The Winston-Salem Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $83,250,706 (2023)
Total Assets: Approximately $650-745 million
Grant Range: $1,000 - $25,000+ (varies by program)
Decision Time: 4-8 weeks (varies by program type)
Geographic Focus: Forsyth County, NC and surrounding areas
Application Method: Online portal with rolling and fixed deadlines

Contact Details

Address: 751 West Fourth Street, Suite 200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 725-2382
Email: info@wsfoundation.org
Website: https://www.wsfoundation.org/

The Foundation welcomes pre-application discussions. Organizations are encouraged to contact Foundation staff at least one week before application deadlines to discuss their proposal ideas.

Overview

The Winston-Salem Foundation, established on October 14, 1919, is the first foundation of any type established in North Carolina and the 16th oldest community foundation in the United States. Founded with a gift of $1,000 from Col. Francis H. Fries, the Foundation has grown to hold approximately $650-745 million in assets. In 2023, the Foundation contributed $83,250,706 in grants, making 818 awards to organizations serving Forsyth County and beyond. The Foundation's mission is to strengthen Forsyth County by inspiring giving and linking resources to action. In 2017, after extensive community consultation, the Foundation announced two major focus areas—Building an Inclusive Economy and Advancing Equity in Education—reflecting its commitment to addressing significant racial, economic, and residential disparities. The Foundation has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and consistently ranks among the top community foundations nationally for assets, gifts received, and grants paid.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants
The Foundation's main grantmaking program supports a wide range of charitable purposes across Forsyth County in three categories:

Capacity-building grants: Strengthening organizational infrastructure
Programmatic grants: Supporting specific programs and initiatives
Capital campaign grants: Major capital projects and campaigns
Grant amounts vary significantly; the Foundation awarded 74 Community Grants totaling $2,105,480 (January-June 2025) and 87 grants totaling $1.75 million (July-December 2024)
Applications follow a two-stage process: preliminary applications due approximately the first of November, January, March, May, July and September; full applications due about a month later

Small Grants: Up to $2,000

For organizations and groups serving Forsyth County with annual incomes of $150,000 or less
Application periods: Spring (February 24 - March 31) and Fall (September 8 - October 13)
Decisions announced one month after each closing date
Online application through Grants Portal

Capital Improvement Grants: Up to $25,000

For time-limited projects to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets (property, buildings, technology, equipment)
Application opens July 31
Award decisions made in mid-December
Current focus on projects supporting (1) people with disabilities, (2) beautification initiatives
Limited funding available for Arts & Culture capital projects

Focus Area Grants: Up to $15,000

Building an Inclusive Economy: Supporting wealth building, career advancement, and transportation initiatives for Black households
Advancing Equity in Education: Supporting school discipline reform, culturally responsive education, and student support systems
These grants specifically advance the Foundation's racial equity priorities

Teacher Grants: Up to $2,500

For teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum coordinators, and media coordinators in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
For professional growth and enrichment opportunities
Accepted on an ongoing basis

Elkin Funds Community Grants

For nonprofits serving the Elkin/Tri-Counties area of North Carolina
Annual grant funding opportunity

Chrissy Gallaher Victim's Assistance Fund

Financial assistance to victims of violent crime
Grants for statewide organizations supporting victims of violent crime

Strategic Initiatives

The Foundation operates three Strategic Initiatives led by community volunteers:

Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI)

Awarded $204,225 in 2025 (through June)
Awarded $239,650 in 2024
Focuses on Building an Inclusive Economy and Equity in Education grants
Recent grantees include Carter G. Woodson School ($15,000 for NextGen Family Entrepreneurship Program) and Castle Heights Neighborhood Association ($15,000 for trade skills training)

The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem

Awarded $155,000 in nine grants (2025)
Awarded $135,000 in nine grants (2024)
Annual luncheon celebration where grants are announced

Youth Grantmakers in Action (YGA)

