PORTE NOIRE GARDENS INC

Programs

1. Funding from The Conservation Fund that was to be purposed solely for program supplies. We used the funds to purchase the Arts and Ag supplies and program materials for our Porte Explorers Arts and Ag Youth Summer Camp. Our camp ran from July thru August and provided total of approximately 86 youth and 46 adults participated, gaining skills in agriculture, wellness, and creative expression. Programming included hands-on instruction in farming, environmental stewardship, arts, and forestry exploration. Over 100 visitors got to sample the activity lineup and experiences during our season opener sneak peek July 4th weekend.

   $10,000 spentof which $10,000 as grants
   34% of program spending

2. $10K from The Jerome Stern Foundation that was provided for general operation funds to grow capacity and increase on site attendance to be used at our discretion. Funds were used to expand lighting on the 14.5 acre farm to increase usage of gathering a growing spaces to host more programs and for longer durations of the day. As well, funds were used to build out our Mobile Arts and Ag Learning Lab and curriculum. This is our mobile initiative to eliminate barriers to access and meet our community where they are. These funds was instrumental is securing the wellness fair hosted by the health department. As well, we were able to teach farming to 150 Franklin County Schools youth at their respective schools. In addition, the Mobile Arts ad Ag Learning Lab is our classroom for our food justice initiative; The Great Porte BALE OUT which teaches our community how to grow their own food for low to no cost and anywhere, even if they have no land. We provide free BALE OUT food growing systems to those on government assistance. Lastly, remaining funds from this grant was used to build an access bridge that provided access to overflow parking which allowed us to increase our attendee…

   $10,000 spentof which $10,000 as grants
   34% of program spending

3. Private funder, Michael Stern, provided funding purposed to secure holistic wellness leaders to provide wellness activities during our Summer/Fall Soul Fuel Sundays arts and wellness fusion programs. Over our 2 Fall Soul Fuel events we were able to engage over 200 community members and guests in walking trails, live art exhibits, goat experiences, garden activities, yoga, sound baths, walking tours, live music, farm to table cooking experiences and holistic welnness practices.

   $2,000 spentof which $2,000 as grants
   7% of program spending

4. The NC Arts Council (funds administered by the County of Franklin) granted our organization $1500 to market and advertise the grand opening of our art walk as well as an additional $3500 to provide commissions to (13) local artists to create art installations in our outdoor Al Umma Artwalk. Our Art Walk garnered over 1000 attendees over last year providing a growing platform for local artist to shwocase their talent and be seen by local art enthusiasts and collectors. (2) of our artists acquired independent paid gigs from exposure at our Art Walk. (3) of our artists performed live art for our events which included Soul Fuel Sundays and our Juneteenth Grand Opening.

   $5,000 spentof which $5,000 as grants
   17% of program spending

5. $2700 was program service revenue paid to us by the Franklin County Health Department to host their Fall Fest Community Wellness Fair. This resource fair provided over 75 community members with free health screenings, parenting resources, child care resourcecs, education/training resources, access to wellness outreach organizations, free family resources giveways like pampers, car seats, clothes, etc.

   $2,700 spentof which $2,700 as grants
   9% of program spending

The 5 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990-EZ. Program spending in total: $29,700.