Information for Grant Seekers

Cumberland Community Foundation is a public foundation that awards grants to nonprofit organizations in order to improve the quality of life in our community. Each year the Foundation pays grants of more than $1.5 million.

Some donors restrict or direct their support to certain designated causes. Other donors leave it up to Cumberland Community Foundation to decide which projects will produce the best results for our community. We are happy to serve all donors and help them achieve their charitable goals.

Competitive Grants (from Unrestricted Funds)

In 1990, Cumberland Community Foundation awarded the Cape Fear Botanical Garden its first grant, providing start-up funding for three years.

The Foundation awards annually more than $300,000 in grants from Community Funds (unrestricted or broadly defined endowments of the Foundation). Grants support the best opportunities and greatest needs in our community. There are four competitive grant programs.

Community Grants – Community grants provide support for the most promising opportunities and greatest needs in the community. Click here for How to Apply.

Nonprofit Leadership Award – The Nonprofit Leadership Awad merged with the Mary Lynn McCree Bryan Leadership Award in 2010. Going forward, this award will celebrate the superb leadership of Mary Lynn and also the tireless efforts of Cumberland County's most effective nonprofit volunteer board members.   Click here for more information.

Lilly Endowment Challenge – The Foundation awards matching funds to organizations seeking to achieve sustainability through endowments. This program is made possible by the Ashton W. Lilly Fund for Philanthropy.

Click here for more information.

Summertime Kids Grants –Grants of up to $2,000 provide special activities for disadvantaged children in Cumberland County during the months when school is out of session. Click here for more information.

Designated Grants (from Restricted Funds)
The Foundation awards annually more than $1,200,000 in grants from restricted funds according to the intent of the donors. Applications are not available since the grantees are recommended by the donor or advisor, subject to final approval by the Foundation.

Designated and Organizational Endowment Grants: Grant funds are available after July 1st each year and are paid to the charitable organizations designated by the donors. Unsolicited grant applications are not accepted. The designee receives instructions on obtaining the grant from the Foundation in May. Click here to see a list of Organizational Endowments created by local nonprofit organizations.

Donor Advised Funds: Throughout the year, the Foundation awards grants according to recommendations made by fund advisors. The grantee receives a check and a letter of instruction providing the approved use of the grant funds and donor information (if not anonymous). Conditions and required reporting are explained in the letter.

Scholarship Awards for Individual Students – Deadline – March (Check website each year): The Foundation awards more than $150,000 annually from Scholarship Endowment Funds to support students seeking to attend college. Click here to go to the Scholarship Program page.

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