Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
January 2026 Newsletter
Giving together to enhance the quality and spirit
of community life. 

Celebrating the 2026 Robert H. "Bob" Short Scholars
Upon his death in 2011, Cumberland Community Foundation received a $10.5 million gift from Mr. Robert H. Short’s estate to support local students forever. As of February 2026, Mr. Short's original gift has distributed over $7.5 million in scholarships and has grown to over $15 million.
This scholarship is awarded based on equally weighted criteria of academic performance, financial need, and community service. Each student may receive up to $7,500 per year, for up to four years.
We are pleased to announce the 2026 Robert H. Short winners: 
Deborah Asante - Terry Sanford High School
AbbiKate Daughtry - Cape Fear High School
Rylee Foster - Cumberland International Early College
Ki Gordon - Cross Creek Early College
Nyomi Head - Cross Creek Early College
Arianna Johnson - Cross Creek Early College
Paola Jaime-Martinez - Cross Creek Early College
Novia Lin - Jack Britt High School
Daysha McCrimmon - Cumberland International Early College
Raven Melvin - Cumberland International Early College
Natalie Perez - Cross Creek Early College
Andrew Smith - Cumberland International Early College
Vaungh Stone - Reid Ross Classical School
Amirrah Whalen - Jack Britt High School
Gennise Walatee - Cross Creek Early College
Arianna Larrea Zuniga - Cross Creek Early College

New Year, New RMD 

(Required Minimum Distribution)
It's a new year! That means many individuals must begin taking a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) starting at age 73, depending on birth year and account type. Meanwhile, anyone age 70.5 or older may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from their IRA to Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. (Tax ID 58-1406831) to:
  • Add to an existing eligible endowment* including scholarships, designated endowments, memorial endowments, and community endowments. 
  • Create a new endowment (you decide the name of the endowment and the charitable purpose).
QCDs are a tax-advantageous way for seniors to give. Start the year off by putting your RMD to work for the causes you care about. 

Give us a call to learn more: 910-483-4449 Maddie Kellogg x107 or Mary Holmes x103. 
      *Per the IRS, QCDs cannot be made into a donor advised fund

CCF Announces Fall Community Grant Awards
Maddie Kellogg, CCF (L) and Josh Murray,
Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County (R)
Hunter Stewart and Lisa Hughes, 
Cumberland County Council on Older Adults (L) and Maddie Kellogg, CCF (R)
Cumberland Community Foundation is pleased to announce that five local nonprofit organizations received a total of $100,540 in grants through our fall grant cycle.
These grants support programs that improve health, independence, and quality of life for older adults and individuals managing chronic health conditions across Cumberland County. Funded initiatives include arts programming for seniors, diabetes education and management, caregiver respite services, clinical training for future nurses, and essential housing and nutrition support to help seniors live safely and independently.
We’re proud to invest in organizations that strengthen care systems, support caregivers, and enhance well-being, ensuring that our community’s older adults receive the resources and support they need to thrive.
To view the full list of grantees and projects, click HERE or visit the "For Nonprofit" tab on the CCF website at www.cumberlandcf.org.

Kicking Off 2026 Nonprofit Trainings
On January 22, 2026, Tammy Goodwin, MBA, JD, Operations Director/Firm Administrator of TRP Sumner, led a training on cybersecurity best practices. The session brought together 20 nonprofit professionals for a practical, hands-on discussion. Participants walked through 21 actionable steps nonprofits can take to improve cybersecurity and reduce risk. The training reinforced CCF’s commitment to building resilient, well-equipped organizations across our community.  

Important Dates
February 12 - "Tammy Talks" Nonprofit Training at 1 PM at CCF*
February 17 - Community Scholarships applications available 
March 5 - Grantseeker Information Session at 10 AM at CCF**
March 6 - Women's Giving Circle Community Scorecard Breakfast at 7:30 AM at Highland Presbyterian Church*
April 1 - Spring Community Grants application available 
April 2 - Grantseeker Information Session at 10 AM at CCF**
May 7 - Grantseeker Information Session at 10 AM at CCF**
May 20 - Scholarship Awards Reception at 4 PM at Cape Fear Botanical Garden*
June 4 - Grantseeker Information Session at 10 AM at CCF**
July 1 - Summer Community Grants application available 
August 6 - Summertime Kids Luncheon at 12 PM at CFBG*
September 1 - Fall Community Grants application available 
September 24 - Founders & Friends event at 6 PM at CFBG*
November 23–December 1 - GivingTuesday Campaign 
*By invitation
**Registration required click here
info@cumberlandcf.org
    910.483.4449
cumberlandcf.org

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