Annual Candidates
2025
501(c)3 Non-Profit Organizations
These "grassroot" organizations have been selected for financial support consideration.
Their ability to galvanize their community towards a centralized goal is impressive.
The benefits they provide are essential.
The Initiative is not able to sponsor all of these organizations. However, all should be recognized!
(*) Sponsored Organizations
(**) Matching Funds
(***) Endowment Funds
A Simple Gesture Greensboro, Inc. ***
Greensboro, NC
A Simple Gesture’s primary goal is that no child is hungry. Their mission is to collect and provide a consistent supply of food to local food pantries and food banks every month.
Asheville, NC
BeLoved Asheville cultivates a transformational way of life rooted in community, creativity and equity.
Depave *
Portland, OR
“Depave" empowers disenfranchised communities to overcome social and environmental injustices and adapt to climate change through urban re-greening. Depave transforms over-paved places, creates resilient community greenspaces, promotes workforce development and education, and advocates for policy change to undo manifestations of systemic racism.
New Orleans, LA
“A Glass Half Full" recycles glass “waste” into sand and gravel to restore eroding coasts, create new glass, and so much more!
Juliet's House Animal Rescue *
Greensboro, NC
“Juliet's House" promotes the humane care and rescue of abandoned animals as well as supports volunteers willing to foster such animals through socialization and medical treatments to adoption.
Encinitas, CA
Project Street Vet provides free veterinary care, treatment, and support to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness and/or housing vulnerability.
Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association *
Chapel Hill, NC
RENA is committed to ending racial and cultural injustice through community involvement. Their community outreach includes food distribution, and activities and workshops for youth, adults, and families to help improve basic academic and educational opportunities. They also raise awareness about the environment, improve overall health, and offer a place to foster relationships in the community.
South Carolina Community Loan Fund
Charleston, SC
Their mission is to advance equitable access to capital to build assets and benefit communities and people most in need of economic opportunity. The provide loans, technical assistance, advocacy, and knowledge for the development of affordable housing, healthy food enterprises, community facilities, and community businesses.
Bronson, FL
"The Children's Table" combats hunger and offers food assistance to those in need. Their core values revolve around compassion, community, and the fundamental belief that no child should ever endure hunger. They endeavor to uplift and empower individuals and families confronting economic challenges.
Family/Friend Funds
Shields and Stripes, Inc. * - Gwyn Initiative/Robertson Family
Carthage, NC
Shields and Stripes provides first line defenders the opportunity to heal visible and non-visible wounds, helping those we need the most to live meaningful lives in service to our communities.
Shalom Farms * - Gwyn Initiative/Robertson Family
Richmond, VA
Shalom Farms involves two production farms, dozens of partners, and innovative food access programs. Every year, it grows and distributes over 600,000 servings of Certified Naturally Grown produce to communities where access to healthy foods is limited.
Apopo US Inc. * - Gwyn Initiative/Crough Family
Washington, DC
Apopo US Inc trains "scent detection" animals to help rid the world of landmines and tuberculosis – returning safe land back to communities for development, and freeing people from serious illness so they can get back on their feet.
