Cornwell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Cornwell Foundation is a private foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $185,000 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $40,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$185,000
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$19.4 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was up from $180,500 the year before.
0% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $176,000 | 15 | $3.9 million |
| 2024 | $180,500 | 18 | $4.1 million |
| 2025 | $185,000 | 16 | $19.4 million |
How to apply
Cornwell Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Cornwell Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 14 | $150,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Samaritan's Purse FBO Western NC Relief | To support the annual fund. | $40,000 |
| Darlington School | To support the annual fund | $25,000 |
| Crisis Assistance Ministry | To support the efforts to reduce homelessness | $20,000 |
| Myers Park United Methodist Church | To support the annual fund. | $15,000 |
| Children's Theatre | To support the arts | $10,000 |
| Northwestern University | To support the kellogg school annual fund | $10,000 |
| Queens University Cato School of Education | To support the annual fund | $10,000 |
| Roof Above | To support housing in charlotte. | $10,000 |
| Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte | To support the better the future capital campaign | $10,000 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Arts and Sciences Foundation) | To support the arts and sciences annual fund | $10,000 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School) | To support the fund for unc kenan-flagler | $10,000 |
| The Sharon at Southpark | To support the annual fund. | $5,000 |
| Myers Park High School Foundation | To support the annual fund. | $3,000 |
| Young Black Leadership Alliance | To support the annual fund. | $3,000 |
| The Harvest Center of Charlotte | To support the annual fund. | $2,000 |
| Treescharlotte | To support the annual fund. | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William D Cornwell Jr
- Melissa W Cornwell
- Sara Catherine Cornwell Philpott
Questions people ask
Does Cornwell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Cornwell Foundation give?
$185,000 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Cornwell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William D Cornwell Jr (President and Treasurer), Melissa W Cornwell (Vice President and Secreta) and Sara Catherine Cornwell Philpott (Vice President and Asst. Secreta).
What does Cornwell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, education and faith communities.