Stephen L Cornwell Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, primarily focusing on education, housing, and health-related initiatives. Its mission includes enhancing educational opportunities, providing resources for cancer patients and their caregivers, and assisting in housing solutions. The foundation serves a diverse range of populations, particularly youth and community members in need. It actively funds organizations that promote educational programs, affordable housing initiatives, and community services, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families. The foundation primarily operates within North Carolina.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An established North Carolina nonprofit with programs in education, affordable housing, youth development or community services, ideally with local partnerships or introductions to the foundation's network.
Good Fit
- • Program work located in North Carolina (especially Charlotte-area) and demonstrable local impact.
- • Program budgets and ask sizes consistent with past grants (roughly $5K–$45K, median near $15K).
- • Existing relationships or referrals from local intermediaries, community foundations, or previous grantees.
- • Clear alignment with education, housing, youth services, or community support activities.
Geography
Observed giving across the two available years is entirely in North Carolina; all grants and recipient counts are in-state.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 20 grants to 20 distinct recipients and across two years there is turnover (11 repeat, 9 new), indicating a fairly broad set of independent grantees for a small private foundation.
New Applicants
Direct filings and the foundation's application notes indicate only preselected applicants are considered; although nine new grantees appeared in the latest year, those appear to be invited or otherwise selected rather than the result of an open submission process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
