ABOUT US

Our Mission

To mobilize philanthropy that strengthens nonprofit organizations and drive lasting, positive change across Cabarrus County through strategic fundraising, grantmaking, and collaborative capacity building.

What We Do

Fundraising

We partner with community investors to align their giving with local needs, pooling resources to create lasting funds that support Cabarrus County today and into the future.

Grantmaking

We strengthen local nonprofits by directing grants toward the most critical drivers of health and well-being, supporting programs through both immediate and long-term funding.

Capacity Building

We walk alongside organizations providing free programming and behind-the-scenes services that help nonprofits operate more effectively and stay focused on their mission.

What Makes Us Different

Local Focus

The grants we distribute will support agencies and clients in Cabarrus County. Contributions will not be redirected to other municipalities or geographic areas. Further, whenever possible, we will foster economic development by utilizing local vendors to purchase the goods and services we need to execute our mission.

Operating Support vs Capital Support

While there are other very worthwhile and effective philanthropic organizations and foundations which support agencies and organizations in Cabarrus County, most provide financial support for capital projects, while we provide financial support for agency operations.

Long-Term Perspective

Our intent is to provide long-term support and capacity building for the agencies in our community so that they may be here for decades to come and will be able to serve more people as our county grows.

Greater Cabarrus Foundation Capacity-Building

Our History

Greater Cabarrus Foundation History

President & CEO Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D. and Board Chair Bob Bratton at GCF’s ribbon cutting ceremony held by the Cabarrus Chamber in November 2024.

2022 - The Vision Begins

  • Bob Bratton begins exploring the need for a community foundation

  • Focus on future growth and long-term needs in Cabarrus County

  • Idea: Pool resources to create sustainable support for nonprofits

2023 - Feasibility and Community Leadership

  • Local community leaders unite and partner with HunterKemper to conduct a feasibility study

  • Results confirm strong support for launching a community foundation

February 2024 - Green Light to Launch GCF

  • Decision made to officially establish the Greater Cabarrus Foundation

May 2024 - Leadership and IRS Filing

  • Dr. Cam Cruickshank named first President & CEO

  • Application for 501(c)(3) status submitted

July 2024 - Operations Begin

  • GCF office opens in Concord

November 2024

  • Cabarrus Chamber holds ribbon cutting ceremony to officially celebrate GCF’s grand opening

  • First Organizational Review is conducted

December 2024

  • GCF is granted 501(c)(3) status

January 2025

  • Initial permanent endowments established

February 2025

  • First Quarterly Lunch and Learn Workshop is held

March 2025

  • First Board Matching Service Program takes place

July 2025

  • GCF begins its first grantmaking cycle

December 2025

  • Funds raised for the community surpasses $5,000,000

January 2026