The John William Pope Foundation aims to improve the well-being of North Carolinians by making grants to support public policy groups, educational institutions, humanitarian efforts, and the arts. With the guiding philosophy that "self-reliance, self-confidence, and integrity are the keys to success," the Foundation, established by the success of Variety Wholesalers Inc., endeavors to ensure future generations enjoy the same opportunities to live, work, pursue interests, and prosper in a society that values freedom, personal responsibility, and the free market system. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has focused its efforts primarily on supporting charities and organizations within North Carolina.
The John William Pope Foundation’s grant program is dedicated to advancing individual freedom and personal responsibility, directing its philanthropic efforts towards four main areas: public policy, education, human services, and the arts. Key principles underlying the Foundation's support in education include the promotion of critical thinking, intellectual diversity, and the idea that educational institutions should provide value to their students and encourage an understanding of economic freedom and prosperity. The Foundation places a priority on organizations that align with free-market principles, encourage intellectual diversity and critical thinking, support opportunity and personal responsibility, and promote the arts through education and performance. Operating on a rolling basis for general and project-specific grants, the Foundation primarily focuses on entities based in or directly impacting North Carolina, with specific emphasis on Wake and Vance Counties for certain priorities. Grants are issued bi-annually, with special consideration for urgent needs outside the regular meeting schedule.