Cole Foundation Grants

Cole Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Foundation for the Carolinas
Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Summary

The Cole Foundation Grants, part of the Foundation For The Carolinas, support local nonprofits in Richmond County, NC. With over $31 million awarded since 2015, the foundation focuses on enhancing community welfare through various projects. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and churches. However, they do not fund capital campaigns, individual support, or projects that duplicate existing services. For more details, visit www.fftc.org/regional_affiliates.

Overview

Foundation For The Carolinas serves as a catalyst for philanthropic activity in our 13-county region and is a driver for major civic efforts. We offer innovative solutions that help individuals, nonprofits and companies bring their charitable visions to life. Established in 1958, we are a civic leader and philanthropic partner. With more than $4 billion in charitable assets across nearly 3,000 charitable funds established by families, nonprofits and businesses, we are one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. FFTC supports personal and corporate philanthropy through a range of innovative fund and giving options. We also drive nonprofit sustainability through endowment management, customized solutions and grantmaking. Our Regional Grantmaking Foundation For The Carolinas serves the 13-county region around Charlotte. One of our primary ways of doing so is through our regional affiliates. The Cole (Richmond County) Foundation The Foundation for Richmond County merged with The Cole Foundation in 2015. Together they have awarded more than $31 million in grants to local nonprofits. The Cole (Richmond County) Foundation is a regional affiliate of Charlotte-based Foundation For The Carolinas. All grant decisions are made by a local board of advisors. For more information about our regional affiliate organizations – including recent grants, history and a complete list of the board of advisors – visit: www.fftc.org/regional_affiliates

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants must be awarded to eligible organizations including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, congregations, governmental and educational institutions for projects that will serve the residents of Richmond County, NC. Churches which do not have 501(c)(3) public charity status may still qualify as eligible charities. Eligibility of churches to receive FFTC grants is determined using the guidance provided in IRS Publication 1828

Ineligibility

Requests typically not funded through our discretionary grants programs:Capital campaign requests Debt retirement/deficit funding Direct support of individuals (e.g. scholarships, hardship) Duplication of existing programs or services by new organizations Endowment funds Travel and conferences Publication of books Projects that are typically the funding responsibility of federal, state or local government Sponsorships or fundraisersRequests ineligible for funding through our discretionary grants programs:Projects that promote specific political or religious views Political or lobbying activities