Our Mission
Founded in 2001, the Peninsula Community Foundation (PCF) is an all-volunteer organization serving the Lake Norman area. PCF supports and empowers nonprofit organizations by providing financial resources and assistance.
The Peninsula Community Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Vision
- Increase awareness of the significant needs of people in North Mecklenburg County.
- Raise funds to support local charities that address unmet needs among young, poor, distressed, elderly and/or handicapped members of the community.
- Evaluate community needs and charity effectiveness when determining grant awards.
- Prioritize charities that use PCF donations to achieve tangible, measurable results.
- Work with charities to strengthen fundraising, volunteer recruitment, community presence, strategic planning and governance.
Funding Criteria
The Board of Directors considers the following criteria when reviewing grant requests:
- The organization must primarily serve the local community, defined as Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville. PCF may support work outside this area when the Foundation’s support directly benefits individuals within the community.
- PCF generally does not support organizations primarily funded by federal, state or local taxes, but may support community activities connected to those organizations.
- PCF does not support organizations whose sole purpose is to redistribute or “re-gift” funds received.
- PCF does not support organizations affiliated with a specific religious organization unless the funds are directed to a significant, nonsectarian project that benefits a broad base of the community.
- PCF supports charitable activities focused on meeting the needs of poor, distressed, elderly and handicapped individuals.
- PCF does not provide seed money to organizations that are not yet formed, do not have a proven operating model, or do not have IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
- PCF strongly prefers to support efforts that assist larger numbers of people.
Grant Review & Deadlines
The Grant Committee reviews each application and makes recommendations to the Board. The Board generally awards grants twice per year, typically in June and December.
For consideration at the July grant-making meeting, applications must be emailed by May 15.
For consideration at the December grant-making meeting, applications must be emailed by October 15.
Completed applications and required documents should be emailed to grants@yourpcf.org.