The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Donate to the Foundation
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization created to solicit, manage, and distribute funds and resources to further the development and welfare of the Boone, NC and the Watauga County area.
The recovery and viability of businesses in the High Country is the primary focus of the BACC Foundation. We are grateful to all donors and supporters of our work and for helping the High Country during this challenging time and in the days and months to come.
In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, the key and immediate focus areas of the BACC Foundation include:
- Developing and executing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for our relief efforts.
- Keeping all gifts in Boone and Watauga County communities through support of local businesses and organizations.
- Working with our Foundation Board of Directors, made up of local residents, and business and education leaders to help direct the strategy and the direction of funds distribution.
The BACC Foundation made the first impact with these funds on October 3, 2024, by giving $125,000 to the Children's Council of Watauga County. This tuition assistance allocation will keep licensed childcare centers open while relieving the financial burdens on families who can use their usual tuition dollars in other recovery ways.
Funds Allocated to Cover Tuition Cost for Licensed Early Childhood Centers
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Commission, Inc. (BACC EDC, Inc), also known as the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is a 501(c)3 organization created to solicit, manage, and distribute funds and resources to further the development and welfare of the Boone, NC and Watauga County, NC, area through activities which are exclusively charitable, educational, or scientific.
Such purposes may include the aims of advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding of economics, matters of public concern, finance, education and training, housing, human relations, science and technology, economic planning and development, and acceleration of both the quality and quantity of economic growth and employment opportunities.
STABLE – STABLE workplaces was launched in January 2024 in Watauga County with a vision of thriving workplaces sustained by a stable workforce. STABLE stands for Staff Training and Business Leadership for Evolving workplaces. Our foundation serves as the financial partner of this effort, and seeks support and grants to help subsidize the STABLE curriculum. More details can be found at stableworkplaces.org.
Housing Support – The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been involved in the formation of the Watauga County Housing Council and the WEDC remains active in the Watauga County Housing Trust since it’s re-launch in 2023. In addition to these focused projects, the foundation seeks funds in this bucket to apply toward projects and studies that aid in the creation of affordable and attainable housing solutions for Watauga County residents and employers.
Chamber Capital Needs – The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce moved into a new facility in Greenway Commons in January 2023. As the organization continues to provide spaces for staff and convening opportunities for members, we know upkeep of this facility will be an ongoing operations expense. Funds directed to this area will allow for facility needs to be met, thus allowing dollars generated from Chamber membership to stay working toward the needs of the business community.
Early Childhood Development & Education Fund – The Foundation became the administrator of this fund in December 2023, continuing a multi-year effort toward the goals established in the Elevate Watauga initiative. This fund will support workforce development and educational attainment needs for Watauga County’s early childhood workforce, while also providing funding support for initiatives outlined in the Watauga County Childcare Study
General Operating & Community Support – Unrestricted funds donated to the foundation will be used toward general operating and community support, allowing the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce to provide dollars to local efforts that are not directly generated from membership dues or events. This could include business grants, scholarships, area event support, and other projects.
