Hickory Community Relations Council recommends seven fall 2025 grants to arts and social-service groups

City Manager Warren Wood introduced a departmental report Nov. 4 from the Community Relations Council (CRC) on its fall 2025 grant recommendations. CRC Chair Phyllis Michaud delivered the presentation and described the council—s mission to "promote positive relationships within our community through dialogue, education programs and resources."

Michaud told the council the CRC awards grants twice a year and evaluates applicants against the CRC—s mission and community reach. The seven recommended grantees presented in her slides and remarks were: the Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center of Hickory; Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts (Books to Ballet / Little Dancer program); the Salvation Army Shelter of Hope (supplementing medical costs for homeless residents); the Hickory Museum of Art (a "scribe-a-thon" and diversity-focused programs); Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (Nutrition Plus program to reduce uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension in adults 18 and older); St. Stephen's Lutheran Church ELCA (expansion of a food pantry and outreach in Northeast Hickory); and the Western Piedmont Symphony (youth lessons and instrument access).

Michaud emphasized educational and fellowship goals and said the CRC aims to fund programs that connect broadly across the city and serve youth and families. "We do try to gear towards organizations or individuals who have a part of everybody who can connect to the entire city of Hickory," she said.

The presentation included examples of past CRC programming (a multicultural festival, student community-service opportunities, and partnerships for mental-health awareness) and noted interest in additional strategic partnerships pending confirmation. The transcript records the CRC presentation but does not include a recorded council vote or formal action approving the CRC—s recommendations at this meeting.