Wilmington, NC

Building a stronger community
together.

CherryTree Foundation connects Wilmington's leaders, builders, and community members across education, entrepreneurship, and civic life.

Community●Identity●Strategy

Our Story

Our Mission

Rooted in community, grown for generations.

CherryTree Foundation was born from a simple belief: that when community members have the right connections, resources, and support, they can transform their lives and the world around them.

We operate as a living network — connecting individuals and organizations across five pillars of community strength. Like a tree, our roots are deep, our branches far-reaching, and our impact grows season after season.

"A community that grows together, stays together."

The CherryTree Model

🌳
Roots
Cultural identity, history, and shared values that ground our community.
🌱
Trunk
Education and skill-building that strengthens every individual.
🌿
Branches
Entrepreneurship and economic opportunity that diversifies our reach.
🍒
Fruit
Civic impact, health outcomes, and cultural contributions that nourish all.

The Five Pillars

What we connect

Our network spans five domains of community life, creating a complete ecosystem for growth and opportunity.

📚

Education

Connecting students, educators, and learning opportunities across Wilmington's schools, colleges, and community programs.

💼

Entrepreneurship

Supporting local founders, small businesses, and economic development through mentorship, funding access, and partnerships.

🏛️

Civic Engagement

Building informed, active citizens through advocacy, policy education, and community leadership development.

💪

Health & Wellness

Promoting physical, mental, and financial health resources that help community members thrive at every stage of life.

🎭

Culture & Arts

Celebrating Wilmington's rich cultural heritage through events, storytelling, arts programs, and community gatherings.

🤝

Network & Connections

Bridging individuals, organizations, and opportunities through a living network that grows stronger with every connection.

Community Scale

Growing every season

500+
Community Members
40+
Partner Organizations
3
Active Counties
12+
Events Per Year

Upcoming Events

Where the community gathers

Join us for forums, workshops, and networking events across Wilmington.

APR
12
Community Forum
State of Wilmington's Future

A town-hall conversation about economic development, housing, and opportunity in our community.

📍 Wilmington Convention Center
APR
19
Workshop
Launch Your Business in 90 Days

Hands-on workshop covering business planning, funding sources, and local resources for new entrepreneurs.

📍 Cape Fear Community College
MAY
3
Networking
CherryTree Spring Mixer

An evening of connection for CherryTree members, partners, and community leaders across all five pillars.

📍 Riverfront Park, Wilmington

Partner Organizations

Our ecosystem

Organizations across Wilmington who share our commitment to community growth.

Education
Cape Fear Community College

Providing accessible higher education and workforce development programs.

Civic
New Hanover County

Local government partnership for community programs and resources.

Entrepreneurship
Wilmington SBDC

Small business development center supporting local entrepreneurs.

Health
NHRMC Community Health

Healthcare access and wellness programs for underserved communities.

Culture
Wilmington Arts Council

Supporting arts education and cultural programming across the region.

Network
BlueTubeTV Wilmington

Live commerce network amplifying community voices and events.

Community Voices

Real impact, real stories.

CherryTree is about building a stronger community together — connecting roots, strengthening the trunk, and letting every branch reach further than it could alone.

Chaz Springer
Chaz Springer
Founder, CherryTree Foundation

As an educator, finding community partners through CherryTree has expanded what's possible for my students. The connections are invaluable.

KR
Dr. Keisha R.
Educator & Community Leader

The CherryTree forums gave our organization visibility and introduced us to partners we never would have found otherwise. Truly a community multiplier.

JW
James W.
Executive Director, Wilmington Nonprofit

Common Questions

Everything you need to know

Join the Foundation

Be part of something bigger.

Whether you're an individual looking to grow, an organization seeking partners, or a supporter of community development — there's a place for you.

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