[3] FFTC is one of the largest community foundations in the US[4] with more than $2.7 billion in charitable assets across nearly 3,000 philanthropic funds established by families, nonprofits, and businesses.
[5] Source:[6] The Robinson Center for Civic Leadership is the flagship program of Foundation for the Carolinas, convening leaders and funding to address key community-wide challenges and opportunities, such as improving public education, preserving green space, and boosting economic mobility.
Foundation For The Carolina distributes grants from charitable funds held at FFTC with the goal to make a positive difference in the greater Charlotte region and nationally.
The majority of distributed grants benefit designated organizations for which the funds are established or directed by individual donors.
1993: Under the leadership of several African-American members of the Board, FFTC creates a new African American Community Endowment Fund.
1995: The Foundation receives the largest single gift in its history – $35 million from the estate of longtime supporter, Lucille Puette Giles.
Michael Marsicano, who served as president/CEO of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Arts & Science Council, is chosen to lead the Foundation.
[12] 2016: An FFTC-backed initiative, the North Tryon Vision Plan,[13] is formally adopted by the local Charlotte government.
[21] Also known as the Luski-Gorelick Center for Philanthropy, Foundation For The Carolinas is headquartered at 220 North Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte.
The location serves as the central office for FFTC staff, while also providing meeting and conference space to area philanthropic organizations.
The headquarters is located within the Belk Place civic campus, also home to the historic Carolina Theatre, currently under renovation.
This art gallery features contemporary collections from glass artists such as Lino Tagliapietra, Jon Kuhn and Dale Chihuly, as well as painters such as Chuck Close and Herb Jackson.
The foundation's president and CEO, Michael Marsicano, has defended his group's actions in terms of free speech.
"[1][2][22] The bulk of the foundation's donations are made at the direction of donors who may choose to support any IRS-qualified non-profit organization they wish.