The David Belk Cannon Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable initiatives primarily focused on community and economic development, education, and health. Its mission encompasses providing operating support and funding for capital projects, scholarships, and programs aimed at enhancing local communities and fostering youth development. The foundation actively supports educational institutions, health charities, and conservation efforts, reflecting a commitment to improving quality of life and promoting sustainability. While it primarily serves organizations in North Carolina, its funding also extends to projects in neighboring states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A North Carolina-based 501(c)(3) with an established program or capital campaign in education, community/economic development, conservation, or related community services, and a local relationship or referral to the foundation or its trustees.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in North Carolina or has a clear local project in NC
- • Project is a capital campaign, major facility project, scholarship program, or community economic development initiative
- • 501(c)(3) status and demonstrated capacity to manage mid- to large-size grants
- • Existing relationship, referral, or visible connection to foundation leadership or local intermediaries
- • Readiness to accept multi-year or board-directed funding
Geography
Giving is strongly concentrated in the foundation's home state, with about 85% of dollars going to North Carolina and only occasional grants to a handful of other states.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows roughly 39 distinct recipients across education, community development, conservation, health, youth and faith-based groups; while the top five consume a large share of dollars, the foundation funds many independent organizations each year.
New Applicants
The foundation declares it funds only preselected applicants, which limits unsolicited entry, but observed behavior shows new grantees each year (11 in the latest year) and a named mailing contact—so new entrants appear possible but likely require referral or cultivation rather than open public application.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
