Nonprofits make a difference: Manna FoodBank and Meals on Wheels help feed those in need. RiverLink, ECO and GreenWorks, the WNCA and more help keep our rivers and air clean. The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project helps farmers, and the Asheville Grown Business Alliance helps local businesses and city schools. LEAF in Schools and Streets connects artists and kids. Brother Wolf and the Asheville Humane Society help pets find a home.
The list could go on, because in Buncombe County alone, there are more than 400 nonprofits. In addition to the benefits such organizations bring to our community and its residents, overall, these organizations have an impact of more than $1 billion on the Western North Carolina economy. Statewide, nonprofits employ more than 400,000 people; in Buncombe, there are about 13,000 nonprofit employs who partner with businesses, volunteers and local governments to make a difference.
Mountain Xpress – which has its roots in the nonprofit Citizens for Safe Drinking Water — is honored to support these organizations and further our mission to build community and strengthen democracy by serving an active, thoughtful readership at the local level.
So in this issue, learn about our local nonprofits and the many good works they do.