Community Grant Program

The Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) manages the Community Grants Program to support nonprofit organizations serving Cumberland County, North Carolina. Funded by a combination of unrestricted and field-of-interest endowments established by donors, the program represents the Foundation’s commitment to improving local quality of life across various sectors. The Foundation operates from its headquarters in Fayetteville, NC, and serves as a community-focused philanthropic hub, connecting donors' legacies to nonprofit efforts that make a measurable impact. The Community Grants Program provides funding to nonprofits that align with one or more of the Foundation’s priority areas. Grants from unrestricted endowments are used to support community-wide initiatives, leverage resources for long-term impact, and fund innovative projects addressing pressing local needs. Field-of-interest endowments allow the Foundation to target specific causes such as education, environmental protection, historic preservation, health, support for women and girls, services for seniors and low-income families, and the arts. In July 2025, the Foundation clarified its funding focus areas for that grant cycle, which include: programs that improve quality of life for children (with a priority on reducing child hunger), increase educational outcomes and access to enrichment activities, foster global awareness among youth, support leadership or mental health programs for youth, and create transformative change for women and girls. Applications are due by July 31, 2025. Eligibility requirements for the Community Grants Program are strict. Applicants must provide services in Cumberland County, maintain a local governing board, and be recognized as tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or qualify as a governmental entity including Native American tribal governments. Organizations must also have a current Charitable Solicitation License (or exemption) with the North Carolina Secretary of State and must not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Ineligible entities include re-granting organizations, event sponsors, individuals, scholarship applicants, projects with deficit budgets, politically affiliated initiatives, or faith organizations (though donors may direct support to religious entities through other types of funds). Application submission is handled online, and CCF recommends but does not require attendance at the Grantseeker Information Meeting. This session offers a comprehensive review of funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and a walkthrough of the online application system. While no specific application questions or required documents are listed publicly, organizations are encouraged to align their proposals with the Foundation’s outlined priorities and adhere to best practices in nonprofit governance. Grants are awarded based on demonstrated alignment with CCF’s priority areas, innovation, long-term impact potential, and overall community benefit. Award amounts are not published, and funding varies depending on the fund and proposal strength. The program is recurring, with a yearly grant cycle. For the July 2025 cycle, applications open on July 14, 2025, and close on July 31, 2025. For more information or assistance, applicants may contact CCF by phone at (910) 483-4449. The Foundation’s mailing address is PO Box 2345, Fayetteville, NC 28302.