Our every other week check-in meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response to our most vulnerable neighbors. Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
Want to learn more about we do on our calls? Watch this short video clip!
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording:
OPENING REFLECTION
And that most simple and difficult thing: LOVE
WHAT IS LOVE?
There are many things to say.
But what we can say is that love is made.
On the plane over here on Tuesday there was a nervous couple on the seats in front of me. Both in their eighties — they spoke loudly. The air steward noticed their anxiety and stopped and chatted, asked them where they were from, made a joke about how awful their football team was, asked if they knew one particular farmer — they did — and she said that her sister’s best friend used to be in school with the daughter of that farmer. They were practically family.
She asked them the name of their son in America, and said that she’s sure the son would be delighted to see them. She brought them tea. And said “I’ll keep checking in with you”. And she did. There you have it. A little bit of love. Made.
Sometimes, it is as simple and as difficult as that.
1. MeckMIN Updates
A NOTE ABOUT THESE MEETINGS
These meetings are open to anyone or any group interested in promoting the common good in our shared Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT WE DO
NEW THURSDAY CHECK-IN MEETING MINUTES FOR FAITH, COMMUNITY AND NONPROFIT LEADERS ARE GETTING A MAKEOVER STARTING IN MAY!
If you want to get minutes from our Thursday meetings, please email us at meckmin@meckmin.org. We're eager to get your feedback on the new look and enhanced information!
UPCOMING MEETINGS
May 9 and 23
June 6 and 20
Since March 2020, MeckMIN has been convening regular Zoom meetings for faith, community and nonprofit leaders. These meetings allow diverse leaders to share information and resources to foster a robust, coordinated, and effective response to the needs of our community, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. We meet every other Thursday at 11 a.m. We usually get about 50-60 people. If you would like the Zoom link, please email meckmin@meckmin.org.
FINAL COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST REMINDER
Awards Breakfast coming up: NEXT THURSDAY, May 2nd
from 7:30 – 9 AM at Friendship Missionary Baptist
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
2024 Youth Events
CHECK OUT THIS YEAR'S INTERFAITH YOUTH PANEL
MeckMIN + JustServe SERVICE PROJECT - FAMILY FRIENDLY Saturday, May 18 | 9 - 11 AM
Looking for 25 volunteers to help us restock, inspect, and prepare donations on Saturday, May 18th from 9 to 11 AM at Crisis Assistance Ministry (500 Spratt St Charlotte, NC 28206).
Sign up HERE
MECKMIN TRAINING
MeckMIN offers a number of training programs on topics that are especially relevant in our society today. Training programs include skills and mindsets for effective conversations when we disagree, trauma awareness and resilience, racism, movement for social change, activism, and conflict transformation. We also offer interfaith panels for workplaces and schools. Prices and further information are available HERE
These trainings can be brought to you -- perhaps your congregation, school, neighborhood association, or nonprofit would like to host your own event. We're also offering a number of stand-alone trainings throughout 2024 including the one below. Note that this training and all of our stand-alone trainings are offered on a sliding scale -- we never want cost to keep you from attending so please pay what you can or choose to attend for free.
TRAUMA AWARENESS and RESILIENCE: BREAKING CYCLES OF HARM
Saturday, June 15 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Sardis Baptist Church
You’ve probably heard that “hurt people hurt people.” It’s true. Unhealed trauma leads to recurring violence against self and others. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Individuals and communities can learn skills for addressing trauma, healing relationships, and building resilience which improves the well-being of all. Healing people heal people!
In this workshop we’ll explore the types of trauma and its impact on individuals and groups, the victim/survivor cycle of unhealed trauma, the aggressor/offender cycle of unhealed trauma, and tools and techniques for breaking the cycle. We’ll also share transformative initiatives and stories.
This is an introductory workshop which will be most helpful to attendees with little to no previous training on trauma.
NEWSLETTER
If you are not yet receiving our regular email newsletter be sure and sign up here: https://www.meckmin.org/contact-us
INTERFAITH WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB
Faith Club is a long-standing MeckMIN program for women of all faiths -- we gather monthly to discuss books, essays, videos and more. As you'll see below, we have a RICH variety of topics! We also create rich, deep and lasting friendships across lines of difference. We WELCOME new members. Email meckmin@meckmin.org to learn more.