Youth-led grantmaking program
Awarded $7,020 in seven grants (2024)
Examples include Athletes4Change ($1,500 for basketball camp), Fútbol for All ($1,000), and Troop 916 ($1,950 for athletic facility improvements)

Priority Areas

Building an Inclusive Economy (one of two major focus areas since 2017):

Wealth Building: Addressing the wealth gap where one-third of Black and Hispanic residents in Forsyth County have zero net worth; supporting efforts to increase home and business asset values while mitigating negative impacts of student loan debt and government fines/fees
Career Advancement: Supporting employer-assisted economic mobility programs, workplace culture change, and clearer career pathways leading to family-sustaining wages
Transportation: Removing transportation barriers that prevent individuals and families from moving out of poverty

Advancing Equity in Education (the second major focus area):

School Discipline Reform: Identifying and dismantling systemic biases leading to over-disciplining of Black and brown students
Culturally Responsive Education: Addressing inherent biases among educators and diversifying school culture through culturally responsive pedagogy and a more diverse educator workforce
Student Support Systems: Supporting student-centered interventions including social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches

Other Funding Areas:

Arts and culture
Health
Human services
Community development
Domestic animals
Building social capital

What They Don't Fund

Geographic Restrictions:

Organizations that do not serve Forsyth County, NC
If based outside Forsyth County but serving a wide geographic area that includes Forsyth County, the Foundation will only consider grants for the portion of the project impacting Forsyth County

Faith-Based Limitations:

Programs that serve only members of a single congregation
Programs that promote a particular religious doctrine
(Note: The Foundation does fund faith-based organizations providing social services to the broader community)

Other Limitations:

Due to limited funding, the Foundation may not support the same programs or organizations year after year
For Capital Improvement Grants, restrictions apply—current focus is on projects supporting people with disabilities and beautification initiatives, with limited Arts & Culture capital funding

Governance and Leadership

President

LaTida Smith joined the Foundation as its fifth president on September 1, 2021, making history as the first woman and first African American to serve in this role at the 101-year-old institution.

Key Quotes from President Smith:

"It is an exciting time in the history of Winston-Salem, and The Winston-Salem Foundation is in a unique position to ensure the entire community benefits and contributes to designing the innovations and investments that are sparking this resurgence."
"For some time, I think the foundation has been thinking about how it expands the community's understanding of who can be a philanthropist."
"I had the opportunity of coming to a foundation with over 100 years of goodwill built. That makes a big difference."
On her attraction to the Foundation: "It has a very pronounced commitment to racial equity. It was looking for a leader who could advance its goals."

Board Leadership

Board Officers:

Peggy Reingold, Board Chair
Tom Lawson, Vice Chair
Joe Crocker, Secretary
Alex Barrett, Treasurer

Board Structure: The Foundation has 12 dedicated community volunteers on The Winston-Salem Foundation Committee (the primary governing body). The Foundation Committee appoints five seats, while outside appointing authorities select the eight remaining members.

Select Board Members:

Evelyn P. Acree: Regional Manager, Vice President of Western Piedmont NC, Self Help Credit Union
David Barksdale: President and Chief Executive Officer, Piedmont Federal Bank
Richard Gottlieb: Former president and CEO of Senior Services (served 36 years until retiring in 2017)
Keith Vest: Business leader in brand innovation and design
Matthew Cullinan: Experienced in higher education leadership
Tom Lawson: Managing Director at Bank of America Private Bank Philanthropic Solutions Group

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Portal: All applications are submitted through the Foundation's online Grants Portal at https://www.wsfoundation.org/

Pre-Application Consultation: Organizations are encouraged to contact Foundation staff to discuss their proposal idea at least one week before application deadlines. This is particularly helpful for first-time applicants or those exploring alignment with the Foundation's priorities.

