​The Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation (HNGF) was founded in 2006 by the late James P. Dunn and his wife, Susan. Along with a handful of friends and supporters, the organization was formed out of a mutual desire to put the words, “leaving a place better than you found it,” into tangible results.

In its simplest terms, the Foundation was created as an endowment that will last forever. Our purpose is to help preserve, improve and serve the environment, wildlife and people who live in the Gorge, both now and in the future. 

Our organization awards grants to nonprofit organizations in the Gorge. Giving to the HNGF makes a permanent difference for future generations that will live in the Gorge. That’s because the earnings from your financial gifts are invested back into the community. It becomes a legacy that outlasts our own lives.