Want to help? Ways you can donate to relief efforts.
October 15, 2024 at 11:48 AM EDT
Here is a list of organizations in need and how you can help. These are divided by area of need: Artist relief, Emergency/Basic Needs, Local Businesses, and Other.
Emergency/Basic Needs Relief:
In response to Hurricane Helene, White Horse Black Mountain, a nonprofit community center for music and art, is committed to raising $400,000 for four local nonprofit organizations working on storm recovery efforts in Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley. 100% of donations made to this campaign will directly support the projects listed below. To date, the White Horse has raised $100,000 of its $400,000 goal in the first four weeks of the campaign.
To support the success of this community campaign, while also ensuring community-wide access, all events hosted at the White Horse are either free or “pay what you can.” With this model, 50% of the donations are paid to the performing artist and 50% is applied to the Community Fund. Listening to music at the White Horse directly translates into a contribution to the projects listed below. Visit their website to learn more and to donate directly.
Community Fund Project Overview
Restore Lake Lure is a fundraising campaign dedicated to the clean-up and restoration of the lake and championed by local community leaders. The three main initiatives of the campaign are boat retrieval, debris removal, and water quality restoration. Their Facebook page provides more information.
TMA: Helene Relief
Grassrots Helene disaster relief in the Triangle (Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. Volunteers, supplies, and funds are needed. Click here to learn more.
Operation We Are Love
Many are stranded and without food, water, and vital resources, including gas for cars and generators. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise money to purchase these needed items. Volunteers are also needed to drive supplies to those in need.
Donate here.
To volunteer or provide addresses of people in need of supplies, visit their Facebook page here.
The American Red Cross of the Carolinas is in critical need to restock its blood supply. This includes Rutherford Regional Medical Center, who agreed to host emergency blood drives this week, from 10 AM to 3 PM, through Friday in the Norris-Biggs Conference Room. To schedule an appointment, it’s RedCrossBlood.org and enter the keyword: Rutherford Regional.
Manna FoodBank in Asheville
Donations are still needed in the Asheville Area, especially blankets and jackets as colder weather is here overnight. Deliver donations can be made at
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency & Disaster Response Fund: Funding organizations providing relief to those affected by Helene via grants. https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/hurricane-helene-relief-and-recovery
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy: Conserving unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. https://appalachian.org/
BeLoved Asheville
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Artist Relief:
The NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund is being run through the North Carolina Arts Foundation to provide funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene.
Arts AVL https://artsavl.org/aid
is a well-resourced organization based in Asheville, NC. The Arts AVL Emergency Support Resources page is updated daily.
If you would like to donate instruments or gear to musicians who lost them due to the hurricane, please send an email to ashevillemusicprofessionals@gmail.com.
Preserving a Picturesque America: By purchasing Western North Carolina art, 50% of the proceeds will go directly to the artist, and the other half will go to relief funds to restore the French Broad region. For all other purchases, which include PAPA publications, 100% of the proceeds will go to relief. https://preservationthroughart.org
FRIENDS of The Blue Ridge
Is seeking to raise money through a series of benefit concerts, including the Blue Ridge Holler. Information on the concert series can be found here.
All money raised will go to Blue Ridge communities in Virginia and North Carolina that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Specifically, funding will go towards rebuilding community assets aligned with FRIENDS’ mission of celebrating the region’s unique culture, natural beauty, and quality of life.
“This might mean funds and volunteer support to rebuild recreational areas, parks, playgrounds, trails, artist studios and music venues,” explains executive director Julie Whalen. “Thankfully, there are several organizations and federal agencies in place to help with health and human services, and we encourage folks to support them. We feel best equipped to help rebuild with direction from our volunteer chapters already in impacted Blue Ridge communities in ways that align our strengths and mission.”
To donate directly visit FREINDS here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ReString Appalachia
The goal of project “ReString Appalachia” is to get as many instruments back into the hands of people who lost them throughout Appalachia due to Hurricane Helene. Supporting this initiative are over 125 of the leading roots musicians, nonprofits, venues, festivals, actors, artists, and media outlets. We’re asking all of our collaborators to lean on their network of musicians, instrument makers, and philanthropic followers in a way that feels authentic.
This effort is threefold: focusing on finding musicians in need, calling for quality instrument donations, and finding philanthropists to cover the costs through tax-exempt donations - thanks to our 501(c)3 nonprofit fiscal sponsor Music in Common. We're aiming to hand deliver instruments in early 2025. For more information on how to donate instruments, visit
www.AmericanSongcatcher.com/ReStringAppalachia
LEAF LOCAL ARTIST RELIEF FUND
So many artists and musicians are left without venues, gigs, and subsequent income to take care of their families, pets, homes, and more.
LEAF Global Arts is grateful for anyone who is able to give in order to directly support our beloved artists. These are the performers, musicians, and artists who work in schools to uplift our youth through global and cultural arts and bring so much joy, love, and light to our community. Instrument Donations Welcome- contact info@theLEAF.org to drop off or mail.
