Frequently Asked Questions

What organizations does the Kernersville Foundation support?

To be eligible for support, an organization must be a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with a presence in Kernersville. Foundation funds are to be used for residents of the 27284 zip code. For a list of organizations supported in the previous grant cycle, click here for our most recent impact report

Can organizations outside of Kernersville apply for a grant?

No. The Kernersville Foundation restricts its grantmaking to nonprofit organizations with a presence in Kernersville and that benefit Kernersville residents.

If an organization wants to apply for funds, when are applications due?

The Kernersville Foundation accepts applications during the month of March each year. Interested organizations should contact the Foundation office to request an application. Grant decisions are announced in early June each year.

How many grants can an organization apply for in a year?

One. We do our best to help as many Kernersville-based nonprofit organizations as possible.

Does the Kernersville Foundation give scholarships for higher education?

The Kernersville Foundation administers the L.E. Pope scholarship for students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree in agriculture or construction-related fields (engineering, architecture, etc.) fields. Click here for more information.

Can I create a scholarship fund to help students attend college?

Absolutely. The Kernersville Foundation would be happy to work with you to establish and administer a scholarship account. We charge a small administrative fee but do all the work to select a recipient of the scholarship funds.

How can I contribute to the Kernersville Foundation?

Click here for a donor contribution form. The form will ask whether your contribution is a designated gift (directed to a specific organization), a gift to the Current Fund (disbursed by the board among organizations approved for that year), or a gift to the permanent fund (your contribution is invested and only the interest is used in any given year). Contributions may be mailed to: Kernersville Foundation, P.O. Box 921, Kernersville, NC 27285-0921.

You may also contribute online through the “Donate” button on each page of this website.

Does the Kernersville Foundation work with financial or investment advisors for planned giving, Donor-Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), and Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)?

Yes. Click here to visit our Giving page or contact our Treasurer for more information.

Is the Kernersville Foundation a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization?

Yes, the Kernersville Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, registered in the State of North Carolina.

Is there a minimum or maximum dollar amount for grant requests?

$1,000 is typically the maximum grant for a first-year applicant. Most grants are $5,000 or less, although we have been known to grant more to an organization meeting a significant community need.

Why should I contribute to the Kernersville Foundation when I already give to a nonprofit organization(s) in Kernersville?

Thank you for contributing to one or more nonprofit organizations in our community. Each organization serves the community in a different way. When you contribute to the Kernersville Foundation, your support can be spread among many worthwhile Kernersville nonprofits — in essence, supporting many organizations without needing to respond to requests from them all. Giving through the Kernersville Foundation simplifies your local philanthropy. You are also welcome to designate part or all of your contribution to one or more specific organizations, with the remainder distributed to other local nonprofits. Just specify your wishes on the donor contribution form.

Where can I see how funds donated to the Kernersville Foundation are being used in the Kernersville community?

Click on this link for our most recent annual impact report (2025).

How does the Kernersville Foundation decide which grant applications to approve?

The Kernersville Foundation has a grant review committee that evaluates the applications and factors in the available funds in that grant cycle. The Grant Review Committee makes a report to the foundation’s Board of Directors, who then vote on the disbursement plan (mid-May each year). Board members recuse themselves from voting on grants to any organization on whose board they serve.

Can individuals or only nonprofit organizations apply for grants?

We only offer grants to 501(c)(3) organizations with a presence in Kernersville. The exception is our L.E. Pope scholarship fund, which is open to college students studying construction (engineering/architecture, etc.) or agriculture.

How is the Kernersville Foundation governed, and who leads it?

The Kernersville Foundation Board is comprised of Rotary Club of Kernersville past presidents who remain active in the Rotary Club. The Foundation also employs a part-time Executive Director to manage its day-to-day operations.

Can I set up a named fund to honor a loved one or leave a legacy gift?

Yes. We welcome the creation of named funds, with proceeds available for contribution to charitable causes in the community. We also administer a number of donor-advised funds through which donors specify where they would like their contributions directed.