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The Bolick Foundation

Annual Giving
$18.2M
Grant Range
$0K - $4.0M
Decision Time
2mo

The Bolick Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $18,151,369 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Approximately 1-2 months per cycle
  • Grant Range: $250 - $4,028,211
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily North Carolina, Illinois, and Texas; also supports international programs through U.S.-based organizations
  • Number of Grants: 272 awards (2024); 239 awards (2023)
  • Total Assets: $51,896,881

Contact Details

Website: https://bolickfoundation.org

Email: info@bolickfoundation.org | jcline@bolickfoundation.org (for application assistance)

Phone: (828) 464-0311, ext. 276

Mailing Address: PO Box 307, Conover, NC 28613-0307

Application Portal: Temelio grantmaking software (accessed through foundation website)

Overview

Founded in 1967 by Oscar W. Bolick, Sr., The Bolick Foundation is a private non-operating family foundation based in Conover, North Carolina. The foundation was established to embrace and advance the philanthropic vision of the Jerome W. Bolick family, whose roots trace back to the Southern Furniture Company founded in 1927. With assets exceeding $51 million and annual giving of over $18 million, the foundation has grown significantly from its origins supporting local community needs to a broader philanthropic mission spanning over 100 countries through 355+ supported programs. The foundation's mission is "to advocate for many causes but concentrating on spreading the Christian gospel and aiding those in need." In 2023, the foundation invested in over 200 partners with total investments exceeding $11 million, demonstrating sustained commitment to its mission of promoting Christian faith and humanitarian efforts.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Bolick Foundation operates two annual funding cycles:

  • December Funding Cycle: Applications accepted through October 31 for December disbursements
  • June Funding Cycle: Applications accepted through April 30 for June disbursements

Organizations may apply only once per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).

Priority Areas

The foundation provides broad support across several categories with a primary emphasis on promoting the Christian faith:

Religious Programs: The foundation's primary focus, with 73% of giving directed to religion. Recent grants include:

  • $275,898 to Elam Ministries
  • $251,267 to Launch Global
  • $202,097 to Operation Mobilization
  • $140,000 to Africa Inland Mission International
  • $65,000 to Catholic World Missions

Education: Supports Christian educational institutions and programs

Human Services: Approximately 10% of giving, including humanitarian aid programs

International Programs: Nearly 5% of giving supports international missions through U.S.-based organizations across 100+ countries

Key Partnerships: The foundation maintains strong relationships with organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes (which awarded the foundation the Tom Landry Teammate Award) and Hearth to Hearth Ministries (partnership since October 2020, supporting endangered orphans in Kenya and Uganda)

What They Don't Fund

  • Endowment programs
  • Capital projects

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Founding Directors:

  • Jerome W. Bolick (President/Treasurer)
  • Judith Bolick Munday (Secretary)

Non-Founding Directors:

  • Stephen G. Dobbins
  • David W. Hood
  • Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)

Staff Team

  • Joy B. Cline, Executive Director - Brings over 20 years of experience from the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and a 14-year career with United Church Homes and Services
  • Blair White, Associate Executive Director
  • Joye Lane, Executive Assistant
  • Tim McGhee, Chief Financial Officer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Bolick Foundation uses Temelio grantmaking software for a fully automated online application process.

For New Applicants:

  1. Log into the Temelio portal through the foundation's website
  2. Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) with most recent financial statement
  3. Wait for response - either invitation to submit full application or denial notice
  4. If invited, complete formal application through link provided in email

For Returning Applicants:

  1. Complete an Impact Report before applying
  2. Verify organization information in Temelio system (do not create new organization profile)
  3. Submit application directly through grantee portal - no LOI required

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be registered in the USA as a 501(c)(3) organization
  • Must hold a tax identification number (EIN)
  • Organization's mission must align with foundation's focus on Christian faith and humanitarian aid

Application Resources:

  • Grant Guidelines and FAQ available for download on foundation website
  • Applicants encouraged to review FAQ before submitting (updated periodically)
  • Multiple team members can be added to Temelio system

Decision Timeline

October 31 Deadline → Review Period → December Disbursements (approximately 1-2 months)

April 30 Deadline → Review Period → June Disbursements (approximately 1-2 months)

Applicants receive notification via email regarding invitation to submit full proposal or denial after LOI review. Decision notifications sent after board review of full applications.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation made 272 grants in 2024 and 239 grants in 2023, demonstrating substantial grant activity across hundreds of organizations annually.

Reapplication Policy

  • Funded partners may only apply once during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
  • No specific waiting period for unsuccessful applicants is publicly stated
  • Organizations are encouraged to contact jcline@bolickfoundation.org for guidance on reapplication

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Mission

The foundation's primary emphasis is on "promoting the Christian faith" - organizations must demonstrate clear connection to Christian gospel and/or humanitarian aid. With 73% of giving directed to religious programs, Christian mission alignment is critical.

Financial Documentation

Applications must include recent financial statements. The foundation reviews organizational capacity and fiscal responsibility as part of their evaluation process.

Geographic and Program Fit

While the foundation primarily focuses on North Carolina, Illinois, and Texas, they also support international programs through U.S.-based organizations. Applicants should clearly articulate how their work fits within these geographic parameters or explain international scope.

Clear Impact Reporting

Returning applicants must complete Impact Reports, indicating the foundation values measurable outcomes and accountability. Organizations should be prepared to demonstrate results from previous funding.

Types of Programs Funded

Based on recent grants, the foundation supports:

  • International mission organizations spreading the Christian gospel
  • Faith-based humanitarian aid programs
  • Christian educational initiatives
  • Youth-focused Christian programs (e.g., Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
  • Relief efforts for vulnerable populations through Christian ministries

Avoid Common Pitfalls

  • Do not apply for endowment or capital projects - these are explicitly excluded
  • Do not submit multiple applications in one fiscal year
  • Returning grantees should not create new organization profiles in Temelio
  • Ensure alignment with Christian mission - this is non-negotiable for the foundation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Christian Mission is Central: With 73% of funding going to religious programs, explicit connection to spreading the Christian gospel is essential for success
  • Strong Track Record Valued: The foundation maintains multi-year partnerships (e.g., Hearth to Hearth since 2020, Fellowship of Christian Athletes) - building relationships matters
  • Two Clear Cycles: Plan submissions around October 31 or April 30 deadlines to align with December or June funding disbursements
  • LOI Gateway for New Applicants: First-time applicants must pass LOI screening before receiving invitation to submit full application
  • One Shot Per Year: Strategic timing is critical since organizations can only apply once per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
  • Wide Grant Range: Awards span from $250 to over $4 million, suggesting the foundation funds both small local initiatives and major international programs
  • International Reach Through U.S. Partners: If working internationally, structure must be through U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization

References

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