Dover Foundation Grants

Dover Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Dover Foundation Inc.
Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Summary

The Dover Foundation, established in 1944 by Jack and Charles Dover, focuses on enhancing community lives through support for faith-based, educational, and human service organizations. This private family foundation prioritizes grants to nonprofits in Cleveland County, having awarded millions to local causes since its inception. With values centered on education, community service, and integrity, the foundation is committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering collaboration among residents.

Overview

Our History John Randolph Dover, Sr. moved to Cleveland County from York, South Carolina soon after the turn of the 20th century, and started Ella Mill in south Shelby in 1907. Mr. Dover sold this first plant in 1917, then built Dover Mill in west Shelby in 1923. This was the real beginning of what later became Dover Textiles. John Randolph Dover, Sr. died in 1931, leaving management of the company to two of his sons: John R. Dover, Jr. and Charles I. Dover. Under their leadership, Dover Textiles became the largest employer in Cleveland County with nearly 3,000 people for many years. Annual sales peaked at around $200 million. Dover was known for its novelty or specialty operations, which included woven, knitted and tricot fabrics, and spun yarns. Dover Textiles was sold in 1984. Dover Foundation, Inc. was founded by brothers Jack and Charles Dover in 1944. The original purpose was to support Gardner-Webb Junior College. The foundation transitioned from a corporate foundation to a private family foundation in 1984. Its giving has evolved, and since inception hundreds of grants totaling millions of dollars have been awarded to local nonprofits. Mission Statement The Dover Foundation improves lives in our community by supporting faith-based, educational, and human service organizations. We value: Education – supporting individuals to gain knowledge and perspective to improve lives Giving back – allocating resources to improve community prosperity Service – promoting the good in all and enabling collaboration to help one another Community – uniting local people in giving and receiving Integrity – upholding honesty and honoring ethics Geographic Priority The Dover Foundation gives highest priority to nonprofit organizations in Cleveland County. Organizations located outside of Cleveland County are considered only if the proposed grant specifically benefits Cleveland County residents.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Tax-exempt organizations may submit one request per calendar year .

Ineligibility

Dover Foundation does not:Make grants or loans to individualsMake loans to charitable organizationsRespond to mass mailingsPurchase advertisingDonate to political causes, candidates, organizations or campaignsPurchase dinner, gala, or raffle tickets.Award college scholarships that are not part of Dover Foundation’s scholarship programSupport churches outside Cleveland CountyFund church trips outside Cleveland CountyProvide funds to organizations that use their tax exempt status to make those funds available to non-eligible organizations