Our Next Generation Fund provides an innovative alternative for those who aren’t ready to establish a Foundation fund of their own. This giving circle allows you to pool your resources with others in the community and put your philanthropic dreams into action.

About Next Gen

Next Gen is a charitable fund, or giving circle, for singles and couples interested in philanthropy. Along with determining grants in the community, Next Gen hosts at least two social gatherings each year and provides volunteer opportunities to support the organizations funded during the grant cycle.

Since the year 2000, the Next Generation Fund has made grants totaling over $183,000 to Gaston nonprofits making a difference in the lives of children and their families. Annual gifts to the Fund from members grows the Next Generation Fund endowment to help you make a far greater impact on the community than any of us can make on our own. You'll have a seat at the table when funding decisions are made and can sponsor grants for worthy organizations.

Join the Next Generation Fund today by filling out a Connect Card (email completed card to Lauren Vanacore) and make an initial contribution. Contributions may be made online or by check (mail to: PO Box 123, Gastonia, NC 28053). If you have any questions, please call or email Lauren Vanacore. Every gift made to the Fund goes directly to the community in the form of grants. The Next Generation Fund suggested (tax-deductible) annual gift is $75 for individuals and $150 for couples. For those of you who have renewed or just joined us, thank you for your support.

Our Interests

The Next Generation Fund is focused on supporting nonprofits benefitting youth in Gaston County.

In February 2023, the Next Gen awarded 3 grants to nonprofits tackling health and wellness related initiatives. The grants are awarded as follows:

  • Catawba Riverkeeper: $1,000. This grant will support intro to kayaking classes to both educate the public on safe kayaking practices, but also engage them with the water we are trying to protect.
  • Dream Center Academy: $3,200. This grant will fund hiring a Licensed Mental Health Clinician for students during the 2023 - 2024 school year.
  • Mount Holly Community Relief Organization: $4,500. This grant will support building renovations to maximize existing space and make current operations more effective. Along with the renovation, four residential refrigerators with two commercial units will be replaced to enable the distributions of more fresh, healthy foods to families in need.

In September 2022, the Next Gen Advisory Board voted to fund a team for the Gaston County Education Foundation's "Are you Smarter than a Gaston County 5th Grader?" contest at the $1,000 level. In February 2023, the Next Gen Team and their 5th graders from Kiser Elementary were awarded the Team Spirit Award.

Join the Next Generation Fund and take an important step in beginning a practice of philanthropy. Contact us for details.

"Before joining Next Gen, we sometimes wondered if our individual gifts were enough. As Next Gen members, we no longer question ourselves. Our giving is now accompanied by others in the circle and we know our group gifts are truly making an impact!"

- Amy Spencer, Chair, Next Generation Steering Committee