RALEIGH, N.C.–With sponsorship from Coastal Credit Union, United Way of the Greater Triangle has named its “10 to Watch,” which seeks to recognize the future of nonprofit leadership in the Triangle.
The United Way named the inaugural class of the “10 to Watch,” a cohort of leaders selected for their impact and potential to shape the future of the Triangle. “10 to Watch” is a new investment initiative created to address the racial and cultural disparities between the leaders of nonprofit organizations and the communities that they serve as well as to address racial and gender disparities when it comes to organizational resources.
During United Way’s 2016-17 funding cycle, more than 85% of those served were people of color. Conversely, during that same time, people of color led just 20% of the funded partner agencies. Disparities also exist along racial and gender lines when it comes to organizational resources. In the Triangle, on average, organizations led by people of color and women hold far less revenues and assets.
United Way of the Greater Triangle is making a half-million dollar investment in these 10 high-impact organizations ($25,000 per year invested in each organization for two years). In addition, United Way is collaborating with Leadership Triangle to make a two-year investment in the leadership development of these dynamic leaders through a rigorous curriculum including Leadership Triangle’s “Transforming Leaders” program beginning in September.
Coastal Federal Credit Union was the initial corporate sponsor of “10 to Watch,” with Coastal’s president and CEO, Chuck Purvis, announcing its sponsorship at the announcement of the initiative during the Coastal Foundation’s Power of Sharing event in May.
“We’re excited to see the initiative moving forward. It’s one thing to invest in the community and see collaboration among nonprofits, but we love that this goes a step further and helps strengthen the operational side of those organizations, and fosters an environment of inclusion among nonprofits,” said Coastal’s vice president of corporate affairs, Creighton Blackwell.