Over the past 11 months, we have posted 39
stories featuring many partners of Triangle Community Foundation – from scholarship recipients like Aiyana Lynch to grantees like Durham Success Summit and Arts Access NC; from donors and community partners like Bernard Hsu and Capitol Broadcasting Company to staff and Board like Lori O’Keefe and Chris DeVita. We hope you have found the stories as inspiring as we have, and that they motivate you to get more involved in our community, in whatever way you find most meaningful. That's why our 40th story is about YOU!
The word philanthropy means to love others, and a philanthropist puts that into action. Too often we don’t see ourselves as philanthropists, as that designation seems reserved for individuals donating large sums of money to charitable causes. At the Foundation, we think everyone can be a philanthropist – time, talent, and treasure (with broad definitions of each) are all worthy contributions.
Do you see yourself in any of these examples?
- Organizing a book drive because everyone deserves to enjoy the magic of reading.
- Tithing to your church because your faith is your bedrock.
- Volunteering at a local food pantry because you see the value in collectively doing more than just a monthly donation.
- Serving on a nonprofit board because you have skills that are vital to the organization.
- Granting to local nonprofits because they are doing the work you see as necessary for our region, and for your own legacy.
- Coordinating outreach for a cause you care about because you know that sometimes taking action is what truly matters.
All of these are examples of philanthropy. It takes everyone giving what they can to make this community thrive.
What is your story?
At the Foundation our mission is to inspire giving, leadership, and action. What does that look like for you? Asking yourself these questions might help:
- What matters to you?
- What motivates you to act?
- How might you already be giving back to the Triangle community, but just haven’t characterized it in that way?
- Is there a particular philanthropist that inspires you? What is it about them that you find so inspiring?
- How do you want to make a difference in your community?
- What do want your legacy to be?
Join Us!
It should go without saying there are also many options for you to engage with the Foundation. Some ways you can consider doing that:
- Sign up for our newsletter.
- Make a donation to Fund for the Triangle.
- Join a Giving Circle.
- Read our stories.
- Consider opening a fund.
- Come to an event (look for more in 2024).
At the Foundation we begin to look toward 2024 and the years that follow. We are energized to continue maximizing our impact as each of us gets involved locally and brings awareness and support to the causes we care about, and we thank you for joining us on this journey.
