TCF announces What Matters Innovation Award Finalists

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March 29, 2010

Triangle Community Foundation announces What Matters Innovation Award Finalists Five innovative organizations addressing the Triangle’s growth and diversity

Durham, N.C. (March 29, 2010) – Triangle Community Foundation has chosen five finalists for the 2010 What Matters Innovation Award, a $5,000 prize for an organization using innovative strategies to address growth and diversity in the Triangle. Each finalist will produce a brief digital video to tell the story of their work. The public will choose the award winner through an online voting competition on http://www.trianglecf.org April 21-28.

The 2010 What Matters Innovation Award finalists are:

Builders of Hope – a Raleigh-based nonprofit organization working to increase the availability of high-quality, safe, affordable housing for working families.

Community Reinvestment Association of North Carolina – a statewide organization promoting and protecting community wealth.

Institute for Emerging Issues – a public policy think tank based at NC State University that convenes leaders to tackle issues facing North Carolina’s growth and prosperity.

Kramden Institute – a Durham-based nonprofit organization empowering hardworking, financially disadvantaged students by giving them home computers.

SPARKcon / Visual Art Exchange – a volunteer-led movement showcasing local talent and nurturing a creative eco-system in the Triangle.

“These five organizations represent some of the most innovative approaches to two of our region’s critical issues: growth and diversity,” said Andrea Bazán, Triangle Community Foundation president. “As a cutting-edge foundation, we are excited to spread the word about the important work these groups do.”

Triangle Community Foundation will present this award on May 5 at What Matters, the Foundation’s first annual benefit dinner. 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.

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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