The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has successfully obtained a three-year grant worth $750,000 from Dogwood Health Trust. This funding aims to boost tourism and support related economic development initiatives. Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, expressed gratitude for the investment, highlighting its role in strengthening the Parkway’s economic ecosystem. The grant will support workers and businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway by implementing strategies from the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. This plan represents a historic collaboration among neighboring counties to promote economic development across communities along the Parkway. Carolyn Ward emphasized that these strategies have become even more critical in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is a nonprofit partner dedicated to preserving cultural and historical heritage, protecting natural resources, and enhancing visitor experiences along the Parkway. Dogwood Health Trust, based in Asheville, North Carolina, focuses on improving health and well-being in western North Carolina communities.
— news from WLOS
— News Original —
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation secures $750,000 grant to advance economic development
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $750,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to advance tourism and related economic developments.
“We are very grateful that Dogwood Health Trust is investing in these efforts to strengthen the Parkway’s economic ecosystem.” Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation said in a news release.
The grant will benefit workers and businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway by implementing development strategies outlined in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan.
The Blue Ridge Rising plan marks the first time in the national park’s history that the neighboring counties have worked together to implement economic development strategies to connect all of the communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
“While the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan was developed before Hurricane Helene arrived, these tourism and workforce development strategies are even more crucial now,” Ward said.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is a nonprofit fundraising partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway helping to ensure cultural and historical preservation, natural resource protection, educational outreach, and visitor enjoyment.
Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina seeking to help improve the health and well-being of the communities and Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina.
For more information on The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust visit BRPFoundation.org and www.dht.org.