TCF announces 2010 What Matters Innovation Award

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Kelly Mauldin Harrell
Director of Communications

919.474.8370 ext:125
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March 09, 2010

Triangle Community Foundation announces 2010 What Matters Innovation Award

$5,000 prize for organization that uses innovation to address issues of growth and diversity in the Triangle

Durham, N.C. (March 9, 2010) – Triangle Community Foundation announced today that it will launch an annual event, What Matters, for Triangle leaders to explore topics critical to our region’s success. In conjunction with the event, the Foundation will present the What Matters Innovation Award to an organization actively engaged in that year’s theme. The theme for 2010 is “A Diverse and Engaged Community.”

“We are a cutting-edge foundation that balances our 25-year history with a far reaching vision for our community’s future” said Andrea Bazán, Triangle Community Foundation president. “We are proud to introduce the Innovation Award to encourage creative approaches to issues that arise as our region evolves.”

What Matters, Triangle Community Foundation’s first annual benefit dinner, will be held at the Raleigh Marriott City Center on Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Tickets will be available through the Foundation’s website beginning March 24th.

Applications for the What Matters Innovation Award are due Wednesday, March 17, 2010. The winner will be determined through an online voting process. The Foundation will select the top 10 applicants, who will be asked to submit a video to YouTube for the community to vote on. Online voting opens at http://www.trianglecf.org April 21 and will close on April 28.

The following organizations are eligible to apply for the $5,000 What Matters Innovation Award:
• 501 c 3 nonprofit organizations
• Religious congregations
• Local government agencies
• Statewide organizations that serve the Triangle
• Organizations based-in and serving Chatham, Durham, Orange, or Wake counties

The What Matters event will feature nationally renowned journalists Steven and Cokie Roberts, and WRAL anchor David Crabtree will serve as emcee. What Matters is presented by Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company, and all proceeds from the event will support the Foundation’s community programs that strengthen local nonprofits and address regional issues.

Award guidelines, application forms, and event information are available on the Foundation’s website http://www.trianglecf.org. For questions regarding the Innovation Award, contact Community Program Officer Robyn Fehrman at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by phone at (919) 474-8370 x. 128

About Triangle Community Foundation:
Triangle Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that manages $120 million in funds established by individuals, businesses and families. From these funds, we give grants to nonprofit organizations and administer a variety of programs for the community’s benefit. The Foundation currently manages over 740 funds, ranging in size from $10,000 to $10 million, primarily for the benefit of Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham counties. During the 2008-09 fiscal year, the Foundation granted more than $15 million to nonprofits, schools and community efforts. On average, we distribute more than 10% of our assets each year, raising the total value of grants made since the Foundation’s inception in 1983 to nearly $144 million.

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