OUR MISSION
CFC drives towards equitable systemic change in Southeastern North Carolina by collaborating with community partners to leverage local assets, illuminate actionable insights, and catalyze innovative programming.
We accomplish this work by applying data science techniques to gain insights, mobilizing private sector capital through impact investing programs, and supporting cross-sector collaboration.
VALUES
Equity Focused
We believe that we should do all things through an equity lens. We understand that centuries of oppressive systems have hurt many communities. Our whole society benefits from lifting up all people, especially those who have been most marginalized.
Data Driven
We believe that accurate and robust data infrastructure can be the great equalizer in the fight for a better tomorrow.
Human Centered
We believe that the community is the biggest driver and producer of positive outcomes and actionable insights. We follow their lead to drive change.

Strategic Priority Areas
Drive Data Collaboration and Ecosystem Alignment
Provide insights to the social impact sector by creating an open source data platform that builds operational efficiency and expands fundraising opportunities that result in improved life outcomes for all people.
Bear Witness and Amplify Community Voices
Bear witness to the systemic, structural inequities and injustices facing the Cape Fear Region and amplify the voices of citizens, practitioners, and advocates on the front lines of this fight.
Organize for Impact…Build an Enduring Town Square
Promote sustainable, community-wide systems and operational infrastructure that support the social impact sector in navigating the complexities of the region’s unique challenges. Build a culture that champions collaboration, equity, and transparency.
Support Innovation in the Social Sector
Incubate new ideas and foster a culture of innovation in the nonprofit, social finance, and technology sectors to promote new methods for achieving upward economic mobility and health.
Board of Directors
Avery Washington
Licensed Real Estate Broker — Coldwell Banker Alliance Group Realty
Charrise Hart, MBA, MSW
CEO — Ready for School, Ready for Life
Davis Brannan
EVP of Strategic Partnerships & Alliances — nCino
Dinesh Apte
Chief Commercial Officer, Wellth
Girard Newkirk
CEO & Founder — KWHCoin, Co-Founder — Genesis Block
Jeanine Minge, PhD
Associate Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement — UNCW
Joe Finley
Co-Founder — CastleBranch
Kate Groat
Director of Corporate Philanthropy — Live Oak Bank
Lydia Newman, MPP
Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Community Care of North Carolina
Terri Everett
Community Advocate
CFC Team Members
- Patrick Brien – CEO
- Meaghan Lewis – Director of Programs
- Kevin Maurer – Director of Community Engagement
- Eileen O’Malley – Director of Operations
- Nick Pylypiw, MS – Director of Data Science
- Anna Casey, PhD – Data Scientist
- Dante Haywood – Data Scientist