OVERVIEW: The Davie Community Foundation supports organizations that aim to improve the lives of the residents of Davie County, North Carolina.
IP TAKE: This is a highly accessible and transparent funder with clear guidelines for grant applications. Special initiatives include support for teachers and a fund for pressing issues concerning vulnerable women and children in Davie County. This is an important resource for organizations operating in this area.
PROFILE: The Davie Community Foundation (DCF) is based in Mocksville, North Carolina, and serves the needs of Davie County. It seeks simply to “improve the lives of residents of Davie County, North Carolina.” This foundation was established by six men in 1988 with a $500 gift from George W. Martin. The foundation currently maintains nine separate grantmaking programs:
Community Grants support nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to residents of the county. Grantmaking themes include leadership development and capacity building, but a broad range of other areas have also been funded. Applications are accepted for two annual cycles, with due dates on February 1 and August 1 each year. Recent grants have been awarded in amounts of up to $40,000. Past grantees include Cooleemee Elementary School, the Davie Family YMCA, Davie County Senior Services and A Storehouse for Jesus, a food distribution program.
Davie County Hospital Foundation Healthcare Grants aim to “improve healthcare in Davie County,” specifically in the areas of wellness, preventative care, healthcare access and mental health. The foundation accepts applications for these grants once annually with a deadline in June. Grants have been awarded in amounts of up to $10,000 to grantees including the Alzheimer’s Association North Carolina Chapter, Kintegra Health, the Iredell Health Foundation and Cancer Services, Inc.
Pearls Grants support the women and children of Davie County and have recently focused on abuse prevention, housing, childcare and transportation. The foundation accepts applications for these grants once annually with a due date of August 1. Recent grantees include Davidson-Davie Community College, the Family Promise housing program and Smith Grove UMC/The Bridge, which helps women and children with transportation needs to health and mental health programs.
S.U.R.F. Board Grants are awarded to youth-led programs and organizations selected by the foundation’s Students Understanding Real Futures Board. These grants generally range from $500 to $5,000, and applications are usually accepted in February and March of each year. Past grantees include the Davie County Early College National Honor Society, the Davie County High School Band and the Davie County Exceptional Children Department.
Staff Development Grants support teacher development, specifically covering the costs of teacher workshops for teachers who wish to “increase their knowledge base in a specific area.” Applications for these grants are due on March 31.
Stella Ledbetter Rising Star Grants are awarded in the amount of $250 and support classroom projects at Davie County schools. Applications are due on August 1.
The Warren “Zip” Jones Fund offer financial support to Davie County residents experiencing “urgent, critical, life threatening, and/or terminal illness.” Requests for funding are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The foundation does not accept applications for either its Church and Non-profit Grants or its Donor Advised Fund Grants, which go to preselected organizations and causes.
Important Grant Details
In a past year, this funder gave away about $1 million in grants to Davie County organizations and educators. Information about past grants is available at individual program pages.
This funder accepts applications for most of its programs, but eligibility, guidelines and due dates vary significantly by program. Grantseekers should consult individual program pages before submitting requests. Inquiries may be emailed to the foundation’s president, Jane Simpson, or its senior program officer Melissa O’Connor.
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