The Cary Community Foundation (CCF), an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF), serves as a philanthropic hub supporting local initiatives within the Cary, North Carolina community. Founded in 2006, the CCF is governed by a volunteer advisory board and works to build lasting community assets through permanent endowments. The foundation engages in strategic grantmaking and community leadership to improve the quality of life for residents of Cary.
The CCF invites grant applications from June 27, 2025, through NOON Eastern Time on July 29, 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline, including late submissions due to technology issues, will not be considered. All submissions must be made through the NCCF’s online application portal. Grants will be awarded from the community grantmaking fund and are intended for qualified charitable organizations addressing critical needs in the Cary area.
Funding from the CCF is typically awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $1,250. In 2024, a total of $9,800 was distributed through this competitive process. Preference is given to organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000, particularly those serving economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Cary. The foundation focuses its funding to ensure targeted, high-impact support where it is most needed.
Organizations seeking funding must first read and adhere to the provided application guidelines, as failure to follow instructions will result in disqualification. First-time applicants must create a profile using the instructions in Training Module I, while returning applicants can log in using existing credentials. Training Module II guides users through the application submission process. Detailed instructions are available on the grant application portal.
Funding decisions are generally announced approximately two months after the application cycle closes. The advisory board uses tools like the annual Community Needs Assessment to guide grantmaking priorities. Additional resources such as the Community Needs Assessment for Cary/Wake County can be accessed through the CCF’s website.
Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact the program officer for clarification. Contact information includes the central office phone number for the North Carolina Community Foundation: 919-828-4387 or 800-532-1349. Applicants should be aware that no exceptions will be made for late or incomplete applications, and close attention to detail during the submission process is essential.
