Grantmaking Program

The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is committed to empowering agencies to address the critical needs of Cabarrus County by providing financial support and fostering collaboration. Our grantmaking philosophy prioritizes agencies addressing social determinants based on the Cabarrus Health Alliance/Healthy Cabarrus Community Needs Assessment process and emphasizes funding agencies’ operational needs to enhance their sustainability.

Funds Overview

The Greater Cabarrus Foundation will execute the grant application process for the following funds: 

Greatest Community Needs Grants

  • Funded by the Greater Good Society Fund
  • Plays a crucial role in addressing the most pressing issues identified through the Cabarrus Health Alliance Community Needs Assessment
  • Designed to support initiatives that directly tackle Cabarrus County’s most urgent challenges, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most

Field of Interest Grants

  • Funded through various dedicated funds supporting specific areas of community need
  • Aims to bolster agencies that focus on critical issues within their respective fields of interest
  • Targets agencies demonstrating services in one or more of the following areas:
    • Housing and Homelessness
    • Employment and Training
    • Food Security and Nutrition
    • Healthcare
    • Early Childhood Education

Eligibility

Agencies must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) organization
  • Provide services to residents in Cabarrus County
  • Address social determinants, such as: 
    • Housing and Homelessness
    • Food Security and Nutrition
    • Early Childcare Education
    • Healthcare
    • Employment and Training

Operating Grant Examples and Exclusions

In alignment with its mission to build capacity of nonprofit agencies, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation will award operational grants. Examples of allowed and prohibited use of grant funds are listed below.

Operating Grant Examples:

  • Salaries and wages for key staff
  • Rent and utility expenses
  • Supplies and materials essential to programming


Exclusions:

  • Major capital purchases or construction
  • Debt repayment or financial obligation coverage
  • Activities outside Cabarrus County

Grant Application Scoring Criteria

The Greater Cabarrus Foundation will score grant applications using the following criteria:

  • Alignment with Social Determinant Issues
  • Support for Cabarrus County Residents
  • Effective Governance
  • Financial Stability
  • Evidence of Continuous Quality Improvement
 

» Click here to access and download the grant scoring rubric.

If You Receive a Grant

Upon receiving a grant from the Greater Cabarrus Foundation, agencies are expected to fulfill several requirements to ensure transparency and impact:

  • Collaboration on a joint press release announcing the grant award, highlighting the partnership between the Foundation and the funded organization.
  • Provide an annual report detailing how the funds are utilized, and the specific impact achieved in addressing social determinant issues within Cabarrus County. This reporting helps demonstrate accountability and allows us to share success stories that inspire further community support and engagement.
  • Agencies in Cabarrus County are encouraged to apply for a grant through our online application beginning on July 1, 2025. 
  • Agencies must submit their applications online by 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2025.
  • Award notification to agencies receiving grants is expected from mid-November through the first week of December 2025.

Grant Criteria and Organizational Review (In-Person)

Grantmaking Process and Criteria (Virtual)

  • Date/Time: June 26, 2025 (Time TBD)
  • Location: Online
  • Cost: Free
  • >> Registration information coming soon

Applicants will only need to complete one application to be considered for all grants in the grantmaking program.

Applications for the 2025 grants cycle will be available beginning on July 1, 2025.

Questions?

Contact Cindy Stone at cindy@greatercabarrusfoundation.org with any questions you may have about the grants or the application process.

"We value the organization’s commitment to providing financial support for the operational needs of agencies, ensuring they continue to thrive, flourish for decades, and expand their services as our community grows."
- Pat Horton
Greater Cabarrus Foundation Board of Directors