'Don't make this about ZIP code:' Arc of the Triangle denied funding over Chapel Hill HQ

Funding for Arc of the Triangle was denied for the upcoming fiscal year because their corporate headquarters is technically based in Chapel Hill. Executive Director Jennifer Pfaltzgraff is now pleading with city leaders because the organization also has an office in Raleigh, which is where most of the requested funds would go.

Arc of the Triangle says $26,000 from the City of Raleigh would go a long way.

“The sooner we find out about these funds, the sooner we can start growing these programs and supporting more people with disabilities,” Pfaltzgraff said.

The nonprofit organization has served people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since the 1950s. The programs were awarded $8,000 from the city last year, Pfaltzgraff said, but denied funding this year because of the location of their headquarters.

“We have two offices. We’re fortunate enough to serve the entire Triangle and the people of Raleigh should not be penalized because we also have an office in Chapel Hill,” Pfaltzgraff said.

The Arc of the Triangle came about when the Arc of Wake County merged with chapters in Durham and Orange counties. The executive director is located in Raleigh, as are the human resources and quality assurance departments, but the financial manager works out of Chapel Hill and that was the address listed as headquarters.

“Please don’t make this about a ZIP code. Make this about the people that we serve,” Pfaltzgraff said.

The Arc said the funds were specifically requested for two programs in which the majority of participants live in Raleigh.

A letter from Raleigh said the City Attorney’s Office issued the denial based on Human Rights Campaign guidelines.