Nonprofits like Academic Technology and Wellness Academy will benefit thanks to a gift from the Timken family.

The Cherokee County Community Foundation was established in 1994 as a permanent endowment at FFTC, with help from a $100,000 gift from the Timken family. That’s what makes the latest gift to CCCF so special. The Timken Company, a global manufacturer (started by the Timken family), recently awarded a $250,000 grant to CCCF’s endowment fund to enable more annual grants to be distributed to local nonprofits. “The nonprofits we have been able to support over the years have provided so many important services to our community,” said Charles Wyatt, chair of CCCF’s board of
advisors. We are thankful for the opportunities we have to support their efforts.”

The generosity of Timken allows CCCF to continue support of the evolving community needs in Cherokee County. Since its inception in 1995, CCCF has awarded more than $540,000 to local nonprofits — covering areas like crime and safety, economic development, education, family and youth, and public health. The most recent round of grant recipients include:

• $5,000 to Academic Technology and Wellness Academy for its Backpack Buddy initiative.
• $1,000 to Boy Scouts of America: Palmetto Council for outdoor education at Camp Conley Clarke.
• $5,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Upstate to serve five Cherokee County elementary school-based Kids Clubs.

One recipient of CCCF this year was Academic Technology and Wellness Academy, which provides a safe place for Cherokee County youth. “Being awarded this grant will ensure that children who rely on school meal programs during the week do not go hungry over the weekends,” said Yolanda Kennedy, ATWA’s executive director. “The grant will help to improve academic performance, health outcomes and overall well-being for children and families in need.”

For a complete list of grants: visit here.