| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: |
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| Who was A. J. Fletcher? |
A. J. Fletcher (1887-1979) was a North Carolina lawyer and businessman. His primary corporate legacy is Raleigh-based Capitol Broadcasting Company. In addition to his business acumen, Mr. Fletcher was a talented horticulturist and musician. He founded the Grass Roots Opera Company in 1948. |
| What is the A. J. Fletcher Foundation? |
The Foundation is a charitable fund with current assets of approximately $55 million. Each year the Foundation contributes between $2.5 and 3 million to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina (See Current Committments). Since 1988, total grants awarded exceed $35 million.
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| What is the source of the Foundation’s annual funding? |
Grants are paid entirely from the proceeds of investment earnings, and are thus affected by the performance of the stock and bond markets and the national economy. |
| What does the Foundation support? |
Historically, the Foundation’s emphasis has been on education and the arts. More recently its emphasis has expanded to include human service needs, and support for strengthening the infrastructure of nonprofit organizations. The Foundation has been a leader in “capacity building” grants for North Carolina nonprofits, having committed over $12 million in the past 10 years |
| Will the A. J. Fletcher Foundation consider unsolicited requests for funding? |
Beginning in 2002, the Foundation’s board of directors changed its policy regarding new grant awards. Rather than continuing to accept large numbers of unsolicited and unrelated requests each year, the board will seek out a smaller number of potential grantee organizations to help it address issues it believes are important. |
| Does that mean the Foundation’s total annual funding will decrease? |
No. The Foundation believes in the value of multi-year grants, and thus has a large number of outstanding commitments that will maintain spending at current levels for the next 3-5 years. |
| If the Foundation is not accepting funding requests, is it interested in learning about new programs and projects? |
Yes. Although current policy precludes awarding new grants, the Foundation continues to be interested in the growth and diversity of North Carolina’s nonprofit sector. Therefore, the staff welcomes the opportunity to discuss innovative approaches to community needs, especially in the areas of human services and organizational infrastructure. Such discussions often lead to mutually beneficial connections and resources. |
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