Cumberland Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $9.5 million (FY2024-25)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by grant cycle
• Grant Range: $1,380 - $1,020,000
• Geographic Focus: Cumberland County, NC only

Contact Details

• Website: www.cumberlandcf.org
• Phone: (910) 483-4449
• Email: info@cumberlandcf.org
• Community Grants Manager: Kendra Murray - kendra@cumberlandcf.org
• President/CEO: Mary M. Holmes - mary@cumberlandcf.org
• Physical Address: 308 Green Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Overview

Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) was founded in 1980 and serves as the primary community foundation for Cumberland County, North Carolina. With total assets exceeding $152 million across 673+ donor funds, CCF distributes over $9.5 million annually through community grants, scholarships, and special initiatives. The foundation holds a 4-star Charity Navigator rating (97% score) and is accredited under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. CCF's mission is to "facilitate, encourage, and grow philanthropy for diverse causes to improve the quality of life for all in Cumberland County, NC." Their 2023-2028 Strategic Plan signals a shift toward fewer, larger, trust-based, multi-year grants to maximize community impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Grants Program: Primary competitive grant program ranging from a few thousand to $26,000+ for standard awards; transformational grants can reach $500,000-$1,020,000
• Women's Giving Circle Grants: Collective-giving grants focused on women and families, distributing $821,000-$904,000 annually
• Summertime Kids Program: Provides summer camp grants for children and youth (supported 1,351-1,480 children in 2024)
• GivingTuesday Matching Campaign: Annual campaign that distributed $2.88 million to 81 nonprofits in the most recent cycle
• Scholarships: Over $1.1 million awarded annually through the Robert H. Short Scholars and Community Scholarship Programs

Priority Areas

Six strategic impact areas guide all grantmaking:

1. Increasing College Access and Affordability
2. Improving Education Outcomes
3. Improving Quality of Life for All
4. Growing Sustainable Support for Local Nonprofits
5. Strengthening Local Nonprofits
6. Growing Philanthropy and Local Giving

Five focus areas through 2030:

• Arts and educational enrichment for children
• Nutritious food for children
• Supporting nonprofit organizations
• Services for vulnerable populations
• Investing in local quality of life

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations that re-grant funds
• Event sponsorships
• Grants to individuals
• Deficit budgets
• Political or partisan activities
• Individual faith organizations (for community grants)
• Organizations outside Cumberland County
• Organizations without Cumberland County-based boards
• Organizations that discriminate

Governance and Leadership

Board Chair: Frank R. Lopes, Jr., CPA President/CEO: Mary M. Holmes (since 1997)

The foundation has a 21-member independent board with robust governance policies.

Leadership Quote: "I am convinced that this is the most generous community in North Carolina. The 5,838 individual gifts received last year ranged from $10.00 to $1,000,000.00." - Mary M. Holmes, President/CEO

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Attend a Grantseeker Information Meeting (strongly recommended)
2. Review sample application on website
3. Create account on Foundant grant portal
4. Confirm eligibility requirements
5. Submit online application

Application portal: www.cumberlandcf.org/for-nonprofits/guidelines-and-applications.html

Decision Timeline

Specific deadlines vary by grant cycle. Contact CCF at (910) 483-4449 for current cycle dates.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations must have met all reporting requirements on previous grants to remain eligible.

Application Success Factors

• Align with trust-based philanthropy shift: CCF's strategic plan calls for "fewer, larger grants using the trust-based philanthropy approach." Demonstrate readiness for multi-year commitments with measurable outcomes.
• Show clear Cumberland County impact: Articulate specific, measurable outcomes for county residents rather than broader regional impact.
• Avoid service duplication: Start-ups that don't duplicate local services are viewed more favorably.
• Strong local governance: Priority given to organizations with Cumberland County-based boards following nonprofit best practices.
• Sustainable funding model: Show detailed funding plan and strong case statement; no deficit budgets.
• Current with reporting: Compliance with previous grant reporting is mandatory for eligibility.
• Attend information meetings: While not required, attendance signals commitment and provides direct staff access.
• Use CCF's language: Emphasize "high-impact," "measurable results," "quality of life," and reference the six strategic impact areas.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Strict geographic limitation to Cumberland County only - no exceptions for regional organizations
• Strategic pivot toward larger, fewer, multi-year grants favors organizations ready for substantial commitments
• The Grantseeker Information Meeting provides crucial insights and staff access
• Compliance with previous grant reporting is non-negotiable
• Multiple entry points exist beyond competitive grants (GivingTuesday, Women's Giving Circle, Summertime Kids)
• Faith organizations ineligible for community grants but can receive donor-advised fund support
• Applications should explicitly reference CCF's strategic impact areas and use their terminology

References

1. Cumberland Community Foundation Official Website: https://www.cumberlandcf.org (accessed February 2026)
2. CCF For Nonprofits Section: https://www.cumberlandcf.org/for-nonprofits/ (accessed February 2026)
3. CCF Guidelines and Applications: https://www.cumberlandcf.org/for-nonprofits/guidelines-and-applications.html (accessed February 2026)
4. CCF Grant Impact Areas: https://www.cumberlandcf.org/for-nonprofits/community-grants-information/grant-impact-areas.html (accessed February 2026)
5. CCF Board and Staff: https://www.cumberlandcf.org/about-us/board-and-staff/ (accessed February 2026)
6. BizFayetteville - "Cumberland Community Foundation presents annual report" (September 25, 2025)
7. Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/581406831 (accessed February 2026)