Underdown Family Foundation
Accepts applications
Underdown Family Foundation is a private foundation in Hickory, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $66,000 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $10,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$66,000
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$1.6 million
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2025 was up from $65,000 the year before.
36% 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 | $65,000 | 17 | $1.4 million |
| 2024 | $65,000 | 19 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $66,000 | 22 | $1.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Debra Romano Wells Fargo Bank 320 Broad Street 4, th Floor, Charleston, SC 29401 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (843) 724-4000 |
| What to submit | www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/underdown-family-foundation/ |
| Deadlines | Applications must be submitted by april 30th to be reviewed at the summer grant meeting. |
| Restrictions | Must qualify as 501(c)(3) and applications must be submitted through the online grant application form. Grants preference may be given to education, faith-based work, and health & health services. |
What Underdown Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 20 | $62,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $2,000 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity of Catawba | Habitat Home Repairs | $10,000 |
| Carolina Caring Inc | Caring for Children Battling Serious Illness | $6,500 |
| First Presbyterian Church | Good Samaritan Fund | $5,000 |
| Hart Square Foundation Inc | Cultural Heritage Education Opportunities | $5,000 |
| Hickory Museum of Art Inc | Educational Programming | $5,000 |
| The Western Piedmont Symphony | Explore The Orchestra Program | $5,000 |
| Cakeable Charlotte | Job Training for an Individual with I/DD | $3,000 |
| Council on Adolescents of Catawba | Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program | $2,500 |
| Catawba County Council on Aging | West Hickory Senior Center | $2,000 |
| Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas | Hickory Childhood Cancer Safety Net | $2,000 |
| Pregnancy Care Center of Catawba | Perinatal Mental Health | $2,000 |
| Rising Hope Farms Inc | Building Repairs | $2,000 |
| Safe Harbor of NC Inc | Operating Support | $2,000 |
| American Red Cross | Disaster Services | $2,000 |
| Exodus Outreach Foundation | Restoring Homes | $2,000 |
| Greater Hickory Cooperative | Nutrition Plus | $2,000 |
| North Carolina School for the Deaf | Strobe Alerts for Deaf Residents | $2,000 |
| Women's Resource Center | Operating Support | $2,000 |
| Hospitality House | Room Subsidies for Hickory Families | $1,000 |
| Shining Hope Farms | Conover Farm Therapy Services Program | $1,000 |
| Hickory Public Schools Band Boosters | New Utility Trailer Fund | $1,000 |
| Hospitality House of Charlotte | Overnight Lodging PRG to Healthcare Equity | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Parks Underdown III
- David Underdown
- Steve Underdown
- Susan U Geck
Questions people ask
Does Underdown Family Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Applications must be submitted by april 30th to be reviewed at the summer grant meeting.
How much does Underdown Family Foundation give?
$66,000 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Underdown Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Parks Underdown III (President), David Underdown (Vice President), Steve Underdown (Treasurer) and Susan U Geck (Secretary).
What does Underdown Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and youth programs.