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Greater Cabarrus Foundation Announces Recipients of Inaugural Grant Cycle
By Avalin Inman
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural grant cycle, awarding funding to five nonprofit organizations working to address Cabarrus County’s most urgent community needs. This first round of grants reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to investing in local agencies that strengthen the health, stability, and well-being of residents across the county.
“While the number and size of these inaugural grants are modest, we are incredibly proud and pleased to be able to award funding in our very first year of operation,” said Bob Bratton, Board Chair of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “This initial grant cycle is a crucial milestone, demonstrating the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s commitment to supporting the vital work of the nonprofit community and laying the essential groundwork for our future philanthropic impact.”
This year, the Foundation received 21 applications from a wide range of nonprofit organizations. Grants were awarded through the Greatest Community Needs Fund and four Field of Interest Funds; each aligned with critical areas identified in the Healthy Cabarrus Community Needs Assessment.
“Serving on the grants committee has provided a meaningful opportunity to see the dedication and passion our local nonprofits bring to advancing our community’s health priorities,” said Jessica Grant, Executive Director of Healthy Cabarrus. “I loved getting a closer look at the creative and thoughtful ways they are addressing the needs here in Cabarrus, and I’m so grateful that we can allocate these grant funds to help support and strengthen that vital work.”
2025 Inaugural Grant Recipients
Greatest Community Needs Grant
- El Puente Hispano — $5,000
Grant funds will be used to significantly expand mental health programs by increasing access to crucial bilingual services for Latino families in Cabarrus County. The funds will be used to increase the number of free therapy appointments, expand support group sessions, and cover essential operational needs, such as program materials. This vital support will directly reduce barriers to care, ensure culturally responsive services, and ultimately strengthen the emotional and overall well-being of the Latino community.
Early Childhood Education Field of Interest Fund
- Families First in Cabarrus County — $3,000
Grant funding will ensure the long-term continuation of the ParentChild+ home visiting program. This critical program directly supports Cabarrus County families who lack access to licensed preschool care by providing books, educational toys, and vital workforce development coaching for 20-30 home-based childcare providers, ultimately serving an estimated 125–225 children.
Food Security and Nutrition Field of Interest Fund
- 1CAN — $3,000
Funding will be used to purchase nonperishable food and hygiene items specifically to keep their community blessing boxes fully stocked and meet the high demand across all locations. This effort will have an immediate and direct positive impact, significantly decreasing the number of Cabarrus County residents experiencing food insecurity.
Healthcare Field of Interest Fund
- The Community Free Clinic of Cabarrus County — $3,000
Grant funding will be utilized to purchase blood pressure cuffs and compression socks for uninsured Cabarrus County residents managing chronic conditions at home. These essential supplies, distributed based on patient need, enhance continuity of care by supporting self-monitoring, empowering patients, and ultimately preventing avoidable emergency visits by reducing complications.
Housing & Homelessness Field of Interest Fund
- The Salvation Army — $3,000
Funding will provide direct financial assistance aimed at helping individuals and families in Cabarrus County maintain stable housing. This timely support is essential, as the organization has experienced a significant increase in requests for housing assistance while simultaneously facing reduced funding availability from traditional municipal, state, and federal sources.
Nonprofits expressed strong appreciation for the Foundation’s support during this inaugural cycle.
“Families First in Cabarrus County is honored to receive this inaugural year award,” said Spencer Swain, Executive Director of Families First in Cabarrus County. “For us, this grant is more than funding – it sets the tone for a new chapter in early childhood. This investment will allow us to expand our home visiting and ParentChild+ programs, giving families and Home-Based Childcare Providers the support they need. We are grateful for the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s trust and excited to lead this next phase together.”
“1CAN is honored and grateful to be a recipient of the Foundation’s initial grant cycle,” said Sheryl Kluge, Executive Director and Founder of 1CAN. “With the rise in food insecurity, these funds will help us continue to serve the hungry right here in Cabarrus County.”
Elevating Local Impact Through Strategic Philanthropy
The announcement marks a major milestone following the launch of the Foundation’s formal Grantmaking Program, introduced earlier this year. The program provides operational funding to agencies addressing core social determinants of health, including housing, food security, employment, healthcare, and early childhood education.
“This inaugural cycle represents an important step in our long-range vision to strengthen Cabarrus County through strategic, community-centered philanthropy,” said Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “We are honored to support nonprofits doing exceptional work on the frontlines of our county’s most pressing needs.”
This summer, the Foundation hosted a Grant Criteria and Organizational Review Workshop, drawing 37 nonprofit professionals for training on the application process and capacity-building resources. Attendees praised the Foundation’s transparent and supportive approach to grantmaking.
Supporting Agencies Beyond Funding
Central to the Foundation’s mission is the belief that building strong, healthy communities requires more than financial investment. The Foundation continues to offer free organizational health assessments, strategic planning resources, and educational workshops to help nonprofits grow their long-term impact.
“We’re not just funding agencies, we’re partnering with them,” Cruickshank added. “Our goal is to help ensure that the organizations serving Cabarrus County residents today will be even stronger tomorrow.”
About the Greater Cabarrus Foundation
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation invests in people, programs, and organizations that strengthen the health, well-being, and long-term vitality of Cabarrus County. Through strategic grantmaking, community partnerships, and support for nonprofit capacity-building, the Foundation works to address the root causes of local challenges and create lasting impact.
For more information about the Foundation’s grantmaking programs, visit GreaterCabarrusFoundation.org.
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