Cumberland Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports nonprofits in Cumberland County, North Carolina in the areas of arts/culture/recreation, civic engagement, economic development, education, environmental education and preservation, and health and human services.
IP TAKE: Grant seekers should make sure to attend an information meeting at CCF. There are several funds and even giving circles here, so new grant seekers will want to make sure to apply to the most relevant funding source.
PROFILE: The Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was established in 1980 with a $576,840 grant from Dr. Lucile West Hutaff. She was a Fayetteville native and returned to the area upon retirement. The foundation seeks to give “together to enhance the quality and spirit of community life.
There are six main community investment priorities at CCF: arts/culture/recreation, civic engagement, economic development, education, environmental education and preservation, and health and human services. Grantmaking stays within Cumberland County, and grantee inforation sessions are held before application deadlines. These are free to attend but require advance registration. In the past, deadlines have fallen in August, and then award notifications go out by November 1.
Community grant impact areas have addressed topics like college access and affordability and local nonprofit leadership. A few of the foundation’s special programs are worth mentioning:
The Lilly Endowment Challenge awards matching funds to groups seeking to achieve sustainability through endowments.
Summertime Kids supports recreational, enrichment, and mentoring activities for youth in summer camps.
The Mary Lynn McCree Bryan Leadership Award accepts nominations of nonprofit board members and recent board alumni to improve local organizations.
The Cornelia “Neill” Bullock Wilkins Charitable Endowment Fund provides grants for seniors.
There are two giving circles housed at CCF: Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County and the E. E. Smith Academic Excellence Giving Circle.
Important Grant Details
In a past year, the foundation had $72.5 million in assets and held around 500 funds. Over $47 million in grants have been paid since the foundation was formed.
Grant application forms are posted on the website for general grants as well as the specific awards noted above. A list of recent grants is here. Recipients include Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Stanton Hospitality House and Better Health of Cumberland County. Education grants have supported Cumberland County School for early literacy and Communities in Schools to expand services.
General inquires can be sent to info@cumberlandcf.org or called into 910-483-4449. The funder’s address is 308 Green Street, P.O. Box 2345, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28302.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS: