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Dickson Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$4.2M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,200,000
  • Total Assets: $89 Million
  • Grant Range: $2,000 (median) - $301,000 (highest recent grant)
  • Number of Grants: 165 grants in 2024
  • Geographic Focus: North Carolina, with emphasis on Charlotte region
  • Application Method: Rolling basis via letter

Contact Details

Address: 200 South College Street, Suite 1800, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: (704) 372-5404

Application Format: Letter (no specific deadline)

Overview

The Dickson Foundation Inc was established in 1944 in North Carolina and has been tax-exempt since May 1952. With total assets of approximately $89 million and annual distributions of $4.2 million, the foundation represents a significant philanthropic presence in the Charlotte region. The foundation carries forward a multi-generational legacy of community support, originally founded by the Dickson family, prominent Charlotte business leaders with deep ties to healthcare and commerce. Rush Dickson (1895-1966) was instrumental in the development of Charlotte Memorial Hospital and served on its board for 20 years. His son, R. Stuart Dickson (1929-2024), continued this legacy, serving as board chair for Atrium Health for 23 years while also leading Harris Teeter Supermarkets. The foundation maintains a strong focus on local giving, primarily supporting nonprofit organizations in education, healthcare, human services, arts and culture, and community development across North Carolina.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Dickson Foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines, accepting letter applications throughout the year. Grant amounts vary significantly based on organizational need and project scope:

  • Major Grants: Up to $301,000 (recent highest grant to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation)
  • Mid-Range Grants: $100,000 - $200,000 (frequently awarded to educational institutions and healthcare organizations)
  • Typical Grants: $2,000 median (165 grants distributed in 2024)

Priority Areas

Education: The foundation has a strong commitment to educational institutions at all levels, including:

  • Higher education (Foundation for UNC Charlotte, Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University, Wake Forest University, NC State University, Lees McRae College)
  • Primary and secondary education (Charlotte Country Day School, Charlotte Latin School)

Healthcare: Reflecting the family's historical connection to healthcare philanthropy:

  • Hospital care and medical centers
  • Hospice and palliative care
  • Mental health services
  • Substance abuse treatment

Human Services: Broad support for organizations addressing community needs:

  • Child welfare
  • Youth services
  • Community and economic development

Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation: Support for cultural institutions and preservation efforts

Religious Organizations: Charitable religious organizations (e.g., Samaritan's Purse received $200,000)

Special Interest Areas: Projects serving children, youth, students, and academics receive particular attention

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Organizations outside North Carolina (with rare exceptions)
  • Non-local charitable causes

Governance and Leadership

The Dickson Foundation is governed by a board of trustees primarily composed of family members who continue the philanthropic legacy established by Rush Dickson and carried forward by R. Stuart Dickson.

Current Board Members:

  • R. Stuart Dickson - Chairman and President (Note: R. Stuart Dickson passed away in 2024; current leadership structure may be in transition)
  • Rush S. Dickson III - Vice-President and Director
  • Thomas W. Dickson - Vice-President and Director
  • Jane W. Marley - Director
  • Alison M. Scott - Director
  • Susan Patterson - Secretary & Treasurer

The board maintains a hands-on approach to grant-making, with no compensation reported for officers. The foundation's expense structure demonstrates strong stewardship, with 89.6% of total expenses directed toward charitable disbursements.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted in the form of a letter. There are no application deadlines - the foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Application Letters Should Include:

  • Organization information and mission
  • Description of the project or program requiring funding
  • Budget and amount requested
  • Demonstrated alignment with the foundation's priority areas
  • Evidence of serving North Carolina communities, particularly Charlotte region

Submission Address: The Dickson Foundation Inc 200 South College Street, Suite 1800 Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone Inquiries: (704) 372-5404

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As the foundation operates on a rolling basis with trustee-directed grant-making, decision timelines likely vary depending on board meeting schedules and the scope of the request.

Success Rates

Specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly available. However, the foundation distributed 165 grants in 2024 from a substantial asset base, suggesting they maintain an active and responsive grant-making program.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is documented. The foundation's rolling application process and support of repeat grantees (evident in their continued support of major institutions) suggests that unsuccessful applicants may reapply, and successful grantees may apply for continued support.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant distribution patterns and history, the following factors appear important:

Geographic Alignment: The foundation explicitly focuses on local giving within North Carolina, with strong emphasis on Charlotte and surrounding areas. Organizations outside this region are unlikely to receive funding.

Established Institutional Relationships: Top grant recipients include well-established institutions with which the Dickson family has historical connections - particularly in healthcare (Novant Health, Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region) and education (NC State University, Lees McRae College).

Mission Alignment: Projects addressing education, healthcare access, youth development, and community needs align closely with documented funding patterns.

Track Record: The foundation's support of prestigious local institutions (Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University, Charlotte Latin School) suggests they value organizational stability and proven impact.

Size Flexibility: With grants ranging from $2,000 to over $300,000, the foundation appears willing to fund both smaller community organizations and major institutional initiatives, though the median grant of $2,000 suggests most awards are modest.

Letter Quality: As the only application requirement is a letter, the quality, clarity, and compelling nature of written communication is critical.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Local focus is paramount: The Dickson Foundation prioritizes North Carolina nonprofits, especially those serving Charlotte. Organizations outside this region should not apply.

  • No deadline pressure: The rolling application process allows applicants to submit when ready, but also means there's no predictable funding cycle.

  • Wide grant range: Be realistic about request amounts - while grants can reach $300,000+ for major institutional partners, the median grant is $2,000, suggesting smaller requests are more typical.

  • Institutional history matters: The foundation shows loyalty to organizations with which the Dickson family has historical ties, particularly in healthcare and education.

  • Simplicity in application: No complex forms or online portals - a well-crafted letter is your primary tool for making the case.

  • Family legacy guides priorities: Understanding the Dickson family's commitment to healthcare (through Rush and Stuart Dickson's hospital leadership) and education provides insight into funding motivations.

  • Multi-year track record: Evidence suggests the foundation supports organizations repeatedly, indicating that initial grants can lead to ongoing relationships.

References

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