Community Grants

Each year, Twenty Pearls, Incorporated supports the Greater Gaston County community by providing opportunities for community grants. Community grant funding is limited and therefore only available to eligible service agencies in the Greater Gaston County area (see below for funding criteria).

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Service agencies which have previously received support include: Catherine’s House (a women’s shelter), Crisis Assistance Ministry, Gaston County Alliance for Children, The Salvation Army, Schiele Museum of Natural History, T. Jeffers After School Program, House of Mercy (a home and caring center for people with HIV/AIDS), and the United Arts Council.

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Donors that contribute to the Twenty Pearls, Incorporated Foundation have created a legacy that transcends the dollars that are given. These donations help alleviate problems and improve the quality of life in the community through providing cultural and educational opportunities and contributing to charitable organizations. Twenty Pearls, Incorporated maintains a progressive interest in issues pertaining to health, economic empowerment, families and education. These funds support the greatest needs and opportunities in our community each year at the discretion of the board of directors.

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Who Can Apply?

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501(c)3 nonprofit service agencies whose programs improve the quality of life in the Greater Gaston County, NC area.

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What Is the Eligibility Criteria For Funding?

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In order to be eligible for community grant funds, the organization must adhere to the following guidelines:​

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• Organizations must submit their complete application online and all supporting documents via email by September 30th for consideration.

• Organizations must have met all reporting and communications requirements on previous community grants to be eligible to apply.

• Organizations must be located and provide services in the greater Gaston County area, North Carolina.

• Organizations must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Organizations must not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious beliefs. 

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What Is the Timeline for the Community Grant Program?

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The community grant program timeline is as follows:​

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July 1st - Application available online

September 30th - Application deadline 

October-November - Committees meet to determine allocations

November - Board of Directors approves grant allocations

December - Funds made available to approved agencies

April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st - Quarterly reporting due from funded agencies

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How Do I Apply for Community Grants? 

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Applications must be submitted online by no later than 5:00 pm on September 30th. The link to the application will be available on January 1, 2023.​

 

Should you still have questions after reviewing the eligibility information, contact us at twentypearlgastonia@gmail.com.

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Click here for the online application​

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Community grants are not awarded for the following purposes:​

• For re-granting purposes.

• To sponsor an event or purchase tickets or tables.

• For grants to individuals.

• To cover deficit budgets.

• For projects promoting political views.

• To organizations that did not comply with recent grant agreements, failed to acknowledge their previous grants properly, or have outstanding reports due to Twenty Pearls, Incorporated Foundation.