Community Grantmaking Council: Community Partnership in Action
At the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, we believe lasting change begins by truly listening to the people who live, work, and lead in this community every day. This belief inspired the creation of the Community Grantmaking Council (CGC), a new initiative that brings community members directly into the heart of philanthropy. As President Walker Sanders shares, the CGC is a direct response to what we’ve learned through years of neighborhood-based work and from donors, board members, and residents who have called for deeper, more authentic engagement.
The CGC invites local leaders, organizers, and advocates to participate in a hands-on grantmaking process by sourcing new organizations, reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and identifying emerging grassroots solutions that strengthen Greensboro. It is, as Director of Grants & Initiatives Dr. Blake Noel notes, “a way for us to extend ourselves, go out into the community, and support organizations relationally, financially, and with expertise.”
This initiative represents a new chapter in partnership-driven philanthropy, one in which trusted community voices help guide where resources should go and why. The 2025 Community Grantmaking Council experience brought together a diverse group of community leaders who engaged deeply with the grantmaking process and helped the foundation connect with the programs that are making a difference.
This behind-the-scenes look into the Community Grantmaking Council shows how community voices, trust, and lived experience are shaping a more inclusive approach to philanthropy at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.
MEET THE 2025 COMMUNITY GRANTMAKING COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mildred O. Poole
Community Advocate
Mildred Poole brings decades of lived experience as a community advocate and mentor. She describes her upbringing as shaped by neighborhoods that deeply cared for their young people, a philosophy she continues to embody. Mildred approached the CGC process with warmth, encouragement, and a belief that each organization deserved the chance to succeed.
Terrel Dungee
Community Organizer, American Friends Service Committee
Terrell works in housing justice, tenant advocacy, and political education. His organizing background allows him to recognize emerging leaders and grassroots efforts that deserve visibility and investment. Participating in the CGC gave him a deeper understanding of the Foundation’s role and an opportunity to uplift organizations he has long admired.
Sachi Dely
Art and Youth Program Director, Montagnard Association of North Carolina
Sachi is an artist, educator, caseworker, and former refugee who has spent most of her life in Greensboro. She joined the CGC to better understand philanthropy and to help ensure smaller, high-impact grassroots organizations receive the support they deserve. Through her lens, the Foundation’s intentionality, collaboration, and openness stood out.
Together, these members helped identify and elevate meaningful community work that often operates below the radar. Participants like Mildred, Terrell, and Sachi shared how meaningful it was to witness the Foundation’s commitment to listening, learning, and supporting smaller nonprofits that often operate out of the spotlight. Their reflections highlighted a shared sense of hope, renewed trust, and genuine collaboration. The 2025 Community Grantmaking Council cycle demonstrated that when community voices partner with Foundations, philanthropy expands to include more underrepresented voices and focuses resources on real-world outcomes.
MEET THE 2025 COMMUNITY GRANTMAKING COUNCIL GRANTEES
Drawing from the voices and experiences of CGC members, this year’s grantees reflect the community’s heart: organizations rooted in care, resilience, and opportunity.
Kids Poetry Basketball
Terrell highlighted this program, led by community advocate Clement, for its unique blend of literacy, poetry, sports, and confidence-building for youth. The program offers students a rare opportunity to express themselves, build empowerment, learn literacy and language skills, and connect with positive role models.
Mundeke Gospel Mission
Sachi recommended Mundeke Gospel Mission for its work supporting immigrant and refugee families through community resources, youth engagement, and cultural belonging. The organization’s grassroots leadership ensures families have a safe and supportive space to grow and connect.
North Carolina Afghan Association
Also recommended by Sachi, this organization supports the rapidly growing Afghan community as new families transition to life in the Triad. Their work provides cultural orientation, youth programming, and essential community support for those beginning their lives in Greensboro.
On Track Education, Inc.
Recommended by Mildred Poole, On Track Education supports children early in their academic journeys by providing tutoring and skill-building programs that help students achieve long-term success. The organization fosters confidence, strong study habits, and a foundation for academic excellence.
Providence Baptist Church SAT Prep Program
Also uplifted by Mildred, this program equips high school students with the tools to excel on the SAT. Its personalized support boosts students’ scores and expands their access to college pathways, an impact Mildred has experienced firsthand through her daughter’s success in the program.