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Inaugural Grantmaking Program to Strengthen Nonprofits Serving Cabarrus County

By Avalin Inman

The Greater Cabarrus Foundation announced the official launch of its inaugural Grantmaking Program, designed to empower local nonprofit agencies addressing the most pressing needs in Cabarrus County. The grant application portal will open on July 1, offering funding opportunities through the Foundation’s Greatest Community Needs Grants and Field of Interest Grants.

To help agencies prepare for the upcoming grants cycle, the Foundation hosted a Grant Criteria and Organizational Review Workshop on June 13, drawing 37 nonprofit professionals to a packed room for a deep dive into the application process and available support services.

“This was more than a professional development opportunity — it was another big step in building a powerful partnership with the agencies doing critical work across our county,” said Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “We believe in investing in nonprofits not just with funding, but with knowledge and tools to strengthen their organizations over the long-term.”

Attendees praised the workshop for its clarity, relevance and alignment with real community needs.

“The grant rubric offers a clear framework that helps organizations like ours better articulate how our work supports critical social determinant areas,” said Sheryl Kluge, executive director of 1CAN Organization. “It’s refreshing to see a foundation not only fund programs but truly understand the complexity of needs in Cabarrus County and design a process that honors the work being done on the ground.”

Waynett Taylor, executive director of P.U.R.E. Excellence, added: “The workshop confirmed that the Greater Cabarrus Foundation is serious about investing in the long-term well-being of our community. Their focus on funding agencies addressing the root causes of local challenges — housing, food insecurity, education, health care — is exactly what we need to create lasting change. Nonprofits in Cabarrus have an opportunity to partner with this program that not only sees us but the community we serve as well.”

Powering local impact with strategic funding

The Foundation’s grantmaking philosophy is rooted in supporting agencies that address the social determinants of health and well-being, as identified in the Healthy Cabarrus Community Needs Assessment. Emphasis is placed on funding operational needs, such as salaries, and essential supplies, to help agencies build sustainability and deepen their impact.

“We recognize that solving complex community challenges starts by ensuring the organizations on the frontlines have what they need to operate effectively,” said Cruickshank. “That’s why our approach prioritizes flexible, operational funding aligned with local and strategic priorities.”

About the grant programs

The 2025 grant cycle includes two types of funding opportunities:

Greatest Community Needs Grants, funded by the Greater Good Society Fund, will support initiatives addressing the county’s most urgent challenges as identified by the Community Needs Assessment.

Field of Interest Grants, funded through dedicated sources, will support nonprofits working in specific focus areas including:

  • Housing and Homelessness
  • Employment and Training
  • Food Security and Nutrition
  • Healthcare
  • Early Childhood Education

All grants will be operational in nature, with eligible expenses including key staff salaries, program-related expenses and program-related supplies such as food and medicine. Capital purchases, debt repayment, and activities outside Cabarrus County will not be eligible.

Eligibility and application process

To qualify, organizations must:

  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Provide services within Cabarrus County
  • Focus on at least one social determinant of health from the five key issue areas

Applicants will complete a single application to be considered for all grant types. Applications open July 1, and are due by Sept. 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Grant decisions will be announced between mid-November and early December 2025.

Grants will be evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with social determinant issues
  • Support for Cabarrus County residents
  • Effective governance and financial stability
  • Commitment to continuous quality improvement

Strengthening nonprofits beyond funding

In addition to funding, the Foundation offers a free organizational assessment review service using the 501 Commons self-assessment tool. Agencies that participate receive customized feedback and recommendations to strengthen governance, finance, planning, technology and more.

“We’re not just funding agencies — we’re investing in their long-term health,” Cruickshank added. “We want to be a collaborative partner in helping them grow their capacity, improve their efficiency and ultimately expand their impact in the community.”

For more information

To learn more about the 2025 Grantmaking Program, access eligibility guidelines, or prepare your organization for the upcoming application cycle, visit www.greatercabarrusfoundation.org.

Click here to view the original article published in the Independent Tribune on 6-26-2025.

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