Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Announces $1.5 Million in Grants

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (“Community Foundation”) announces $1.5 million in nonprofit grants to support the Foundation’s focus on eldercare, health and wellness, economic mobility, and cultural vibrancy in the Triad. $1.1 million of these funds will support capital improvements for equipment, facilities, and housing for older adults through the Charles L. “Buddy” Weill Fund (“Weill Fund”), a permanent endowment of the Community Foundation.

Cambodian Cultural Center helps preserve heritage in Greensboro

Americans around the country will pause to celebrate Independence Day.

They’ll attend community events, host backyard barbecues with friends, and watch brightly-colored fireworks explode in the evening sky. Our ancestors came from different cultures, different countries and different backgrounds. While we collectively celebrate being Americans, we still try to preserve our cultural heritage, and one group in the Piedmont is working to do that in several ways.

The coconut dance is a folk dance often performed during Cambodian wedding ceremonies. On this day, it’s in celebration of the Lunar New Year with children from the Cambodian Cultural Center located in Greensboro.

“It was founded in 2012 in order to help preserve [Cambodian] cultural heritage,” says Treasurer An Strickland. “We offer programs such as arts and also community efforts and leadership and mentorship programs with our youth.” Strickland says it’s important to teach young Cambodian Americans the traditional arts, language and history of Cambodia.

In return, they help older Cambodian immigrants and refugees. “The programs that we offer are the traditional arts as far as dance culture,” she says. “We also do Cambodian literacy programs as well and a lot of community efforts to help our elderly and non-English speaking residents.”

Nearly 300,000 Cambodians escaped conflict and genocide in their homeland in the 1970s and sought refuge in the United States.

Many settled in Greensboro in 1982, and in 1986, they purchased land for Wat Greensboro, a Buddhist Center on Liberty Road in Greensboro.

The Cambodian Cultural Center has offices nearby. It relies on volunteers, but the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro helps through community grant programs.

“The community foundation has helped enhance our program itself as far as our cultural dance programs as well as showcasing our culture itself. We’ve offered cooking classes. They’ve been able to assist us with that, and we’re going to be starting a traditional classical music class as well,” says Strickland.

In addition, CCC offers community assistance with vegetable giveaways and vaccine clinics. If you want to learn more or if you would like to volunteer your time, visit https://www.cccofnc.org/ 

Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine provides access to healthcare for uninsured

Health care isn’t cheap; sometimes even if you have medical insurance; but one agency in the Piedmont is making care available regardless of insurance coverage or financial status.

Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine provides medical services at six locations in Guilford County thanks in part to help from a community foundation. 

Chief Financial Officer Danielle Cole says, “we are a federally qualified health center. We do preventative medicine, wellness checks, immunizations, acute care.”

That may sound like every medical office, but Cole says what makes her organization unique is it cares for all patients, even the uninsured and those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.  The money comes from the Tri-County Health Fund administered through the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

“We consider ourselves to be a safety net provider,” says Cole. “So a lot of times if a person is uninsured or they don’t have insurance or the thought is ‘I have a limited amount of income and that needs to go towards gas or food.’ I’m not going to go and get care until it’s a really bad situation, and a lot of times I’m going to end up in the emergency room. Now I have more debt. I have a huge bill, and now I’ve bogged down that system with something that I could have gone to the doctor for and probably been treated and not had to create that effect.”

