Katherine “Kat” Belk Cook’s life was defined by generosity, vision and devotion to her community. From championing the arts to supporting education and advocating for the most vulnerable, her philanthropy spanned across Charlotte.

In recognition of her extraordinary impact, the Association of Fundraising Professionals named her the 2025 Outstanding Philanthropist.

A Lifelong Commitment to Service

Born in Charlotte in 1926, Kat’s passion for service began early.

Inspired by her parents’ civic leadership, she volunteered as a Candy Striper at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and later became a beloved elementary school teacher. After marrying Thomas M. Belk in 1953, she continued the Belk family tradition of philanthropy, blending generosity with a hands-on approach that shaped Charlotte’s cultural, educational and social landscape for more than half a century.

Kat’s philanthropy transformed institutions across Charlotte and beyond. With her late husband, she inspired the leadership gifts for the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center at Davidson College, which today anchors the school’s vibrant arts program. She also played a key role in Davidson’s renowned sculpture initiative, funding its first piece and setting in motion what is now one of the finest public art collections at any liberal arts college.

Her support of The Mint Museum, the Charlotte Symphony, and Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary further enriched Charlotte’s cultural fabric. Through the Katherine and Thomas Belk Acquisition Fund, she helped expand the Mint’s collections, ensuring future generations could access and be inspired by the arts.

Education was another cornerstone of Kat’s giving. She championed UNC Charlotte, UNC Chapel Hill and Davidson College, where her generosity supported the sciences, public health and chaplaincy programs.

“Kat’s philanthropy was both generous and highly engaged — with lasting impact that far exceeded the dollar amount of each gift,” Davidson President Doug Hicks said. “She inspired beauty, created access and left a mark on countless students’ lives.”

Preserving a Landmark

Kat’s vision was instrumental to Foundation For The Carolina’s restoration of the historic Carolina Theatre in uptown Charlotte.

Through an $8 million Belk family gift, made possible by the shared generosity of Kat and her sister-in-law Claudia Belk, the theatre’s future was secured as the centerpiece of Belk Place — a vibrant hub for philanthropy, civic engagement, and community collaboration.

Today, the Carolina Theatre stands as a lasting reminder of Kat’s belief that cultural spaces bring people together and strengthen communities.

Beyond the arts and education, Kat poured her heart into social causes. She supported Roof Above, Lily Pad Haven and the Charlotte Metropolitan Human Trafficking Task Force, extending hope and resources to the homeless and survivors of exploitation.

Guided by her faith, she also gave generously of her time at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder, Deacon and volunteer. She even traveled to Malawi on the church’s first mission trip, embodying her commitment to global service.

Inspiration for the Future

From classrooms to boardrooms, from concert halls to shelters, Kat Belk’s philanthropy was as broad as it was deep. Her service on numerous nonprofit boards, consistent volunteerism and her extraordinary generosity shaped Charlotte into a more compassionate, creative and connected city.

“Kat Belk exemplified philanthropy in its purest form — generous, visionary and deeply personal,” FFTC’s Chief Philanthropy Officer Elizabeth Kiser said. “Her legacy reflects a profound commitment to uplifting our Charlotte community through arts, education and care for others … reminding us that true philanthropy is about creating lasting, meaningful change.”

The 2025 Outstanding Philanthropist Award, presented posthumously, honors not only what Kat gave but the way she gave — thoughtfully and with an enduring belief in the power of community Though she passed in August 2024, her spirit will continue to inspire Charlotte for generations to come.