Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is home to numerous charitable organizations dedicated to uplifting the community and addressing local needs. From providing essential services to the homeless and fostering neighborhood development to promoting environmental conservation and economic self-reliance, these non-profits play a vital role in enhancing lives. Organizations like the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, Winston-Salem Foundation, Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods, Experiment in Self-Reliance, and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation contribute to building a stronger, more equitable future through their diverse initiatives and unwavering commitment to positive change.
The Winston-Salem Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community development and addressing local needs in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Established to enhance the quality of life in the region, the foundation provides financial grants, scholarships, and philanthropic support to individuals, organizations, and initiatives that promote education, health, economic growth, and equity.
By partnering with donors and community leaders, the foundation focuses on creating long-term, sustainable impacts across diverse areas, including social justice, arts, and environmental conservation. Through its commitment to collaboration and innovation, the Winston-Salem Foundation empowers local communities and helps shape a brighter, more inclusive future.
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN) is a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, dedicated to strengthening local communities. Established in 1990 by the Winston-Salem Foundation and neighborhood residents, NBN focuses on connecting people, amplifying voices, and leveraging resources to foster sustainable community development. Guided by the asset-based community development framework, NBN empowers residents to lead initiatives that enhance their neighborhoods.
The organization offers grassroots grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support community-driven projects. Additionally, NBN provides training and technical assistance to equip community leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge. Through programs like Forsyth WINS, NBN addresses social determinants of health and implements violence prevention strategies to create safer neighborhoods. By fostering resident-led problem-solving and promoting leadership development with a focus on racial equity, NBN aims to build safe, just, and self-determined neighborhoods for all residents.
Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) is a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, dedicated to empowering low-income individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. Established in 1964, ESR offers various programs and services designed to address poverty and promote economic independence. These include financial literacy, housing assistance, workforce development, and support for small business entrepreneurs.
ESR helps individuals develop skills to secure stable employment, manage finances, and access affordable housing. Its programs also focus on building confidence and fostering personal growth, enabling participants to break the cycle of poverty. The organization collaborates with community partners to provide resources and create sustainable opportunities for those it serves.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic 469-mile roadway spanning Virginia and North Carolina. Founded in 1997, the foundation partners with communities, donors, and volunteers to support initiatives that protect the Parkway’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational value. Its efforts include funding critical projects, maintaining trails, preserving historic landmarks, and promoting environmental education.
The foundation connects people to nature through programs like the Trails & Views Forever Fund and Kids in Parks while fostering stewardship of this treasured national asset. Donations and support enable the foundation to ensure the Parkway remains accessible and enjoyable for generations. Visitors can contribute through memberships, volunteer opportunities, or direct donations.
The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, established in 1967, is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the homeless and needy in the Winston-Salem community. Its mission is to help vulnerable neighbors recover from their struggles and find healing through the gospel and a new life in Jesus Christ.
This list of charities in Winston-Salem isn’t the only one, and AAM Nation Care is yet another amazing organization that cares about people and their future.