NEWS

Research has found many examples of how doing good, in ways big or small, not only feels good, but also does us good. Moreover, according to Psychology Today there is now neural evidence from imaging studies suggesting a link between generosity and happiness in the brain. What better time to help our fellow residents in crisis and activate these good feelings than during the COVID-19 pandemic!

Davidson Community Foundation (DCF), established just three weeks ago by local residents, needs your help to provide desperately needed assistance to our local non-profit organizations that serve our most vulnerable and underserved neighbors suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Through its Emergency Fund, DCF aims to deploy grant funding to assist the non-profits in the provision of basic support services, including food, medications, rent, mortgage and utility payments to our neighbors in urgent need. DCF expects to award grants to local non-profits by early May, so it’s important to receive donations as quickly as possible.

The DCF board of advisors 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 co-founder Dave 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.

“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 co-founder Ellen Donaldson. “There’s no better time than now to pull together, pool our resources, and show our love and support for our neighbors in this time of critical need. Giving generously and helping others during the COVID-19 crisis helps each of us feel connected to our neighbors and community in a very special way.”

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.