Brunswick County non-profit marks 30 years amid funding cuts

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Communities in Schools of Brunswick County say fundraising is more than important than ever after cuts to their grants.  

Communities in Schools of Brunswick County work with students to keep them on track and in class.  

Board chair Dr. Lynn Maloney says the focus is on drop-out prevention. 

“The ultimate outcome is to have them stay in school, participate in school, do-well in school and then we will have better outcomes later on,” Dr. Maloney shared. 

This year, executive director Bonnie Jordan says that goal has become more complicated.  

“We’re facing a cut from a grant that covered the cost of a lot of our staff salaries to keep those success coaches in the schools working with our students,” Jordan said. 

Jordan says the state still has not passed a budget so they don’t know if their current funding will be retained, which adds to the challenge. 

“It’s just becoming more difficult to get funding; there’s just more competition from other non-profits in the area. A lot of the foundation grants have become more restrictive and have less funding to give out,” Jordan informed. 

Which means fundraising has become critical, so Maloney is hoping this year’s annual event will be a big one. 

“It’s our 30th anniversary so as you can blend that in it’s a really a big celebration but it’s also our annual fundraising to continue our partnership within the school system,” Dr. Maloney explained. 

Jordan says the support will go a long way. 

“I think there are a lot of wonderful students here in our community and I think sometimes the community at large doesn’t realize the amount of support some of them need to get to that graduation date,” Jordan said.  

Tickets are $75 a person and can be purchased through their website.