The Dan Lucas Memorial Fund is lending support to local WNC & LEAF Artists. This is a MATCHING GIFT GRANT- when you GIVE, your gift is doubled. Dan Lucas Memorial Fund is dedicated to local Musicians and Cultural Institutions. Over the years, Dan Lucas’ family has guided and generously supported LEAF Global Arts and has been a catalyst keeping culture and music alive!
Please consider giving to the LEAF Global Arts Artist Relief fund. All proceeds directly support our artists. theLEAF.org/give
Local/Small Business Relief:
(561x515, AR: 1.0893203883495146)
A Disaster Relief Fund has been established within the Blue Ridge
Guide Association for donations that will be earmarked directly for full-time fishing guides and outfitters/fly shops & lodges significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Applicants that meet specific requirements can apply for relief funding to help compensate for loss of income or revenue during this tragic time. More info at www.blueridgeguide.org
Mountain BizWorks Announces WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund was created to provide rapid recovery loans to small businesses suffering economic losses related to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The fund is administered by Mountain BizWorks and made possible with support from The Golden LEAF Foundation, and an expanding list of other partners.
The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund helps small businesses close the gap between when the disaster strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other disaster relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover and get back to business. Info about how to donate can be found here.
Transylvania Tomorrow - Small Business Emergency Relief Fund to support the small business community in Transylvania County. To donate or apply, visit BrevardNC.org and look for Transylvania Tomorrow.
In response to Hurricane Helene, White Horse Black Mountain, a nonprofit community center for music and art, is committed to raising $400,000 for four local nonprofit organizations working on storm recovery efforts in Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley. 100% of donations made to this campaign will directly support the projects listed below. To date, the White Horse has raised $100,000 of its $400,000 goal in the first four weeks of the campaign.
To support the success of this community campaign, while also ensuring community-wide access, all events hosted at the White Horse are either free or “pay what you can.” With this model, 50% of the donations are paid to the performing artist and 50% is applied to the Community Fund. Listening to music at the White Horse directly translates into a contribution to the projects listed below. Visit their website to learn more and to donate directly.
Community Fund Project Overview
- FOOD SECURITY – $144,000 – Bounty & Soul is providing food to thousands of people in the Swannanoa Valley (one of the hardest hit areas and our neighbors). This fund will provide 300 meals a day to the people of Swannanoa for 30 days.
- HOME REPAIR – $110,000 – Hammer & Heart – supplies to repair 15 home per month that do not have insurance to cover water damage and will be unlivable if the water and mold mitigation are not managed.
- MENTAL HEALTH – $60,000 – Black Mountain Counseling Center– a small part of the funds will be used to repair physical infrastructure. The majority of this fund will support staff who are providing free mental health services and support additional clinicians volunteers as they arrive to do their good work.
- FUEL FUND for WINTER – $92,000 – Swannanoa Valley Ministries – will support heating costs for hundreds of households in the area who will struggle with the costs of heating fuel this season. Loss of income and regional economic recovery will disproportionately impact these households.
Restore Lake Lure is a fundraising campaign dedicated to the clean-up and restoration of the lake and championed by local community leaders. The three main initiatives of the campaign are boat retrieval, debris removal, and water quality restoration. Their Facebook page provides more information.
TMA: Helene Relief
Grassrots Helene disaster relief in the Triangle (Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. Volunteers, supplies, and funds are needed. Click here to learn more.
Operation We Are Love
Many are stranded and without food, water, and vital resources, including gas for cars and generators. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise money to purchase these needed items. Volunteers are also needed to drive supplies to those in need.
Donate here.
To volunteer or provide addresses of people in need of supplies, visit their Facebook page here.
The American Red Cross of the Carolinas is in critical need to restock its blood supply. This includes Rutherford Regional Medical Center, who agreed to host emergency blood drives this week, from 10 AM to 3 PM, through Friday in the Norris-Biggs Conference Room. To schedule an appointment, it’s RedCrossBlood.org and enter the keyword: Rutherford Regional.
Manna FoodBank in Asheville
- The organization is distributing food, water, and more at the Asheville Farmers Market. For those wanting to send large food donations, please contact Director of Food Sourcing Lisa Reynolds by emailing lreynolds@mannafoodbank.org.
- Donation Times: October 7-11; October 14-18 (starts at 9 a.m., runs to 4 p.m. daily)
- The following items are requested:
Shelf-stable food (pop-top cans preferred, not requiring a can opener)
Bottled water
Personal hygiene items
Baby and toddler formula and food
Diapers - Updates will be made available via the FoodBank’s social media.
- There are many ways to get involved, volunteer, and donate - including online. Go here to give money to the Manna FoodBank online.
Donations are still needed in the Asheville Area, especially blankets and jackets as colder weather is here overnight. Deliver donations can be made at
- 1298 Patton Ave., West Asheville
- Arden Presbyterian Church, 2215 Hendersonville Road, Asheville
- Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., downtown (9-5 daily)
- BeLoved, 32 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville
- 6 Commerce Way, Arden
- Pack Square Park: Drinking water distribution will happen from 1 p.m. until dark, or when the supply runs out
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency & Disaster Response Fund: Funding organizations providing relief to those affected by Helene via grants. https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/hurricane-helene-relief-and-recovery
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy: Conserving unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. https://appalachian.org/
BeLoved Asheville
- On-the-ground volunteers are collecting and distributing a wide array of supplies.
