The John M. Belk Endowment was founded in 1995 with a laser vision focused on North Carolina’s postsecondary educational needs and their alignment to our state’s workforce.  Our founder, John Montgomery Belk, drawing on his distinctive retail business career and his public service as Charlotte’s four-term mayor, was deliberate in his decision to ensure the Endowment’s organizational flexibility to adapt to change with the world around us.

The Endowment continues to partner with and advocate for the John Montgomery Belk Scholarship at Davidson College, which was established by our founder in 1995.  Since 2012, we have awarded grants of more than $53 million, primarily within North Carolina’s postsecondary educational sector. 

The Endowment aspires to create a stronger North Carolina by establishing three pillars of postsecondary success: ACCESS to and enrollment in postsecondary education for all North Carolina students; COMPLETION of a credential and/or college degree; and WORKFORCE RELEVANCE, that aligns the educational pipeline to relevant needs of employers, resulting in economically stronger communities throughout the state. 

Now led by John’s daughter, MC Belk Pilon, the JMBE staff and board continue to partner with innovative, results-oriented programs in North Carolina to further John’s values, legacy, and focus on the value of education as a means to personal fulfillment and community vitality.