Gaston Community Foundation
Gaston Community Foundation is a public charity based in Gastonia, North Carolina. It connects donors with community needs through charitable funds and grants, including an annual competitive process for organizations and programs operating in Gaston County or primarily benefiting its residents.
Gaston Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Gaston Community Foundation gave $10.3M across 168 grants in 2024 (avg $61K), mostly in North Carolina. 19% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $10,312,991
- +33.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 168
- +8.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $61,387
- +23.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $17,067
- Total assets
- $145,388,423
- +15.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (32 of 168, 2024)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (88% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Gaston Community Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 Community Grants Cycle deadline of June 30, 2026 has passed. The website lists the 2027 cycle as available June 1–30, 2027.
- Deadline
- The 2026 Community Grants Cycle deadline of June 30, 2026 has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 123, Gastonia, NC 28053
Phone: (704) 864-0927
Website: https://cfgaston.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
7 open opportunities from Gaston Community Foundation
Allen H. Sims Award
Gaston Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
CFGC: Next Generation Fund Grant
Gaston Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Community Grants Cycle
Gaston Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Gaston Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Gaston Co Family YMCA ($1.7M). Together the top 10 received $5.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
789 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 637 grants of 789 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation identifies Gaston County as its primary service area. Its community grants are for organizations and programs operating in the county or primarily benefiting its residents; grants to organizations outside the county must be restricted to Gaston County benefit. In 2024, 88% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina, 7% to Washington, D.C., and the remainder to Delaware, Florida, and Tennessee.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 168 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Gaston Community Foundation open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 32 of 168 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $65K; repeat grants $60K. How we count
Medians: $14K first-time, $18K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $4.8M (2020) to $10.3M (2024). In 2024 it made 168 grants totaling $10.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gaston Co Family YMCA Gastonia, NC | General Support | $1,732,500 |
| National Geographic Society Washington, DC | General Support | $679,624 |
| NC Public Television Foundation Triangle Research Park, NC | General Support | $677,124 |
| Caromont Health Foundation Gastonia, NC | General Support | $565,200 |
| Other Under 5000 Gastonia, NC | — | $514,594 |
| First United Methodist of Gastonia Gastonia, NC | General Support | $330,089 |
| Catawba Lands Conservancy Charlotte, NC | General Support | $317,417 |
| First Presbyterian Church of Gaston Gastonia, NC | General Support | $248,600 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Gastonia Gastonia, NC | General Support | $219,225 |
| Gaston Day School Gastonia, NC | General Support | $187,485 |
Ready to take the next step with Gaston Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $145,388,423 | $12,089,275 | $11,491,725 | $10,312,991 | 168 | $2,225,932 |
| 2023 | $126,209,800 | $9,263,491 | $8,944,535 | $7,714,495 | 155 | $4,176,444 |
| 2022 | $120,059,448 | $13,988,192 | $7,152,255 | $5,753,878 | 168 | $2,383,282 |
| 2021 | $124,627,590 | $17,636,833 | $7,216,671 | $6,326,684 | 161 | $2,640,018 |
| 2020 | $102,747,982 | $6,893,354 | $6,125,066 | $4,761,339 | 137 | $1,558,283 |
| 2019 | $92,745,726 | $6,541,595 | $7,170,989 | $5,776,133 | 158 | $1,637,260 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated vision is to be a united community with an uncompromising commitment to investing in opportunity for all. Its funds include unrestricted funds, funds designated for particular charitable organizations or fields of interest, and donor-advised funds through which donors may recommend grants.
Its community grant cycle supports program and organizational needs. The Foundation also offers specialized opportunities, including the Roberts-Miller Children’s Fund for eligible children in North Carolina with serious medical, dental, or related needs, and Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants for professional training or education for key staff at independent nonprofit organizations in Gaston County.
The 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. Gaston County Family YMCA describes its work as building strong kids, families, and communities; Catawba Lands Conservancy says it conserves and manages land for public benefit in the Southern Piedmont; and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston says it provides young people with a safe place to learn and grow. These are descriptions of the grantees’ missions.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 168 grants totaling $10,312,991. Grant amounts ranged from $5,100 to $1,732,500, with a median of $17,066. The largest reported grants included $1,732,500 to Gaston County Family YMCA, $679,624 to National Geographic Society, $677,124 to NC Public Television Foundation, and $565,200 to CaroMont Health Foundation. Other notable grants included $317,417 to Catawba Lands Conservancy, $219,225 to Boys and Girls Club of Gastonia, and $153,020 to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The filing lists general support as the purpose for these grants where a purpose is specified.
The Foundation’s website describes the Community Grants Cycle as a competitive process for grants from unrestricted and field-of-interest funds. Applicants must be tax-exempt public agencies or charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status, verify tax-exempt status and a nondiscrimination policy, and submit no more than one application per cycle. Organizations serving multiple counties must explain how funds will benefit Gaston County residents. The Foundation will not fund an agency program or service for more than three consecutive years; organizations funded for the past three years, or currently receiving a multiyear grant, are ineligible until that grant concludes. New applicants must meet with Foundation staff by June 1 before applying.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists David Rogers as board chair, Nancy Paschall as past chair, and John McGill as secretary/treasurer. Directors listed include Nazrul Chowdury, Robert Caldwell, Jennifer Davis, Mark Epstein, Mike Fayed, John Griffith, and Dr. Kelvin Harris.