Application Process by Program:

Small Grants:

Create an account or log in to the Grants Portal
Submit application during open application windows
Application periods: Spring (February 24 - March 31 at 5:00 PM) and Fall (September 8 - October 13 at 5:00 PM)

Community Grants:

Two-stage application process
Stage 1: Preliminary application (deadlines typically fall on or around the first of November, January, March, May, July, and September)
Stage 2: Full application (due approximately one month after preliminary deadline)

Capital Improvement Grants:

Application opens July 31 in the Grants Portal
Online submission required

Teacher Grants:

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis

Decision Timeline

Small Grants: 4 weeks

Notification of funding decisions comes one month after each closing date

Community Grants: 8-12 weeks

Full grant application deadlines occur about one month after preliminary deadlines
Grant decisions come approximately two months after full application submission
Total timeline from preliminary application to decision: approximately 3 months

Capital Improvement Grants:

Award decisions made in mid-December

Success Rates

While specific percentage success rates are not publicly disclosed, the Foundation maintains a robust grantmaking portfolio:

2023: 818 awards totaling $83,250,706
2022: 728 awards totaling $76+ million
2021: 710 awards

The Foundation awarded 161 Community Grants in 2024 (totaling approximately $3.8 million across both halves of the year) and 74 Community Grants in the first half of 2025 (totaling $2,105,480).

Reapplication Policy

Due to limited funding and the intention to support a diverse range of program areas and organizations, the Foundation may not be able to support the same programs or organizations year after year. However, organizations are not prohibited from reapplying. The Foundation evaluates each application on its merits within the context of current funding priorities and available resources.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Explicit Guidance

Engagement with Directly Impacted Communities: The Foundation has clearly stated that a strong application "demonstrates characteristics where individuals who are directly impacted by the project are valued for their strengths and included in the organization's planning, development, and implementation processes." Organizations should engage those with lived experience in meaningful and effective ways.

Alignment with Focus Areas: Since 2017, the Foundation has devoted significant resources to its two critical focus areas—Building an Inclusive Economy and Advancing Equity in Education. Applications demonstrating how they advance these priorities, particularly racial equity, are strongly positioned. As President LaTida Smith noted, the Foundation "has a very pronounced commitment to racial equity."

Geographic Service: Applications must clearly demonstrate service to Forsyth County. For organizations based outside the county, grants will only be considered for the portion of the project that impacts Forsyth County residents.

Pre-Application Engagement: The Foundation explicitly states that "many groups find it helpful to discuss their idea with the Foundation's team before applying." Scheduling a conversation at least one week before the application deadline is encouraged and demonstrates thoughtful preparation.

Recent Funding Patterns

Examining 2024-2025 grants reveals the Foundation's priorities in action:

Economic Empowerment:

Carter G. Woodson School received $15,000 for the NextGen Family Entrepreneurship Program
Castle Heights Neighborhood Association received $15,000 for trade skills training including home repair programs

Youth Development and Education:

Youth-led initiatives (YGA grants) for athletics, community service, and cultural programs
Teacher grants supporting professional development
Focus on student support systems and culturally responsive education

Community Infrastructure:

Capital improvements for facilities serving people with disabilities
Beautification initiatives
Athletic facilities for underserved youth (e.g., Troop 916's $1,950 grant for tennis court shade and seating)

Equity-Centered Approach: The Foundation's commitment to racial equity, articulated through its six specific priorities (wealth building, career advancement, transportation, school discipline reform, culturally responsive education, and student support systems), should be reflected in application language and program design.

Values Alignment

The Foundation's core values guide funding decisions:

Generosity: Demonstrated through community engagement and resource sharing
Integrity: Transparent operations and authentic community partnerships
Inclusion: Meaningful engagement with diverse communities, particularly those directly impacted
Excellence: High-quality programs with measurable community impact

Strategic Considerations

Size and Capacity Matching: The Foundation offers different grant programs for organizations at different stages—Small Grants (up to $2,000) for organizations with annual incomes under $150,000 provide an accessible entry point, while larger organizations can pursue Community Grants and Capital Improvement Grants.

