When the recent government shutdown left many families facing unexpected challenges, one of our donors received an urgent message from a local food pantry. The pantry was seeing a sudden rise in need and was asking for help. Wanting to support their neighbors, the donor reached out to the Shallow Ford Foundation to share the concern and to ask whether there was anything more that could be done.

That single act of care set a remarkable chain of connection in motion. The Foundation immediately reached out to the food pantries across our service area to understand the situation firsthand. Both Clemmons Food Pantry and Yadkin Christian Ministries shared that more families were turning to them for support as the shutdown continued. With a clearer picture of the growing need, the Shallow Ford Foundation Board took action, approving a gift from the Community Fund to help sustain local food assistance programs.

Recognizing the power of partnership, the Foundation then reached out to our broader network of donors in Clemmons and Yadkin Counties, inviting them to join in responding. In true community spirit, several donors stepped forward within days, recommending grants through their donor-advised funds (DAFs) to help stock shelves and serve families in need. Together, with the Foundation and the generosity of its donors, more than $8,700 was provided to support Clemmons Food Pantry and Yadkin Christian Ministries during a critical time.

This story reflects exactly how a community foundation works: one moment of generosity becomes the spark that connects people, needs, and resources in powerful ways. Through a donor-advised fund, individuals and families can set aside charitable resources for future giving, while partnering with the Foundation to direct that generosity where it can make the greatest difference. When unexpected challenges arise, this kind of partnership ensures that help reaches our neighbors quickly and compassionately, demonstrating the true power of community philanthropy in action.

At the Shallow Ford Foundation, we exist to make giving easy, informed, and impactful. If you’d like to learn more about establishing a donor-advised fund, supporting local needs, or partnering with us in your own giving, please contact us at 336.663.6794 or ‍