NONPROFIT GRANTS
Honoring our ancestors’ dedication to charitable giving.
The Dover Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the well-being of Cleveland County residents. Carefully allocated resources are used to facilitate programs and projects that will enhance the quality of life for individuals and families across the county.
GRANTS AT-A-GLANCE
Geographic Priority
The Dover Foundation gives highest priority to nonprofit organizations in Cleveland County. Organizations located outside of Cleveland County are considered only if the proposed grant specifically benefits Cleveland County residents.
Areas of Focus
Grants are given to charitable organizations who work in one of the three areas in the Dover Foundation’s mission – faith-based initiatives, education, and human services.
Grant Cycles
The Dover Foundation awards grants four times a year.
Application Deadlines
NEW CUTOFF DATE FOR GRANT SUBMISSIONS!
1st Quarter: December 15, 2025 • 2nd Quarter: March 15, 2026
3rd Quarter: June 15, 2026 • 4th Quarter: September 15, 2026
Tax exempt organizations may submit one request per calendar year using the online application process.
NEW CUTOFF DATE FOR GRANT SUBMISSIONS!
1st Quarter: December 15, 2025
2nd Quarter: March 15, 2026
3rd Quarter: June 15, 2026
4th Quarter: September 15, 2026
Tax exempt organizations may submit one request per calendar year using the online application process.
We will not:
- Make grants or loans to individuals or loans to charitable organizations.
- Respond to mass mailings.
- Purchase advertising.
- Donate to political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns.
- Purchase dinner, gala, or raffle tickets.
- Award college scholarships (outside Dover Foundation’s scholarship program).
- Support churches outside Cleveland County.
- Fund church trips outside Cleveland County.
- Provide funds to organizations that use their tax exempt status to make those funds available to non-eligible organizations.
READY TO APPLY?
Grant Application Portal
You will be redirected to our Grant Application Portal where you will set up an account (if not already set up) and complete the required information. We review and award grants four times throughout the year.
WHO WE'RE SUPPORTING
2025 Grant Recipients & Total
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- NCBM Shelby Mission Camp
- Cleveland Co. Business Dev Center, Inc.
- Walls Memorial Baptist Church
- Expanding Borders Charitable Foundation
- Aldersgate United Methodist Church
- Zion Baptist Church
- Earl Scruggs Center
- Cleveland Co. School Ed Foundation
- CORE Community Coalition
- Communities in Schools
- Cleveland Co. Arts Council
- Earl Scruggs Center
- Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
- Broad River Community Market
- HealthCare Foundation
- Little Bulldog Backpack
- Feeding Kids Cleveland County
- Kingston Com. Org. Concerned Citizens
- Union Baptist Church
- Zoar Baptist Church
- The Cleveland Co. Potato Project
- Junior Charity League of Shelby, NC
- Salvation Army
- Central United Methodist Church
- Habitat for Humanity
- Children’s Homes of Cleveland County
- Paul & Marion Ramseur Foundation
- Cleveland Psychosocial Services
- Cleveland Co. Family YMCA
- Washington Outreach Ministry
- Cleveland Co. Rescue Mission
- Shelby Presbyterian Church
- Shelby High School
- Cleveland Vocational Industries
- Green Bethel Baptist Church
- Pentecostal Apostolic Church of Christ
- Council on Aging
- Waddell Chapel AME Zion Church
- Cleveland Community Cares
- Association for the Welfare of Animals
- Hope’s Chest
- Abuse Prevention Council
- Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association
- Special Olympics of Cleveland Co.
- Community Math Academy
- Young Life
- Ross Grove Baptist Church
- Mental Health Association of Cleveland Co.
- Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland Co.
Including Scholarships to:
- NC State University
- UNC Chapel Hill
- Furman University
- East Carolina University
- Columbia University
- Gardner-Webb University
2024 Grant Recipients & Total
- Gardner-Webb University
- Communities in Schools
- Cleveland County Arts Council
- Crest Middle School
- Cleveland County Schools Education Foundation
- North Carolina Symphony
- Jamerson Technology Electrical Training Center
- Burns Middle School
- Turning Point Academy
- Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
- Community Math Academy
- Shelby High School
- North Elementary School
- Junior Charity League of Shelby, NC
- Broad River Community Market
- Paul & Marion Ramseur Foundation
- Crossroads Rescue Mission
- Cleveland Community Cares
- Washington Outreach Ministry
- Hospitality House of Charlotte
- Cleveland County Business Development Center
- Children's Homes of Cleveland County
- Cleveland County Family YMCA
- Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association
- Foothills Farmers Market, Inc.
- Cleveland County Rescue Mission
- The Salvation Army
- NCBM Shelby Mission Camp
- United Way of Cleveland County
- Feeding Kids Cleveland County
- Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland County
- Mental Health Association of Cleveland County
- Cleveland Vocational Industries
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland County
- A New Beginning of Life Outreach Ministry
- Ronald McDonald House Charlotte, NC
- Community Foundation of Western NC
- Poplar Springs Baptist Church
- Dover Baptist Church
- Sandy Run Baptist Church
- Polkville Baptist Church
- Walls Memorial Baptist Church
- Patterson Springs Baptist Church
- Aldersgate United Methodist Church
- Young Life of Cleveland County
- Christ Covenant Ministries
- Boy Scouts of America
Including Scholarships to:
- Appalachian State University
- Wake Forest University
- Duke University
- Anderson University
- Gardner-Webb University
- UNC Chapel Hill
- NC State University
We rise by lifting others. - Robert Ingersoll
