Continuing a legacy
of giving


The Cannon Foundation was established in 1943 by Charles A. Cannon, President and CEO of Cannon Mills Company.  The Foundation continues his philanthropic legacy by funding capital and equipment projects for organizations across Mr. Cannon’s home state of North Carolina.

Watch our video to learn more about what kind of projects The Cannon Foundation supports.

Areas of Focus

Human Services

Organizations that meet basic needs or help individuals escape the cycle of violence or poverty may apply for their capital or equipment needs, especially if they help in underserved parts of North Carolina.  Projects can range from new roofs or HVAC systems to construction or renovation of buildings. 

Higher Education

The Foundation supports private colleges, community colleges serving Tier 1 or 2 counties and small public colleges across North Carolina. Projects that construct or renovate buildings or building infrastructure are considered as well as training equipment.  Rural public libraries with capital needs may also apply.

Healthcare

Non-profit hospitals serving rural areas, hospices, federally qualified health centers and free clinics can be considered. Organizations serving special needs populations as well as mental health and substance use disorders in North Carolina can also be considered.  Projects can range from medical equipment to construction or renovation of buildings or building infrastructure.

Community

A smaller number of grants are made for capital or equipment projects for organizations serving veterans, promoting the arts and providing historic or environmental preservation services in North Carolina. 

Grants Made in the Last Fiscal Year

Total Number of Grants: 193
Total Amount: $11,695,100

Rollover the map below in order to view grant data for each region.

Western NC

Mountains

Total Number of Grants:
36

Grants Total ($):
$1,969,960

Piedmont

Central NC

Total Number of Grants:
107

Grants Total ($):
$6,632,996

Eastern NC

Coastal Plains

Total Number of Grants:
45

Grants Total ($):
$2,872,144

Outside of NC

SC, VA, & TN

Total Number of Grants:
5

Grants Total ($):
$220,000

  • Western NC

    Mountains

    Total Number of Grants:
    36

    Grants Total ($):
    $1,969,960

  • Piedmont

    Central NC

    Total Number of Grants:
    107

    Grants Total ($):
    $6,632,996

  • Eastern NC

    Coastal Plains

    Total Number of Grants:
    45

    Grants Total ($):
    $2,872,144

  • Outside of NC

    SC, VA, & TN

    Total Number of Grants:
    5

    Grants Total ($):
    $220,000

Helpful Hints for Grant Applicants

  • Qualifying organizations must be well established with at least five years of successful operations before a grant can be considered.

  • 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 and when the project can be completed within 12-18 months. This does not mean that the Foundation will fund the remaining 40%.

  • Projects with other funding sources or community collaboration are preferred.

  • If a project will expand service capacity, then the organization should have a clear business plan for funding ongoing operations. The Foundation does not fund operational expenses such as salaries or overhead costs.

  • Vehicle requests:  Limited grants can be considered for up to 75% of the cost of a vehicle if an organization can clearly explain why it is critical to service delivery. The organization must also have the capacity within their operational budget to provide ongoing insurance, fuel and maintenance, and provide properly licensed drivers as well as a plan for how future replacement vehicles will be funded. One quote for the vehicle must be provided.

  • The Foundation does not want to create dependency. Organizations should wait at least two years between grant requests.

  • The Cannon Foundation is not interested in naming opportunities.

  • The Foundation does not provide start-up funding, scholarships, grants to individuals or operating funds including salaries or overhead costs.

Board of Directors

  • Directors
    William C. Cannon, Jr., President
    Edward K. Prewitt, Jr., Vice President
    George W. Liles, Jr., Secretary
    William M. Connolly, Treasurer
    Janet Ward Black
    Eugene W. Cochrane, Jr.
    Winslow H. Galloway
    Brittian L. Leatherman
    Elizabeth L. Quick

    Directors Emeriti
    William S. Fisher
    Thomas M. Grady

    Advisory Members
    Kristin Baker
    Joseph Budd
    Mike Downs


     

Cannon Charitable Interests
Post Office Box 548
Concord, North Carolina 28026
704.786.8216