Our Story
Positioned at the nexus of trust-based principles and venture philanthropy, Reemprise identifies high-potential funding opportunities in pursuit of game-changing results and lasting impact. In this work there are usually many unknowns. We do not shy away from uncertainties but embrace them in collaboration with our grantees. Our two decade track record attests to our reputation as an involved, creative community partner and leading-edge Charlotte grantor.
Our History
Reemprise Fund was started by Charlie’s dad, Robert E. Elberson, a leading executive for Hanes and the driver behind L'eggs pantyhose. His initials, REE, combined with the word "enterprise", became Reemprise, which was established upon his retirement in 2005 with Charlie appointed as primary trustee. His vision for the fund was simple: strive for game-changing outcomes.
From the beginning, Reemprise funded visionary organizations with potentially game-changing ideas. An early example was seeding the idea of providing adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity, through creating art, to pursue new avenues for expression AND earn their own money doing something they loved. At the time, it was a revolutionary idea and the program exploded, transforming the organization along with the individual adults. It also transformed Charlie. Hundreds of partnerships later, Reemprise remains rooted in REE’s original vision.
Meet the Team
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Charlie Elberson
Founder, Chief Visionary, Board Chair
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Chrystal Joy
Board Member, Treasurer
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Sam Smith, Jr.
Board Member, Secretary
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Kelly Brooks
Managing Director
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Diane Gavarkavich
Director of Evaluation & Learning
Our Values
We are governed by our values both in how we approach opportunities as well as how we nurture our relationships.
Curious and open-minded. We are as passionate about the learning and discovery as the service.
Entrepreneurial and risk-tolerant. We see opportunity in the uncertainty of new ideas.
Empathetic. We lead with curiosity, actively listen, and put ourselves in the shoes of our partners.
Engaged and involved. We believe involvement is the ultimate game-changer, standing with our partners at each step.
Depth over breadth. We are hyper focused on quality of business and program prior to and over scale.