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Volunteers - A Key Component of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation
A newly launched community foundation is taking root in Cabarrus County, driven by the power of volunteers and a shared vision for a better future for their community. Launched in July 2024 after two years of planning and development, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation is looking for dedicated individuals to help shape the county through community engagement and nonprofit support.
“We are excited to launch a foundation whose mission includes supporting Cabarrus County nonprofit organizations, and we are calling on our community members to join us in enhancing the place they call home,” said Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., President of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “Our volunteers will be at the heart of everything we do, and we have a wide range of opportunities for people to get involved and make a real impact.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
Volunteering has always been a part of Cabarrus County’s identity. From long-standing traditions of civic engagement to grassroots movements that have shaped the community, residents have consistently stepped up to help one another. The Greater Cabarrus Foundation aims to build on this legacy, providing a formal structure to channel that energy and ensure local nonprofits have the support they need to thrive.
Kimberly Leatherman, a volunteer whose husband was already involved with the Foundation, was quickly drawn to supporting its mission. “The more I learned about it, the more I wanted to be a part of it,” she says. “The fact that the money and resources stay local is what really matters to me. We’re helping to ensure that nonprofits can keep living out their missions and making a difference right here in our community.”
Leatherman is particularly drawn to the long-term vision of the Foundation. “I believe the Foundation is going to be a great partner for our local nonprofits—not just financially, but in terms of collaboration. It’s an avenue for community members to invest now and create sustainability for the nonprofits in the future.”
For many, like Leatherman, the idea of building something that will last beyond the present is a major draw. The Foundation isn’t just about addressing immediate needs; it’s about creating a system of support that will continue to benefit Cabarrus County for years to come.
The Power of Community
A community’s true strength comes from the bonds between its people—their willingness to come together, support one another, and tackle challenges collectively. In Cabarrus County, this sense of unity is a driving force behind local progress, and it’s what the Greater Cabarrus Foundation is built upon.
Cindy Stone, a volunteer with many years of experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, was looking for opportunities to create a greater sense of purpose. “I’ve always been involved in public service and nonprofits,” says Stone. “When I heard about the Foundation, it resonated with me. I’ve worked with national foundations before, and I love how they support local communities by building capacity. The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is doing that right here at home. It’s about everyone coming together to support the nonprofits that are already working so hard to help our neighbors.”
Stone sees the Foundation as a way to create lasting change in the community through collaboration. “I love joint efforts,” she explains. “When people work together, you can see the bigger picture and tackle issues more effectively. Nonprofits are the backbone of our community, and by helping them, we’re helping everyone in Cabarrus County.”
Stone’s enthusiasm for the Foundation stems not only from her personal commitment to service but also from her belief in the power of local action. “Nonprofits in Cabarrus County are out there every day helping our neighbors,” she says. “By supporting them, we’re strengthening our entire community.”
For others, like Laura Yancey, volunteering is a way to connect to a cause close to home. Yancey’s husband, Jon, was part of the early discussions about forming the Foundation. “Jon and two other board members started talking about this idea a few years ago,” she says. “A few months ago, he asked if I could help process donations, and I was happy to step in.”
Yancey’s belief in the Foundation is rooted in its local focus. “This is about people from Cabarrus County giving back to their own community,” she explains. “I love that it’s locals helping locals.”
Her sentiment captures the essence of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s mission to initiate and expand philanthropic efforts to support local nonprofit agencies and drive positive change across Cabarrus County. “It feels good to be part of something like this,” she adds. “You see the difference you’re making right here, in the place you call home.”
Opportunities for Every Skill Set
The Foundation offers a range of volunteer opportunities, from event planning to writing blog posts to serving as the first point of contact in their office. Each role is designed to fit different interests and availability, ensuring that even those with just an hour or two a week can still make an impact.
Cruickshank emphasizes the importance of flexibility in volunteer roles. “We know people are busy,” he says. “That’s why we’ve developed volunteer positions that can be done in just one to three hours per week. Some roles can even be done remotely, for those who prefer to work from home.”
This flexibility is key to attracting volunteers who want to contribute but have other responsibilities, such as work or family. For those who enjoy in-person interactions, the Foundation welcomes volunteers to work on-site at their office or participate in community events. “There’s room for everyone,” Cruickshank adds, “whether you’re looking for a social environment or prefer to work independently.”
Join the Movement
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is just getting started, but the impact they hope to make in Cabarrus County is already inspiring volunteers to come forward and lend their support. The Foundation is eager to welcome more people to its growing team of volunteers, offering them the opportunity to be part of a movement that will shape the future of the community.
The Foundation invites community members to get involved and contribute to shaping the future of Cabarrus County. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, build skills, or simply give back, there’s a place for you in this growing movement. As Cruickshank puts it, “This is an exciting time for Cabarrus County, and we are thrilled to have our community members be part of this journey with us.”
Learn more about how to volunteer or contact us.
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