GCF Announces New Partnership with Uwharrie Community Fund to Launch Capacity Building Grant Program for Local Nonprofits
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation (GCF) is pleased to announce a new grantmaking partnership with the Uwharrie Community Fund, expanding opportunities for nonprofit organizations serving communities across Uwharrie Bank’s footprint.
As a pilot program supported by Uwharrie Bank, this initial phase, that will focus on a small cohort of organizations, is specifically designed to strengthen the internal operations, leadership, and infrastructure of participating agencies through customized capacity-building services. Through this pilot program, five nonprofit organizations will each receive $10,000 in capacity-building services through Support Cabarrus, the capacity-building division of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. Each selected agency will also receive a comprehensive organizational review to help identify opportunities for long-term growth and operational sustainability.
Capacity-building services available through the program may include:
Strategic Planning
Board Governance Support
Marketing Services
Bookkeeping Services
Grantwriting Services
Other customized organizational support services available through Support Cabarrus
The initiative reflects a shared commitment between the Greater Cabarrus Foundation and Uwharrie Bank to strengthen the nonprofit organizations serving local communities every day.
“The long-term health of our community depends on the long-term strength of the nonprofit organizations serving it,” said Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., President & 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 was established to benefit the communities served by Uwharrie Bank and reflects the institution’s longstanding commitment to local stewardship and community investment.
“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, emphasized the importance of investing in nonprofit sustainability. “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.”
Eligibility
Organizations applying for the Uwharrie Community Fund Capacity Building Grant Program must:
Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Provide services within Uwharrie Bank’s service area, with initial consideration in this pilot phase given to organizations serving residents in Cabarrus and Stanly counties.
Grant Application Scoring Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Mission Alignment with the Uwharrie Community Fund
Demonstrated service to communities within Uwharrie Bank’s service area, with emphasis during this pilot phase on Cabarrus and/or Stanly County residents
Effective Board Governance
Financial Stability
Evidence of Continuous Quality Improvement
Capacity-building services for awarded agencies may begin as early as December 2026.
Grant Timeline
June 30, 2026 – Grant Program Training Workshop
July 1, 2026 – Grant Applications Open
September 1, 2026 – Application Deadline
November–December 2026 – Award Notification
The Uwharrie Community Fund Capacity Building Grant Program will coincide with the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s annual grantmaking cycle, which also opens July 1, 2026. Eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for both opportunities. Each program requires a separate, easy to complete online application.
To help agencies prepare for both grant opportunities, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation will host a Grant Program Training Workshop on June 30, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 4855 Milestone Avenue in Kannapolis. The session will be presented by Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation, and lunch will be provided for registered nonprofit representatives.
Nonprofit representatives may register for the workshop at: https://www.supportcabarrus.org/lunch-and-learns
Applications for the Uwharrie Community Fund Capacity Building Grant Program will be available beginning July 1, 2026.
For additional information about the grant program, visit: https://www.greatercabarrusfoundation.org/uwharrie-community-fund-capacity-building-grant-program
About the Greater Cabarrus Foundation
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is the community foundation for Cabarrus County, connecting local generosity to the long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations and the community they serve. Learn more about the Greater Cabarrus Foundation at greatercabarrusfoundation.org.
About the Uwharrie Community Fund
The Uwharrie Community Fund advances community well‑being by investing in programs that strengthen people, build resilient local economies, and foster connection across the communities served by Uwharrie Bank. Rooted in Uwharrie Capital Corp’s belief that stewardship is lived through service and local commitment, the Fund supports initiatives that promote opportunity, stability, and a shared sense of responsibility for the communities we call home.