Central Carolina Community Foundation was officially incorporated on September 25, 1984, to provide stewardship for permanent endowments that enhance the lives of citizens in the Midlands.

The Foundation began in 1984 with minimal assets, a voluntary staff and a great vision.

Many business leaders were involved in the process of establishing the Foundation including Arthur M. Bjontegard, John G. Boatwright, J. Willis Cantey, John L. Heins, Charles W. Knowlton, David W. Robinson, Marshall A. Shearouse and G. Cameron Todd. 

Cameron Todd served as the Foundation's first president and asked Marshall Shearouse to serve as the volunteer executive director. Marshall brought his extensive experience as a bank trust officer and trustee of other foundations to the Community Foundation.

By 1987, the board determined that a full-time, paid executive director was needed to ensure that the Foundation met its growth potential, and Jo Mengedoht Cox was hired. In 1988, Evan and Cindy Nord made a $1 million challenge gift to the Foundation to encourage others in the community to give. The Nord’s challenge helped raise an additional million dollars which served as an early catalyst to growth.

As we look back over the last 27 years, we reflect on the growth of the Community Foundation. The first grants were awarded from the Foundation in 1989 —17 grants totaling $100,000. Today the Foundation oversees more than $93 million in assets, allowing us to distribute between $6-9 million annually through hundreds of grants and scholarships. Over the last quarter century, the Foundation has invested more than $80 million into the community thanks to the generosity and trust of our donors.

Milestones