Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.
Our Mission
Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
Our Vision
Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.
History
Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.
The William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund was started by the Henderson County Wildlife Club, which wanted to honor the memory of William "Bill" Armstrong, one of its charter members, by awarding a scholarship to a Henderson County student studying wildlife. However, the club soon discovered the great amount of legal issues involved in creating such a fund.
A similar dilemma faced a group of citizens responsible for managing the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund established in memory of Charlie Renfrow, a beloved local sports broadcaster. The group needed a solution to help with the complexities of the paperwork.
Establishing a community foundation was the logical answer
Providing the management of these two funds and the vehicle for other people in the community to establish their own funds, or make tax-deductible contributions to improve the quality of life in Henderson County for future generations.
One of the unique features of the Community Foundation is that it builds endowments - permanent funds that will continue to support the causes donors care about, forever. CFHC's founding directors understood these long-term benefits, and the board of directors and professional staff at CFHC are deeply indebted to them for their foresight and determination.
The Foundation's first paid executive director was Priscilla Cantrell who helped build legacies for 18 years. She started work in a one-room office with assets of less than $1 million and little grant money.
In fact, the founding members were advised that a foundation in Henderson County would not succeed because the community was too small and rural, it had no homegrown industry, no university and had a population of less than 150,000 people.
But, thanks to our generous community, the Community Foundation continues to thrive.