← Back to US Funders Directory

The Cannon Foundation, Inc.

Annual Giving
$12.7M
Grant Range
$15K - $0.2M
Decision Time
4mo

The Cannon Foundation, Inc.

Quick Stats

  • Total Assets: $329,446,542
  • Annual Giving: $12,718,633 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 3-6 months from application deadline
  • Grant Range: $15,000 - $150,000 (typical); grants up to $200,000+ awarded
  • Average Grant: $60,753 (median: $50,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Statewide across all 100 North Carolina counties, with emphasis on underserved areas

Contact Details

Address: 52 Spring Street NW, Post Office Box 548, Concord, NC 28026

Phone: 704.786.8216

Email: info@cannonfoundation.org

Website: https://cannonfoundation.org/

Program Officer: Sarah Walsh, [email protected], 704-960-4846

Pre-Application Support: Foundation staff are described as "friendly" and "responsive" - applicants are encouraged to discuss project ideas before submission

Overview

The Cannon Foundation was established in 1943 by Charles A. Cannon, President and CEO of Cannon Mills Company, continuing his philanthropic legacy across North Carolina. With total assets of over $329 million, the Foundation distributes approximately $12.7 million annually through 180+ grants. The Foundation focuses exclusively on capital and equipment projects for organizations across all 100 North Carolina counties. Primary focus areas—healthcare, higher education, and human services—receive about 90% of funding, with additional support for arts, historic preservation, religion, and environmental projects. The Foundation operates a quarterly application cycle with a two-stage process beginning with an inquiry form, followed by program officer consultation before full application submission. The Foundation emphasizes serving underserved and rural parts of North Carolina, particularly organizations working in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Capital and Equipment Grants: $15,000 - $200,000+ (rolling quarterly deadlines)

  • Four grant cycles annually with deadlines in March, June, September, and December
  • Applications accepted through online portal after inquiry form approval
  • Typical range: $15,000-$150,000; average grant: $60,753; median: $50,000

Priority Areas

Primary Focus Areas (90% of funding):

Healthcare

  • Non-profit hospitals serving rural areas
  • Hospices
  • Federally qualified health centers
  • Free clinics
  • Organizations serving special needs populations
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services

Higher Education

  • Private colleges across North Carolina
  • Community colleges serving Tier 1 or 2 counties (most economically distressed)
  • Small public colleges
  • Building construction or renovation projects
  • Training equipment purchases

Human Services

  • Organizations meeting basic needs
  • Programs helping individuals escape cycles of violence or poverty
  • Services in underserved parts of North Carolina
  • Capital needs including new roofs, HVAC systems, building construction or renovation

Secondary Focus Areas (limited funding):

  • Arts and culture
  • Historic preservation
  • Religious organizations
  • Environmental preservation
  • Veterans services
  • Rural public libraries

What They Don't Fund

  • Start-up funding for new organizations
  • Scholarships or grants to individuals
  • Operating funds, salaries, or overhead costs
  • Naming opportunities
  • Initiatives that create dependency

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • William C. Cannon, Jr. - President
  • Edward K. Prewitt, Jr. - Vice President
  • George W. Liles, Jr. - Secretary
  • William M. Connolly - Treasurer
  • Eugene W. Cochrane, Jr. - Trustee
  • Winslow H. Galloway - Trustee
  • Brittian L. Leatherman - Trustee
  • Elizabeth L. Quick - Trustee
  • Matt Fallaw - Corporate Trustee (Pinnacle Financial Partners)

Directors Emeritus

  • Janet Ward Black
  • William S. Fisher
  • Thomas M. Grady
  • Dan L. Gray

Advisory Members

  • Kristin Baker
  • Joseph Budd
  • Mike Downs

Staff

  • Sarah Walsh - Program Officer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Inquiry Form (90+ days before deadline)

  • Login to online system at https://cannonfoundation.org/apply/
  • Update or add organization background information
  • Complete brief Inquiry Form
  • Gather three project quotes, budget, and timeline before starting

