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Dowd Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$4.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $1.0M
00

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,000,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $1,000,000+
  • Geographic Focus: National (with emphasis on Charlotte, NC region and areas with Charlotte Pipe operations)

Contact Details

The Dowd Foundation does not maintain a public website or published contact information. The foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company.

Address: Charlotte, NC 28235

Note: This is a private family foundation with no public application process.

Overview

The Dowd Foundation Inc was established in 1951 as the philanthropic arm of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, a family-owned business founded in 1901. Currently managing assets of approximately $79.6 million, the foundation distributed $4 million in grants in 2024 across 154 awards. Led by W. Frank Dowd IV (President) and E. Hooper Hardison Jr. (Vice President), the foundation operates as a private foundation making grants primarily at the discretion of its board of directors. The foundation gives away approximately 3% of Charlotte Pipe & Foundry's pre-tax income annually to charitable causes. All directors serve without compensation, and the foundation maintains an exceptionally high charitable disbursement rate of 85.9% of expenses. The Dowd family has maintained five generations of leadership in both the company and foundation, demonstrating long-term commitment to philanthropy in Charlotte and beyond.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Dowd Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on organizational priorities and community needs.

Recent major grants include:

  • Pfeiffer University: $1,000,000 endowed scholarship fund for dependents of Charlotte Pipe employees and students from Stanly and Union counties (annual awards: $1,000-$5,000)
  • Central Piedmont Community College: $1,000,000 split between scholarship fund ($500,000) and instructional support ($500,000) for plumbing and pipefitting programs
  • UNC Charlotte: Professorship in capitalism studies within the History Department (amount not disclosed)

The foundation made 154 grants in 2023, 190 in 2022, 193 in 2021, and 148 in 2020, demonstrating consistent grantmaking activity.

Priority Areas

Based on publicly documented grants, the foundation supports:

  • Education: Higher education institutions, vocational training, scholarships for students connected to Charlotte Pipe employees or communities where the company operates
  • Workforce Development: Trade education, particularly in plumbing and pipefitting
  • Cultural Organizations: Support for arts and cultural institutions
  • Human Services: Organizations serving community needs
  • Affordable Housing: Housing initiatives
  • Community Development: Broad community betterment projects

Geographic Focus

The foundation supports organizations across the United States, including major urban centers like Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as smaller communities. There is particular emphasis on:

  • Charlotte, NC and surrounding Mecklenburg County
  • Communities with Charlotte Pipe operations or employee populations
  • North Carolina institutions (UNC system, private colleges)

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation operating through trustee discretion, funding decisions are made internally.

Governance and Leadership

W. Frank Dowd IV - President and Director
Chairman of the Board of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company. Active board member of UNC Chapel Hill, Charlotte Country Day School, Atrium Health, YMCA of Greater Charlotte, North Carolina Outward Bound, and Good Fellows Club. Received UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award in 2023.

E. Hooper Hardison Jr. - Vice President and Director
President of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company. Serves on boards of Queens University, Central Piedmont Community College Foundation, UNC Health Foundation, and John R. Crosland Control Trust.

Regarding the importance of skilled trades education, Hardison stated: "We know how essential these career paths can be for young people, as well as for our nation's infrastructure."

Roddey Dowd Jr. - Director
Vice Chairman of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company. Active with Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, Woodberry Forest School, and Council for a Secure America. Previously served on UNC Charlotte Foundation Board. Received UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award in 2023.

Lois Warren - Treasurer/Secretary

UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber noted: "The Dowd family has helped transform Charlotte into the vibrant place it is today."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through board discretion, with no published guidelines, application forms, or deadlines. The foundation appears to identify grant recipients through:

  • Pre-existing relationships with the Dowd family and Charlotte Pipe leadership
  • Board members' direct knowledge of organizations and community needs
  • Organizations serving Charlotte Pipe employees or communities where the company operates
  • Invitations from the foundation to specific organizations

The foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation where grantmaking decisions are made internally by trustees.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

While there is no public application process, analysis of recent grants reveals the foundation's preferences:

Strong Connections to Charlotte Pipe Operations
The foundation prioritizes organizations that serve Charlotte Pipe employees and their families. Both the Pfeiffer University scholarship and Central Piedmont grant specifically benefit dependents of Charlotte Pipe employees or students in communities where the company operates.

Workforce Development Alignment
Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer of Central Piedmont noted: "The Charlotte region needs many more skilled tradespersons, such as plumbers and pipefitters. These are stable, sustainable, and well-paying careers." The foundation's support for trade education aligns with Charlotte Pipe's business interests while serving broader community workforce needs.

Long-Term Relationship Building
The Dowd family demonstrates multi-generational commitment to specific institutions. Their support for UNC Charlotte includes board service, athletics support, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, William States Lee College of Engineering, and the recent professorship in capitalism studies - reflecting decades of engagement.

Community Impact in Charlotte Region
Organizations with demonstrated impact in Charlotte and surrounding counties appear to receive priority consideration, particularly those addressing education, housing, and human services needs.

Institutional Credibility
Recipients tend to be established educational institutions and recognized nonprofits with strong governance and track records.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - this is a private family foundation operating through trustee discretion
  • Connection to Charlotte Pipe is advantageous - grants favor organizations serving company employees, their families, or communities where the company operates
  • Education and workforce development are clear priorities - particularly vocational training and higher education
  • Geographic focus on Charlotte region - though the foundation supports organizations nationwide, Charlotte-area nonprofits receive significant attention
  • Long-term relationships matter - the foundation demonstrates sustained commitment to organizations over many years
  • Board connections are key pathways - foundation directors serve on numerous nonprofit boards, creating natural relationship channels
  • No published contact information - the foundation maintains a low public profile and does not invite unsolicited contact

References

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