Our vision is an Asheville where all thrive—we share in the beauty and prosperity of our city because we are equitable, sustainable, and connected. Our work is grounded in our values: Place, Equity, Impact, Collaboration, Innovation, and Integrity.
Thrive Asheville is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to working on the biggest and most pressing issues of our community. Thrive Asheville was founded in 2019 by a diverse group of community leaders as an initiative of UNC Asheville, to address the challenges fueled by a rapidly changing Buncombe County. Thrive became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in May 2021.
The mission of Thrive Asheville is to collaborate with residents from diverse perspectives to understand our city’s challenges, forge new relationships, and act on the best solutions together.
Thrive works to listen, understand, convene, collaborate and contribute to solutions in our community. We do this in many ways:
Pilot Projects:
Thrive develops partners and resources to pilot innovative solutions to address near-term community needs and participate in advocacy to help shape the future of the community for the better. Promising initiatives are scaled up and eventually embedded within existing organizations to increase their capacities and ensure that the work continues with resources and a solid foundation.
Capacity-building:
We provide “backbone” and capacity-building support for local agencies doing great work to increase community collaboration and impact. Thrive brings together community members and cross-sector stakeholders to discuss critical challenges and identify solutions together.
Convening:
As a trusted convener, Thrive brings together community members and cross-sector stakeholders to discuss critical challenges and identify solutions together.
““Working together is critical to finding new solutions, and Thrive Asheville is helping us do just that.””
Data + Policy Analysis
Thrive provides valuable data and research that informs public policy.
Our Reports:
Opening Doors: A report on Housing Equity in City of Asheville
Closing the Gap: Understanding Federal Rental Assistance in Buncombe County
Destination Stewardship: Balancing Tourism and Local Resident Needs
Advocacy
Thrive leverages its data, policy analysis, and relationships to inform local policy and lead toward a more equitable, sustainable, and connected community.