Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Awards $40,000 to NC Catch
Two-year grant to strengthen North Carolina’s seafood economy
Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation have awarded a grant to NC Catch to support the organization’s work of elevating North Carolina’s commercial fishing industry and supporting the state’s seafood economy.
NC Catch works to promote commercial fishing as a sustainable profession deeply rooted in North Carolina’s heritage, by communicating the importance of buying local seafood to support a robust seafood industry; creating job opportunities at home; and teaching consumers how to buy, prepare and store local seafood. The organization also works to develop new ideas, business models, and promotional techniques to help continually improve fishing and business practices.
“The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation believes in the importance of supporting local, regional and statewide efforts that are designed to grow sustainable economic markets, build community wealth and foster collaboration,” said Joy Vermillion Heinsohn, assistant director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. “NC Catch is a great example of an organization that is working to preserve, promote and educate people about a viable North Carolina industry, while working to keep dollars at home. We are proud to be a partner in achieving this shared vision.”
“Fishing is the backbone of rural, eastern North Carolina,” said Jimmy Johnson, president of NC Catch. “Funds from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation will assist us in sustaining a crucial component of eastern North Carolina’s economy and heritage. This partnership will also help us promote a sustainable industry and educate consumers about the economic and health benefits of seafood caught and produced in North Carolina.”
On November 20, 2015, Trustees voted to approve 83 grants totaling $7.5 million to organizations across North Carolina.
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