Apr. 24 The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
May 22 Video: Knowing a Person by David Brooks
June 26 Listening is an Act of Love Story Core video
July 17 (the 3rd Wed) The Race Card Game
Aug. 28 Welcoming the Stranger by Sorens and Yang
Sept. 25 Repentance and Repair: Making Amends by Dayna Rutterberg
Oct. 20 (Sunday) Sukkah event; Discuss In Sweet Company: Conversations with Extraordinary about Living a Spiritual Life Margaret Wolff
COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATES
HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE
David Sweat | David.Sweat@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Covid-19 Response Unit Director
Not much to report this week other that things have been looking better the last couple of weeks
KEEP REMINDING PEOPLE:
-If somebody is sick – stay home
-If someone isn’t vaccinated – do so now
2. Non-Profit Updates
The views and opinions expressed below are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
FAITH BASED HOUSING INITIATIVE
Warren Wooten | warren.wooten@charlottenc.gov | charlottenc.gov | (704) 336 2489
Assistant Director – Affordable Housing
Housing & Neighborhood Services |600 E Trade Street | Charlotte, NC 28202
-Affordable housing is at a crisis point in the US, including Charlotte
-Many faith communities have stepped up – using their assets to help build housing
The city wants to support congregations doing this work
-Summit May 30th: bringing faith leaders and developers to address the housing crisis. The topic of how can the city support congregations that have land or assets or unutilized spaces (that may be used for affordable day care, counseling e.g.) will be addressed. How can they engage your community and lay and members to get educated on housing matters?
NAMI UPDATE & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Kate Weaver | kateweaver@namicharlotte.org
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Charlotte is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges. We do this through education, support, and increasing community awareness. We’ve been in Charlotte for 30 years as a completely volunteer based organization. However, in February 2024 we hired our first executive director. Our expansion plans include increased programming and support throughout Mecklenburg County - we hope to be the first resource people turn to when faced with a mental health challenge.
Our programs are well researched, evidence based and free to the community. All offerings are staffed by volunteers who complete NAMI training and have a passion for making a difference.
Support Groups:
One of the organization's key offerings is support groups. These gatherings provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, triumphs, and setbacks in an atmosphere of empathy and understanding. We offer weekly meetings in different locations around Mecklenburg County and offer virtual meetings on the second Tuesday of each month.
Education is another cornerstone of NAMI Charlotte's mission. Through various programs and presentations, we strive to dispel myths, raise awareness, and promote understanding about mental health conditions. We have a wonderful partnership with the Charlotte YMCA system which allows us to host classes, support groups and presentations at all 17 locations around the city.
From workshops on coping skills to presentations on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, NAMI Charlotte equips individuals and families with the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves and their loved ones effectively.
Moreover, NAMI Charlotte is committed to advocacy efforts aimed at improving mental health services and policies in the Charlotte community. By amplifying the voices of those affected by mental illness, we work to dismantle barriers to care and promote access to quality treatment and support services.
Class Offerings:
Family to Family Class: 8 week class for caregivers desiring to learn how to effectively support loved ones struggling with mental health challenges.
Peer to Peer Class: 8 week class for people struggling with mental health challenges interested in learning ways to manage their condition.
Presentations:
Family & Friends: 2 hour seminar to help caregivers learn more about mental health care and support for their loved ones. Offered on the second Monday of each month at various YMCA locations.
Ending the Silence: A 1 hour presentation for middle and high school students. Topics include mental health awareness, suicide prevention and strategies to help youth find help and support when struggling.
Community Awareness:
Outreach: We attend events and spread the word about our services.
Partnerships: We seek and value community partnerships.
