Carolinas Freedom Foundation

Carolinas Freedom Foundation works to INSPIRE patriotic citizenship in our youth and community as we HONOR the service of veterans and first responders.

Founded in 1995 by former prisoner of war and retired Air Force Col. Quincy Collins, Carolinas Freedom Foundation [CFF] is a non-profit that began operation with Charlotte’s two signature Veterans Day weekend events: the Carolinas Freedom Foundation Annual Freedom Breakfast and Salute to Veterans Parade.

Recognizing an unmet need, CFF expanded programming to include youth education. With funds raised by "the greatest spectacle in high school football" - the Patriotism Bowl, CFF annually distributes tens of thousands in scholarships through song/poetry and fine art competitions, to youth leadership and cyber security camps, and at the JROTC Awards Ceremony each spring. With more than $350,000 raised since bowl inception in 2012, the 12th annual Patriotism Bowl - Carolinas is on track to be a record-breaking fundraiser and is joined by the inaugural Patriotism Bowl - Georgia to begin a national trend of honoring 9/11 Patriot Day each September. 

In 2018 the Patriotism Bowl was awarded a Guinness World Record for the 'most consecutive fly-overs in a single flight path' and through this recognition, CFF regularly engages Rising Stars (young professionals) at mixers called Guinness Gatherings. The Rising Stars act as CFF ambassadors recruiting companies and individuals from their community to join efforts in honoring veterans and first responders.

Made up of veterans, first-responders, active military, their families and supporters, as well as community stakeholders, and those willing to serve those who served, Carolinas Freedom Foundation welcomes participation by all as together we INSPIRE and HONOR.