“Harmonious Alliance”
Greenville natives Trey and Jenny Cole never expected to become philanthropists. But when an inheritance—and their own hard work—provided them with ample resources to share, they relied on trusted relationships and new connections to be sure their contributions would make a lasting impact.
Parents of two adult children and two grandchildren, the Coles are each owners of well-established businesses: Trey Cole Design, O’Leary-Cole Construction, and Cole Properties Development, and Jenny’s residential cleaning service, The Sparkle Lady. So when Trey’s mother passed away in 2021 leaving an inheritance that surprised him and his siblings, the couple didn’t feel like they needed the money for themselves.
“I had no idea she had saved so much, I’m still amazed at that. She was a schoolteacher. She did what she wanted, she traveled, but she still managed her finances,” Trey said. “We didn’t need the money, so we wanted to donate it right away, but our financial advisor said, ‘Are you sure?’”
The advisor, Matthew Miller with Northbridge Wealth Management, and CPA Brandon Robinson with Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales, recommended they set up a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with the Community Foundation of Greenville. As business owners, the Coles appreciated the tax benefits, and it relieved them of having to make hasty decisions about where to donate at a time when they were still grieving.
“It’s not complicated,” Jenny said. “Anybody can do it, and you don’t have to have thousands of dollars. The Community Foundation has been an amazing resource. They do a lot and love what they do.”
The Coles put their portion of the inheritance into their DAF, including proceeds from the sale of Trey’s mother’s home and the sale of 80 acres of land she owned that was sold to some cousins.
“Mom had talked about preserving the land, but because of the location it didn’t make sense for that property,” Trey said. “We used money from the sale to make a donation to Naturaland Trust, so it could be used to preserve land in the Upstate. She would be thrilled with that, and that the land was kept in the family.”
Donating to Naturaland Trust was an easy choice for the Coles, who enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and other local outdoor pursuits that Trey shares in a weekly “Trail Report” on Facebook. They’ve also used their DAF to support Foothills Trail Conservancy, Upstate Forever, Conestee Nature Preserve, Trees Upstate, and Save our Saluda.
“Every charity we’ve given money to we’ve spent time researching or volunteered with to understand how they work,” Trey said.
For other donations, they followed his mom’s lead, choosing charities she requested gifts for in lieu of flowers at her funeral: The Meyer Center and Unitarian Universalist World of Children, both attended by family members. Other recipients are Dream Riders, an equine center serving people with special needs, Safe Harbor, and Partners in Animal Care, where they found their rescue dog and trail partner, Ellie.
“I still feel like my mom and I are in this together,” Trey said.
The Coles said they were fortunate to have a circle of people promoting CFG as a philanthropic partner, and they hope to do the same for others.
“We’re working class people. I started as a carpenter. We never thought about having money to do anything except pay bills. But when we had the opportunity, we asked ‘Why not us?’” Trey said. “The amazing people with the Community Foundation of Greenville are working to make our world better. If that’s your goal, this is your opportunity.”