RALEIGH, N.C. JAN. 5, 2010 — Art Pope, President of the John William Pope Foundation, announced today that the Foundation’s board has approved $1,014,500 in local grants, primarily awarded to arts, religious, youth, humanitarian, and educational organizations.

During the fall/winter grant cycle, the Pope Foundation focuses its efforts on the local community, seeking to fund groups that strive to advance the well being of citizens in Wake, Vance, and other surrounding counties. Many of the organizations, such as the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Urban Ministries of Wake County, Alliance Medical Ministry, and Habitat for Humanity, focus on alleviating poverty, poor health, and housing deficiencies. Others, like the N.C. Opera, Ballet, Theatre, Symphony, and Performance Edge, build cultural depth within the community.

Other notable grantees include but are not limited to: Central YMCA, Occoneechee Council – Boy Scouts of America, Ravenscroft School, Raleigh Charter High School, Full Gospel Tabernacle, Shepherd’s Table, and the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library in Henderson, NC.

The John William Pope Foundation is a private, family foundation, supported by the late John W. Pope, Sr., of Raleigh, North Carolina, his wife, Joyce W. Pope, and their children: Art Pope of Raleigh, North Carolina, Amanda Pope of Citra, Florida, and their late son, John William Pope, Jr. Total grants awarded throughout all cycles in 2009 equal $9,600,253, which includes a $300,000 donation of a $1.2 million pledge to Campbell University’s Law School in downtown Raleigh.

The Pope Foundation receives additional support from the family’s business, Variety Wholesalers, Inc., which owns and operates Roses, Maxway, Super 10, and other discount stores, and holds its offices and distribution centers in Raleigh and Henderson, North Carolina.

For more information, interviews, or details on the application process, contact Dave Riggs or David Bass at 919-861-6449 or press@jwpf.org.

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