Our Story
Our Mission Statement
1. Fundraising and Resource Development
We collaborate closely with community investors to understand their passions and intentions, directing gifts to address the exact purposes they have identified. By pooling financial contributions, we maximize resources to tackle critical community needs and establish permanent funds which ensure long-term sustainability.
2. Grantmaking
We utilize our knowledge of community needs to strengthen the ecosystem of nonprofit agencies in Cabarrus County. Our grantmaking focuses on supporting agencies and initiatives that address key predictors of health and wellbeing, including housing, food, healthcare, safe environments, education, employment, and independent living. We provide increased and long-term support through various grantmaking programs, including donor-advised funds and a permanent community endowment fund.
3. Capacity Building Through Collaboration
We bring together diverse public and private stakeholders – agencies, businesses, government entities, donors, and community members – to collaborate on solutions and initiatives that address the most pressing needs in our community and help build the organizational capacity of those agencies which provide valuable services to their clients. Guided by the Community Needs Assessment produced by the Cabarrus Health Alliance, we ensure our efforts are aligned with both current and future community needs.
Through these efforts, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation aims to create lasting, positive impacts and foster a flourishing, inclusive Cabarrus County.
Our Vision
Our Core Values
Integrity – We are passionate about trying our best to do what is right and live up to our commitments.
Transparency – We share information and our intentions.
Collaboration – We partner with other individuals and organizations to make wise use of precious resources.
Inclusivity – We seek and use input from others in service to all who need.
Gratitude – We are grateful for the blessings we experience in Cabarrus County.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We believe that by embracing diversity and practicing inclusion, we can help build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone can thrive. The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is committed to being a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that all voices are heard, and all community members are empowered to contribute to the betterment of our county.
HISTORY
The idea for a community foundation first emerged in 2022, when Bob Bratton, a retired banking executive, engaged community leader, and long-time resident of Cabarrus County began to think about the growth of Cabarrus County, the current community needs, and what those needs would be in the future. Bratton said, “when one considers the growth trajectory of our community, and the future needs we will have for things like food, housing, education, and childcare, we need to begin pooling and accumulating resources to generate a sustainable long-term solution for these important community services.”
After sharing his thoughts and concerns with fellow community leaders, Mr. Bratton was able to recruit others to help join the cause and determine the viability of a community foundation. Together with Jan Beatty-Hendley, Britt Leatherman, Pat Horton, Holt Morrison, Doug Stafford, Kelly Propst, and Jon Yancey, the group hired the consulting firm HunterKemper to lead a feasibility study to determine if there was sufficient community interest in starting and supporting the first community foundation dedicated to Cabarrus County. The results were convincing, and in February 2024, the group decided to proceed with the plans to launch the Greater Cabarrus Foundation.
In May 2024, the newly formed Board of Directors for the Greater Cabarrus Foundation appointed their first President and Chief Executive Officer, Cam Cruickshank. In addition, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation filed the necessary paperwork with the U.S. internal Revenue Service to become a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
In July 2024, Dr. Cruickshank officially became the first employee of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation and began working full-time as President and Chief Executive Officer. Concurrent with his employment, the office at 700 Church Street N., Suite 70 in Concord was opened.
