Eligible charitable organizations may apply using the foundation’s online grant system beginning August 14th. The deadline to apply is September 12th at noon. Instructions and the application forms are available on the foundation’s website atwww.cumberlandcf.orgin the For Nonprofits/Grants andTimelines sections. Online readers click here.
Grantseeker information sessions are offered at the foundation from July 26th - August 14th and are recommended for any organization applying for the fall cycle. Registration is required via the calendar on the websitewww.cumberlandcforg. Online readers click here. The one hour information meetings include details on eligibility, restrictions, funding available for specific types of projects, and expectations for grant reporting. Priority will go to 501(c)3 charitable organizations with governing boards located in Cumberland County, NC that are managed according to the Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence published by the NC Center forNonprofits.
From July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, there will be $255,000 available for qualified organizations seeking to improve the quality of life in Cumberland County, NC in any program area. These grants are paid from unrestricted endowments created by individuals to support the best opportunities every year at the discretion of the foundation’s board of directors. Over the years, funds such as these have provided startup funding for projects like the Cape Fear Botanical Garden (1990), Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra (2014), and Cumberland County Medication Assistance Program (2001) and supported capital projects such as the purchase of the site for the Headquarters Library in downtown Fayetteville (1985).
Donors created other endowments to support their favorite program areas. These endowments will award up to $307,500 in 2018/2019 at the discretion of the foundation’s board. Areas supported by these donors are:
· Improving health $80,000,
· Quality of life for seniors $44,000,
· Supporting the arts $19,000,
· Improving education and related opportunities $70,000,
· Supporting no-kill animal shelters $2,500,
· Educating the community about the environmental and protecting the Cape Fear River $8,000,
· Preserving historic sites and buildings $24,000,
· Growing nonprofit endowments at the community foundation $50,000, and
· Improving the quality of life for women and girls $10,000.
The endowment funds that make these grants possible range in size from $10,000 to $4,000,000. “Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and families over the years, the Community Grants budget has grown,” said Mary Holmes, Executive Director. “This grants budget shows our mission statement in action: Giving together to enhance the quality and spirit of community life. These endowments are lasting legacies for individuals and families. The community foundation is honored to be their steward.”
Throughout the year, the community foundation awards additional funding from other kinds of endowments that support scholarships, designated charitable organizations, and organizations recommended by donor advisors. The foundation awards approximately $5 million in grants annually.
Cumberland Community Foundation is a 501-c-3 charitable organization that manages named charitable funds according to the wishes of the donor. The Foundation has over $89 million in assets and awards grants of approximately $5 million annually to improve quality of life in Cumberland County, NC.
For more information visitwww.cumberlandcf.orgor call 910-483-4449.