Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro
The Bible compares the kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed. It’s the smallest of seeds, yet when it grows, it becomes the largest of garden plants. That’s why a nonprofit in Guilford County chose the name Mustard Seed Community Health.
The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG) announces a record-breaking $2.3 million in grants to 23 local nonprofits advancing community well-being across the CFGG’s core focus areas: cultural vibrancy, economic mobility, health and wellness, and housing. An additional $1.75 million was awarded through the Charles L. “Buddy” Weill Fund, a permanent endowment dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors across the Triad.
Food insecurity continues to impact many families in Greensboro, where nearly 1 in 5 residents face limited access to consistent, nutritious meals. For many families, the holiday season is a time of joy, tradition, and abundance. But for countless neighbors in our community, holidays like Thanksgiving can be a time of deep worry, such as how to put a meal on the table, how to keep up with bills, and how to make the season feel special for their children. This surge in need places an enormous strain on our local nonprofits, who work tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind during this season of giving. As September marks Hunger Action Month, there’s no better time to take action.
The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is proud to carry on a cherished tradition through the Ken Conrad and Mary Lacklen Thanksgiving Fund. What began in 2011 as “Community Tables Thanksgiving” has grown into a powerful effort to provide hot meals and moments of connection to our neighbors in need on Thanksgiving Day. This year, the Fund will again award grants to local organizations preparing and serving meals across the city—bringing comfort, nourishment, and dignity to hundreds.
We invite you to join us in this meaningful tradition. You can make a gift by sending a check (designated for The Thanksgiving Fund) to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, requesting an interfund transfer from your donor-advised fund, or making a secure online donation here.
Together, we can help ensure no one is left out of the table this season. Thank you for being part of the solution.
Eastern High is the recipient of the 2025 Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award. The Humphrey Award is designed to recognize a school that designs and implements “a comprehensive school improvement plan that supports collaboration and leads toward improved student achievement.”
July marks the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA was a groundbreaking act of advocacy that fundamentally changed how we think about accessibility, employment, and civil rights for people with disabilities.
1. Gift a Donation in Their Name:
Instead of traditional presents, consider making a donation to a charitable organization in the name of your friends or family. Choose a cause that aligns with their values, whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, or environmental initiatives. You’ll be giving a gift that keeps on giving, making a difference in the world on behalf of your loved ones.
2. Shop with Purpose:
Opt for gifts from businesses that support charitable causes. Many companies offer products where a portion of the proceeds goes to nonprofits. Look for brands with a commitment to social responsibility, and your holiday shopping becomes a double gift – a thoughtful present for your recipient and a contribution to a good cause.
3. Volunteer Together:
The gift of time can be just as valuable as material presents. Consider organizing a volunteer day with your friends or family. Choose a local charity or community project and spend a day making a direct impact. Not only will you be giving back, but you’ll also create lasting memories and strengthen your bonds with loved ones.
4. Charity Gift Cards:
Gift cards are a popular choice, but why not make them more meaningful? Choose charity gift cards that allow the recipient to donate to their favorite cause. It gives them the flexibility to support a nonprofit that resonates with them personally, turning the gift card into a powerful tool for positive change.
5. Create a Charitable Wishlist:
Encourage your loved ones to create a charitable wishlist alongside their traditional one. Many nonprofits offer platforms where individuals can list specific items or services they need. Share these wishlists with friends and family, giving them the opportunity to make a direct impact by fulfilling these needs in the name of holiday giving.
By incorporating charitable giving into your holiday traditions, you not only spread joy but also contribute to the spirit of giving back. Whether through donations, volunteering, or purpose-driven shopping, these heartwarming gestures add an extra layer of meaning to the season of generosity. This holiday, let the spirit of giving shine bright in every gift you share.
We want to extend a special Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers, board and committee members, fundholders, and donors! Without the efforts that all of you put forth, our work would not be possible.
The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro has announced a seasonal grants program to support nonprofit organizations that help feed the community on Thanksgiving. These grants will provide essential support to groups that are hosting free community meals open to the public, distributing food for individuals and families to prepare at home, or delivering meals to those who are homebound on Thanksgiving day.
The Thanksgiving Fund is accepting applications now through the Community Foundation’s Online Grant Portal, and the deadline is Tuesday, October 31st at 11:59 pm. The funds may be used for food, supplies, and other costs associated with Thanksgiving initiatives.
To be eligible for these grants, organizations must have 501(c)3 status, be located in Guilford County, and provide services in Guilford County. Priority will be given to projects that provide food or meals to those experiencing homelessness, people whose incomes are below the federal poverty threshold, and older adults in Greensboro. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit cfgg.org.
The Community Foundation’s Thanksgiving Fund was created in 2011 with the purpose of serving meals on Thanksgiving Day to community members. To date, $150,000 has been contributed to the fund to support this important initiative with thousands of meals provided throughout the region.
To apply for the Thanksgiving Fund Grant, visit Thanksgiving Fund Grant Application
From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro takes pride in the work we do to promote cultural diversity and create an equitable environment for people from all walks of life. We are taking this moment to appreciate the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals and to acknowledge the vital role these communities play in shaping our collective identity. We have invited Hispanic and Latinx community leaders from the Greensboro area to share what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.
“For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is about strengthening community connections and cultural understanding, and I volunteer for two organizations that live these values: Casa Azul of Greensboro and the Greensboro Literary Organization/Greensboro Bound Literary Festival. This fall, Casa Azul is partnering with Greensboro Bound through its Authors Engaging Students to bring Latinx authors to Guilford County Schools and its spring book festival. More to come on that soon!”
Martin Acevedo
Vice President of Marketing & Communications at CFGG
“Every Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reminded of my family’s journey to America and the invaluable contributions of the more than 1 million Hispanic/Latinos in North Carolina. Together, we can build a more inclusive and thriving community for all.”
José Olivia
Chief of Staff of Guilford County Schools & CFGG Board Member
José Olivia immigrated to the United States as a teenager. He currently serves as chief of staff of Guilford County Schools. He is the first Latino to serve as chief of staff of a large urban school district in North Carolina. In his prior roles, he served on Governor Cooper’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, the City of Greensboro International Advisory Committee and was elected the first Latino and youngest student body president of his college.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on my roots. As a CFGG employee, I am cognizant of the experiences of those who came before me, and I aim to honor this within my work.”
Megan Quiñones
Program Officer of Grantmaking Programs at CFGG
“Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that this is a good moment to embrace our differences and to support each other on life’s journey. I am proud of my Latina and Latin American heritage and celebrate it year-round,”
Kattya Castellón
Entrepreneur, Local Small Business Owner & CFGG Board Member
Kattya is of Nicaraguan descent and is an entrepreneur and small business owner in downtown Greensboro. Prior to this, she worked in higher education at UNCG for 16 years as an Associate Director of Admissions. Part of her role at UNCG was to support Latinx students on campus—many who were first generation college goers. Kattya remains very active in Greensboro’s growing Hispanic/Latinx community as an advocate and volunteer—a passion and purpose that began in Managua and benefits our region today.