Upcoming Events:
April 25: NAMI Charlotte and PFlag Collaboration: Storytelling Event with advocate and storyteller Ben Greene
May 3: Chasing the Blues Away Dinner and Auction at Southern Pecan Restaurant
May 11: Independent Picture House: Hosts NAMI Charlotte as part of the free community impact series about mental health
May 13: Family & Friends presentation: Simmons YMCA @ 6:30 pm
May 14: Mental Health Awareness Lunch & Learn at the Dowd YMCA. 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
May 16: Mental Health Awareness Fair at Johnston YMCA. 5:00 -7:00 PM
October 26: NAMI Walks at the Mint Museum Randolph
BEAR CLOSET
Omega Hightower | omegaandernest@aol.com Simpson-Gillespie United Methodist House of Faith
-For parents who cannot afford to purchase essentials for their babies and toddlers
-Our mission is to satisfy the needs of parents with children
-Our room resembles a retail store at a free cost
I am honored that you have invited me to share this incredible initiative that we started in July, 2023, after receiving the idea from Rev Darryl Dayson; he witnessed this community service being practiced in another area of the state and he appointed me as chairperson over a seven-person committee. The BEAR (baby essentials and resources) Closet is specifically designed to assist those underserved parents of our community and surrounding area who need essentials for their infant son or daughter, newborn to 12 months and older if necessary. Each member of our committee brought their energy, ideas and questions, and with each monthly meeting we would discuss the obstacles that we were facing: (1) how we
would finance this initiative, (2) once up and running, how would we share our services with the community in need. Our house of faith gave us our first monetary boost, and we have a social worker on our committee, and her career is with Atrium Healthcare, Maternity Division, and she works with the underserved community. Yes, she was our ticket to get our wheels rolling. After permission from our governing body, a room was dedicated to the BEAR Closet; a fresh coat of paint was applied; furniture was ordered; we had a campaign/drive for diapers and wipes after service on February 18th and requested the house of faith participants to give freely (monetarily or with car seats); then we designed flyers in English and Spanish to be dispersed throughout the area, by hand or electronically. We have been blessed with donations from throughout the area and from the Atrium
Community Navigators. Our doors opened for service on March 14th and our
schedule is the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 11AM-2PM and our house of faith is located at 3545 Beatties Ford Road Charlotte NC. We had clients shopping with us on March 28 and April 11th and we were more than excited.
ARRIBA'S CAREER & COLLEGE EXPO EVENT
Hosted at CAMINO
Saturday, April 27, 2024 |12:00 Pm - 3:00 Pm
201 Stetson Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
Paola Garcia | paola@camino.org | 704.883.4645
Public Relations Manager Camino Worldwide
This event will provide teenage students with invaluable information about educational opportunities, careers, and professional development. We would be honored to have your participation as an exhibitor, as it presents a unique opportunity for you to share information about your educational or professional development programs with the attending students. Your presence as an Organization would significantly enhance this experience for the participants. If you are interested in participating or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at zhulanny@camino.org or 704-968-4419.
Discover Your Path: Career and College Expo
We have designed our Career and College Expo to assist individuals in exploring career and college options, equipping them to make informed decisions about their future. The event will feature interactive sessions and opportunities to meet with representatives from colleges, universities, and employers. Participants can learn about various industries, career paths, and educational programs, and receive guidance on career planning and preparation. Our goal is to provide a platform for individuals to gain a better understanding of their potential career and educational options, empowering them to make confident decisions for their future. Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders.
Link to the Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arribas-college-career-fair-tickets-861766335307
Camino is a non-profit organization based in the beautiful city of Charlotte, North Carolina. For over 20 years Camino has served the Latino Community. And our mission is to equip people to live healthy, hopeful, and productive lives.
We fulfil the equipping people to live productive lives portion of our mission statement through Arriba, our social upward mobility program. Arriba operates under three pillars: Employment, Education, and Entrepreneurship.
I am thrilled to announce our upcoming event, Arriba's College and Career Fair, scheduled for April 27th. This event is a vital component of our Education pillar, aimed at assisting individuals in exploring career and college options, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.
Arriba's College and Career Fair will feature interactive sessions and opportunities to meet with representatives from colleges, universities, and employers. Participants will have the chance to learn about various industries, career paths, educational programs, and receive guidance on career planning and preparation.
What makes this event even more special is that we will have bilingual experts on-site to cater to the needs of the Latino community. Best of all, the event is FREE to attend, and all participants will have the opportunity to win a FREE MacBook Air. I kindly ask for your support in spreading the word about this informative and enjoyable event. Join us on April 27th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Camino's Campus located at 201 Stetson Dr. Charlotte, NC 28262. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to seeing you there!"
-Attendants get to speak in their language of choice and preference
WORLD LABYRINTH DAY - MAY 4 Sardis Baptist Church
Ed Gash | CoachEdGash@gmail.com.