Step 2: Program Officer Review (30 days)

  • Receive email notification within 30 days of inquiry submission
  • Program officer schedules call to discuss project
  • Foundation staff described as willing to "talk out project ideas" with applicants

Step 3: Full Application (if approved)

  • Application link becomes available after program officer discussion
  • Submit by quarterly deadline (March, June, September, or December - specific dates vary annually)

Required Application Materials:

  • Complete online application form
  • Project budget with three quotes or estimates
  • Current annual organizational operating budget (income and expenses)
  • IRS tax-exempt status certification letter (or denomination letter for churches applying to Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust)
  • List of governing board members with relevant experience
  • Three most recent audit reports or financial statements
  • Most recent IRS Form 990
  • Supporting materials (optional but helpful)

Decision Timeline

  • Application to Decision: 3-6 months from application deadline
  • Notification: Sent to applicant and Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director/President
  • Funding Release: Upon grant contract signing
  • Project Completion: Must be completed within 12-18 months of funding for projects over $100,000
  • Final Report: Required upon project completion

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose acceptance rates or success statistics. However, consistent annual giving patterns show:

  • 182 awards in 2024
  • 189 awards in 2023
  • 186 awards in 2022

Reapplication Policy

Organizations should wait at least two years between grant requests. The Foundation does not explicitly state whether this applies to unsuccessful applicants or only to previously funded organizations. For clarification on reapplication after denial, contact Program Officer Sarah Walsh directly.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Priorities

Demonstrable Operating Track Record: Organizations must have at least five years of established operations before applying - no exceptions.

Significant Funding Secured: For projects exceeding $100,000, organizations must identify at least 60% of total funding needed before applying. The Foundation states: "Projects with a request greater than $100,000 should wait to apply until your organization has identified at least 60% of the total funding needed."

Collaborative Funding Approach: The Foundation prefers "projects with other funding sources or community collaboration."

Sustainability Planning: If a project will expand service capacity, organizations must have "a clear business plan for funding ongoing operations" - the Foundation does not fund operational costs.

Geographic Emphasis: Priority given to projects serving underserved and rural parts of North Carolina, particularly in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties (the 80 most economically distressed counties).

Vehicle Grants Have Special Requirements: Limited vehicle grants cover up to 75% of costs if applicants demonstrate critical service necessity, operational capacity for insurance/fuel/maintenance, properly licensed drivers, and documented replacement funding plans. Two competitive quotes required.

Advice from Grant Recipients

According to feedback from nonprofit grant recipients:

  • "Go in with a clear plan for your capital or technology project including need and costs"
  • "Talking through projects and confirming they are a fit before submission" is recommended
  • Foundation staff described as "friendly" and "responsive" with "great staff willing to talk out project ideas with you"

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

  • Aces For Autism: $200,000 for capital initiatives
  • Monarch (serving people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance abuse disorders): $150,000
  • Carolina Caring Foundation: $50,000 for capital initiatives
  • The Arts Center: $50,000 for capital initiatives
  • Adult Life Programs (ALP): $50,000 to replace aging transport van
  • Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project: $26,250 for infrastructure improvements

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Start early: Begin inquiry process at least 90 days before quarterly deadline; speak with program officer Sarah Walsh to discuss project fit before investing time in full application
  • Five-year minimum: Do not apply if your organization has less than five years of established operations - this is a firm requirement
  • Capital only: Applications for operating costs, salaries, overhead, or general support will be rejected - focus exclusively on buildings, equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure
  • Demonstrate leverage: For requests over $100,000, secure 60% of project funding before applying; all applications strengthened by showing other funding sources and community partnerships
  • Geographic advantage: Projects serving rural areas, Tier 1/Tier 2 counties, or underserved populations receive priority consideration
  • Sustainability required: If project expands services, include detailed business plan showing how ongoing operations will be funded without Foundation support
  • Two-year cycle: Plan grant requests strategically - you can only apply once every two years minimum

References

← Back to US Funders Directory