Harold H. Bate was a philanthropist, investor and retired lumber executive. He died in August of 2000 at the age of 93. Through his generosity, the Harold H. Bate Foundation has been funded by his estate.

The mission of the Harold H. Bate Foundation is to offer financial support to the communities of Craven, Pamlico and Jones counties and East Carolina University. It will be the responsibility of the Foundation to ensure and carry out to the best of the Board's ability the vision of Harold H. Bate and to administer the charitable gifts wisely to enhance education, youth and recreation and the quality of life for all in these three counties.