As one of Charlotte’s most impactful real estate developers, John Crosland Jr. was all business. In an extraordinary lifetime of philanthropy, he was no different.

Crosland was 86 when he died on Aug. 2, 2015. Through the Crosland Foundation, a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas, his good works continue to resonate. That includes a gift to nonprofit Roof Above to transform empty college dorms into transitional housing for men.

Crosland accomplished all this in his typically understated manner, happy to let his generosity speak for itself.

“Foundation For The Carolinas is honored to partner with the Crosland Foundation to uphold John Crosland’s philanthropic legacy and support affordable housing, individuals with learning differences, and Parkinson’s medical research,” says Ayanna Wakefield Lutin, Vice President, Philanthropic Services. “Mr.  Crosland’s intent was to make a difference in the Charlotte community. That inspires us all to continue his visionary commitment.”

Among the areas that spoke to Crosland’s heart:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Previously student dormitories, King’s college buildings now provide supportive housing for men transitioning out of homelessness.

Having developed retail spaces, office parks and apartment complexes – more than 20,000 multifamily units in and around Charlotte – he understood the impact of home ownership on breaking the cycle of poverty.

As he put it: “There’s no reason we should have anyone without a place to live.”

In 1983, Crosland joined with houses of faith to establish Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. In 2025, the nonprofit home and community builder served its 5,000^th family.

More recently, a $200,000 gift from the Crosland Foundation to Roof Above helped turn two former King’s College dormitories in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood into 64 transitional housing units for men. Twenty of those units are reserved for U.S. military veterans. Support for the $11 million project includes $2.4 million from the city’s Housing Trust Fund.

The complex, which opened in December, is named Kings on Lamar. A quote from peacemaker Mahatma Gandhi inscribed on the wall of the common area speaks to the community’s call to help the least: The future depends on what you do today.

Liz Clasen-Kelly, CEO of Roof Above, understands the need for short- and long-term shelter. On any given night in Charlotte, 2,340 people experience homelessness.

But providing shelter is only the beginning. At Kings on Lamar, and Roof Above’s other communities, the focus is on guiding people toward a more sustainable life through financial literacy classes, counseling and more.

Supporters like the Crosland Foundation, Clasen-Kelly said, make it possible. “They’ve been increasingly faithful in support of our mission. It’s beautiful.”

EDUCATION

Challenged by dyslexia as a child, Crosland overcame the learning disorder with the help of his mother and teachers at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va., and Davidson College.

Pay it forward, indeed.

Crosland, who graduated from Davidson in 1951, helped establish the John Crosland Center for Teaching and Learning. The Center provides tutoring and other programs. Crosland’s college roommate, Jake Wade, told The Charlotte Observer years ago that his classmate set an example of overcoming your toughest challenge:

“He never gave up. He would say, ‘I can handle that job. I’m going to work harder than the next person. I’m going to meet the mission. Get out of the way. I’m coming through.’”

Another gift: In 2012, the Charlotte school formerly known as Dore Academy was renamed The John Crosland School. It’s a well-deserved affirmation of a $1.1 million gift, and the impact it has on kids who learn differently.

The school, located near Renaissance Park off West Tyvola Road, is home to 120 students in Grades K-12. Whether they deal with dyslexia, ADHD or another learning issue, students receive the personal, patient attention they deserve.

The Crosland gift went toward purchasing the six-acre school property and remodeling the building. At the ribbon-cutting, Crosland explained his motivation: “I thought it important – really important – to help people with learning disabilities. I have one. I know how difficult it was in the early days in school.”

The lesson is clear.

“You never want someone to have the struggles you’ve had if you can prevent them,” says Head of School Hallie Rojeksi. “People who have known hardships, giving back is one of the best things they can do.”

MEDICAL RESEARCH

In a video highlighting the work of his Foundation, Crosland spoke of his support for medical research into life-changing illnesses.

Father and son – John Crosland Sr. and Jr. – both suffered from Parkinson’s. More than 1 million Americans live with this movement disorder, whose symptoms include tremors, rigidity and loss of balance.

Since 2023, the Crosland Foundation has awarded $141,763 to Memory & Movement Charlotte. The nonprofit medical practice treats patients with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other movement disorders. It also helps caregivers navigate their journey and supports clinical trials.

Crosland made the video highlighting his philanthropic purpose because he wanted members of his Foundation board to watch it each year, to remind them of the issues that drive their work.

It offers no fiery calls to action. This, after all, was a man who used to write “Memoranda of Charitable Desires.” A man who Doug Ey, chair of the Crosland Foundation board, described as “meticulous to the nth degree.”

Instead, in a style more befitting your company’s weekly sales meeting, in the video, John Crosland Jr. outlines what he cares about. Then he invites the members of his board – his partners in this righteous mission – to help him change the world.