Regional Affiliate Foundations and Grantmaking
Our Regional Grantmaking
Led by local boards of advisors, our 13 regional affiliates share our vision to inspire philanthropy and invest in their unique communities.
FFTC supports the work of our affiliates by engaging local leaders, managing endowments and facilitating grantmaking. Together, we provide philanthropic solutions to address community issues and invest in the important work of local nonprofits.
Wherever you call home, explore how you can support the communities and causes you care about most.
Learn about grantmaking in specific communities below, as well as how we're investing in transformative initiatives across our region.
Our Regional Affiliates
The Cabarrus County Community Foundation was established in 1989 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Cabarrus County, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 million in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, over $11 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Cabarrus County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Cabarrus County COVID-19 Response Fund
The Cabarrus County Community Foundation established the Cabarrus County COVID-19 Response Fund, alongside United Way of Central Carolinas, to help those most in need through support to nonprofit organizations.
Board of Advisors:
Vernon Russell, Chair, Plummer Russell & Plummer PLLC
Perla Nunes, Vice Chair, Duke University Medical Center
Chip Buckwell, Kannapolis City Schools
Tracy Caldwell, New Piney Grove Baptist Church
Eric Dearmon, SunTrust Investment Services, Inc.
Roger Haas, Civic Leader
Tim Hagler, Charlotte Motor Speedway
Chris Lowder, Cabarrus County Schools
Tanya Oesterreich, Oesterreich Law PLLC
William Hamby, Civic Leader
Courtney Neal, Civic Leader
Dianne Snyder, Civic Leader
Steve Steinbacher, Cabarrus Brewing Company
Betty Stocks, Concord Police Department
Trenton Whalen, Fifth Third Private Bank
Established in 2001, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation is the primary grantmaking arm of Foundation For The Carolinas and is led by a local board of advisors.
Board of Advisors:
Lucia Zapata-Griffith, Chair, Metro Landmarks
Armando Bellmas, McColl Center
Tanya Blackmon, Novant Health
Michael Campagna, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Ken Chrisman, Sealed Air
Leah Davis, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
Peggy Eagan, Civic Leader
Seemantini Godbole, Lowe’s
Shawn Heath, City of Charlotte
Joan Lorden, UNC Charlotte
Valecia McDowell, Moore & Van Allen
Al McMillian, AvidXchange
Dee O’Dell, US Bank
Justin Perry, HopeWay Foundation
Mark Reed, Charlotte Country Day
Michael (Mike) Rizer, Ally Bank
Jenny Ward, Bank of America
Trustee Emeritus
William M. Barnhardt, Retired, Southern Webbing Mills
The Cherokee County Community Foundation was established in 1994 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Cherokee County, S.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, nearly $4 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Cherokee County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Board of Advisors:
Barry Morgan, Chair, First Piedmont Bank
Grady Hogue, Vice Chair, First Piedmont Bank
Kathy Baines, First Piedmont Bank
Jason Blanton, Civic Leader
Marcus Bradley, Civic Leader
Dr. Michael Bridges, Civic Leader
Ed Elliott, Civic Leader
Troy Gaffney, Civic Leader
Addison Hamrick, DMD, Cherokee General Dentistry
Ben Kochenower, CPA, Cline Brandt Kochenower & Co., P.A.
Ana Moss, Moss Medical Institute & Spa
David Rilling, Civic Leader
David Shehan, Keystone Constructors, Inc.
Janet Shuford, Edward Jones
Michele Smith, Carolina Premier Bank
Cody Sossamon, Gaffney Ledger
Tim Spencer, Civic Leader
Karen Spigner, Retired, Civic Leader
David Stepp, Daddy Joe’s Beach House BBQ & Grill
Charles Wyatt, Limestone College
Trustee Emeritus
We honor the life and longtime service of John Travers, a dedicated member of this board from 1995-2021.
The Cleveland County Community Foundation was established in 1985 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Cleveland County, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, more than $6.5 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Cleveland County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Board of Advisors:
David Schweppe, Chair, The Schweppe Law Firm
Ralph Meekins, Vice Chair, Teddy & Meekins, Attorneys
W. Ted Alexander, Preservation North Carolina
Frank Bonner, Gardner-Webb University
Jennie Lambert, Civic Leader
Tropzie McCluney, Civic Leader
Mike Philbeck, Coldwell Banker Commercial
William Thompson, Saint Peter Church
Jason Winn, Nationwide/Winn Insurance
The Foundation for Richmond County merged with The Cole Foundation in 2015. Together they have awarded more than $31 million in grants to local nonprofits.