Community Foundation Making Grants of up to $2,500 to Feed the Community

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

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro: Celebrating 40 Years

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is celebrating 40 years! Our team was excited to commemorate the 40 years of lasting impact made throughout Greensboro. We wanted to connect with the community to learn about the varying views of the people who make up our diverse community. Over the summer, we spent three days around downtown Greensboro interviewing people about what Greensboro means for them and how they want to see our community grow.  With the help of Twin City Media, we set out to capture 28 interviews with 47 influential people from every corner of Greensboro who are deeply committed to making our city a better place for all. We asked everyone five questions to gain insights into their perspectives, motivations, and aspirations for Greensboro.  As we discussed their aspirations for the city, the leaders painted a vivid picture of their vision for Greensboro’s future. Many highlighted the importance of bolstering educational opportunities for all residents and bridging gaps in access to essential resources. They are determined to see Greensboro as a thriving hub for culture and creativity, where the arts flourish and innovation is celebrated. Moreover, they envision a city where everyone feels valued, included, and connected, regardless of background.  These interviews with our community leaders showcase the passion, dedication, and vision that collectively shape Greensboro’s future. Their commitment to philanthropy and the nonprofit sector reflects the city’s enduring spirit of generosity and unity. Together, they inspire us to envision a brighter, more inclusive Greensboro, a place where dreams are nurtured, opportunities abound, and the community thrives.  Watch this inspiring video filmed and produced by Twin City Media featuring CFGG Communications Specialist, Stephanie Surratt.

Benefits of Donor Advised Funds

Donor advised funds (DAFs) are an incredibly popular way of giving if you want to make a difference, but don’t have enough resources to set up your own private foundation. Here are just a few of our favorite reasons to open a donor advised fund with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG).

Give however is best for you

Donor advised funds can be opened and added to with traditional methods like cash, credit card, and check. We also even accept stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, life insurance, and estate gifts!

Our expertise

We vet every requested DAF grant through IRS guidelines to ensure all gifts go to legitimate public charities, big or small, and can even direct grants internationally. You receive reports each time you direct grants as well as quarterly reports on your fund’s balance. Want to make your gifts to charities anonymously? No problem!

CFGG has connections with over 700 local nonprofits. If you’re overwhelmed by the number of charities doing great work in the community, we’re here to help you research and support those that are doing the work you care most about right here in Greensboro – whether that’s healthcare access, environmental causes, or food insecurity.

Tax benefits

You can make tax season easier on yourself by directing all your charitable giving to your Donor Advised Fund, and you’ll only have to keep track of one gift receipt. Then, you can direct your grants to your favorite non-profit organizations at any time of year – no more rushing to make sure you get it all done before December 31 to be eligible for write-offs.

If you have a big year in the stock market, you can eliminate capital gains taxes by donating those shares straight to your DAF. Similarly, if you’re selling a property, business, or other large entity, opening a donor-advised fund with the profits can help manage the tax hit you could otherwise take.

If you donate consistently, you can “pre-pay” multiple years’ worth of donations into a donor advised fund and utilize the tax deduction in a single year. For example, if you usually give $10,000 annually, you can donate five years’ worth to the DAF and claim the deduction for $50,000 in a single year; then, you can direct a grant of $10,000 each year to your charity of choice for the next five years.

Keep it going

We can document your wishes for how you’d like your donor advised fund to be managed after your lifetime – whether that’s appointing a successor advisor or moving your funds to a permanent endowment that will contribute to your favorite causes in perpetuity. Additionally, assets in a fund aren’t subject to estate taxes, so they can help reduce the burden on your family after you’re gone.

DAFs are a great way to set up your family’s next generation to be philanthropic; you can even open donor advised funds for your children or grandchildren.

Southeast Guilford High Receives $12,000 Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. Award

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro awards $12,000

Southeastern Guilford High is this year’s winner of the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award. Superintendent Oakley presented the award on Tuesday during the annual State of Our Community event sponsored by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.

The Humphrey Award is designed to “enhance a comprehensive school improvement plan that supports collaboration and leads toward improved student achievement.” A selection committee reviews certain academic metrics and considers how each school plans to engage the community, serve diverse student populations, and improve student outcomes.

Principal Christopher Scott took the helm of Southeast before the 2022-2023 school year. Throughout the year, he and the school’s new administrative team utilized input from stakeholders to honor the history of the school, address concerns from stakeholders, and implement research-based high-yield strategies to support staff and students. The strategies played a role in improving the graduation rate, lost instructional days, and teacher retention.

“I am proud of the Southeast Guilford High School team and the leadership of Principal Scott. Over the last year, they have implemented a robust set of strategies to improve academic performance while supporting the well-being of students,” Superintendent Oakley said.

The school will receive $12,000, which it will use to focus on student support. The school plans to update the space students use for E-therapy sessions and install sensory boxes for students in each administrator and counseling office. It also plans to use the money to support its attendance plan and improve the transition from middle to high school by hosting quarterly meetings for first-year students and their families.

