Pearls of Empowerment Grant Program

The Pearls of Empowerment Grant is a funding initiative administered by the Davie Community Foundation, based in Mocksville, North Carolina. This grantmaking program is part of the Foundation’s broader philanthropic mission to support and uplift communities within Davie County. The Foundation itself operates a variety of funding streams and scholarship programs and has been a longstanding contributor to local development and social service efforts. Pearls of Empowerment, now in its fifteenth year, is a donor-driven women's giving circle within the Foundation that focuses specifically on advancing the well-being of women and children throughout the county. The primary objective of the Pearls of Empowerment Grant is to support nonprofit organizations offering programs that directly benefit women and/or children in Davie County. Applicants must present initiatives that fall within one or more of the following focus areas: abuse prevention and support for women and children, housing for women and children, and mental health services for these populations. This grant seeks to provide funding that enables community-based interventions addressing these critical areas of need. Proposals must demonstrate clear alignment with these focus areas to be considered. The Foundation places an emphasis on measurable community impact and sustainability. Funded programs in 2024 included: an $8,000 grant to the Advocacy Center for emergency financial assistance to women and single mothers to help prevent homelessness; a $9,250 grant to The Dragonfly House for trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children affected by abuse or neglect; a $9,250 grant to Family Promise of Davie County for transitional housing services for families with children; and an $8,250 grant for the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), which provides strategies for strengthening family relationships and managing child behavior. These examples reflect the grant’s intended use of funds: direct services that make an immediate and tangible impact. The Pearls of Empowerment Grant is open to nonprofit organizations operating within Davie County that align with the specified priority areas. There is no indication that other types of organizations, such as government entities or for-profit enterprises, are eligible. Funding appears to be non-recurring, disbursed as a one-time grant per award cycle, with a total of $34,750 awarded across four grants in 2024. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. Applicants are expected to utilize funds strictly in line with their proposal’s scope, focusing on community outcomes for women and children in need. Applications for the 2025 Pearls of Empowerment Grant must be submitted by August 1, 2025. The opening date for applications is not specified, but as no other deadline precedes the close date, the application window is presumed open as of the current date. The grant is not offered on a rolling basis. There is no explicit evidence of the grant being offered annually, although the historical pattern of awards over fifteen years implies recurrence. If recurring, the next expected cycle would likely open in July or August of 2026. All application materials must be submitted to the Davie Community Foundation, with questions directed to their administrative office via email at info@daviefoundation.org or phone at 336-753-6903. Applicants should prepare a strong case for how their program supports women and/or children, with clear outcome metrics and alignment to one of the three stated focus areas. While the application form and list of required questions are not detailed in the source, organizations are advised to consult with the Foundation early to ensure eligibility and alignment with funding priorities. Evaluation appears to be based on program relevance, financial need, and potential for impact, as demonstrated by prior funded projects.