NEWS

DAVIDSON, NC ― Since its April 10 launch, Davidson Community Foundation (DCF) has raised nearly $275,000 in Emergency Funds for our most vulnerable and financially-distressed local residents who face job loss or other significant hardship due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Recognizing the community’s generosity, John Kuykendall, Co-Chair of the DCF Development Committee, said: “We are humbled by the generous response of our beloved community to unite in support of our neighbors facing critical needs due to the COVID-19 crisis.”

DCF awarded over $210,000 to 8 local non-profits and houses of worship to support emergency needs from May through July, including rent/housing, food, utility service, and transportation for our neighbors in financial crisis. The grant recipients are DCF’s community partners and include the Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson-Cornelius Child Development Center, Davidson Housing Coalition, Davidson Presbyterian Church, Gethsemane Baptist Church, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region (for Davidson homeowners and critical repairs clients), Reeves Temple AME Zion Church, and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church La Escuelita San Alban mission.

The grant recipients provided DCF with outcomes assessments showing the high impact of DCF Emergency Fund support, all of which went directly to residents. DCF Emergency Funds assisted 151 households – 434 individuals – and provided critically-needed financial support through the end of July.

An appreciative neighbor stated: “I am so grateful for the support from Davidson Community Foundation, which kept our home from going into foreclosure. God bless you.” Additionally, DCF grant funding allowed the Ada Jenkins Center Food Pantry to serve 1,170 people suffering from food insecurity.

Fifty-five percent of the grant funding was used to support rent/mortgage payments, followed by food (14%), transportation (13%), utilities (12%) and other needs, such as medications (6%). Almost two-thirds of the families served are from Davidson; the remainder includes those from nearby communities.

“DCF understands that the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis will likely extend many more months,” said Chris Ahearn, Chair of the DCF Grants Committee. “DCF has opened applications for additional Emergency Funds for local non-profit organizations supporting the families of our community.” For an application, non-profits may contact Ahern at [email protected]. Applications are due Friday, September 4.

DCF, an all-volunteer organization, is led by a Board of Advisors and is affiliated as a field of interest fund with Foundation For The Carolinas.

To make a tax-deductible donation to DCF, 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.