As a grant maker responding to ongoing community initiatives and concerns, the Foundation seeks applications  that are innovative, meet the needs of Gaston County, and are integral in advancing an organization’s  mission. Projects/programs may benefit a single organization, group of collaborating organizations, or a  system of services that address community issues. 

Our primary area of service is Gaston County. The Foundation only awards grants to organizations and  programs operating in Gaston County or primarily for the benefit of Gaston County residents. While certain  institutions and organizations located outside of Gaston County may be eligible to receive grant funding, the  use of the grant is restricted for the benefit of Gaston County only. Organizations that serve multiple counties  must clearly show how grant funds will be used in Gaston County. We select projects or programs with the  potential to generate positive results for residents of the county, or a community within the county -- not just  the sponsoring organization. 

Our grants go only to tax-exempt public agencies or charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status. We  require verification of a potential grantee’s tax-exempt status and the organization’s policy of non discrimination. Organizations are able to submit only one application per funding cycle. The Foundation will  not fund agency programs or services beyond three consecutive years. If you are in the midst of a multi-year  grant you are not eligible to apply until that grant has concluded. 

NEW applicants must schedule a meeting (in person, by phone, or virtual) with Foundation staff prior to  submitting an application. This is a requirement to be eligible. Applications will not be considered if a  representative(s) of the organization has not met with Foundation staff prior to submitting an application. 

Our Grants Committee and Board of Directors gives priority consideration to:  

• Organizations with a track record of success and realistic potential for measurable positive results 
• For new organizations, demonstrated leadership and careful planning/budgeting is essential
• Projects that are innovative, sustainable, and do not unnecessarily duplicate the work of others
• Projects that will supplement and support full use of the talents and resources already available from the organization’s members  
• Capacity building that will enhance the internal stability and growth of an organization 
• Projects likely to secure matching fund arrangements  
• Projects with a plan for continued funding from other sources or the organization’s own budget 

Our Grants Committee and Board of Directors are inclined to favorably consider:  

• Projects that are collaborative in nature, involving more than one organization  · Projects that affect broad segments of the community  
• Projects that demonstrate good planning in light of overall community needs  
• Projects which partial funding is required, rather than total funding from the Foundation  

• Projects with appropriate measurement and evaluation tools in place  
• Projects that promote volunteer participation 

Our Grants Committee and Board of Directors do not generally provide funding for:  

• Annual fund campaigns 
• Feasibility study
• Strategic plans 

• Grants solely requesting operating funds  
• Multi-year grants  
• Recurring requests for the same purpose for which the Foundation previously awarded grants
• Individual schools unless the proposed project is also being conducted district or county wide 
• Individual schools, houses of worship or other religious organizations unless the Foundations feels the applicant can demonstrate a clear and substantial benefit to the community as a  whole opposed to the applying organization 

Our Grants Committee and Board of Directors do not provide funding for:  

• Lobbying activities, political organizations or candidates for public offices  
• Religious organizations for sectarian purposes  
• Research that does not have promise of near-term benefits to the residents of Gaston County 
• Debt reductions, deficits, or previous obligations  
• Retroactive expenses/activities 
• Fundraising events, celebrations, sponsorships, or dinners 

Our Grants Committee and Board of Directors will only consider proposals made on the current application  form, which is available electronically. All applications must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines  provided on the form and include a completed application and the following additional supporting  documentation: 

• Budget for Proposed Project, including income and expenditures 
• Overall Operating Budget for your Organization 
• List of Board of Directors 
• Most Recent Financial Audit of Year-End Financial Statement (Form 990) 
• Documentation of 501 (c)(3) Tax Exempt Status, if applicable 

The Board of Directors meets in September to approve recommendations from the Grants Committee. Each  applicant will be notified in writing of the final decision on or before October 10th.

If you have questions, please contact Grants Officer Nina Greene, ngreene@cfgaston.org or 704-864-0927.