The John William Pope Foundation aims to improve the well-being of North Carolinians by making grants to support public policy groups, educational institutions, humanitarian efforts, and the arts. With the guiding philosophy that "self-reliance, self-confidence, and integrity are the keys to success," the Foundation, established by the success of Variety Wholesalers Inc., endeavors to ensure future generations enjoy the same opportunities to live, work, pursue interests, and prosper in a society that values freedom, personal responsibility, and the free market system. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has focused its efforts primarily on supporting charities and organizations within North Carolina.
The Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant Funds aim to encourage innovation and model solutions in North Carolina, specifically within the arts and human services sectors. They support projects that are novel or significantly improve existing processes, equipment, or facilities with a measurable positive impact on the organization and its beneficiaries. In the arts, the focus is on fostering innovative ideas that contribute to the cultural richness of North Carolina communities. In human services, the emphasis is on projects that empower citizens and enhance community welfare. Both sectors offer grants up to $100,000 for the current application cycle, without support for medical research endeavors.