I want to invite folks to join us at the Sardis Baptist Church labyrinth, to a worldwide event at1:00 on May and spend a few moments in a walking meditation for World peace and healing. WLD is an annual event that began in 2009, and it occurs each year on the first Saturday in May. People around the globe participate in a moving meditation for world peace. Our mantra, is “we all walk as one at 1”; local time, creating a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next. I would probably also say that we recognize that finding peace amid chaos and violence will take more than a peace walk, but that we believe cultivating peace within ourselves can be a catalyst for us to engage activism for peace. MASSIVE INTENTIONS create Massive IMPACT.
The website for World Labyrinth Day is simply worldlabyrinthday.org. There is a link to the labyrinth locator as well as lots of other resources on that site so if you can’t come to ours, go to yours nearby.
Again, that is MAY THE FORTH. Repeat that is MAY the FORTH.
MAY THE FORCE be YOU! See you on the path.
The Mecklenburg County Public Health RESILIENCY IN COMMUNITIES AFTER STRESS AND TRAUMA ReCAST
Jessica Montana | 980-312-4897 | MeckNC.GoV
Health Program Supervisor Public Health | Case Management & Health Partnerships
Mecklenburg County Government
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
The Mecklenburg County Public Health Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST) II program is offering multiple opportunities for community members to strengthen their knowledge of supportive strategies that build mental wellbeing. To learn more about the ReCAST II program, visit https://health.mecknc.gov/service/recast.
QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
Tuesday, April 30
6-7:30pm
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
For details and registration information click HERE
Resilience & Thriving: The Secret Power of Stress Workshop
Learn about building resilience, raw coping power, and stress management to help you go from coping to thriving. This training equips participants with practical exercises that help identify positive and negative coping cycles which can reduce stress at home and at work.
Monday, May 6
10:30am-12pm
VCW
For details and registration information click HERE
Thursday, May 9
1-2:30pm
VCW
For details and registration information click HERE
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
6-7:30pm
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
For details and registration information click HERE
Youth Mental Health First Aid: Blended In-Person
This training is for any caring adult (school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents, caregivers, etc.) who interacts with youth 12-18 years old and would like to know how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of a mental health or substance use challenge. Learn about common mental health challenges for youth, typical adolescent development, and topics affecting youth such as anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
Friday, May 17
9:00am – 2:30pm
Valerie C. Woodard Conference Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 20208
For details and registration information click HERE
CARE Workshop
Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) skills can be used by any adult in any setting who interacts with children and teens 2-18 years old who have experienced trauma. Parents, caregivers, school staff, childcare workers, healthcare, and many more learn to increase positive interaction, child engagement, and reduce mild-to-moderate behavior challenges.
Thursday, May 9
9:00am – 1:00pm
Belmont Regional Center, 700 Parkwood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
For details and registration information click HERE
EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES
Heddy Patrick Garcia | patrick@embracealllatinovoices.org | (980) 319-9908
CEO, Executive Director EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES
website: embracealllatinovoices.org
All Social Medias: https://linktr.ee/embracenc
-Serve Latino communities in both Carolinas, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Haitian French creole.
-May 7th Seminar: food & nutrition for Latinos
-In 2022 the main leading cause of death in Mecklenburg was hypertension, diabetes, obesity and the #1 group dying of these were Latinos – Culturally sensitive education is key!
-Looking for a Lawyer who can take a domestic violence abuse client
2024 AFFORDABLE HOUSING AWARENESS MONTH RESOURCE FAIR
Mary Wint | mwint@habitatcltregion.org
Rebecca Yarbrough | ryarb1@outlook.com
Rebecca Yarbrough |deacon@chapelofchristtheking.org
-CLT region is in an affordable housing crisis
-Affordable Housing: spending no more than 30% of income on housing costs and utilities
-31% of Meck residents live in a cost burden housing crisis
-When housing costs are a burden – this translates into other areas
-We must build, maintain, and preserve affordable housing
-Not 1 County in the country has residents that can afford a housing unit based on a 40 hr week minimum wage pay check
CINCO DE MAYO
Cameron Pruette | cameron@fcsj.org
-Will portray a truer versión of 5 de Mayo
FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES at Blue Cross Blue Shield NC
Jessica Stokes | Jessica.Stokes@bcbsnc.com
Principal Project/Program Managers
Faith-Based Initiatives at Blue Cross Blue Shield NC.
