Foundation for the Carolinas

EXCITING NEWS! Groundworks Grants applications open October 5–30! This new grant opportunity from Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation will provide larger, longer-term support to a limited number of organizations leading comprehensive, community-centered efforts in Mecklenburg County, NC. Hear from Tracy Russ, Foundation for the Carolinas' Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer as he shares a quick overview of the Groundworks grant and what you need to know! Learn more about the opportunity, register for an upcoming information session and access the Groundworks toolkit for eligibility details and application resources: https://lnkd.in/ehTT4Uwz #fftcarolinas #philanthropy

Through the Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition, more than $1 million has been awarded to 475 young artists since 2000, providing not only financial support but also visibility, encouragement and career-changing opportunities. Powered by the Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation, a donor advised fund held at Foundation for the Carolinas, the competition continues to invest in the next generation of opera talent while honoring Lavinia Jensen's vision of helping young artists reach their full potential. Read how philanthropy is helping aspiring performers pursue their dreams and why strategic charitable giving can create lasting impact for generations to come at  https://lnkd.in/e74R3j-p. #FFTCarolinas #Philanthropy #ArtsEducation #CommunityImpact

At a recent CLE program for professional advisors, attendees explored charitable giving as part of their philanthropic and tax planning strategies, emphasizing the importance of bringing the right team to the table early.     Advisors, attorneys, CPAs, appraisers and charitable partners each play a critical role in helping clients navigate decisions and achieve their goals.     However, successful outcomes and goals don't happen by chance. They happen through thoughtful planning, collaboration and trusted guidance.    For nonprofit leaders, the session also served as a reminder to leverage the expertise already within their networks, including board members, volunteers and community partners who can help strengthen organizational capacity and donor engagement.      Thank you to our panelists:  Doug Benson, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Risk Officer, Foundation for the Carolinas  Holly Norvell, Partner & Chair, Trusts and Estates Practice Group, Johnston Allison Hord  Rob Snowden, ASA, ABV, Founder and Managing Partner, South Park Advisors, LLC    Whether you're advising a client, planning a gift or exploring philanthropic strategies, Foundation for the Carolinas can serve as a trusted resource, helping connect charitable intent with meaningful impact.    #fftcarolinas #nonprofits #philanthropy 

Congratulations to our own Tracy Russ for being named on Charlotte Business Journal's Power 100: Visionaries Who Are Moving Charlotte Forward list! Since taking over leadership of our Robinson Center for Civic Leadership, Tracy has made a number of bold moves to help support and sustain local nonprofits, such as launching the Agility Together series (www.fftc.org/NPOsupport) and creating www.fftcfwd.net, a civic empowerment platform that fosters understanding and collaboration. Congratulations to Tracy and all the local visionaries who made the list! https://lnkd.in/eRjdrAui

“I've been a resident of York County for nearly 30 years. One of the things I love about this county is the people and their hearts and how they want to help one another. I give to the York County Community Foundation because I know that they are a trusted partner in ensuring those philanthropic dollars go to those organizations that are doing the most good in the community.    I don't have to worry about whether or not the organizations have been vetted. They do that work. I don't have to question whether or not they're getting results because they require reporting from these organizations to prove that those dollars are being well spent. It is a trusted partner to help do the most good in York County, SC.”  -Craig Craze, York County Community Foundation, Board Member      Learn how you can be part of a community-wide effort to unlock a $1 million matching opportunity for York County nonprofits at fftc.org/GrowYorkGiveLocal.   #fftcarolinas #growyorkgivelocal

Recently, FFTC team members visited Arin's Good Girl Dog Treats to learn more about the nonprofit's mission and see its impact firsthand.    Founded by Arin Wucherer and led by Executive Director Talia Wucherer, Arin's Good Girl Dog Treats is creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while building confidence, independence and purpose through an inclusive workplace.     FFTC Attendees included:  Tommy Prudenti, Assistant Vice President, Nonprofit Services  Nancy Lagomarcino, MPA , Assistant Vice President, Corporate Philanthropy Jeremy Yagoda, Board and Grants Specialist Thank you to the Arin's Good Girl Dog Treats team for sharing your story and the impact you're making in our community.   #fftcarolinas

While we honor all the people we lost 25 years ago, we are also reminded of the millions of acts of kindness that sprung from that horrible day. Here at the Foundation, the idea that became E4E Relief began when some local bank executives wanted to find a way to support their employees in a time of unthinkable tragedy. Today, 25 years later, E4E Relief continues its work helping people on their worst days -- now reaching millions of people across the globe. Thank you to all who support us when we need it the most.

Strong organizations are built to thrive beyond the tenure of any one leader.    Join us for Agility Together Series: Succession Planning for Nonprofit Leaders, an interactive workshop designed to help executive leaders and board members develop practical strategies that support organizational stability, leadership continuity and long-term mission success.    Whether you're an executive director, CEO, senior leader, board chair or governance committee member, this workshop will help strengthen your organization's future.    Wednesday, September 23  9–11 a.m.  Hope Haven Inc. ------------------ Agility Together is a collaborative initiative of Robinson Center for Civic Leadership at Foundation for the Carolinas, SHARE Charlotte, United Way of Greater Charlotte and Lee Institute.         #fftcarolinas #philanthropy #carolinas #nonprofits 

Exciting news to share from the Foundation: Sherri Chisholm has been named Chief Impact Officer and President of the Robinson Center for Civic Leadership, and Tracy Russ has been promoted to Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer. Both roles will help advance our mission and deepen our impact across the region we serve. Sherri, who advanced economic mobility in our region at the helm of Leading on Opportunity, we will oversee the Foundation’s civic leadership work and community programs – amplifying impact and strengthening connections between philanthropy and community investments. Tracy, who most recently served as FFTC’s SVP of Civic Leadership Strategy & Impact, will be a strategic partner to the President Laura Clark and will help advance Foundation-wide priorities, key initiatives and opportunities that drive lasting impact. Sherri will officially begin her role in early 2027. Until then, Tracy will continue to oversee FFTC’s civic leadership efforts. Join us in congratulating our talented leaders in their new roles!

"Some of the most meaningful changes in a community happen when individuals come together around a shared vision and commit to making life better for future generations," Amy Hagner, Chair of the York County Community Foundation Board of Advisors.   In our latest Why I Give feature, Amy shares why philanthropy matters to her, what makes York County special and how community foundations help connect generosity with long-term community impact.   As York County continues to grow, investing in permanent charitable resources can help ensure local nonprofits have the support they need to meet both today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.   Read Amy's story and learn why she believes investing in York County's future starts with giving back: https://lnkd.in/d4gAeJCx   #growyorkgivelocal #fftcarolinas #yorkcountygives