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Robinson Center for Civic Leadership
Robinson Center for Civic Leadership
What is civic leadership?
Real change is rarely simple. It requires listening deeply, bringing the right people together and building solutions that hold up over time.
Civic leadership means doing exactly that. It means understanding the real concerns of this region, creating the space for diverse voices to exchange ideas and turning those conversations into actions that drive lasting civic and social change. Not one organization working alone. All of us, working together.
Sally and Russell Robinson spent their lives doing just that. Two of this community's most committed civic leaders, their legacy gave name and purpose to the Robinson Center for Civic Leadership. Today, the Center is where that vision becomes action. It is the civic engine at the heart of Foundation for the Carolinas, made possible by the generous donors who choose to invest in this community through FFTC.
This work is a defining part of how FFTC strengthens our region and amplifies the impact of our fundholders. When you give through FFTC, you make it possible.
Programs
Initiatives
The path from inspiration to impact
The Carolina Thread Trail was one of the first major civic initiatives undertaken by Foundation for the Carolinas, and the model used to create the trail – studying an issue, building early awareness and buy-in, fostering stakeholder engagement and partnerships, and securing funding to set a project up for long-term success – would be replicated time and again through the Robinson Center for Civic Leadership.
Robinson Center throughout the years
2007
Foundation solidifies its dual focus on civic initiatives with $2 million gift to help create the Carolina Thread Trail.
2008
FFTC officially launches the Center for Civic Leadership to advance its role as coalition builder and community catalyst. Center launches the Critical Need Response Fund to assist residents affected by the Great Recession.
2009
The Center for Civic Leadership launches two initiatives: The Community Catalyst Fund (promoting collaboration and partnership among nonprofits and funders) and the Workplace Giving Initiative (which studies the impact of and proposed solutions to the decline of workplace funding).
2010
The Center for Civic Leadership launches Project L.I.F.T., a $55 million effort to improve graduation rates in West Charlotte.
2011
Center officially named Robinson Center for Civic Leadership in honor of philanthropists Sally and Russell Robinson. RCCL supports new initiative Charlotte Bridge Home (later known as Veterans Bridge Home), which supports returning veterans transitioning to civilian life.
2014
The Robinson Center focuses on economic opportunity with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force, a public/private partnership intended to study upward mobility and develop recommendations that will broaden access and remove barriers.
2017
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force releases a groundbreaking report identifying key determinants in improving upward mobility. Leading on Opportunity formed to oversee implementation of task force’s recommendations.
2018
To combat the lack of affordable housing, RCCL helps raise $50 million for the Charlotte Housing Opportunity Investment Fund.
2021
RCCL joins other community partners in launching the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, a $250 million public-private partnership that seeks to increase opportunity for all.
2024
Wells Fargo’s Beyond Open grants program, overseen by RCCL, completes its final round of grantmaking, distributing $16.3 million in grants to 402 diverse local small businesses.
2025
FFTC, SHARE Charlotte, The Lee Institute and the United Way join together to launch the Agility Together initiative, which is designed to help nonprofits respond to today’s challenges and build long-term resilience.
2026
RCCL launches FFTCFwd – a resource website for nonprofits to learn and collaborate and for funders looking to support specific causes.
Civic leadership stories
Get involved
Tracy Russ
Senior Vice President, Civic Leadership Strategy & Impact
Ismael Salgado
AVP, Civic Leadership Programs & Operations