Our Mission
The Bolick Foundation is a private non-operating family foundation located in Conover, NC. The mission of The Bolick Foundation is to advocate for many causes but concentrating on spreading the Christian gospel. Founded in 1967, The Bolick Foundation invests in nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that indirectly achieve the Foundation’s mission.
Our Vision
- Embrace and advance the philanthropic vision of the Bolick Family
- Support and advocate programs and organizations associated with Christian beliefs
Our History
The Bolick family were pioneer industrialists. Oscar W. Bolick, Sr. founded Southern Furniture Company in Conover. Beginning with himself and two employees, the growth of Southern Furniture Company grew exponentially over the years due to hard work, devotion and dynamic leadership.
Click the timeline below to learn more about our history.
- 1884
The 1880s
The 1880s
January 1, 1884
Our sense of innovation caught the eye of Henry Ford. Jerome Bolick and Sons Company opened its doors in 1884 as a wholesaler of “High Grade” buggies and invented the steel-wire hub-and-spoke wheels — an innovation purchased by Henry Ford to outfit his new 1928 Model A. - 1927
The 1920s
The 1920s
January 1, 1927
As industries changed, so did we. In 1927, Oscar W. Bolick, Sr., founded Southern Furniture Company with two employees. The company transitioned from upholstered buggy seats and backs to furniture, selling predominantly in the New York area, with Macy’s as a primary customer.
- 1950
The 1950s
The 1950s
January 1, 1950
Our family traditions grew even stronger. Oscar’s son, Jerome W. Bolick, joined the family business after graduating from The University of North Carolina and two years in the US Navy.
- 1960
The 1960s
The 1960s
January 1, 1960We renewed our commitment to the community. Soon after Southern Furniture opened new offices and an impressive 15,000 square foot showroom in Conover, NC, Jerome W. Bolick became the President of Southern Furniture.
- 1967
Our founding
Our founding
January 1, 1967
The Bolick Foundation was established in 1967 to embrace and advance the philanthropic vision of the Bolick family. Through grant making, this vision has strengthened ever since. The legacy continues as we advocate for many causes, but concentrating on spreading the Christian gospel and aiding those in need. Over the next five decades, the Foundation gives annually to numerous organizations to serve those in need.
- 1998
1990
1990
January 1, 1998Jerome Bolick, President of Southern Furniture Company of Conover was elected president of the American Furniture Hall of Fame for the 1998/99 fiscal year.
- 2000
The 2000s
The 2000s
May 1, 2000We have a genuine respect for our community and environment. For five decades, Southern Furniture’s growth remained steady with over 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space and over 300 employees holding true to its mission to create a great product that not only served purpose but enriched lives. Under the leadership and ownership of Jerome W. Bolick, the company was driven by a desire to improve the lives of its customers while upholding a genuine respect for the community and the environment. As a proud member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, Southern Furniture was committed to building a sustainable planet for the future.
Jerome W.Bolick was recognized as LR Business Council’s Business Leader of the Year. He is foundation manager and trustee of Bolick Foundation, which is a charitable organization whose purpose is to support health, children and youth, arts and culture, higher education, social and human services, and Lutheran organizations.
2002 Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon: The Bolick Foundation was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as an Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation. Excerpts from the program included: The pattern of humble giving, without a thought to recognition or praise, is consistent across Catawba County as Mr. Jerome Bolick actively listens for needs and then gives generously, without fanfare.
The philanthropic philosophy of The Bolick Foundation can be reflected in a quote by John Wesley, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can.”
- 2019
2019
2019
May 1, 2019Growth brings about change. From relationships to sustainability practices to our commitment to superior craftsmanship, Southern Furniture Company does everything with great care, a little inventiveness and a lot of integrity… and has from the start. After 96 years in the making, Samson Holding acquired Southern Furniture Company to support its Universal Furniture brand.
Two new Board members were added to The Bolick Foundation – Stephen G. Dobbins and David W. Hood.
In May, 2019, the doctor of humane letters was awarded to Jerome W. Bolick at the Hickory undergraduate ceremony of Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Bolick served on the board of trustees at LR from 2000 to 2018 as vice chair and chair of the Building and Grounds Committee. He resides in Conover, North Carolina, and is the chief executive officer of Southern Furniture Company. He joined his family’s business in the 1950s after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serving two years in the U.S. Navy. Bolick is a member of Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church, a charter member of LR President’s Society, and founded an LR scholarship.
- 2020
2020
2020
July 16, 2020The family legacy continues. The Bolick Foundation’s financial base grew and so did the need for an executive director. Jerome W. Bolick remained President of The Bolick Foundation and Joy Cline was selected as the first executive director.
June, 2020: The first e-newsletter was released.
- 2021
2021
2021
August 13, 2021The Bolick Foundation established new application processes and procedures that were highlighted on the new Foundation website (www.bolickfoundation.org). In addition, funding opportunities grew from 74 programs in 2019 to 130 funding opportunities in 2021.
March 4, 2021: Jerome and Linda Bolick were awarded the Eisleben Circle Gold Membership in recognition and grateful appreciation for their generous support of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
July 25, 2021: The Miles Christi (Soldier of Christ) award was created by the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary/Ft. Wayne in order to recognize and honor each year Lutheran laymen or laywomen who have glorified God through a real contribution in some field of human endeavor and who have displayed the characteristics of good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Mr. Jerome W. and Mrs. Linda Bolick were recipients of the Miles Christi award and were recognized at Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover.
- 2022
2022
2022
March 29, 2022Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod joined the Board of Directors of The Bolick Foundation.
The Bolick Foundation Board initiated two funding cycles per fiscal year. Partners and potential partners may apply once during the Foundation’s fiscal year (July 1-June 30) by submitting an application by October 31 for December funding disbursements or by April 30 for June funding disbursements.
The Bolick Foundation was gifted The Tom Landry Teammate Award from Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
- 2023
2023
2023
June 14, 2023The Bolick Foundation invested in over 200 partners in 2023 with total investments over $11,000,000.
To enhance the application experience, The Bolick Foundation implemented grantmaking software. Temelio was chosen as the provider. The grant process was moved fully online for the December 2023 funding cycle.
Our Leadership
Founding Directors
Jerome W. Bolick, President/Treasurer
Judith Bolick Munday, Secretary
Non-Founding Directors
Stephen G. Dobbins
David W. Hood
Matthew C. Harrison
Team Members
Joy B. Cline, Executive Director
Joye I. Lane, Executive Assistant
Tim L. McGhee, Chief Financial Officer