Our Story
Our Story
Built for this region. Built to last.
In 1958, a group of community leaders asked a simple question. How do we make sure that the generosity of this region creates change that lasts — not just today, but for generations to come?
The answer was Foundation for the Carolinas.
Decades later, we still partner with individuals, families, nonprofits and companies to amplify the power of giving. Through personalized guidance and flexible solutions, we help donors bring their charitable goals to life — supporting thousands of grants each year. We also work closely with nonprofits to build long-term sustainability through endowments, grantmaking and customized support.
What began as a vehicle for coordinating charitable giving has grown, over more than six decades, into one of the most trusted community foundations in the country. The mission has never changed — bring together the resources, the knowledge, and the people this region needs to create remarkable, lasting impact.
Our Robinson Center for Civic Leadership convenes and connects community members to address or region's most pressing challenges and opportunities, such as economic mobility, neighborhood revitalization and children's literacy, among many critical causes.
All of this happens in a place designed for community collaboration — the Luski-Gorelick Center for Philanthropy on the Belk Place Civic Campus. A vibrant gatherings space, we proudly offer free meeting space to local nonprofits and host community conversations, events and celebrations each year.
We believe lasting change doesn't happen through dollars alone. It happens when people come together with shared purpose to build a better future.
Join us and make your own remarkable impact.
Our Mission
Remarkable impact is the heart of Foundation for the Carolinas’ mission – and the driving force behind our mission is the collective impact of thousands of nonprofits, families, companies and organizations who partner with us to amplify the power of giving.
Our Purpose
We drive remarkable impact by growing philanthropy, catalyzing unique civic and social change, fostering sustainability and leading the philanthropic sector. Above all else, we strive to be a beloved and trusted community partner.
Our Philosophy
- We believe in the power of collective giving and open philanthropy.
- We are dedicated to unique impact that may not have otherwise been possible.
- We believe that our future depends on the durability of our work.
- We believe that partnerships are the most important form of success.
- We believe that people make more of a difference than money.
Seven decades of impact
On Jan. 7, 1958, 24 of the city’s most distinguished leaders created the United Community Foundation to accept and distribute charitable gifts, to make sure donors’ wishes are carried out in perpetuity and to build a permanent “nest egg” for broad community needs. The original service area was Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, and the first gift of $3,000 came from the United Way.
In 1965, Maybelle Y. McMahon leaves the bulk of her estate to the Foundation to create our first discretionary endowment. By 1968, our assets had passed $250,000 and our distributions totaled $72,000. In the 1960s, the Foundation’s name was changed to the Greater Charlotte Foundation, Inc. “Anyone Can Be A Philanthropist” becomes the Foundation’s motto.
In 1978, the Foundation opened its own office for the first time with Gordon Berg, Barbara Hautau and Judy Kerns leading the staff. By 1978, assets doubled again to $2.6 million, and distributions totaled more than $500,000. In 1979, Lucille Finch Jones establishes FFTC's first scholarship fund.
In the 1980s, our service area expanded to North and South Carolina, and the Foundation’s name was changed to Foundation For The Carolinas. Also, the first regional affiliate community foundation was established in Cleveland County.
In 1993, under the leadership of several black members of the Board, a new African American Community Endowment Fund is created to support programs and initiatives that address African American concerns. In 1995, FFTC received the largest single gift in its history – $35 million from the estate of Lucille Puette Giles. Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community is formed as a supporting organization in 1997, and Michael Marsicano took over as president/CEO in 1999.
In 2007, FFTC made its largest discretionary gift to date of $2 million (via the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation) to the Carolina Thread Trail. The same year, CMCF also granted $1 million to help name the Afro-American Cultural Center in honor of former Foundation Board Chair Harvey Gantt, Charlotte’s first black mayor. In 2008, the Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching our Center for Civic Leadership (re-named in 2011 to honor of Sally and Russell Robinson) to serve as a coalition builder and catalyst for change.
In 2011, FFTC moved into its new home at 220 North Tryon St., named the Luski-Gorelick Center for Philanthropy, with the Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery occupying the building's first floor. In 2013, the City of Charlotte sold FFTC the Carolina Theatre for $1, and the Belk families supplied a lead gift of $8 million toward its renovation, kicking off a decade-long fundraising and renovation project. The Foundation ended the 2010s by raising $53 million for affordable housing and $6 million to help fund universal pre-k for Mecklenburg County.
Amid the challenges of COVID-19, FFTC and United Way launched the Charlotte Mecklenburg COVID-19 Response Fund, raising $23.5 million. FFTC also administered more than $43 million in grants to help local businesses through a City of Charlotte program. With Cathy Bessant joining the Foundation as CEO in 2024, we opened the renovated Carolina Theatre in 2025. The same year, our donors broke all records by donating $1 million from their funds to local and national nonprofits. After the retirement of Bessant in 2026, Laura Yates Clark took over leadership of the Foundation.
Visit PhilanthropyFOCUS.org for our complete timeline.