NEWS

Thanks to a generous donation from a local couple, the Davidson Community Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its endowment, a critical step in helping the organization fulfill its mission for generations to come.

The seed money comes from Sally and Bruce McMillen. Sally is a retired Davidson College History professor who specialized in Nineteenth-Century history of the American South and American women’s history. Bruce, a Davidson Community Foundation board member, worked as the CFO at four companies over a 35-year career. He spent six terms, from 1995 to 2007, as a Davidson Town Commissioner, and served on the boards of several nonprofits, including board chair of Our Towns Habitat for Humanity.

“Through this inspirational gift, the McMillens have made a long-term investment in our foundation and in our community,” said Chris Ahearn, chair of the Davidson Community Foundation board. “This commitment will have an indelible impact on our ability to sustain and strengthen our work. We are thrilled that Sally and Bruce share our vision for enhancing the lives of Davidson residents, both now and in the many years ahead.”

Davidson Community Foundation was established in 2020 to bolster nonprofits 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 COVID, the foundation immediately raised nearly $500,000 and distributed $350,000 in grants to nonprofit partners for emergency relief. More recently, it has led community efforts to establish eight permanently affordable townhome units in Parkside Commons on Jetton Street. Last year, the foundation awarded a $22,000 grant to the Town of Davidson to assist residents most severely impacted by Mecklenburg County’s new tax assessments. The support helped some 100 residents.

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 is helping residents stay in their homes and slow displacement from gentrification. The foundation has committed $75,000 for each of the next two years.

Since its beginning, Davidson Community Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million to assist with transformational community projects.

“Davidson is an amazing community, but there are needs that are not always apparent, and everyday challenges many residents face just to make ends meet,” Ahearn said. “We are very grateful to the McMillens and to our many generous donors for their valued partnership in the work ahead.”

For more information, contact Jeri Krentz at her email or phone.