The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation has announced a commitment of over $10 million in grants to support food banks across North and South Carolina. This marks the largest single commitment in the foundation’s history, aimed at addressing food insecurity in the region. The funding will be distributed among ten partner food banks serving both states.
The grants are being issued at a time when these organizations are experiencing decreased public funding and donations, coupled with rising operational costs and increased demand for their services. Since acquiring the Carolina Panthers in 2018, David and Nicole Tepper have focused on combating food insecurity as a key aspect of their philanthropic efforts.
“When we learned of the growing strain on our partner food banks, it was important for us to respond and to do so quickly,” said David and Nicole Tepper. “Our communities are facing a food crisis and each of these organizations are on the front lines addressing that basic need. We want to ensure they have the resources to continue to serve a growing community who rely on them day in and day out.”
Beyond these special one-time grants, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation also provides annual support to its partner food banks throughout the Carolinas. Earlier this year, the foundation announced $1.3 million in annual grants, marking a 15 percent increase from the previous year. As part of their current commitment, there will be an additional increase in annual grants for 2026.
The organizations receiving these funds include:
– Food Bank of the Albemarle
– Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
– Golden Harvest Food Bank
– Harvest Hope Food Bank
– Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Bank
– Lowcountry Food Bank
– MANNA Food Bank
– Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
– Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina
– Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina
The foundation’s impact extends beyond regular financial contributions. It has supported initiatives like Lowcountry Food Bank’s Smart Locker project, which offers 24-hour access to food resources. In 2024, they collaborated with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Bank on projects such as constructing garden boxes and upgrading irrigation systems. They also provided immediate relief following Hurricane Helene.
Last year, DNTF committed $3 million towards Nourish Up’s “Hunger Hub” — a new facility in Charlotte designed to provide resources for those facing food insecurity.
Established in 2020, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation focuses on addressing critical societal issues through community-based projects. Their core areas include food insecurity, basic needs provision, education, and disaster relief.
