A Message from Our President

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Winston-Salem is the place we call home—we aim to be an anchor for those who care deeply about this community and all of its people. For 105 years the Foundation has provided an opportunity for people to come together to tackle present challenges and prepare for future opportunities. And this moment is no different.  

Equity and justice remain core to our mission and beliefs as a community foundation. These commitments make our vision of a thriving community possible. From collaborating to host the Undesign the Redline exhibit, to funding Triad Cultural Arts' Rooted in Race exhibit, to facilitating local research through The Women’s Fund and Black Philanthropy Initiative—we believe that knowing our history and centering the experiences of people who are directly impacted is how we can create lasting solutions for persistent disparities.  

As we enter this year of uncertainty with changes in our government, you may be feeling unsure about how best to show up with care and compassion for your neighbors and loved ones. You are not alone in these feelings. Please be reminded of how we have and will continue to work together across differences to create lasting progress. I can think of many recent moments of collective action and joy: our Black Philanthropy Initiative surpassing its $2 million campaign goal one year ahead of schedule, our donors granting more than $860,000 for emergency relief efforts in Western North Carolina, partnering alongside local philanthropies to fill a shortfall in United Way funding to ensure nonprofits can continue to meet basic needs, and more.  

And yet, you may still be wondering what to do in this moment.

To our nonprofit partners, please know that we are with you. We understand that government grants are an important funding source, and that even a few weeks of delayed funding could be devastating for your organizations and the communities you support. We will continue to monitor the changing landscape and share resources and opportunities in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, we have several grant opportunities for projects that help you achieve your mission amidst a changing landscape. If you are experiencing challenges that impact your current grant award, please reach out to your grant contact to help us understand your needs at this time. In addition, the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits is gathering data via a survey to demonstrate the importance of federal funding. If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to share your input to support the collective voice of our sector.

To our fundholders and donor partners, your passion for giving reflects our belief that philanthropy is a powerful tool for change. Your charitable dollars can augment initiatives from our government and the private sector. The Foundation can be a resource for you as you think about ways to funnel gifts to people and organizations that need it most right now. Get in touch with our team to learn more or set up a conversation.  

Please remember that we are your community foundation, and what we share is a deep love and commitment to this community. Even as the national and global news continues to overwhelm and dishearten many of us, I feel confident that 2025 will also be full of moments of joy and collective progress—including the return of our Community Meeting on May 12 featuring Dr. Raj Chetty.  

Together is the only way through these times of uncertainty. Let’s continue to show up for our local communities, deepen our relationships with one another, and double down on financial support for this community we call home.  

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In community,

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