FAQs

Can I get a scholarship for my child?

We do not make grants to individuals. The Belk Foundation has established several scholarship programs with colleges and universities, but is not able to make individual scholarship grants.

Does The Belk Foundation make grants outside the United States?

No. The Belk Foundation only makes grants within the United States.

Do you have application deadlines?

Yes. Our spring application deadline is April 1 and our fall application deadline is October 1; however, the Foundation only accepts applications from organizations it has asked to apply. Please review our Application Process.

How do I get an application?

The Belk Foundation awards the majority of its grants to organizations identified by our staff and board. Please review our Application Process to learn more about introducing your organization to the Foundation.

Can we apply if we are not a nonprofit organization?

No. Only nonprofit organizations and public school districts may apply for funding.

Can we apply through our fiscal sponsor?

In certain circumstances you may apply through a fiscal sponsor. The fiscal sponsor must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has a formal relationship with the organization working on the project. Please note that in such cases the grant goes to the fiscal sponsor directly, and the fiscal sponsor is responsible for the proper expenditure of funds and all reporting requirements.

What is the relationship between The Belk Foundation and The John M. Belk Endowment?

The John M. Belk Endowment is a separate private foundation focused on empowering today’s workforce by creating pathways to and through post-secondary education for underrepresented students. JMBE was founded in 1995 by John M. Belk. To learn more about JMBE, please visit jmbendowment.org

What is the relationship between The Belk Foundation and Belk, Inc.?

The Belk Foundation is a family foundation established by the founders of the Belk department store organization. The Foundation is a separate entity from Belk, Inc. To learn more about Belk, Inc.'s community giving, please visit Belk.com

Does the Foundation sponsor events?

No, the Foundation does not sponsor fundraising events.

Can I request items for a raffle or silent auction?

The Belk Foundation does not provide merchandise.

Does the Foundation have a limit to Indirect (or F&A) Costs?

It is the policy of The Belk Foundation Board of Directors to allow up to 15% of a grant from an institute of higher learning to be used for indirect overhead expenses or “F&A”. A copy of this policy can be found here.