About
Our History
Cullasaja Women’s Outreach (CWO) was formed by a small group of ladies living within the Cullasaja Club community in 2006. Their goal was to create a forum to bring out the best in each other through friendship, shared insights and community outreach. They wanted to make a positive difference by sharing their resources with charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the Highlands-Cashiers area to help build a stronger community for all. These women knew that together, as Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, they could make a more meaningful contribution addressing the imminent needs of community 501(c)-3s, than any one member could do alone.
Since its inception, Cullasaja Women’s Outreach through its annual grants process has invested over $2.8 million in over 40 local non-profit organizations. Funds have been directed to support safety-net services, educational and afterschool resources, and literacy in the area, in addition to bringing the joy of the performing arts, the natural environment and local history to all.
Our Process
At the start of each summer season, CWO invites local 501(c)-3 organizations to submit grant requests through our CWO website. There is a submission deadline of July 31st. In August, our Grants Committee begins its work. Site visits are assigned to obtain an in-depth understanding of the requests made by local organizations. This allows us to understand their current needs, their operating philosophies, and their financial position. Organization programs, objectives and outcomes, as well as management and Board participation, are discussed. CWO Grant teams vet each request thoroughly to ensure those being considered for current year funding are in a position to effectively put those funds to work for their stated purpose, providing a benefit to the local community.
In September, our Committee convenes to share its findings. Individually and collectively, Grants Committee members evaluate requests against established criteria. The goal is to disseminate donated dollars to address a diverse array of projects and pressing needs. All funds donated that year are distributed in September through this grant process.
In the Spring, we request that the prior year’s grantees submit a Use of Funds report to help ensure that our recent grants—our community investments— have proven effective.
CWO is not a foundation. It is a donor-advised fund of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. This relationship assures the proper direction of our grants. It also removes CWO from the complexity of accounting, investing, disbursing and IRS reporting, minimizing our overhead costs.
Contact Us
If you are interested in joining our outreach efforts, send an email to: [email protected].
