The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation (DNTF) has announced a significant commitment of over $10 million in grants to support food banks across North and South Carolina. This marks the largest single commitment in the Foundation’s history, reflecting the Teppers’ dedication to addressing food insecurity in the region.
The announcement comes at a time when partner food banks are experiencing decreased public funding and donations, alongside rising operating costs and increased demand. Since acquiring the Carolina Panthers in 2018, addressing food insecurity has been a core focus of the Teppers’ philanthropic efforts.
“When we learned of the growing strain on our partner food banks, it was important for us to respond and to do so quickly,” said David and Nicole Tepper. “Our communities are facing a food crisis and each of these organizations are on the front lines addressing that basic need. We want to ensure they have the resources to continue to serve a growing community who rely on them day in and day out.”
In addition to special one-time grants, DNTF provides annual support to its partner food banks throughout the Carolinas. In February 2025, the Foundation announced $1.3 million in annual grants, representing a 15 percent increase from the previous year. As part of this new commitment, additional increases in annual grants have been allocated for 2026.
Beyond annual grants, DNTF’s impact includes supporting initiatives like Lowcountry Food Bank’s Smart Locker project for 24-hour access to resources and collaborating with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle on agricultural enhancements. The Foundation also provided relief after Hurricane Helene and committed $3 million last year to Nourish Up for its “Hunger Hub” facility in Charlotte.
The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation was established in 2020 with a focus on community-based projects targeting food insecurity, basic needs, education, and disaster relief.
