NEWS

Organizations serving people suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 virus may find desperately needed assistance from the newly-formed Davidson Community Foundation (DCF). The Foundation, which launched in mid-March and was established by local residents, aims to support and catalyze non-profit organizations directly serving the Davidson community in order to tackle large-scale projects and critical needs. Led by a diverse board of advisors composed of local community leaders, DCF is designed to significantly expand local philanthropic efforts and direct the funding to where it is most needed.

Founders Dave Cable and Ellen Donaldson envision a long-term foundation that provides funding to meet both immediate emergency needs, like we are experiencing today with the COVID-19 crisis, as well as to support transformative projects that address goals such as preserving the West Davidson community and expanding affordable housing in Davidson.

According to Cable, “The DCF philosophy is built on the unique and powerful bonds Davidson residents have with the community. We are united around the concepts of diversity, inclusion, neighborhood preservation and social justice, and we have enormous potential to make a difference, now and in the future.”

Importantly, DCF is not a new non-profit agency. Rather, it operates as a fund under Foundation For The Carolinas (FFTC). Since there will be minimal overhead expenses for DCF, about 99 cents of every dollar raised will go directly to the community through grants to local non-profit organizations. DCF will also encourage and facilitate better coordination of agencies, houses of worship, and others for greater community impact.

DCF, in development for several months, is kicking off its efforts earlier than originally planned to help local non-profits and houses of worship meet the basic needs for people suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 crisis through its Emergency Fund. Margo Williams, longtime community advocate states, “I am inspired by Davidson Community Foundation’s mission to support local agencies and those they serve who are now in great need. I also admire greatly the collaborative way DCF has come together, and I look forward to partnering with DCF in the years ahead.”

“Many of our friends and neighbors here in Davidson are experiencing food insecurity, inability to cover essential expenses, and permanent job loss fears as a result of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Donaldson. “Let’s pull together, pool our resources, and show our love and support for our neighbors in this time of critical need.”

To make a tax-deductible donation to DCF Emergency Fund to help our neighbors in need, please donate online at www.fftc.org/Davidson, or send a check payable to Foundation For The Carolinas, ATTN: Davidson Community Foundation, 220 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. For questions or additional information please contact Dave Cable at [email protected] or Ellen Donaldson at [email protected].

About Davidson Community Foundation

Davidson Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance the lives of Davidson residents, now and for generations, by working with local leaders and donors to build and distribute a community fund to address Davidson’s most pressing needs. This citizen-driven initiative is designed to substantially expand local philanthropy and direct it to where it’s most needed. The Fund provides both transformative grants to local non-profit organizations to address long-term, high-impact needs, as well as pressing needs through the DCF Emergency Fund. Through grants to local, non-profit charitable organizations, the Emergency Fund will augment the ability of the Davidson community to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.