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.

A Part of His Character

College is not a reality that many living in poverty consider “a given” or a definite part of their future. Ridden with financial burdens, the everyday struggle to secure shelter and food are the constant priority. In fact, only 47…

Giving Back & Looking Forward: An Interview with Pat Nathan

Why do you believe in the importance of giving back? I find my greatest fulfillment in working with others towards a common goal. To operate at my fullest capacity, I need to share a variety of assets including life experiences,…

Donor Awards Hard Work with Opportunity

When Daniel Flores arrived in Chapel Hill from El Salvador four years ago at age 14 to join his mother, who had left him with his grandmother and aunt six years earlier so she could find a job in the…

Ron Strom: Passionate Philanthropist

The following is an interview with Ron Strom (R), Foundation fundholder, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation. M: Ron, tell me a little about your passion, and how you connect it to your

A Family Rooted in Philanthropy: Mary and Dale Carey

The following is an interview with Mary (MC) & Dale (DC) Carey, Foundation Fundholders, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation. M: Mary & Dale, tell me a little about your passion, and how

A Different Way to Give: NGAAP

The following is an interview with Michelle (MSM) Serrano-Mills & Linsey (LM) Mills, Foundation fundholders with NGAAP, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation. M: Michelle and Linsey, can you tell me a little

An Interview with Jerry VanSant

What fuels your passion (for the environment)? I have no professional background in the environment, rather, my experience lies in the evaluation of nonprofits and the nonprofit sector. I have always cared about the outdoors, even as a young child,…

Family Philanthropy: It’s All About the Values

An Interview with Chuck Recorr Why do you give back? There is a real gap in America today. I live in a society where important things aren’t being addressed, and because of that, the fabric of the community is disintegrating.…

Perry Colwell, Philanthropist

This text is from an interview with Perry Colwell, Board Member and Philanthropist Why is giving back (philanthropy) so important to you? Do you have a story, or one specific instance in your life that started you on the path

Jim Stewart, Investor

Community service is built into Jim Stewart’s DNA. His mother’s uncle, C.C. Spaulding, was an early executive of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, which became the largest black-owned business in the U.S. and, with Mechanics and Farmers Bank, and…