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 Pope Foundation focuses on cultivating a free and civil society through support for the arts and humanitarian services. It believes in the power of creative expression to preserve national heritage and unify communities, emphasizing that private funding should prevail over government support for the arts. The foundation supports organizations in Wake and Vance Counties, North Carolina, that promote the arts through performance and education. Additionally, it aids nonprofits working on a spectrum of needs including hunger, health, housing, and job training, advocating for solutions that emphasize personal responsibility and opportunity without government intervention. The foundation particularly values initiatives that help individuals and families in crisis, aiming to foster community flourishing.