Multi-Year Perspective: While the Foundation may not fund the same programs year after year, demonstrating how initial funding leads to sustainable impact or new phases of work can position organizations for future support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Engage before applying: Contact Foundation staff at least one week before deadlines to discuss your proposal and ensure alignment with current priorities
Center lived experience: Applications must demonstrate that individuals directly impacted by the project are valued and included in planning, development, and implementation
Align with racial equity focus: The Foundation's pronounced commitment to racial equity, particularly through Building an Inclusive Economy and Advancing Equity in Education, should be evident in your proposal
Be geographically specific: Clearly articulate how your work serves Forsyth County residents; if you're based outside the county, specify the Forsyth County portion of your project
Match your ask to your capacity: Organizations with annual incomes under $150,000 should start with Small Grants; larger organizations can pursue Community Grants and specialized programs
Demonstrate community engagement: Show how your organization builds social capital and engages diverse community members in meaningful ways
Allow adequate time: For Community Grants, the two-stage process takes approximately three months from preliminary application to decision; plan accordingly
Consider multiple pathways: Beyond general Community Grants, explore Strategic Initiatives (BPI, Women's Fund, YGA) that may align with your mission and beneficiary population

References

The Winston-Salem Foundation Official Website - https://www.wsfoundation.org/ (Accessed December 2025)
"Our Story - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/our-story (Accessed December 2025)
"Nonprofits & Community Groups - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/nonprofits-community-groups (Accessed December 2025)
"Small Grants - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/grant-seekers/small-grants (Accessed December 2025)
"Capital Improvement Grants - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/grant-seekers/capital-grants (Accessed December 2025)
"Focus Areas - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/focus-areas (Accessed December 2025)
"Focus Area Priorities - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/focus-areas/focus-area-priorities (Accessed December 2025)
"Board - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/board (Accessed December 2025)
"Staff - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/staff (Accessed December 2025)
"A Message from our New President - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/our-new-president (Accessed December 2025)
"Foundation Gains New Leadership for its Second Century of Service to Forsyth County" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/latida-smith (Accessed December 2025)
"LaTida Smith speaks on being first woman, African American to serve as Winston-Salem Foundation president" - FOX8 WGHP - https://myfox8.com/spotlight/in-black-and-white/latida-smith-speaks-on-being-first-woman-african-american-to-serve-as-winston-salem-foundation-president/ (Accessed December 2025)
"Philanthropy Means We Take Care of Each Other" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/blog/philanthropy-means-we-take-care-of-each-other (Accessed December 2025)
"Announcing More than $1.9 Million in Community Grants in the Second Half of 2023" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/community-grants-second-half-of-2023 (Accessed December 2025)
"Announcing more than $1.8 Million in Community Grants" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/community-grants-first-half-of-2024 (Accessed December 2025)
"Announcing More than $1.75 Million in Community Grants in the Second Half of 2024" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/announcing-more-than-1-75-million-in-community-grants-in-the-second-half-of-2024 (Accessed December 2025)
"BPI Announces $105,000 in Building an Inclusive Economy Grants" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/bpi-announces-105-000-in-building-an-inclusive-economy-grants (Accessed December 2025)
"BPI Announces $105,000 in Equity in Education Grants" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/bpi-announces-equity-in-education-grants-2025 (Accessed December 2025)
"Youth Grantmakers in Action Award Seven Grants to Youth-Led Projects in Forsyth County" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/yga-2024-grants (Accessed December 2025)
The Winston-Salem Foundation - GuideStar Profile - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/56-6037615 (Accessed December 2025)
Winston Salem Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/566037615 (Accessed December 2025)
Charity Navigator - Rating for The Winston-Salem Foundation - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/566037615 (Accessed December 2025)
The Winston-Salem Foundation - Inside Philanthropy - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/north-carolina-grants/the-winston-salem-foundation (Accessed December 2025)
"Announcing Three New Board Members and New Board Leadership" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/latest-news/announcing-three-new-board-members-and-new-board-leadership (Accessed December 2025)
"Financials - The Winston-Salem Foundation" - https://www.wsfoundation.org/financials (Accessed December 2025)