Gaston Community Foundation is led by David Rogers, Board Chair since 2023 (on filings since 2019); 1 of 22 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David Rogers
Board Chair
Investment Director → Board Vice C, 2021
Board Vice C → Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anthony Powell
Grants Chair
Director → Grants Chair, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Caldwell
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Wofford
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Davidson Hobson
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennie Stultz
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Davis
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelvin Harris
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nazrul Chowdury
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Fayed
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Griffith
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Epstein
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pam Warlick
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Pearson
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Lowery
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steven Wilson
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ernest W. Sumner
Past President
President → Past President, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$164K (2019) → $184K (2024)
Nancy Paschall
Past Chair
Board Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2021
Board Chair → Past Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
John McGill
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Peek
Investment C
Director → Investment C, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Spencer
Development
Director → Development, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Spencer
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Gayle Kersh (2019–2023) — Development
- Former: Harding Stowe (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Kathleen Boyce (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: May Robinson (2019–2022) — Grants Chair
- Former: Andy Warlick (2021–2022) — Investment C
- Former: Christa Heilig (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Anderson Warlick (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Arthur Spencer IV (2019–2020) — Development Director
- Former: Ben Hinton (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Danny Jackson (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Johnathan Williams (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Laurie Ness (2019–2020) — Secretary & Treasurer
- Former: May Barger (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Ramada Smith (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Tim Efird (2019–2020) — Board Chair
- Former: Fred Jackson (2019) — Board Vice Chair
- Former: Robert Pearson (2019) — Investment Director
- Former: Vann Matthews III (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $184K, to Ernest W Sumner (Past Preside).
Frequently asked questions about Gaston Community Foundation
How much does Gaston Community Foundation give each year?
Gaston Community Foundation gave $10.3M across 168 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $7.7M across 155 grants.
What is Gaston Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Gaston Community Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $17,067, and its average grant was $61,387, across 168 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Gaston Community Foundation that year got $65K on average.
Where does Gaston Community Foundation give grants?
Gaston Community Foundation gives mostly in North Carolina: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was District of Columbia (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Gastonia, NC (71 grants), Charlotte, NC (19 grants), Belmont, NC (12 grants) and Dallas, NC (5 grants).
Does Gaston Community Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Gaston Community Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (167 of 167) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are Gaston Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Gaston Community Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Gaston Co Family YMCA ($1,732,500), National Geographic Society ($679,624) and NC Public Television Foundation ($677,124), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Gaston Community Foundation?
Gaston Community Foundation reported $145.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $12.1M.
What does Gaston Community Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated vision is to be a united community with an uncompromising commitment to investing in opportunity for all. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Gaston Community Foundation?
Gaston Community Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check cfgaston.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Gaston Community Foundation's EIN?
Gaston Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-1340834. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 30, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 17, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 18, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gaston Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in North Carolina
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds education and youth development, environmental and wildlife work, health and human services, and animal welfare, with a reported median grant of $25,000 in 2024. Its competitive programs focus on Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Carolinas, and specific local communities, while donor-advised funds may support eligible nonprofits more broadly; it accepts applications for some competitive grants, but most grants are recommended by fund advisors and have no application process.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
The Cannon Foundation Inc
Concord, NC
The Cannon Foundation funds capital, equipment, and infrastructure projects in human services, higher education, healthcare, and community, primarily for established organizations with significant operations in North Carolina. Recent grants ranged from $2,500 to $500,000, with a median of $50,000. It accepts inquiries through a staged application process, with quarterly deadlines.
Assets
$351.7M
Grants
218
Total Given
$14.6M
State Employees Credit Union Foundation
Raleigh, NC
The foundation funds capital projects, regional or statewide programs, and organizational capacity building that strengthen North Carolina communities; it favors projects with broad or replicable impact and does not fund operating budgets or shortfalls. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,250 to $1 million, with a median of $2,500. Applications are accepted at any time and typically reviewed semiannually.
Assets
$61.0M
Grants
1,806
Total Given
$17.4M
Dogwood Health Trust
Asheville, NC
Dogwood Health Trust funds work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness that improves wellbeing in Western North Carolina, including its 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $21 million, with a median of $37,500; application requirements vary by funding opportunity.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
835
Total Given
$148.2M
The Winston-Salem Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The Winston-Salem Foundation funds charitable organizations serving Forsyth County, North Carolina, across areas including education, housing, economic opportunity, civic engagement, arts, health, and human services. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000; specific programs offer grants ranging from small grants of up to $2,000 to capital grants of up to $100,000. The profile describes application-based programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$630.1M
Grants
823
Total Given
$90.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in North Carolina
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Gaston Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/gaston-community-foundation-morg_9585dcd933b642fd9ccb08a80969c024
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_581340834_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Gaston Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/gaston-community-foundation-morg_9585dcd933b642fd9ccb08a80969c024},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Gaston Community Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Gaston Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?