The Iredell County Community Foundation was established in 1989 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Iredell County, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, nearly $15 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Iredell County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Iredell County COVID-19 Response Fund
The Iredell County Community Foundation established the Iredell County COVID-19 Response Fund, alongside United Way of Central Carolinas and United Way of Iredell County, to help those most in need through support to nonprofit organizations.
Board of Advisors:
Costi Kutteh, Chair, Pope, McMillian P.A.
Doug McCracken, Vice Chair, Retired, Deloitte Consulting
David Green, Immediate Past Chair, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Daniel Chambers, Civic Leader
Marian S. Clark, J.C. Steele & Sons
David Harrison, Corporate and Nonprofit Board Member
James D. Hogan, Mitchell Community College
William M. Jones Jr., Civic Leader
Freddie Morrison, Civic Leader
John Schaefer, Civic Leader
Rhyne Scott, Randy Marion Automotive
Peggy Willhide, Civic Leader
The Lancaster County Community Foundation was established in 1988 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Lancaster County, S.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $111,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, over $2.3 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Lancaster County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Board of Advisors:
Holly Furr, Chair, Lancaster Sheriff Office
Phil Neely, Vice Chair, Civic Leader
Alison Alexander, Lancaster County
Deborah Boulware, United Way of Lancaster, S.C.
Chad Catledge, Perception Builders, LLC
Eric Crawford, Crawford Funeral Home
Steven Hutfles, City of Lancaster
Jill Newman, Lancaster County
Babette Sabia, Civic Leader
Steve Sherrill, First Citizens Bank
David Tolson, Civic Leader
Bobby Williams, Civic Leader
Trustee Emeritus
Robert Folks, Folks & DeVenny, LLC
The Lexington Area Community Foundation was established in 1996 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Lexington, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, more than $3 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Lexington Area Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Board of Advisors:
Teenie Tilley, Chair, Civic Leader
Paula Turlington, Immediate Past Chair, Civic Leader
Mike Albert, Entrepreneurial Resources, LLC
Michael Holshouser, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Steve Jackson, Edward Jones
Tom Smith, Smith Leonard PLLC
Burr Sullivan, Civic Leader
Robin Team, Front Street Capital
Jane Whitehurst, Civic Leader
The Lincoln County Community Foundation was established in 2001 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Lincoln County, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $113,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, more than $3.1 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Lincoln County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Board of Advisors:
Willie Heafner, Chair, Piedmont Companies Incorporated
Joseph Lampron, Vice Chair, Peoples Bank
Wayne Hoyle, Immediate Past Chair, First Federal Savings Bank
Bryan Beal, Carolina Mills, Inc.
Loretta A. Beam, Retired Educator & Church Musician
Elaine Harmon, Retired, County Government
Marti Hovis, Civic Leader
Elaine Jenkins, Retired Educator
David Lee, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
Deirdre H. Nachamie, The Nachamie Law Firm, PLLC
Panico Peres, No Borders Consulting Group
Chris Rhyne, Chris Rhyne Financial Management
Tony Simpson, NC Works Career Center Lincoln
Kathy Vinzant, Retired, United Way
Theresa Watson, Carolinas Healthcare System Lincoln
Trustees Emeriti
Daniel Barefoot, Civic Leader
Diane Hunter Boyd, Civic Leader
Jerry Cochrane, Civic Leader
Sylvia Holmes, Civic Leader
Richard Jonas, Civic Leader
Sam King, Civic Leader
Chip Stroup, Civic Leader
Mollie Warlick, Civic Leader
Rosalind Welder, Civic Leader
The Salisbury-Rowan Community Foundation was established in 1944 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Salisbury, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, more than $25 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Salisbury-Rowan Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Board of Advisors:
Gwin Barr, Chair, Rowan County Crosby Scholars Community Partnership
Richard Huffman, Immediate Past Chair, Huffman Law Firm
Karen Alexander, Mayor, City of Salisbury
Greg Edds, Rowan County Board of Commissioners
Darrell Hancock, R. Darrell Hancock, Atty At Law
Catrelia Hunter, Civic Leader
William Kennedy, William R. Kennedy Realty, Inc.
