Greater Cabarrus Foundation, Uwharrie Community Fund launch new grant program for nonprofits
Pilot initiative will provide $10,000 in organizational support services to five local nonprofits, helping improve leadership, governance and long-term sustainability.
This story has been adapted from a Greater Cabarrus Foundation news release.
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation has announced a new partnership with the Uwharrie Community Fund aimed at strengthening nonprofit organizations across the region through capacity-building support.
The pilot program, supported by Uwharrie Bank, will provide five nonprofit organizations with $10,000 each in capacity-building services through Support Cabarrus, the foundation’s nonprofit assistance division. Participating agencies will also receive a comprehensive organizational review designed to identify opportunities for long-term growth and sustainability.
According to the foundation, the initiative focuses on strengthening internal operations, leadership and infrastructure rather than funding specific programs. Available services may include strategic planning, board governance support, marketing assistance, bookkeeping, grant writing and other customized organizational support.
Foundation leaders said the effort is intended to help nonprofits build stronger organizations that can continue serving their communities well into the future.
“The long-term health of our community depends on the long-term strength of the nonprofit organizations serving it,” said Cam Cruickshank, President and CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “This partnership allows us to invest behind the scenes in the leadership, systems, governance, and operational infrastructure that nonprofits need to grow and sustain their impact for years to come.”
The Uwharrie Community Fund is a permanently endowed charitable fund established by Uwharrie Bank to support communities across its service area, including Cabarrus, Stanly, Mecklenburg and Anson counties. Contributions are invested for long-term growth, with annual distributions supporting charitable initiatives and community needs throughout the region.
“The communities we serve are more than markets, they are home,” said Roger Dick, CEO of Uwharrie Bank. “Our associates live, work, volunteer, and raise their families here. Supporting organizations that strengthen these communities is a natural extension of who we are and what we believe. We are proud to partner with the Greater Cabarrus Foundation to help build stronger nonprofit organizations that will continue serving our region well into the future.”
David Beaver, president of Uwharrie Bank, said the program is designed to create lasting benefits for local organizations.
“Nonprofit organizations are essential partners in building thriving communities,” Beaver said. “By helping strengthen their internal capacity and leadership, we are helping ensure they can continue adapting, growing, and meeting community needs for years to come. This program is about creating long-term impact, not just short-term support.”
To be eligible, organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and provide services within Uwharrie Bank’s service area. During the pilot phase, priority consideration will be given to organizations serving residents in Cabarrus and Stanly counties. Applications will be evaluated based on mission alignment, service impact, board governance, financial stability and evidence of continuous quality improvement.
Applications for the Uwharrie Community Fund Capacity Building Grant Program will open July 1 and close Sept. 1. Award notifications are expected between November and December, with services for selected agencies potentially beginning as early as December 2026.
The grant cycle will coincide with the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s annual grantmaking program, and eligible nonprofits may apply for both opportunities.
The foundation will also host a Grant Program Training Workshop, led by Cruickshank, on June 30 at its offices at 4855 Milestone Avenue in Kannapolis to help organizations prepare their applications.
Nonprofit representatives may register for the workshop at: supportcabarrus.org/lunch-and-learns.
For additional information about the grant program, visit: greatercabarrusfoundation.org/uwharrie-community-fund-capacity-building- grant-program.