The Gaston Community Foundation aims to create lasting impact for local communities through a variety of special grants, funds, and programs.
The Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants support independent non-profit organizations in Gaston County by providing financial assistance for professional training or education of key staff members. These grants target charitable, cultural, or educational organizations that propose to enhance their capabilities through the professional development of their personnel. A significant criterion is that the staff member nominated for this grant must have at least one year of service in the nominating organization. The Foundation allocates a total of $5,000 annually for this program, which can be disbursed as one or multiple grants, depending on the merit of applications received and at the Foundation's discretion.