April Kuhn, Chief Legal Officer, Rowan-Salisbury Schools
Vergel L. Lattimore, President, Hood Theological Seminary
Laura Lewis, Civic Leader
Deborah Messinger, Civic Leader
Eva Nelson, Civic Leader
Bryan Overcash, Global Contract Services
Bill Wagoner, Wagoner Properties
Lakesha Walker, Catawba College
Lauren Whaley, Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
Whitney Wallace Williams, Wallace & Graham
The Stanly County Community Foundation was established in 1999 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Stanly County, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, nearly $11 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Stanly County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Board of Advisors:
Paul Childress, Chair, Bear Insurance Service
Chris Poplin, Immediate Past Chair, Faison
Dawn Allen, GHA Autism Supports
Richard Almond, Civic Leader
Mrs. Merlin Amirtharaj, Civic Leader
Christopher Bennett, Elite Care Services
Robbie Cohen, Civic Leader
Roger Dick, Uwharrie Capital Corporation
David H. Hill, Seven Oaks Doors & Hardware
Martha Hughes, Civic Leader
Surendrapal Mac, Civic Leader
Marshall Rogers, Tworog Holding LLC
Ed Shimpock, Retired, Seven Oaks Doors & Hardware
Trustee Emeritus
William Grigg Retired, Duke Energy
The Union County Community Foundation was established in 1999 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in Union County, N.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $945,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, more than $7 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the Union County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
Union County COVID-19 Response
As part of their COVID-19 response, the Union County Community Foundation, alongside the United Way of Central Carolinas, issued grants to help those most in need through support to nonprofit organizations. View grants.
Board of Advisors:
Ron Hinson, Chair, Hinson Electric
Randy Adcock, Vice Chair, First National Bank
Lisa Hildreth, Immediate Past Chair, Sherpa
Craig Addison, Wingate University
Nancy Anderson, Civic Leader
Lisa Biehl, Civic Leader
Ron Brown, State Utility Contractors
Linda Hastings, School Teacher
Craig Horn, NC House Representative
Todd Johnson, Johnson Insurance Management
Pat Kahle, Union County Chamber of Commerce
David Lee, Retired Senior Resident Superior Court Judge
Jesse Milliken, Bank of North Carolina
Mary Ann Rasberry, Civic Leader
Don Richardson, Civic Leader
Laura Thomas, Anderson & Associates
John Whitley, Civic Leader
The York County Community Foundation was established in 1988 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues. The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofits to make positive impacts in York County, S.C.
Led by a local board of advisors, the Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to area nonprofits since inception. In addition to the endowments that support local grantmaking, nearly $30 million in charitable assets – typically comprised of individual, family and nonprofits funds – are affiliated with the Foundation.
With continued support from generous donors, the York County Community Foundation can continue building on this spirit of philanthropy for generations to come.
York County COVID-19 Response Fund
The York County Community Foundation established the York County COVID-19 Response Fund to help those most in need through support to nonprofit organizations.
Board of Advisors:
Elizabeth Smith Owen, Chair, Morton & Gettys, OOC
Shaun Barnes, Vice Chair, Comporium Communications
Jason Ackerman, CPA, CFP, CGMA, BNA CPAs & Advisors
Lisa Amigo, Civic Leader
Craig Craze, Indigo Rush
Chuck Epps, Civic Leader
Catherine Faircloth, South State Bank
Ryan Gill, Gill Insurance
Michelle Guissinger, Carroll Financial Associates
Amy Hagner, York School District One
Dehler Hart, Springland, Inc.
Marc Howie, York Electric Cooperative
Dawn Johnson, Civic Leader
Kim Keel, Adult Enrichment Centers
Nicki McBrayer, Nash Founders Federal Credit Union
Brandon Newton, SC House of Representative
Michael Schonfeld, Clover Chiropractic Care
Trustee Emeritus
Harry Dalton, Sr., Retired, Caraustar Industries
2021 Council of Regional Chairs
Board chairs from each of our 13 affiliates serve on FFTC’s Council of Regional Chairs.
Vernon Russell, Cabarrus County Community Foundation
Lucia Zapata Griffith, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation
Barry Morgan, Cherokee County Community Foundation
David Schweppe, Cleveland County Community Foundation
Russell Bennett, The Cole Foundation, Richmond County
Costi Kutteh, Iredell County Community Foundation
Holly Furr, Lancaster County Community Foundation
Teenie S. Tilley, Lexington Area Community Foundation
William Heafner, Lincoln County Community Foundation
Gwin Barr, Salisbury Community Foundation
Paul Childress, Stanly County Community Foundation
Ron Hinson, Union County Community Foundation
Elizabeth S. Owen, York County Community Foundation