NEWS

The Davidson Community Foundation has elected James Waddey to its Board of Advisors.

Waddey, who moved to Davidson with his wife and two children in 2022, brings a diverse background in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. As a Senior Consultant at PMA Nonprofit Leadership, he helps nonprofit leaders obtain the resources and efficiency necessary to achieve their missions. Previously, Waddey held leadership positions at Murphy-Harpst, Youth Villages, and the Boy Scouts of America in Atlanta. In these roles, he directed philanthropic and advocacy-related initiatives. His dedication to community engagement and empowering individuals has been a driving force throughout his career. He earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Georgia.

Davidson Community Foundation was established by residents in 2020 to bolster nonprofit organizations serving the community. By working with local leaders and donors, its goal is to build and distribute funding to address Davidson’s most pressing needs. This citizen-driven initiative is designed to expand local philanthropy and direct it to where it’s most needed.

Launched at the beginning of the COVID crisis, the foundation immediately raised nearly $500,000 and distributed more than $350,000 in grants to nonprofit partners. That support provided critical assistance to 230 families – more than 750 neighbors in need – for rent/housing, food, medical expenses, utility services and transportation. More recently, it has led community efforts to establish eight permanently affordable housing units in the Parkside Commons (formerly Hoke Development) on Jetton Street and raised $400,000 toward the planned purchase of the units by Davidson Housing Coalition. It also worked with Davidson Housing Coalition to secure $300,000 in grants from Mecklenburg County to subsidize rents for the units.

The foundation now is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and the Town of Davidson on a critical home repair program for homeowners in the West Davidson community. This program, which emerged from extensive surveys and listening sessions in partnership with the Brenda H. Tapia Family Foundation, will help residents stay in their homes and slow displacement from gentrification. Repairs will address code and safety issues. The foundation has committed $75,000 for each of the next two years.

“Keeping homeowners safe, secure and healthy – and preserving Davidson’s vibrant historic communities – emerged as a priority that we are eager to address,” says Dave Cable, president of the Davidson Community Foundation’s advisory board.

About The Davidson Community Foundation
The Davidson Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance the lives of Davidson’s residents, now and for generations to come. For more information, visit davidsoncommunityfoundation.org.

For more information, contact Jeri Krentz at her email or 704-770-1627