[Gaston Community Foundation](https://cfgaston.org)

June 2026 (Application deadline, projected)

Up to $5,000 total per year; may be split among one or more recipients.

Supports professional education or training for key staff of Gaston County nonprofits to build organizational capacity and community impact.

Not active in 2026; next opportunity projected for June 2026.

--- ## Description The Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants are designed to strengthen charitable, cultural, and educational organizations in Gaston County, North Carolina, by supporting the professional development of key nonprofit staff. The grant honors Harold Townsend Sumner, a founding leader of the Gaston Community Foundation, and aims to empower local nonprofits through targeted investment in staff training and education. The grant is awarded to independent nonprofits seeking funding for a key staff member (with at least one year of service) to participate in professional training opportunities, with a preference for local or in-state programs. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (anticipated/projected application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum total awarded per cycle: $5,000 - The total amount may be granted to one recipient or split among several, at the Foundation’s discretion. - No award will be made if there are no deserving applications. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be independent nonprofit organizations located in Gaston County, NC. - Eligible organizations include charitable, cultural, or educational nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status. - The nominated staff member must have at least one year of service with the organization. - Government agencies are not eligible. - Churches and private schools are only eligible if the nominated staff member’s duties are exclusively in community programs (not internal programs). - Organizations that receive the grant are not eligible to apply the following year. - Award is based on direct nomination by the nonprofit and the professional record and potential impact of the staff member. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the Gaston Community Foundation’s electronic form, following all provided guidelines. - Required documentation includes: - Project budget (income and expenditures) - Organization’s operating budget - Board of Directors list - Most recent financial audit or Form 990 - Proof of 501(c)(3) status - Only one application per organization per funding cycle. - Organizations must meet with Foundation staff (in person, phone, or virtual) prior to applying; applications will not be considered without this step. - Selection is made by a Foundation committee based on professional record and anticipated benefit to the organization. - Preference for training held locally or in-state. --- ## Additional Information - The grant is not active in 2026; next anticipated cycle is June 2026. - Organizations may not receive funding for more than one consecutive year. - No funding for governmental agencies, lobbying, political activities, religious sectarian purposes, research without near-term community benefit, debt reduction, retroactive expenses, or fundraising events. - For questions, contact Lauren Vanacore at [Lvanacore@cfgaston.org](mailto:Lvanacore@cfgaston.org). --- ## External Links - [Program page: Harold T. Sumner Grants](https://www.cfgaston.org/harold-t-sumner-grants) - [Gaston Community Foundation homepage](https://cfgaston.org) - [Grant guidelines](https://www.cfgaston.org/grant-guidelines/) - [Explore grants & funds](https://www.cfgaston.org/explore-grants-funds/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Address | |----------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Lauren Vanacore | [Lvanacore@cfgaston.org](mailto:Lvanacore@cfgaston.org) | 704-864-0927 | P.O. Box 123, Gastonia, NC 28053 (Mailing)
250 South New Hope Road, Suite A, Gastonia, NC 28054 (Physical) | | General Inquiries | [info@cfgaston.org](mailto:info@cfgaston.org) | 704-864-0927 | See above |

Harold T. Sumner Grants

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