For over 40 years, Triangle Community Foundation has forged connections between nonprofits meeting community needs with donors eager to support vital work being done in our region. Nonprofits play an essential role in building a vibrant Triangle, which we define as Durham, Orange, Wake, and Chatham Counties.
The Foundation values and appreciates the important work your organization is leading. If you are a nonprofit based in the Triangle and looking to partner with us, we encourage you to learn more about us and the grant process.
How We Work Together
Triangle Community Foundation awards grants in two ways: through our discretionary grant programs (also known as Fund for the Triangle) and through donor-advised fund grants.
Fund for the Triangle: Discretionary grants are usually awarded through competitive application processes and funded by this fund. The Foundation provides general operating, multi-year grants through our discretionary grantmaking programs whenever possible to provide flexibility to your organization as you carry out your mission. Our focus on four impact areas allows us to grant these dollars where we see the greatest opportunity to make a difference.
A Snapshot of Funding
More than $14 million in grants to approximately 400 nonprofits through Fund for the Triangle since its inception in 2013.
*Based on 2024-2025 discretionary grant program award data
*While one grantee technically has its headquarters outside of our four-county service area, most of their work and impact takes place in our service area.
Application Process
An organization with a 501(c)(3) tax designation or a fiscal sponsor submits an application through our Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) during an open grant cycle.
The program officer will do a preliminary review of the application to determine completeness. For grant cycles with a high number of applications, an internal staff team committee will conduct an initial review and determine finalists to be reviewed by the advisory committee.
The advisory committee, made up of 5-7 community members who have lived and/or professional experience related to the goals of the grant program, will evaluate and score the nonprofit applications. Under the guidance of the program officer, the advisory committee meets to discuss application scores and recommend funding decisions for that cycle.