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Giving With Grace Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.3M
Grant Range
$25K - $0.3M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $250,000 (through annual grant program) + additional major gifts
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Announced in January (approximately 2-3 months after deadline)
  • Grant Range: $25,000 (standard grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Lake Norman area, North Carolina (Iredell and Mecklenburg counties)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.givingwithgrace.org/
Phone: (704) 506-0147
Location: 20917 Bethelwood Lane, Cornelius, NC 28031

Overview

The Giving With Grace Foundation was established in 2022 by Robin and Jack Salzman, former owners of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, as a natural extension of their philanthropic work after selling their dealerships. The foundation received its 501(c)(3) status in March 2022 and has since become a significant presence in Lake Norman area philanthropy. With total assets of approximately $19.7 million (as of 2024), the foundation distributes $250,000 annually through ten $25,000 grants, plus substantial additional funding for major capital projects. The foundation's mission is to reflect, repay, and reinforce kindness and compassion in the community by supporting local nonprofit organizations, with a primary focus on animals in need and women and children in crisis.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Grant Program: $25,000 grants (10 awarded annually)

  • Total annual distribution: $250,000
  • Application method: Online portal with fixed annual deadline
  • Application deadline: October 31 (annually)
  • Recipients announced: January at Annual Gifting Luncheon

Major Capital Grants: Available for transformative projects

  • Example: $250,000 lead gift to Lake Norman Humane for spay/neuter clinic
  • Additional vehicle donations to animal welfare organizations

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes:

  • Animal welfare: Shelters, rescues, spay/neuter programs, animal transport
  • Women and children in crisis: Emergency support, housing, family services
  • Local community nonprofits: Organizations serving the Lake Norman area

Each grant request is evaluated on its individual merits, showing flexibility beyond stated priorities.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears focused on:

  • Local organizations serving the Lake Norman/Greater Charlotte area
  • Established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Direct service providers rather than research or advocacy

Governance and Leadership

Robin Smith Salzman (President/Founder)
Robin is the driving force behind the foundation and a well-recognized philanthropist in the Lake Norman community. She previously served as Marketing Director of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and served as event chair for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Wish Ball for two years, raising over $3.6 million cumulatively. In 2024, she received the prestigious Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award from the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. Scott T. Fletcher of Duke Energy described her as "the absolute standard" for philanthropy and community service, noting that "Robin Salzman exemplifies the values of citizenship and generational service."

Robin's philosophy: "The foundation was the natural next step to continue making a difference after selling the dealerships and continue giving as a family."

Jack Salzman (Vice President)
Co-founder and Robin's husband, instrumental in establishing the foundation.

Lawrence Shaheen Jr. (Secretary)

James Godfrey (Treasurer)

All officers serve without compensation. Robin actively involves her children and grandchildren in foundation decisions, emphasizing multi-generational philanthropy and encouraging "future generations who care about their neighbors."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online through the foundation's website at givingwithgrace.org. The foundation runs an annual grant cycle with a fixed deadline.

Application deadline: October 31 (annually)

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the local community, with preference for those focused on animals in need or women and children in crisis.

Decision Timeline

  • Application deadline: October 31
  • Announcement: Late January (at Annual Gifting Luncheon)
  • Total timeline: Approximately 2-3 months from deadline to announcement

Recipients are celebrated at the foundation's Annual Gifting Luncheon, typically held at The Peninsula Yacht Club.

Success Rates

The foundation receives applications from nonprofit organizations across the Lake Norman area. Specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed. With 10 grants awarded annually from what appears to be a competitive pool, applicants should ensure strong alignment with funding priorities.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation's relatively recent establishment (2022) and annual cycle, organizations are likely welcome to reapply in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funded projects and stated priorities, successful applications likely demonstrate:

  1. Clear alignment with mission: Organizations working with animals in need or supporting women and children in crisis have strongest alignment. The foundation evaluates "each request on its own merits," suggesting flexibility for compelling cases.

  2. Local impact: All identified grant recipients serve the Lake Norman area (Cornelius, Mooresville, Iredell, and Mecklenburg counties). Strong local presence and community connection are essential.

  3. Direct service delivery: Recent grantees provide hands-on services (animal rescue/shelter, educational programs, family support) rather than research or advocacy.

  4. Diverse causes within priorities: Recent recipients include:

    • Animal welfare: Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center, Clifford's Army Rescue, Spay Neuter NC, Kora's Rescue Ranch
    • Children and families: Exceptional Children's Assistance Center, Cornelius Early Scholars, Cool Kids Clubhouse, Carlee Cause Foundation
    • Women and families in crisis: Hope House Foundation, Hope of Mooresville

  5. Sustainability and growth potential: The foundation's major gift to Lake Norman Humane ($250,000 for a spay/neuter clinic) demonstrates interest in capital projects that create lasting infrastructure.

  6. Family values and multi-generational impact: Robin involves her children and grandchildren in charitable decisions. Organizations that can demonstrate long-term community benefit or appeal to multiple generations may resonate.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • October 31 deadline is firm – Plan well in advance for the annual grant cycle
  • Focus on local impact – Demonstrate strong presence and service delivery in Lake Norman/Greater Charlotte area
  • Alignment is critical – Organizations serving animals or women/children in crisis have strongest positioning
  • Think beyond the standard grant – The foundation makes substantial capital gifts ($250,000+) for transformative projects; don't limit proposals to the $25,000 grants
  • Emphasize direct service – Show how funding will directly benefit beneficiaries in the community
  • Build relationships – The Salzmans are active in the Lake Norman community; authentic engagement at local events may increase visibility
  • Multi-year perspective – While each grant is $25,000, consistent excellence may lead to continued support or major gift opportunities

References

  • Giving With Grace Foundation official website: https://www.givingwithgrace.org/ (accessed January 12, 2026)
  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 filings for EIN 87-4095785: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/874095785 (accessed January 12, 2026)
  • Cause IQ profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/giving-with-grace-foundation,874095785/ (accessed January 12, 2026)
  • "Robin Smith-Salzman's New NonProfit: Giving With Grace - To The Lake Norman Area!" LKNConnect Community (accessed January 12, 2026)
  • "Cornelius foundation announces $250,000 in grants," Cornelius Today, January 21, 2025 (accessed January 12, 2026)
  • "Robin Smith Salzman, Lisa Mayhew Jones honored by the Lake Norman Chamber," Mooresville Tribune, April 2024 (accessed January 12, 2026)
  • "Lake Norman Humane Announces The Giving with Grace Spay and Neuter Clinic," Giving With Grace Foundation blog (accessed January 12, 2026)
  • "Giving with Grace Foundation presents 10 $25K grants to local groups," Statesville Record & Landmark (accessed January 12, 2026)
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