CCAP Spotlight 

Q&A with April Whitlock

We are pleased to introduce you to CCAP member, April Whitlock. April likely needs no introduction as she has been an integral part of CCAP and served as the Interim Director of CCAP in 2020. April is currently the Head of Corporate Responsibility at LendingTree as well as the Executive Director of the LendingTree Foundation.

Tell us about your background/career path and what led you to your current job.

I initially started my career in marketing and brand management. I then worked with LendingTree for seven years in program distribution and strategic initiatives before taking on a leadership role at Fundanoodle, an education readiness program designed by pediatric occupational therapists and elementary school teachers to develop and improve the motor skills needed for success in and out of the classroom. Most recently, I had the pleasure of serving as the Interim Director of CCAP for Foundation For The Carolinas, which was my entry point into the world of corporate citizenship. This role led me to my current work at LendingTree leading our corporate citizenship as well as foundation.

What does your job entail at LendingTree and what is your favorite aspect of the job?

At LendingTree I am responsible for the strategic development and execution of impactful philanthropic and giving programs as well as volunteerism across LendingTree’s U.S. footprint. I also lead all aspects of the strategic plan, programs and administration for the LendingTree Foundation and serve as its Executive Director. In my role I represent LendingTree’s values and corporate citizenship, internally and externally. My favorite aspect of my work is the opportunity to create and implement LendingTree’s philanthropic and community engagement strategy in Charlotte.

Tell us about a current project you are working on that you are particularly excited about.

The most fulfilling part of my job has been creating and implementing LendaHand Alliance cohort based on the trust-based philanthropy approach. The LendaHand Initiative, made up of the LendingTree Foundation and LendingTree Philanthropy, focuses on empowering people to overcome obstacles — financial and others — in areas that align with LendingTree’s Core Principles, and leverage our expertise in financial wellness, entrepreneurship and innovation, homeownership, and upward mobility.

As our signature giving program, the LendaHand Alliance Cohort is a multi-year investment in founder-led, community embedded, and emerging non-profits, as well as larger non-profits that have a unique and innovative approach for a greater impact. Each cohort member will receive $125,000/year with a three-year commitment, which amounts to over $3.5 million of total grant support from the LendingTree Foundation, in addition to business expertise and social capital opportunities for a more transformational impact for both the organization and for our community. 

What are you passionate about in the community? 

I am passionate about creating equity in philanthropic funding in Charlotte. I also have a passion for supporting local artists and small businesses as well as improving public schools.

Tell us more about you and your family.  What do you like to do in your free time? 

My husband Thomas is a CPA, together we have three daughters – Camden (19 and a Freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill), Carson (16 and a Junior at Levine Middle College High School) and Cailin (10 and a 5th grader at Dilworth Elementary).  I love connecting people and ideas, cheering from the sidelines or audiences for my kids, and staying physically active. Favorite spots are the original Dilworth Tasting Room for girls night, Sabor for quick bites and anything at Optimist Hall.

What do you like about CCAP? 

CCAP has been instrumental in my corporate philanthropic education. The networking is fantastic, and I love learning what other companies are doing and finding ways to collaborate.