Cannon Family Charitable Trust
The Cannon Family Charitable Trust is a private foundation dedicated to expanding educational opportunities across North Carolina. Our giving focuses on educational development, with an emphasis on empowering students of all ages and economic backgrounds.
The Trust supports a wide range of institutions and programs, from private universities to large public institutions, historically black colleges and universities, arts education and early childhood development.
- Our goal is simple: to help students access the resources, mentorship, and experiences they need to thrive.
- At every level, our work is guided by a focus on community impact and long-term educational advancement.
Our Primary
Areas of Focus
The Cannon Family Charitable Trust supports education in its many forms. Our giving reflects the belief that opportunity should not be limited by background, income, or institution type. Across all programs, the Trust prioritizes initiatives that empower students, strengthen educational ecosystems, and create meaningful pathways to future success.
Higher Education
HBCU Support
Investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to expand access and opportunity.
Arts Education
Advancing creative and arts education that fosters expression, discipline, and innovation.
Early Learning
Strengthening early childhood development and youth-serving educational organizations.
Experiential Learning
Supporting internships and civic engagement that connect learning with real-world impact.
Partnerships and Opportunities
The Cannon Family Charitable Trust values long-term relationships with educational institutions and nonprofit partners. Partnership opportunities are evaluated in collaboration with school and program leaders to ensure alignment with the Trust’s mission and impact goals.
Funding decisions for individual students are made by partner institutions.
Additional Partnerships
In addition to its primary initiatives, the Cannon Family Charitable Trust provides ongoing support to a range of educational and community organizations.
These partnerships reflect the Trust’s broader commitment to education, creativity and community enrichment across North Carolina.
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts – support for dance programs
- Children’s Home Society – general operating support
- Summit School – general support and capital funding through the SEED Campaign
- Crossnor Communities for Children