Catawba Nation Foundation

06/01/2026

The Catawba Nation Foundation’s NC Tribes & Native Organizations Grant Cycle opens September 1st. Stay tuned for upcoming informational session dates, application details, and resources for applicants by visiting our website https://catawbanationfoundation.org/resources/ .

05/28/2026

Meet the Team: Tina Cheney

Tina serves as the Finance Director for the Catawba Nation Foundation, bringing over two decades of experience in financial management across public, private, Native American government, and nonprofit sectors.

In her role, she oversees budgeting, compliance, and strategic financial planning—helping ensure CNF’s work remains sustainable, transparent, and aligned with its mission. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to accountability, Tina has led efforts that improve operational efficiency and strengthen the impact of funding across programs.

Before joining CNF, Tina managed multi-million-dollar portfolios and built strong relationships with auditors, board members, donors, and community stakeholders. She is passionate about empowering mission-driven organizations through ethical leadership and financial stewardship.

Outside of work, Tina enjoys mentoring young professionals—and her 23 grandchildren—and giving back through community service. She lives in Waxhaw, NC, with her husband.

💬 Help us thank Tina for the work she does to support CNF and our community!

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we reflect on the sacrifice, courage, and legacy of all who served—including the many Native American service members who have a long and honored tradition of military service.

Their contributions continue to shape and strengthen our communities.

Take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/21/2026

Today, we celebrate Native Nonprofit Day — a nationwide movement dedicated to uplifting and investing in Native-led nonprofits.

Native-led organizations know their communities, honor their cultures, and lead with solutions rooted in Indigenous knowledge and lived experience. Yet, Native nonprofits continue to receive a disproportionately small share of philanthropic funding.

That’s why initiatives like and matter. They help amplify Native voices, strengthen Native communities, and encourage direct support for organizations creating lasting impact.

Join us in recognizing the incredible work of Native-led nonprofits and the leaders working every day to create meaningful change.

Learn more and support the movement: https://www.givenative.org/p/nativenonprofitday

Native Nonprofit Day is a giving initiative aimed at increasing support for Native-led organizations nationwide that occurs on the third Thursday, every May. Organizations, foundations, and individuals are invited to dedicate May to raising awareness of the importance of supporting Native-led nonpro...

05/20/2026

🌟 Grant Partner Spotlight: Iswa Development Corporation Early Learning

Iswa Early Learning supports children and families through culturally grounded early education programs.

By integrating tradition and learning, they help build strong foundations for the next generation while reinforcing cultural identity and community connection.

Catawba Nation Foundation is honored to support their mission and the impact they are making in the lives of young learners and families.

🔗 Learn more about their work: www.iswaheadstart.com

Supporting the next generation starts early.

05/19/2026

Don’t forget to bring your books to Washington Outreach Ministry, Inc tomorrow morning! 📚

This year’s Leadership Cleveland County class project has been the creation of a Little Free Library, and they’ll celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 AM. 🎉

Washington Outreach Ministry, Inc. is a proud grant partner of Catawba Nation Foundation, and we’re especially excited that CNF Executive Director Kristine Urrutia is a member of this year’s Leadership Cleveland County class.

Join us in supporting literacy, community, and this wonderful project!

05/18/2026

Community care means supporting one another — through programs, partnerships, and shared responsibility.

The Catawba Nation Foundation funds projects that focus on educational advancement, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and economic development for the Catawba Nation, Cleveland County, the surrounding region, and Native American Tribal Nations and Indigenous organizations throughout North Carolina.

Through these partnerships, CNF helps create opportunities, strengthen communities, and preserve culture for future generations.

🔗 Learn more about our work: https://catawbanationfoundation.org

🤝 Tag someone who supports your community.

05/14/2026

Did you know? 🪶

Catawba pottery is one of the oldest continuous pottery traditions in North America.

This art form continues to connect generations through culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

You can experience this tradition firsthand—Catawba pottery is on display and available for purchase at the Catawba Nation Cultural Center.

Celebrate Native art and support Catawba artisans.

05/12/2026

Meet the Team: Tanya Varanelli

Tanya partners with nonprofit leaders and teams to build and implement practical processes that support organizational change and long-term sustainability.

She is deeply passionate about the Catawba Nation Foundation's mission, inspired by its commitment to cultural preservation, community empowerment, and intergenerational impact.

In addition to her work with CNF, Tanya is a current Nonprofit.ist member and an Apparo Expert Link Vendor, and she actively serves her community as a Women’s Impact Fund member, Board Secretary for GardHouse, and a Girl Scouts volunteer.

💬 Help us thank Tanya for her work supporting CNF and our partners!

05/08/2026

🌟 Grant Partner Spotlight

Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland County provide after-school and summer enrichment programs that support over 600 youth across the region.

Their programs offer academic support, mentorship, meals, and safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and build confidence.

By investing in youth development, they are helping shape the next generation of leaders.

CNF is proud to support their work. To learn more about The Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County, visit: https://bgccleveco.org/