Building Our Future: The John C. Felder Foundation Capital Campaign

Help us build a permanent home for hands-on EV training, foundation operations, and community innovation in Richmond County.

The John C. Felder Foundation is raising $150,000 toward a dedicated home base — one building that will serve three purposes at once:

• A hands-on EV Training Center, where students and community members learn real, in-demand skills in electric vehicle technology

• Foundation offices, giving our team a stable place to run programs, serve scholars, and grow our impact

• The Center for Innovation and Opportunity, a community space designed to spark new ideas, partnerships, and pathways for Richmond County residents

This is bigger than a building. It's a commitment to Hamlet and Richmond County — a place where people can train for real careers, where our community can gather, and where John C. Felder's vision keeps growing for generations to come.

Every gift moves us closer to breaking ground on a future built right here, by and for our community.

Where Your Gift Goes

• Purchase & closing costs — securing the building itself

• Renovation & buildout — converting the space into a functional training center and offices

• Equipment & tools — outfitting the EV Training Center for hands-on instruction

• Contingency & operating reserve — keeping the doors open through the first year

Timeline

• Now: Raising the $150,000 capital goal

• Next: Finalize purchase agreement

• Then: Renovation and buildout

• Goal: Doors open for training and community programs

Leadership & Major Gifts

This campaign moves fastest with a small number of leadership gifts, not just many small ones. We're inviting a limited group of major supporters — individuals, businesses, and foundations capable of a transformational gift — to help close this campaign immediately.

For our Leadership Circle:

A gift at the leadership level does more than fund a building — it puts your name behind the future of workforce training in Richmond County from day one. We'd welcome the chance to talk directly about what a leadership gift could look like and how you'd be recognized.

Contact Jennifer Everett directly for leadership-level giving conversations — these are handled outside the standard online form.

Suggested Giving Levels

• $25 — Community Supporter
  Helps cover everyday operating costs as we grow.

• $100 — Foundation Friend
  Contributes toward classroom and training equipment.

• $500 — Innovation Partner
  Supports a dedicated workspace in the new Center for Innovation and Opportunity.

• $1,000 — Building Champion
  A meaningful step toward securing our permanent home.

• $5,000+ — Legacy Founder
  Recognized as a founding investor in the Foundation's permanent facility (name featured on donor wall, subject to Foundation approval).

Help Us Spread the Word

Every campaign grows through shares, not just gifts. After you give, consider:

• Sharing the campaign link or QR code with three people in your network

• Forwarding to a business or employer who may consider a matching or leadership gift

• Following the Foundation on Facebook/LinkedIn for campaign updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What will this building be used for?
A dedicated space for hands-on EV Technician training, Foundation offices, and the Center for Innovation and Opportunity — a hub for community programs and partnerships.

Is this different from the John C. Felder Scholarship fund?
Yes. This capital campaign is separate and dedicated solely to securing a permanent facility. Scholarship gifts should continue through the Foundation's existing scholarship giving channel.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The John C. Felder Foundation is a confirmed 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

When will the building open?
We're finalizing details and will share updates as they're confirmed.

What happens if the campaign doesn't reach $150,000?
Every gift toward this campaign is applied to securing and preparing the Foundation's permanent home. 

I'm interested in a larger, leadership-level gift. Who do I talk to?Reach out directly to Jennifer Everett at jennifer.everett@johncfelderfoundation.org to discuss leadership giving opportunities and recognition.