Consider supporting the work of Cooperative Extension with a financial contribution to the Catawba County Cooperative Extension Endowment.
Interest from the Extension Endowment accounts fund and support programs offered by N.C. Cooperative Extension, Catawba County Center. The Catawba County Agricultural Extension Foundation was established in 1985 and was initially funded by the sale of some large farm equipment, when the Terracing Association ceased operation.
The Edwin and Jean Nolley Program Endowment was established in 2007 to support 4-H and youth programming in Catawba County. Mr. Ed Nolley was a native of Davie County where he was active in 4-H and President of his local 4-H club. After graduating from Clemson University and serving 2 years in the US Army, he started work with Cooperative Extension in Polk County as their 4-H Club Agent. In 1958, he moved to Catawba County and continued as the 4-H Club Agent for the next 10 years. He established the first community-based clubs and trained some of the first community 4-H club leaders for NC, when clubs moved out of the schools. He also served as the Livestock Agent and County Extension Director for Catawba County, providing leadership for the Cattlemen's Association and establishing the Master Gardener program. He retired in 1988, after working 31 years with Cooperative Extension. In addition to working with Extension, Mr. Nolley retired with the rank of Colonel and Commander for the 2nd Brigade, 108th division. He was an active member of Kiwanis, Lions Club, and First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Jean Nolley was a faithful supporter of Cooperative Extension and assisted Mr. Nolley in community work.The endowment accounts are managed through NC State with local oversight by the Ag Extension Foundation Board. Most recently, funds from these accounts have provided assistance with programs such as Eat Drink Be Local, Farm-City Dinner, 4-H Dairy Steer project, 4-H Poultry Team travel expenses, 4-H Achievement Night and more. Donations can be made online at go.ncsu.edu/catawbacounty4h