-County Engagement Team connecting local faith communities with health resources
-Help connect the dots to support in ways that are culturally appropriate
If you need resources to address social determinates of health within faith communities, reach out to Jessica for potential partnerships.
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH SENIOR PROM - MAY 14
Kristine Arnau, MPH | Kristine.Arnau@mecklenburgcountync.gov | 980-355-2971 | MeckNC.Gov
Program Coordinator Department of Social Services | Services for Adults
Mecklenburg County Government
To celebrate our aging communities for Older Americans Month, we will host the event on Tuesday, May 14th, including a live musician, catered lunch, and a fantastic DJ to play all the classics for attendees in their best dress! This event is no cost to participants, but does require registration in advance. I have attached the flyer to this email for reference, but please feel welcome to reach out with any questions!
If there is any interest to volunteer and support event logistics, please register on our volunteer platform!
HOUSING TRUST FUND
Greg Jarrell | gjarrell@redressmovement.org
In mid-June, Charlotte City Council will vote on a budget for the coming fiscal year. The budget will include a bond, to be approved by voters in the November election, to fund the Housing Trust Fund. Redress Charlotte, along with a coalition of other organizations like Action NC, One Meck, Block Love CLT, Heal Charlotte, QC Family Tree, and the Homeless Services Network of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, is asking City Council to approve a $100M bond package, of which $75M will assist in building affordable rental housing and $25M will help create paths to homeownership through organizations like West Side Community Land Trust. Click HERE to take action!
The Redress Movement is aiming for at least 1,000 signatures to take to City Council as we advocate for the Housing Trust Fund. You can take action by can take action by signing and forwarding the petition to your contacts, posting it on social media, and using your circles of influence to help build support for this important effort.
I encourage all to sign the petition. Click HERE to sign
CHARLOTTE JUSTICE CONFERENCE (CJC)
Tommy Allgood | tag5@teamallgood.com
Tired of the normal Charlotte way? Want to get engaged in the community and get involved in the good work of justice? And want to connect with like-minded folks who care about improving the city. The Charlotte Justice Conference (CJC) may be the place for you! We are a pay-as-you-want space that brings doers, dreamers, misfits, and troublemakers. This year, come ready to participate in an Open Space Session; instead of the usual speaker-driven lectures, this year will be driven by YOU, the audience! Bring yourself, your experience, and an open mind! Our Speakers this year are: Brandon Wrencher, Anthony Smith, and BeLoved Asheville.
Eventbrite: Tickets
Website: cltjustice.com
Details: 4/27, 10am-3pm, Missiongathering Church (420 E 15th St)
-goal is to start building capacity, grow connections to then break silos
We are interested in getting a good mix of faith leaders, nonprofit personnel, and interested citizens together so everyone can share their knowledge, questions, and interests. Please send around to anyone who you think may be interested!
FREE NONPROFIT BOARD FINANCE TRAINING
Wednesday, May 1 – 7-8:30 pm – registration required
-A free webinar for Nonprofit – Treasurer – Finance Committee
Social Venture Partners Charlotte presents an interactive webinar for nonprofit leaders, treasurers, finance committee members and anyone who wants to learn more about nonprofit finance. Facilitated by two community leaders with Nonprofit Treasurer experience and an Executive Director, this training will be filled with practical tips and examples to help you maximize your nonprofit's finance practices.
This training will also include:
· Difference between for-profit entities and nonprofits
· Refresher on core responsibilities of Board members
· Treasurer & Finance committee responsibilities
· Tips, tricks and best practices of nonprofit finance.
· The workshop is FREE, but registration is required
THE GREAT WESTSIDE FISH FRY - This Weekend
CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS April 30 | 10 - 11 AM | The Refinery Building1213 W Morehead St
Suite 500Charlotte, NC 28208
Join us for a Communications Series: Cross Cultural Communications with Lauren Rogers from International House at The Refinery.
This communication series is an introductory session on cultural sensitivity and working with English language learners, where we'll explore essential considerations and communication strategies for interacting with immigrant and refugee newcomers. In this hour-long session, participants will gain insights into navigating diverse cultural backgrounds and effectively engaging with English language learners in various contexts.
This workshop is offered in person or through Zoom. Please select which option you prefer during registration and the Zoom link will be sent in your confirmation message.
