Foundation for the Carolinas

10/09/2026

Private foundation or donor advised fund?

In our latest Ask The Expert, Sara Piner, Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Advancement, shares key considerations to help donors better understand their options and make informed philanthropic decisions.

Both options can help you support the causes you care about, involve future generations and create lasting community impact. The difference often comes down to flexibility, administration and long-term goals.

📖 Read more, and discover how donor advised funds can help turn generosity into lasting impact: https://philanthropyfocus.org/daforpf/

10/08/2026

Happy DAF (Donor Advised Fund) Day! A donor advised fund is more than a charitable tool. It's a way to create meaningful impact.

This year alone, FFTC fundholders have directed more than $349 million (so far) through more than 6,260 grants to nonprofits making a difference in our communities.

Today, we celebrate the generosity of our fundholders and the nonprofit partners working to create positive change every day. Consider recognizing DAF Day by supporting a program, organization or cause that's meaningful to you.

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Whether you participate in DAF Day or are preparing for year-end giving, here are a few ways to make a difference:

1) RECOMMEND A GRANT:
Log in to MyFFTC to support the nonprofits and causes you care about most at https://connect.fftc.org/site/R?i=ezfuIOPRMErqdFkig_4B5sk-P6ykvJ6hGa5-3_7VLgjivxYKjq1DoA

2) FIND YOUR FOCUS:
Looking for opportunities that align with your interests and values? Our philanthropic advisors are happy to help you explore community needs and identify organizations making a difference.

3) GROW YOUR CHARITABLE IMPACT:
If you're still considering where you'd like to give, making a contribution now can help your fund continue supporting the causes you care about in the years ahead. See our asset delivery instructions:https://www.fftc.org/sites/default/files/documents/FFTC_Asset_Delivery_Instructions.pdf

10/07/2026

'Love has no borders.'

For Beth and Drew Quartapella, those words helped expand their definition of community and sparked a partnership that has turned a love of music into millions for global health care.

Now, they’re taking their longtime backyard benefit concerts to a bigger stage. On Nov. 20, NEEDTOBREATHE will perform at the Carolina Theatre CLT, with 100% of ticket sales benefiting OneWorld Health.

Read how the Quartapellas are combining music, generosity and a commitment to serving others: https://philanthropyfocus.org/oneworldhealth/

Purchase your tickets here: https://www.thecarolina.com/events/detail/oneworld-health-private-event-g5evz_crvtqj

10/06/2026

At our recent Agility Together workshop, led by Anne Marie Forbes of Savvy Strategies Consulting, nonprofit leaders explored how succession planning can strengthen organizational resilience and ensure missions continue regardless of leadership changes.

One takeaway resonated throughout the session: If only one person knows it, owns it or can access it, it's a succession vulnerability.

From documenting key processes to sharing knowledge and preparing future leaders, succession planning helps organizations continue serving their communities with confidence.

A special thank you to The Forum at Hope Haven, Inc. for hosting us!

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Agility Together is a collaborative initiative of Robinson Center for Civic Leadership at Foundation for the Carolinas, SHARE Charlotte, United Way of Greater Charlotte and Lee Institute.

10/06/2026

How we vote today shapes our daily reality tomorrow.

From the quality of our roads and housing to healthcare access and job safety, the issues you care about most are directly tied to the elected officials on your ballot. We claim our power when we understand that connection!

Get the resources you need to feel confident at NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/ballot.

10/05/2026

A donor advised fund is more than a charitable tool. No matter where you are in the philanthropic process, donor advised funds help connect charitable intent with meaningful community impact.

For donors, it's an opportunity for you to put charitable dollars to work.

For nonprofits, it's a chance to engage with your current and prospective supporters.

For advisors, it's a meaningful way to help your clients align their financial and philanthropic goals.

Together, we're helping generosity create stronger communities.

Learn more at https://youtu.be/BTewQfdXJns?si=35aSa9-XOifn-tXU

Foundation for the Carolinas

Do you want to be more impactful and efficient when it comes to cha...

10/01/2026

You're Invited to 'The Celebration' with The Plus Collective!

Come together with friends, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and supporters from across the Charlotte region as we celebrate the impact we've made together, hear inspiring stories from our grantees, and raise critical support for organizations building a stronger, more inclusive LGBTQ+ community.

Event Details
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:30 am

📍Foundation for the Carolinas
220 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Join us at The Celebration and help invest in a more inclusive Charlotte.

Reserve your seat at https://connect.fftc.org/site/Calendar?id=101681&view=Detail

09/28/2026

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation's new Groundwork Grants program will provide larger, longer-term support to organizations leading community-centered work across Mecklenburg County, NC.

Designed to invest in resident-driven solutions and neighborhood-based approaches, Groundwork Grants will help organizations strengthen local ecosystems, build community capacity and respond to resident-defined priorities.


Need more information?

Virtual Information Session: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m.
RSVP: connect.fftc.org/site/Calendar?id=101741&view=Detail

Frequently Asked Questions:https://www.fftc.org/sites/default/files/documents/CMCF_Grant_Application_Tool_Kit.pdf

Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation: https://www.fftc.org/charlotte-mecklenburg-community-foundation

09/17/2026

Since 2000, the Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition has awarded more than $1 million to aspiring opera singers, helping young artists pursue careers in the performing arts.

Supported through a donor advised fund at Foundation for the Carolinas , the competition is a powerful example of how philanthropy can create opportunities and change lives for generations to come.

Read how the Jensen Foundation continues to invest in the next generation of artists at philanthropyfocus.org/jensen/

09/15/2026

"One of the things I love about York County is the people and their hearts and how they want to help one another."

In our latest Why I Give video, York County Community Foundation Board Member Craig Craze shares why he believes local philanthropy matters and why he trusts YCCF to help create lasting impact.

🎥 Watch the video, then learn how you can be part of a community-wide effort to unlock a $1 million matching opportunity for York County nonprofits at fftc.org/GrowYorkGiveLocal.