Davidson Community Foundation (DCF) recently announced its 501c3 non-profit status as well as the fifth anniversary of the organization’s founding. DCF was created in April 2020 to help fund and support transformational projects that enhance the quality of life for residents. The concept of building a foundation began after interviews with more than 50 community members and leaders regarding the need to address community challenges. Since its inception, DCF has become a strong partner in helping Davidson residents with critical needs by collaborating with and supporting nonprofits serving the Davidson area.
As a local philanthropic fund, DCF has raised more than $1.4 million and has provided assistance to transformative projects that enhance the lives of residents. “At the outset, DCF raised nearly $500,000 during the pandemic to assist 230 families and some 750 people with critical needs such as rent, medical expenses, utilities and transportation,” says DCF founding board member Dave Cable. “DCF has also focused on creating more permanent affordable housing, including assistance to income-qualified homebuyers in the new Parkside Commons Townhome development. Our newly obtained 501c3 status allows us to substantially expand our capacity beyond our previous relationship under Foundation For The Carolinas (FFTC).We will remain closely linked to FFTC for our endowment, but will have more flexibility to build a stronger, more flexible organization for impact as a permanent institution in Davidson.”
DCF has partnered with the Town of Davidson, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and Rebuilding Together to provide support for critical home repairs in West Davidson to help local seniors to age in place in homes they own. From roof repairs to stable flooring and weatherproof windows, DCF is now funding repairs to 15 homes by the end of this year. Besides affordable housing and critical home repair projects, DCF is also focused on providing support for quality early childhood education and emergency needs, especially those affecting seniors.
“Davidson Community Foundation has been catalytic in our critical home repair work in West Davidson,” says Laura Belcher, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. “The Foundation has been generous in supporting projects financially as well as working with the residents in the community. We are grateful for their partnership and know the impact of their support has improved the quality of life and the ability to age in place for families in West Davidson.”
Stabilization of the West Davidson community was a need identified as part of the Town of Davidson’s 2020 Comprehensive Planning Process and DCF’s housing needs assessment. “ Members of the DCF board invested a lot of time and energy going directly to residents of West Davidson to fully understand their needs,” says DCF board member Marvin Brandon. “They listened, and as a result, trust has been established and that is something that is vitally important to meeting the needs of residents living in this area.”
DCF is led by a diverse, all-volunteer board of directors. To donate to Davidson Community Foundation or to learn more about the organization, visit www.davidson communityfoundation.org.
