The season of gratitude is here, and we sure are thankful not only for Charlotte, but the Charlotte nonprofits doing good things. Neighborhood nonprofits support a variety of causes from the arts, health needs, at-risk youth and families, to supporting other nonprofits themselves. Here are 10 local nonprofits to consider this season, and how you can help.
Focus: The Charlotte chapter of LLS is dedicated to fighting blood cancer and improving the lives of patients and their families. LLS funds research around the world, while also offering free information and support services. On a personal note, my mother has battled this cancer and I’m also involved with this group because GWRE client and friend Jenny Luquire is a nominee for the 2020 LLS Woman of the Year Charlotte.
How to help: Fundraise during the Light the Night Walk, 11/9/19; Attend the Man and Woman of the Year Gala, 6/6/20.
Address: 4530 Park Road, Suite 240
Focus: Girls on the Run aims to build confidence in girls from 3rd to 8th grade by incorporating running activities with life skills lessons over a 10 week program. Girls finish the program with a service project in their communities, along with a celebratory 5K event. The group offers scholarships to ensure girls can participate regardless of financial situation.
How to help: Participate or volunteer at the Girls on the Run Charlotte 5K, 12/8/19; Register for the Limitless Potential Breakfast with guest speaker Piera Gelardi, co-founder and executive creative director of Refinery29, 11/14/19.
Address: 801 East Morehead Street, Suite 201
Focus: 100 Gardens creates engaging experiences and learning opportunities by implementing aquaponics programs in schools, institutions, and communities of need. The group sees aquaponics as a way to ensure sustainability. The program has produced 775 pounds of fish and 45,976 servings of vegetables in programs across 11 schools.
How to help: Give during the 100 Days For 100 Gardens campaign by pledging $10 per month toward the group’s goal of $12,000.
Address: 200 East 36th Street
McColl Center for Art + Innovation
Focus: The McColl Center for Art + Innovation provide an artist in residency program for contemporary artists to create and explore ideas within the context of Charlotte. The center provides exhibition space, but also has open studios where the public can meet its artists outside of a traditional gallery setting.
How to help: Participate in one of the many art workshops hosted regularly; Become a member of the center to unlock extra benefits.
Address: 721 North Tryon Street
Focus: Apparo provides essential business services for nonprofits so they can expand social impact and positive change in our community. The group offers free and low-cost support for business technology advice, IT education and training, and streamlining and modernizing processes to make nonprofits more efficient. Apparo has served more than 500 nonprofit organizations to date.
How to help: Donate directly here, or make a gift of appreciated stock.
Address: 301 South Brevard Street
Focus: The Light Factory inspires and empowers the community through photography education, exhibitions, and community engagement programs. The gallery is located in Plaza Midwood and regularly rotates exhibits.
How to help: Take a class on photography and photo composition; check out the Members’ Show on opening night, 11/21/19.
Address: 1817 Central Avenue
Focus: BOOM Festival is a contemporary and experiential art festival that takes place annual on the streets and in venues in Plaza Midwood. The festival comes together with a coalition of artists, performers, volunteers, nonprofits, businesses, and neighborhood organizations.
How to help: Attend next year’s festival, 4/17-19/20; Become a sponsor or individual donor here.
Address: Thomas Street and Commonwealth Avenue
Focus: RAIN provides programs and services to individuals living with HIV and those who are at high risk. Services offered include medical case management, outreach, support groups for youth and adults, benefits advocacy, on-site mental health services, and education programs. Last year, nearly 15 percent of the organization’s clients were between the ages of 13 and 14.
How to help: Volunteer at an event like the AIDS Walk Charlotte or Gay Bingo, or volunteer goods and services; become a sponsor or donate.
Address: 601 East 5th Street, Suite 470
Focus: Tosco Music presents a variety of music through performances and outreach programs, fostering community through concerts. The nonprofit offers open mics, musician support, ticket scholarships, and summer camps for youth musicians.
How to help: Become a member and sit at the membership table at the next Tosco Music Party; become a volunteer; donate directly.
Address: 4953 Albemarle Road
Focus: Project 658 is a holistic ministry providing services for at-risk families in Charlotte, focusing particularly on the international and refugee communities. The ministry offers a variety of classes such as English as a Second Language, a culinary arts school, sewing classes, bible studies, and job training and resume workshops. Families can take advantage of childcare programs including after school enrichment and sports programs, along with free medical and mental health services.
How to help: Become a volunteer for a variety of initiatives; donate today.
Address: 3646 Central Avenue
Find more opportunities to give at Share Charlotte.
