Nonprofit 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.

After-School Program Reconnects Children to the Earth

Is it possible to reconnect young people with the earth? Connecting with nature is tough for children who are coming of age in the digital era and kids without access to outdoor activities. Between the allure of screens, other extracurriculars,…

The Push to Merge

The M word. Often suggested by funders recognizing the abundance of nonprofit organizations doing similar work in a community, and equally feared by nonprofit leaders doing that work. Over the last few years, mergers have become a hot topic in…

Access to Camp Combats Summer Learning Loss

Summer vacation is supposed to be a relaxing, idyllic time away from school for students.  But the reality for many low-income children is a summer with too little stimulation and lack of access to enriching summer activities. That reality leads…

Marbles Kids Museum: Success for the Next Generation

The following is an interview with Hardin Engelhardt (H), Education & Evaluation Specialist at Marbles Kids Museum, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation.   M: Hardin, can you tell me a little more about

Triangle Family Services: Providing Quality Service

The following is an interview with Alice Lutz (A), CEO of Triangle Family Services, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation. M: Alice, can you tell me a little more about Triangle Family Services,

Equity through Arts: Justice Theater Project

The following is an interview with Melissa Zeph (MZ), managing director and Deb Royals (D), artistic director, of The Justice Theater Project conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation.   M: can you tell me

Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association: We are all connected

The Following is an Interview with Chris Dreps (C), executive director of Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation.   M: Chris, can you tell me a little more about Ellerbe

Arts nonprofits aim to increase access

Art of Cool Project, a Durham nonprofit formed in 2011 to provide jazz and build an audience for it, wants a physical home and a way to expand its audience, build its donor base and find corporate sponsors. American Dance…

Environmental grants to make long-term impact

The goal:  that people in Durham can someday jump into sections of Ellerbe Creek without worrying about what’s inside, and that they can experience nature in a safe way in their backyard.   “The impact on the community is long-term,”…

Environmental Groups Take a Closer Look at the Diverse Populations they Serve

This summer, donors gathered at the Triangle Donors Forum centered around Environmental Advocacy. The event, held at the NC Botanical Garden, led to a discussion with Conservation and Diversity Coordinator at the Conservation Trust for NC, Melanie Allen, about a…