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TMCNet: Altria supports Cabarrus charities

[December 25, 2008]

Altria supports Cabarrus charities

(Independent Tribune Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dec. 25--CABARRUS -- Cabarrus charities seeking extra support this winter season have a new resource in a fund enabled by Philip Morris USA parent company Altria Group.

Grant applications for the Cabarrus County Critical Need Response Funds may be submitted to the Foundation for the Carolinas in mid-January, said officials with the organization.

Altria Group, inspired by a $1 million Mecklenburg made by Sandra and Leon Levine for a Mecklenburg-focused fund, made a $100,000 donation to start the Cabarrus fund last week.

"It's a great example of how giving spurs additional giving," said Lisa Torgler, vice president of communications with Foundation for the Carolina. "It's really a short-term fund to assist needs through the winter months."


Foundation for the Carolinas will hold and administer the funds while the Cabarrus County Community Foundation Board of Trustees is charged with fundraising and awarding grants.

The board of trustees is made up of nine business leaders from the Cabarrus community.

A release from the Foundation for the Carolinas said the fund would be used to help shelter, feed, clothe and keep warm Cabarrus County residents in need.

"Given the state of the economy and the transition the Cabarrus community is experiencing, we hope the establishment of a critical needs fund will provide essential support to the area at a pivotal time," said a Gary Ruth, senior vice president of manufacturing operations at Philip Morris USA. "It is our hope that funding encourages others to step up as well."

Potential donors to the Cabarrus County Critical Need Response fund may visit www.cabarruscounty-cf.org online or call 704-973-4588.

Mailed donations may be sent to Foundation for the Carolinas, Critical Need Response Fund, 217 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC, 28205. Donors should make sure to write "Cabarrus Critical Need Response Fund" in the memo line of their checks.

Since the announcement of the Mecklenburg fund earlier this month, Torgler said her organization has received donations to that fund of all shapes and sizes.

She said one mother even called in with $1 donations from her children.

With grant applications due mid-January, Torgler said she expected grants should be made starting at the end January.

"It should be a pretty quick turnaround," she said.

This month, Altria Group also sponsored an "Introduction to Grant Writing" course for area nonprofits.

The course, taught by the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, has aimed to help dozens of area nonprofits increase their success in earning grants and explore options for finding new sources of support.

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