Hi, my name is Jeremy Yates, and I grew up in Durham, North Carolina.  I love this city, and part of what makes it so special is the wonderful diversity.  The ongoing issues in America, especially recent events, have broken my heart. It is time for me to stand up and help.  I've been in conversations with the NCCF (https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/) about starting an endowment fund.  This endowment would allow for life-long grant giving focused toward organizations supporting African American and other marginalized groups in the Triangle area.

The barrier to entry (as is with many things) is money.  Starting an endowment has a minimum barrier of $25,000.  This initial amount will be placed into investments, allowing it to grow. Every year 5% of the fund will be granted out to selected organizations that support the goal. I hope that this is something that will keep giving long after I am gone. I'm asking for your help to get us part of the way there, and I'll (along with some of my closes friends) help to push it the rest of the way.

Here is my promise... This endowment money will be thoughtfully granted out to marginalized groups and organizations that truly need it every year.  If it becomes clear that we are unable to meet the goal, I will donate the money as one lump sum to the ACLU.  Please reach out if you have any questions.  Together, we can make a real difference for decades to come.

Thanks!