Individual Freedom.
Personal Responsibility.
Strong Communities.

At its core, The John William Pope Foundation’s approach is about investing in people – enriching lives while strengthening the foundations of a free and prosperous society.

"Self-reliance, self-confidence, and integrity are the keys to success. Endurance is also critical, and the responsibility for success lies on the shoulders of the individual."
John William Pope

Our Mission

The John William Pope Foundation makes grants to improve the well-being of North Carolinians by advancing the ideas of limited government, individual freedom, personal responsibility, and strong communities.

Grant Priorities

At the core, our grant priorities are about strengthening the roots of civil society, so that everyone has access to opportunity. Read more about our specific areas of investment.

Giving

By the Numbers

1975
Established
$ 160 +
Million Granted
360 +
Nonprofits supported
Application Process

Find Out How You Can Become a Grant Partner

The John William Pope Foundation seeks grant partners who share a vision of advancing individual freedom and personal responsibility. We offer two main funding opportunities, our Annual Grants and the Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant Program.

Featured Grant Stories

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The John Locke Foundation

The John Locke Foundation

Dr. Charles Mann Helps Build a Life for the Uninsured

Dr. Charles Mann Helps Build a Life for the Uninsured

Transitions LifeCare

Transitions LifeCare

The Fund for American Studies

The Fund for American Studies

The Jesse Helms Center

The Jesse Helms Center

The Economic, Legal, and Political Foundations of Free Societies at N.C. State

The Economic, Legal, and Political Foundations of Free Societies at N.C. State

UNC Athletics: Track & Field

UNC Athletics: Track & Field

StepUp Ministry

StepUp Ministry

Travis Fisher Seeks to ‘Be Rather Than to Seem’

Travis Fisher Seeks to 'Be Rather Than to Seem'

Dr. Thomas Shea Uses His Career to Fight Cancer

Dr. Thomas Shea Uses His Career to Fight Cancer

Cathy Heath Wages Decade-Long Battle to Protect Property Rights

Cathy Heath Wages Decade-Long Battle to Protect Property Rights

Carolina Ballet

Carolina Ballet

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Questions?

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We’re available to answer questions or provide assistance if needed.