Donor Stories

Triangle Community Foundation is the leading expert on local philanthropy, giving trends, and critical issues. We strive to be clear and informative about the work we do to enhance life in the Triangle, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted resource for media and other community partners.

Stories: Donor Stories

The Product of Opportunity

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He seems to own any room he enters. With his boisterous and booming voice, “Cheshire cat” smile, and colorful suits, without knowing Farad Ali, you might assume that he was born into a privileged life. But you’d be wrong. “I…
Stories: Donor Stories

A Legacy of Giving: Tips for Family Philanthropy

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“Hi Nana and Grandpa,” the email began, “After some serious consideration, I would like to donate my $500 to the Ocean Conservancy.” Nana and Grandpa, local residents who started a donor-advised fund when they moved to the area 14 years…
Stories: Donor Stories

Working Toward a Thriving Society

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Dr. Bulent Ender was raised to believe that it was his responsibility to give back to those in need. As a first-generation immigrant from Turkey growing up in the suburbs of D.C., he was surrounded by opportunity. Opportunity that came…
Stories: Donor Stories

Leaving a Legacy

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For Jim Stewart and Frances Dyer, contributing to the community has always been a part of life. Growing up in Durham, Stewart was keenly aware of his father’s (John “Shag” Stewart) passion and impact in the region, and knew he…
Stories: Donor Stories

Founders’ Day Celebration: 35 Years of Impact

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Nearly 200 esteemed guests gathered at the Umstead Hotel in Cary on the evening of Wednesday, November 14, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Triangle Community Foundation. Pat Nathan, Board Chair, welcomed the crowd, remarking what a momentous occasion was,…
Stories: Donor Stories

Giving Circle Feature: Longleaf Collective

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We all want to see a Triangle where everyone thrives, and it takes a group of committed people to help create that Triangle. As philanthropy has changed from an individual act to a more community effort, it seems fitting that…
Stories: Donor Stories

Giving Circles Feature: The Beehive Collective

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While not a new concept, giving circles have become an increasingly popular and important form of philanthropy, allowing a group of individuals to combine resources to have a larger funding impact on an organization or issue area. We believe in…
Stories: Donor Stories

Heart Surgery and Hammers

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Cécile Noël would rather comfort a ten-year old Nicaraguan boy with a hole in his heart than attend a board meeting. “When he came at the beginning of the week, the boy had a cough and a runny nose so…
Stories: Donor Stories

A Life of Service: There is No Other Way

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As Vice President of Operations at Methodist Home for Children, Ken Perry says that he has always had a passion for philanthropy. The human service agency that he has grown to become a pillar of provides safe, stable homes where…
Stories: Donor Stories

Family Legacy Meets Social Justice

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Rebecca Balter’s story began long before she was born. Balter comes from a long line of entrepreneurs; her family built a successful bank in Dresden, Germany at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, the family believed so much…