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
COMMUNITY CARNIVAL at Central UMC Sat, Apr 27 11 am -3 pm
-For east siders or everyone-Attendance is free, fun time for families, live music
-An opportunity for families to come together and have fun
-Help us spread the word
Rebecca Yarbrough
The Episcopal Diocese is looking out for affordable housing opportunities amongst houses of faith within their own properties or available funding
SHREDDING DAY
May 4 – Greater Beth El AME - 10 am – 2 pm
FUNDRAISER BREAK EVERY CHAIN RESOURCE CENTER
Evelyn Poe | poeevelyn8@gmail.com
Our goal is to reach 10K for this facility for safe haven for women and children at this facility.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PROMISE RESOURCE NETWORKS - COURAGE IS CONTAGIOUS - TURN YOUR STORY INTO YOUR SUPERPOWERS
Promise Resource Network invites all to their free coffee events Thursday, May 2, 9 , and 30th for Mental Health Awareness Month.
CANOPY HOUSING FOUNDATION GRANTS
Stacy S. Baum | Sponsorship Coordinator | 704-940-3147 (o) / 704-808-0423 (m)
Canopy Housing Foundation | Canopy Realtor® Association
1120 Pearl Park Way, Suite 200 | Charlotte, NC 28204
The Canopy Housing Foundation appreciates the work that you do a daily basis to fulfill and address the local needs of our community. We are currently accepting applications for our Community Grants Program, as well as nominations for our Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Award through MAY 31st at 5 PM. All funding decisions will be announced at our Grants Celebration event on July 24th.
Our grants program provides restricted monetary support to nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties that address unmet housing needs. This year, grants will be awarded in amounts up to $5,000 (FOR EXCEPTIONAL APPLICATIONS ONLY), and cannot be used for operational, administrative, capital expenses or debt reduction. In 2023, the Foundation distributed community grants Mecklenburg and Iredell counties totaling $55,000, increasing this program’s total to $470,600 in grants since 2009.
Attached you will find additional criteria and information, as well as the application. All submissions are ranked according to the following attributes: community impact, project feasibility, fiscal strength and Realtor® support. All non-profit organizations within Mecklenburg and Iredell counties who are addressing unmet housing needs are eligible to apply; however, please be aware that this is a competitive grant process.
Our Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Award was established to encourage youth to address a broad spectrum of needs in an effort to build a stronger community. This would be a wonderful opportunity for you to honor a young person involved with your organization. The nomination form and additional information on this award is also attached.
For additional information about the Canopy Housing Foundation or our grants process, as well as an online version of the application, please visit www.CanopyHousingFoundation.org.
Again, thank you again for your service to our community - we look forward to possibly receiving a grant application or Y.E.S. nomination from your organization or from another organization in which you are affiliated prior to our MAY 31th deadline.
NOW AVAILABLE: GARMON-BROWN BOARD ROOM
Has your board outgrown your boardroom? Or could your staff retreats and trainings benefit from a new setting?
The Levine Conference Center at Foundation For The Carolinas invites regional nonprofits to utilize our board and conference rooms — including the new Garmon-Brown Board Room — at no charge during weekday business hours, 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., subject to availability.
The newest among our 18 meeting spaces honors the late civic leader Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown and features:
· Video conferencing system
· Seating for 28 guests, with 22 seats around the center table
· Large windows with privacy shades
· Private caterer prep kitchen attached to the room
In addition to Garmon-Brown Board Room, our 17 additional board and conference rooms can accommodate between 5-40 guests and offer a variety of layouts, including a tiered-seating classroom, and are also complimentary for local nonprofits during weekday business hours.
Planning a larger event? We also offer event venues at a discounted rental fee for nonprofit receptions, luncheons and other events.
Contact us at events@fftc.org for more information or complete our online inquiry form.
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
What is love?
It’s made, over and over
in heaven and earth, in hell too.
It is bearing witness. Someone that says: we are caught between the beautiful earth and the beautiful sky,
and while we are here
I bear witness to you
and the things that are important to you.
Helping you to carry what I can help you with
Celebrating you
Delighting in you
Knowing the things you think are the worst things about you
Helping you to see and be you in all of that
hearing and sharing and making stories
helping you reconcile
what it is you hold together in your body,
your past
your sorrows and delights.
Today
and today
and now
and now.
It is as simple and as difficult as that.