FUNDS
Next Generation Giving Circle
AN INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVE
Putting your
philanthropic dreams into
What is Next Gen?
Our Next Generation Giving Circle, or "Next Gen," provides an innovative alternative for those who are not ready to establish a Foundation fund of their own.
This Circle allows you to pool your resources with others in the community and put your philanthropic dreams into action through grants and service opportunities.
THE GIVING CIRCLE
About
Next Gen
Next Gen is a charitable fund, or giving circle, for community members interested in philanthropy.
A LASTING IMPACT
How long has Next Gen been around?
The Next Generation Fund was officially endowed on October 2, 2000. In recent years, we have updated our name to Next Generation Giving Circle in order to best reflect our mission.
Our purpose has been simple: to make philanthropy both accessible and fun—while making a real difference in Gaston County. In 2025, Next Gen celebrated 25 years as a grassroots program of Gaston Community Foundation.
What does Next Gen do?
Each year, Next Gen hosts two social events and offers two family service nights, one each in the winter/spring and one each in the fall.
Socials give Next Gen participants and their friends an opportunity to connect and network. At each social, a Gaston County nonprofit is highlighted and shares their mission with those gathered.
Family Service Nights give Next Gen participants and their friends the opportunity to bring their children to a local nonprofit to serve in hands-on ways, teaching the younger generation what it means to care for others.
Who can join Next Gen?
Next Gen was originally created for those ages mid-20s to mid-40s. However, over the years, the age bracket has expanded to include anyone who wishes to pool their resources with others to make a greater impact, to join the socials, and to be part of Family Service Nights. Annual gifts to the Circle grow the Next Generation endowment making the grant funding opportunities larger.
How can you join Next Gen?
Join the Next Generation Giving Circle today by filling out a Connect Card (download and email completed card to Jenny Moran) and make an initial contribution. Contributions may be made online or by check (mail to: PO Box 123, Gastonia, NC 28053).
If you have any questions, please call or email Jenny Moran. Every gift made to the Circle goes directly to the community in the form of grants.
The Next Generation Giving Circle suggested (tax-deductible) annual gift is $75 for individuals and $150 for couples.
How much has Next Gen granted over the years?
Since 2000, the Next Gen grant cycle has distributed over $215,000 in grants to Gaston County nonprofits that support children and youth, education, the environment, and health and wellness.
Next Gen
Grant Cycle
The Next Generation Giving Circle Grant Cycle supports nonprofits in Gaston County.
Annually, a focus for the grant cycle is selected for which nonprofits can apply to support projects in the focus area.
The Next Gen Grant Cycle is open to apply from August 1-31. Grant guidelines will be posted in July and the application portal will open on August 1.
All applications must be submitted online using Gaston Community Foundation’s grantmaking portal.
- $6,500—From Hearts 2 Home Carolinas. This funding supports the organization’s expansion into a larger facility, allowing them to consolidate operations and house all inventory in one location. The new space accommodates their growing client base as individuals and families “shop” for household essentials—furniture, kitchenware, and accessories—while transitioning from homelessness to a permanent home.
- $2,000—Gaston Literacy Council. This grant supports the “Healthy Futures Through Literacy” project, which empowers learners to confidently access, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about their personal wellness.
- $1,500—Crowders Camps. This grant supports the “Leadership Institute,” a mentorship program for boys and girls who come from fatherless homes in an effort to support the mental health and wellness of Gaston County youth.
NEXT GEN
Additional initiatives.
Here's what else the Next Generation Giving Circle is accomplishing in Gaston County.
Are You Smarter Than a Gaston County 5th Grader 2026 team with students from Kiser Elementary (pictured with the students l-r: Emily Winter, Will Keiffer, Rush Simmons, Stuart Dowling)
GIVE DIRECTLY TO THE COMMUNITY
Join
today.
Join the Next Generation Giving Circle today by filling out a Connect Card (email completed card to Jenny Moran) and make an initial contribution.
Contributions may be made online or by check (mail to: PO Box 123, Gastonia, NC 28053).
If you have any questions, please call or email Jenny Moran. Every gift made to the Circle goes directly to the community in the form of grants.
The Next Generation Giving Circle suggested (tax-deductible) annual gift is $75 for individuals and $150 for couples.