How the N.C. Education Lottery connects with the community of Fayetteville
- NC Education Lottery
- Oct 1
- 2 min read

As a proud partner of the annual International Folk Festival, the North Carolina
Education Lottery is ready to show its support for the community of Fayetteville and
Cumberland County.
When you play the lottery, you’re not just dreaming of the chance to win, you’re also
helping make a difference right here at home. Since the lottery began, players have
helped raise over $354 million to support local education right here in Cumberland
County.
These dollars go beyond the classroom to fund the resources and opportunities
students need to thrive. Last year alone, more than $22 million in lottery funds went to
critical education programs in Cumberland County. That money helped this community:
Build and repair schools without solely relying on local tax dollars.
Support essential staff such as custodians, substitute teachers, and office assistants.
Fund scholarships, based on financial need, to make higher education more
accessible. Nearly 3,000 scholarships were awarded to students from Cumberland County.
Provide free, academic preschool to 571 at-risk four-year-olds, giving them a strong start before kindergarten.
Keep K-12 students safe on the road with funding for school transportation.
Starting this year, $11 million in money raised by the lottery will benefit the North
Carolina Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans – a four-year scholarship for
the children of deceased, disabled, combat, or POW/MIA veterans. This scholarship
program exists as a thank you. It’s the State’s token of appreciation for the service and
sacrifices of North Carolina’s war veterans, many of whom call this community home.

Behind every dollar raised for education stands a story of access, opportunity, and inspiration for North Carolina's students. From the new Tar Heel School in nearby Bladen County to the beloved custodian, Jerry Martin, at Sandhills Farm Life
Elementary in Carthage, these stories represent the real impact of lottery funds. Have you seen the money raised for education make a difference in your community? Tell us your story at Moving NC Students Forward for the chance to win $2000!
Of course, the lottery also offers fun and excitement for players – and Fayetteville has had
its fair share of lucky winners! In January, Thomas Shadley scratched his way to a $100,000 prize. In June, Antoine Williams hit the Cash 5 jackpot for $439,972. Plus, the largest jackpot winner in state history is Cumberland County’s very own Charles Jackson! He won $344.6 million Powerball jackpot in 2019. Who’s next?

As we come together for this year’s International Folk Festival, the North Carolina Education Lottery is proud to be part of the celebration. Whether it’s through supporting cultural events, funding educational initiatives, or creating unforgettable winning moments, the lottery is committed to connecting with the people of North Carolina and giving back in meaningful ways.
