Community foundations are public charities that support a geographical area versus a single organization. They catalyze and expand giving in a multitude of ways that support local nonprofit organizations and drive positive change. Their deep understanding of local dynamics, combined with their flexibility and responsiveness, positions them as crucial partners in community development. With that as its organizational framework, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation will have three primary functions, fundraising, grant making, and collaboration.

With respect to fundraising and resource development, the greater Cabarrus Foundation will work with donors to clarify what the donor wishes to accomplish and direct gifts for the exact purposes that are outlined by the donor thus aligning donor passion and intent with community needs. By pooling donations, the Foundation will create more ‘buying power’ to address critical needs and to establish endowed funds that grow over time, thus supporting long-term sustainability.

The grantmaking function entails utilizing knowledge of community needs to strengthen the ecosystem of nonprofit organizations across Cabarrus County. The Foundation will focus grantmaking in support of Cabarrus nonprofits whose work addresses critical predictors for health and wellbeing. These include housing, food, access to medical care – including mental and behavioral health, safe and nurturing environments for children, the elderly and survivors of domestic violence, skill building, education, employment, and independent living.

The focus will be on providing increased and long-term support for operations and capital needs by providing a variety of grantmaking programs, frequently including donor-advised funds, a permanent community endowment fund, and various field of interest funds for specific nonprofits that address one or more of the social determinant issues. The Foundation will have a particular focus on endowed giving, which will provide lasting operating support of these important nonprofit organizations which are helping to solve the greatest issues in our community. According to board member Doug Stafford, a long-time county resident and hospitality industry executive, “contributions to the Foundation will not replace ongoing annual support but will create new opportunities through donations, pledges and legacy gifts to establish ‘gifts that keep in giving’ and that have a meaningful, long-term and positive impact on our community.”

Another important objective of the Foundation will be to support community collaboration. The approach will bring together various stakeholders – nonprofit organizations, businesses, government entities, donors, and community members – to collaborate on solutions and initiatives. As an example of this community collaboration, Foundation board member and financial management executive, Jan Beatty-Hendley noted “to determine the most pressing needs in our community, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation will rely on the Community Needs Assessment, which is produced every four years by the Cabarrus Health Alliance. This will ensure that the Foundation is addressing both current and future needs which lead to community health and a flourishing Cabarrus County.”