community College System
hardinn@nccommunitycolleges.edu
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