Stephen L Cornwell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Stephen L Cornwell Foundation is a private foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $411,500 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $9,000 and the largest $55,000. 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$411,500
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$9,000
- Largest grant$55,000
- Assets$25.7 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was up from $385,000 the year before.
32% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $340,000 | 20 | $7.0 million |
| 2024 | $385,000 | 21 | $9.5 million |
| 2025 | $411,500 | 22 | $25.7 million |
How to apply
Stephen L 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 Stephen L Cornwell Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 22 | $411,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation for the Carolinas Read Charlotte | To assist in education opportunities | $55,000 |
| Roof Above | Program support | $52,000 |
| Dreamkey Partners | To assist in housing opportunities | $50,000 |
| North Carolina Community Foundation | Nc invest early funders collaborative fund | $39,500 |
| Best NC | Program support | $35,000 |
| Public School Forum of NC | Program support | $30,000 |
| Charlotte Bilingual Preschool | To assist in education opportunities | $25,000 |
| Heart Math Tutoring | Program support | $25,000 |
| UNC Charlotte Foundation for the Uncc Reading Camp | To assist in education opportunities | $22,000 |
| NC Housing Coalition | Program support | $15,000 |
| Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center | Program support. | $13,000 |
| Community Care Clinic of Rowan County | Program support. | $5,000 |
| Holy Angels | Program support | $5,000 |
| Main Street Marketplace | Program support | $5,000 |
| Rowan Helping Ministries | Program support | $5,000 |
| Rowan Literacy Council | Program support | $5,000 |
| Rufty-Holmes Senior Center | Program support | $5,000 |
| Bread Inc | Progam support | $4,000 |
| Cancer Services of Gaston County | Program support | $4,000 |
| Carolina Caring | Program support. | $4,000 |
| Dream Center Academy | Program support | $4,000 |
| Gaston Skills | Program support | $4,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Allison C Moss
- W Lee Cornwell
- Stephen L Cornwell
- Brooke M Cornwell
- Samuel I Moss
- Katie S Cornwell
Questions people ask
Does Stephen L Cornwell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Stephen L Cornwell Foundation give?
$411,500 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $9,000.
Who runs Stephen L Cornwell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Allison C Moss (Dir/Pres and Treas.), W Lee Cornwell (Dir/Vice Pres.), Stephen L Cornwell (Dir/Secretary) and Brooke M Cornwell (Dir/Asst. Secretary) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Stephen L Cornwell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, housing and homelessness and community development.