After two decades leading the North Carolina Community Foundation, President & CEO Jennifer Tolle Whiteside will step down at the end of 2026. 

Tolle Whiteside began her tenure in October 2006, becoming NCCF’s second President & CEO since the foundation’s founding in 1988. She has led the foundation through periods of significant growth and statewide impact, particularly in the rural communities that NCCF serves.

NCCF works with donors to establish charitable funds that support causes and organizations they care about. These permanent funds are invested and stewarded by the foundation and continue to grow, allowing the donor to create a legacy of giving that supports communities and causes for generations to come.

Under Tolle Whiteside’s leadership, generous donor contributions and investment returns combined to increase NCCF’s assets more than sixfold to over $600 million. Donor-established charitable funds at the foundation increased from 900 to over 1,300.

Grants and scholarships awarded annually have also increased sixfold, from $4.5 million in 2006 to over $30 million in 2025. More than $300 million in grants and scholarships have been awarded during Tolle Whiteside’s tenure, supporting thousands of nonprofits and students across North Carolina.

Organizational changes and staff growth have led to improved service for fundholders and grantees, establishing a culture of trust and collaboration during Tolle Whiteside’s tenure. NCCF’s footprint has grown to include affiliate community foundations in New Hanover and Carteret counties. The foundation now serves 60 counties through a unified, connected network of local affiliate community foundations with leaders who support their communities through grantmaking and growing philanthropic funds.

NCCF has also supported North Carolina during times of uncertainty. The foundation has distributed more than $32 million over the last 15 years to charitable organizations through funds dedicated to providing community support during the COVID-19 pandemic and after hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene.   

“Jennifer’s leadership has transformed the foundation, and she has established NCCF as a trusted statewide resource and partner,” said John Willingham, Chair of NCCF’s Board of Directors. “Thanks to Jennifer, we have grown our philanthropic support for rural North Carolina tremendously. Communities from Manteo to Murphy have benefited, and that is a legacy that will continue in perpetuity. She is leaving NCCF well-positioned for continued growth and substantial impact in the years ahead with a strong board, leadership team and staff.”

“Since my very first day, I have been deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to work with generous North Carolinians who put their trust in us to support their charitable giving,” said Tolle Whiteside. “We have built a caring, talented team to support their generosity and, after two decades, the time is right for new leadership. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the foundation.”

Prior to joining NCCF, Tolle Whiteside served as the first CEO and president of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. She has more than 40 years of experience in nonprofit management and civic affairs.  

A respected leader, she has served on numerous nonprofit boards and public commissions. She previously served as chair of the Covenant with North Carolina’s Children, co-chair of the NC Child Fatality Task Force and vice chair of the NC Rural Center. She has also served on the Council on Foundations National Standards board and is currently on the board of A Place at the Table. For several years, Tolle Whiteside has been named to Business North Carolina’s annual Power List of the state’s most influential leaders. 

A national search will be conducted to select NCCF’s next President & CEO. Additional information about the search will be added to the NCCF website as it becomes available.  

About the North Carolina Community Foundation 
The North Carolina Community Foundation transforms the collective generosity of our donors into a permanent source of community support, with a focus on the state’s rural areas.    

NCCF partners with donors and a network of affiliates to sustain over 1,300 endowments totaling over $600 million in assets. Nearly $360 million has been awarded as grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students, creating stronger communities for generations to come.  

To learn more about how we turn generosity into impact, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.