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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 while supporting and advocating for 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

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1884

The 1880s

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

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1927

The 1920s

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

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1950

The 1950s

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

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1960

The 1960s

We 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

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1967

Our Founding

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.

1998
1990

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1998

1990

-Jerome 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

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2000

The 2000s

-We 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…Read More

2019
2019

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2019

2019

-Growth 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…Read More

2020
2020

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2020

2020

-March, 2020:The 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

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2021

2021

-The 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…Read More

2022
2022

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2022

2022

-Rev. 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…Read More

2023
2023

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2023

2023

-The 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.

2025
2025

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2025

2025

-The Bolick Foundation established a Donor Advised Fund with the National Philanthropic Trust. -It is time to grow!  In September, 2025, The Bolick Foundation hired Blair White to serve as Associate Executive Director.  Blair brings a deep compassion for others and a passionate commitment to the Christian gospel—qualities that perfectly…Read More

2026
2026

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2026

2026

-The Bolick Foundation implemented a required Impact Report for all partners to complete.  The report will outline the organization’s work and how The Bolick Foundation contributed to the process/success.

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 Cline, Executive Director

Blair White, Associate Executive Director

Joye Lane, Executive Assistant

Tim McGhee, Chief Financial Officer