At the conclusion of our 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023, we embarked on a strategic planning process to plot the course for the next phase of Triangle Community Foundation, working with The Giving Practice alongside all our major stakeholders. We are pleased to share the culmination of this work, our five-year strategic plan! Our bold plan is focused on four strategic priorities: Philanthropic Investment, Nonprofit Support, Community Leadership, and Organizational Excellence, with the intersection of these four what we are calling the Triangle’s Philanthropy Engine. Watch this 40-second video to see how it works, and then read on for more specifics about our plan.

Philanthropic Investment

We aim to build an even stronger culture of philanthropy in the Triangle region that leads to more people investing their time, talent, and treasure.

A recent example: Hurricane Helene. In less than two weeks, we mobilized over half a million dollars to support 35 organizations providing relief and recovery in western North Carolina. We were able to quickly connect with community foundations serving the area who were already working to coordinate response efforts on the ground, and shared trusted information and resources with our donors so they could respond in kind.

Nonprofit Support

We will invest in strong nonprofits that are addressing critical needs and enriching the lives of residents in the Triangle.

Example in Action: Fund for the Triangle. Since 2013 we have invested over $11 million in nonprofits across our four impact areas: Capacity Building, Cultural Arts, Education & Youth, and Sustainable Communities. Within Capacity Building, we have convened the Triangle Capacity-Building Network (TCBN), a collection of local funders aiming to provide resources to nonprofits whose leadership identify as Black, Indigenous or Other People of Color (BIPOC), so they are steady and can focus on fulfilling the mission of their organizations.

Community Leadership

We will broaden awareness of and mobilize solutions to critical needs and challenges facing the Triangle region.

The Triangle is a great place to live and work, but we can always do more to make it better. One of Triangle Community Foundation’s greatest strengths is our ability to convene those who are closest to challenging issues with those who have the resources and expertise to make a difference.

Example in Action: Housing Affordability. We have identified housing affordability as a key issue in our region and one in which a community foundation is uniquely suited to support with grantmaking, impact investing, advocacy, and more. We will use our convening power to partner with strong nonprofits, fellow funders, and others who bring expertise and complementary resources, and strategically deploy assets in support of key solutions in this space.

Organizational Excellence

We will continue to build the organization’s ongoing capacity, culture, leadership, and sustainability.

We cannot achieve the bold goals in our strategic plan without a flourishing and collaborative team, and we aim to ensure that every staff member can grow, feel empowered, and see themselves reflected in this plan.

Examples in Action: Our Current Team! We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated staff who are excited to show up in our community every day, from participation in leadership programs like Leadership Triangle and 21/64, to site visits to our many nonprofits to ensure we are providing adequate support, to serving on local boards and participating in regional events.

The Triangle's Philanthropy Engine

After four decades, Triangle Community Foundation is recognized for having the knowledge, resources, and networks to impact positive change in our region. Our leadership model is characterized by philanthropy expertise, data and research, and connections. At the center of our four intersecting strategic priorities is the Triangle's Philanthropy Engine.