The People We Serve

TCF Fundholder tutoring student at Durham Achievement Academy

Since 1983, Triangle Community Foundation has enjoyed a reputation of philanthropic innovation and contribution to the Triangle. Paralleling the growth of our region, TCF has exemplified an essential element of our community’s formula for success: true progress means progress for everyone, especially for those most in need.

Over the years, the Foundation has addressed “need” through a variety of initiatives and efforts. But in many respects, TCF has focused on a ‘donor engagement model’ emphasizing service to its individual, family and business donors. As part of recent strategic planning, the Foundation committed to expand its orientation and its activities to produce a ‘balanced’ business model that directs our talent and resources to donors as well as to the community at large, including nonprofits engaged in seeking funding for their operations. Donor engagement shares center stage with civic engagement.

Transforming philanthropic impulse into effective action has remained our constant call throughout our 25 years history. Premiere donor services will continue to be a primary tenet of our culture, and will be truly enhanced as engagement of our communities’ resources, voice and energy deepens in the present hour and years to come.

Strategic Priorities (excerpted from 2006 Strategic Plan)

Accelerate the level of discretionary grantmaking at TCF.
Identify and implement philanthropic themes for a competitive grantmaking process, utilizing both discretionary and donor-advised funds.
Maximize TCF’s efficiency and effectiveness in producing community impact.
Engage donor-advised funds and new grantors to leverage the potential of the balanced model.
Increase the level and visibility of TCF’s community activities and grantmaking.
Convene and participate in a broader spectrum of philanthropically-oriented events.
Develop thought leadership in our community and among our peer groups.