Hubert B. “Hugh” Humphrey was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 1981 until he passed away in 2003. Revered by fellow trustees and staff, Humphrey also served as legal counsel to the foundation. In November 2003, the trustees created the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award to honor his dedication. The Foundation established a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which is used each year to support the cash award.

About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina and among the largest of more than 14,000 in the United States, serves nearly 70,000 PK-12 students at 126 schools. With approximately 9,800 employees, GCS works in partnership with parents, businesses, colleges, and the community to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. We provide educational choices to meet individual student needs in culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities to help our students grow. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com.

Building a Better Greensboro through Impactful Giving

$212,500 in nonprofit grants awarded to support health and wellness, economic mobility, and cultural vibrancy in the Triad 

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro announced $212,500 in nonprofit grants to support the Foundation’s focus on health and wellness, economic mobility, and cultural vibrancy. $164,500 was awarded through its competitive Community Grants Program, and $48,000 was distributed through the Tri-County Health Fund. “We are excited to support nonprofits contributing to a thriving and culturally diverse Greensboro,” said Bishop Adrian Starks, Chair of the Grants Committee. “These grants will increase these organizations’ capacity to respond to current and emerging needs in our community,” said Starks. The grantees of the Community Grants Program are:
  • African American Atelier, Inc.
  • The Arc of Greensboro
  • Cambodian Cultural Center of North Carolina
  • Combat Female Veterans Families United
  • Eastern Music Festival
  • Magnolia House Foundation
  • Montagnard Dega Association, Inc.
  • National Institute of Minority Economic Development/Women’s Business Center of Greensboro
  • North Carolina African Services Coalition
  • On Track Education, Inc.
  • StepUp Greensboro
In addition, the Tri-County Health Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation, announced $48,000 in 2-year grants for three organizations. The fund supports organizations working with uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid populations in Guilford, Randolph, and Rockingham County. The first-ever recipients of funding from the Tri-County Health Fund include:
  • Central Carolina Health Network
  • Free Clinic of Rockingham County
  • Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine
“We are very pleased to announce the first-ever Tri-County Health Fund grantees,” said Megan Quiñones, Program Officer for Grantmaking Programs. “The Tri-County Health Fund’s unique focus on access to affordable healthcare will respond to healthcare challenges in our region for years to come,” said Quiñones.