- Cash donations can be sent via:
Venmo: BeLoved-Asheville
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/belovedasheville - Specific items are needed, including: food, bottled water, contractor-size trash bags, blankets, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers and baby clothes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, shovels, brooms, gloves, coolers, propane, cook stoves, flashlights, batteries, fans, dehumidifiers, and generators.
- Volunteers are needed to help deliver supplies. Truck owners and truck drivers are needed.
- Drop-off and staging updates are available on the organization's social media pages. BeLoved Asheville is located at 32 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803.
- For volunteer info and more, visit the organization's website.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Artist Relief:
The NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund is being run through the North Carolina Arts Foundation to provide funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene.
Arts AVL https://artsavl.org/aid
is a well-resourced organization based in Asheville, NC. The Arts AVL Emergency Support Resources page is updated daily.
If you would like to donate instruments or gear to musicians who lost them due to the hurricane, please send an email to ashevillemusicprofessionals@gmail.com.
Preserving a Picturesque America: By purchasing Western North Carolina art, 50% of the proceeds will go directly to the artist, and the other half will go to relief funds to restore the French Broad region. For all other purchases, which include PAPA publications, 100% of the proceeds will go to relief. https://preservationthroughart.org
FRIENDS of The Blue Ridge
Is seeking to raise money through a series of benefit concerts, including the Blue Ridge Holler. Information on the concert series can be found here.
All money raised will go to Blue Ridge communities in Virginia and North Carolina that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Specifically, funding will go towards rebuilding community assets aligned with FRIENDS’ mission of celebrating the region’s unique culture, natural beauty, and quality of life.
“This might mean funds and volunteer support to rebuild recreational areas, parks, playgrounds, trails, artist studios and music venues,” explains executive director Julie Whalen. “Thankfully, there are several organizations and federal agencies in place to help with health and human services, and we encourage folks to support them. We feel best equipped to help rebuild with direction from our volunteer chapters already in impacted Blue Ridge communities in ways that align our strengths and mission.”
To donate directly visit FREINDS here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ReString Appalachia
The goal of project “ReString Appalachia” is to get as many instruments back into the hands of people who lost them throughout Appalachia due to Hurricane Helene. Supporting this initiative are over 125 of the leading roots musicians, nonprofits, venues, festivals, actors, artists, and media outlets. We’re asking all of our collaborators to lean on their network of musicians, instrument makers, and philanthropic followers in a way that feels authentic.
This effort is threefold: focusing on finding musicians in need, calling for quality instrument donations, and finding philanthropists to cover the costs through tax-exempt donations - thanks to our 501(c)3 nonprofit fiscal sponsor Music in Common. We're aiming to hand deliver instruments in early 2025. For more information on how to donate instruments, visit
www.AmericanSongcatcher.com/ReStringAppalachia
LEAF LOCAL ARTIST RELIEF FUND
So many artists and musicians are left without venues, gigs, and subsequent income to take care of their families, pets, homes, and more.
LEAF Global Arts is grateful for anyone who is able to give in order to directly support our beloved artists. These are the performers, musicians, and artists who work in schools to uplift our youth through global and cultural arts and bring so much joy, love, and light to our community. Instrument Donations Welcome- contact info@theLEAF.org to drop off or mail.
The Dan Lucas Memorial Fund is lending support to local WNC & LEAF Artists. This is a MATCHING GIFT GRANT- when you GIVE, your gift is doubled. Dan Lucas Memorial Fund is dedicated to local Musicians and Cultural Institutions. Over the years, Dan Lucas’ family has guided and generously supported LEAF Global Arts and has been a catalyst keeping culture and music alive!
Please consider giving to the LEAF Global Arts Artist Relief fund. All proceeds directly support our artists. theLEAF.org/give
Local/Small Business Relief:
(561x515, AR: 1.0893203883495146)
A Disaster Relief Fund has been established within the Blue Ridge
Guide Association for donations that will be earmarked directly for full-time fishing guides and outfitters/fly shops & lodges significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Applicants that meet specific requirements can apply for relief funding to help compensate for loss of income or revenue during this tragic time. More info at www.blueridgeguide.org
Mountain BizWorks Announces WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund was created to provide rapid recovery loans to small businesses suffering economic losses related to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The fund is administered by Mountain BizWorks and made possible with support from The Golden LEAF Foundation, and an expanding list of other partners.
The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund helps small businesses close the gap between when the disaster strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other disaster relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover and get back to business. Info about how to donate can be found here.
Transylvania Tomorrow - Small Business Emergency Relief Fund to support the small business community in Transylvania County. To donate or apply, visit BrevardNC.org and look for Transylvania Tomorrow.