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Below is background on the organizations and a brief description of the projects receiving funding from the Community Grants Program and the Tri-County Health Fund. African American Atelier, Inc. ($15,000) The African American Atelier, Inc. is committed to supporting and presenting the work of artists of color while exposing, educating, and engaging the residents of Guilford County. Funding from the Community Grants Program will support organizational capacity, maintain and expand current programs, present culturally diverse art exhibitions, and offer a symposium focused on the business side of art to artists in our community. The Arc of Greensboro ($11,000) The Arc of Greensboro is committed to securing rights for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, and play. Funding from the Community Grants Program will support the Arc and Arts, a program that exposes people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to various art mediums and cultural institutions throughout Greensboro. Cambodian Cultural Center of North Carolina ($10,000) Cambodian Cultural Center of NC (CCC of NC) works to build our communities across North Carolina, together. We are run and led primarily by second-generation Cambodian Americans whose mission is to help preserve the Cambodian cultural heritage and identity among younger generations of Cambodian Americans who are born in North Carolina. Funding from the Community Grants Program will support organizational capacity and expand programming centered around food sovereignty. Combat Female Veterans Families United ($25,000) Combat Female Veterans Families United provides transition services to Combat Female Veterans (CFVs) and their families, supporting life after war. Funding from the Community Grants Program will provide general operating support and support the expansion of current programs. Eastern Music Festival ($8,000) Eastern Music Festival’s (EMF) mission is to promote musical enrichment, excellence, professional collaboration, innovation, and diversity through a nationally recognized teaching program, music festival, concerts, and other programs that will enhance the quality of life, health, and vitality of our region. Funding from the Community Grants Program will support the EMF’s Encircling the City Outreach program which is an educational performance and service-learning project designed in collaboration with the Greensboro Public Library. Magnolia House Foundation ($15,000) The Magnolia House Foundation, Inc. intends to restore and maintain the structure and operation of the historic motel. Once complete, an exact replica of the NC Green Book site and what it represents to the region can be properly documented. Funding from the Community Grants Program will provide general operating support and strengthen organizational capacity. Montagnard Dega Association, Inc. ($20,000) The Montagnard Dega Association (MDA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community-Based Organization formed in 1988. We exist to unite and strengthen the fraternal ties of all persons of Montagnard heritage, to create a positive environment for all to meet, to build safe, healthy communities, to inspire education, and to preserve our cultural heritage. Funding from the Community Grants Program will provide general operating support and allow for an expansion of cultural arts programming for refugee communities in Greensboro. National Institute of Minority Economic Development- Women’s Business Center of Greensboro ($30,000) The Women’s Business Center of Greensboro promotes economic self-sufficiency for all women in the Greensboro, North Carolina area through entrepreneurship. Funding from the Community Grants Program will support expanded programming offered through the Women’s Business Center of Greensboro. North Carolina African Services Coalition ($11,000) The North Carolina African Services Coalition (NCASC) provides services to refugees, asylees, and human trafficking victims who settle in Greensboro, NC, and is dedicated to empowering refugees and immigrants of the Triad through direct social services and employment programs. Funding from the Community Grants Program will support the NCASC’s Tulip Society for Afghan and Refugee Women program which is a support space for women, and their children, who have been forcibly displaced from their home countries to connect with one another, participate in workshops, and attend outings to cultural institutions throughout Greensboro. On Track Education, Inc. ($12,000) On Track Education, Inc. is here to help struggling students. We collaborate closely with teachers to design a tutorial experience that will help the students in class. If needed, we coach students on-site or tutor them after class to assist them in reaching academic success. Funding from the Community Grants Program will provide general operating support and programmatic support for a summer literacy, math, and entrepreneurship program in Northeast Greensboro. StepUp Greensboro ($7,500) StepUp Greensboro works to motivate, empower, and equip individuals to become self-sufficient and stable through employment and life skills training. Funding from the Community Grants Program will support organizational capacity and the expansion of StepUp Greensboro’s Job Readiness program. Central Carolina Health Network ($4,000 a year for 2 years) The Central Carolina Health Network (CCHN) mission is to serve people by expanding access to quality care for persons living with HIV and reducing the spread of HIV through education and prevention. Funding from the Tri-County Health Fund will support transportation services for clients. The Central Carolina Health Network provides services in Guilford, Randolph, and Rockingham County, along with four other counties in Central North Carolina. Free Clinic of Rockingham County, Inc ($10,000 a year for 2 years) The Free Clinic of Rockingham County recognizes the right of low-income, uninsured citizens of Rockingham County to have access to health care that compassionately meets their essential medical and pharmacy needs. Funding from the Tri-County Health Fund will support the launch of a culturally relevant Diabetic Intervention Program for Rockingham County’s Hispanic and Latino population. Free Clinic of Rockingham County provides services in Rockingham County. Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine ($10,000 a year for 2 years) Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with one purpose: to provide care for you and your family, regardless of your ability to pay. Funding from the Tri-County Health Fund will support patient advocacy. Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine provides services in Guilford County. The Community Grants Program is the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro’s annual, competitive grants process for nonprofit organizations. In 2023, this grantmaking program awarded one-time operational grants to smaller nonprofits that support Greensboro in becoming a more economically mobile, or culturally vibrant community. These grants will support organizations whose missions align with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro’s focus to maximize opportunities that meet community needs. The Tri-County Health Fund is a field of interest fund established in 2021. In 1998, Community Care of North Carolina launched a pilot program designed for the Medicaid population in Guilford County. This pilot soon expanded to Randolph County and Rockingham County. Over the last 20 years, Partnership for Community Care transformed into a multi-sector effort expanding access, decreasing cost, and improving health outcomes for 118,000 individuals from across the three counties. In 2019, this publicly funded program dissolved. The remaining assets were entrusted to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro resulting in the establishment of the Tri-County Health Fund.
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