August 13, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
Updated: Aug 14
Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings
These meetings are open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response, especially in partnership with the most vulnerable among us.
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.
You can find the recording HERE
60 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
We cannot be content with a marginal or private faith. Political love … does not settle for treating symptoms but seeks to address the root causes. It is a form of charity that allows politics to rise to its responsibilities and move beyond polarizations. … Let us be a leaven of participation among the people to which we belong.
—Pope Francis, address during 50th social week of Italian Catholics, 07 July 2024
MECKMIN UPDATES
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
THURSDAY MEETINGS
We are meeting in 2026:
August 27
Sept 10
Sept 24
October 8
October 22
November 5
November 12
December 3
December 17
No meeting December 31
Women’s Interfaith Book Club (aka Faith Club) Wednesday, August 26th 7 PM
We’ll be discussing A. Helwa’s book, Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey Into the Heart of Islam.
Open Tables Monday September 28 – 6 to 8 p.m.
"Holding Our Humanity Across Difference"
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church | 3400 Beatties Ford Road Vegetarian Potluck Dinner
Cultural Displays at Friendsgiving!
MeckMIN Interfaith Friendsgiving 2026 Call for Cultural Display Tables
FRIENDSGIVING REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
NONPROFITS & ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAMMING PLANS FOR FALL 2026 Consider MeckMIN’s wealth of training offerings
MECKMIN TALKS AND TRAININGS
LOOKING TO CREATE GREATER BELONGING AT YOUR SCHOOL?
Consider how MeckMIN can ease the way. We are excited to offer schools a dynamic way to expand understanding of different faith traditions. Through two interactive interfaith panels—one designed for students in grades 6–12 and another for teachers and administrators at all levels—we provide opportunities to learn directly from people who practice these traditions to build greater understanding across communities.
Help us expand religious literacy in our schools by sharing these flyers with educators and administrators in your network. If you would like to host an interfaith panel, please contact LeDayne at ledayne@meckmin.org
OTHER FAITH/INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES
CMS MULTIFAITH SUMMIT APRIL 8, 2027
CALL FOR MULTI FAITH SUMMIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Reneisha Black
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is excited to announce the CMS Multi Faith Summit, taking place on April 8, 2027. This community-wide event will bring together faith leaders and organizations from across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area to strengthen partnerships that support the success and well-being of all CMS students and families.
As we begin planning, we are seeking representatives from diverse faith communities to serve on our Multi Faith Summit Advisory Committee, which will meet approximately five times beginning in late September 2026. We also encourage you to save the date and help spread the word throughout your network. Our goal is to create an inclusive event that reflects the many faith traditions and organizations serving our community.
More information will be shared as planning progresses, and we look forward to working together to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and connected to a caring community.
For more information, to serve on the Committee or to be added to our email list, please contact Reneisha Black at
Safety Net Training - August 19th
We hope you will join us on Wednesday, August 19, for Safety Net Training, a timely and practical opportunity for faith and community leaders across the Charlotte region.
As leaders from different faith traditions, we have both seen how easily polarization, distrust, and extreme rhetoric can take root in our communities. We also share a deep conviction that congregations, civic organizations, and other local groups can be among the most effective places to strengthen relationships, recognize warning signs, and help people find healthier ways to engage across profound disagreement.
That shared commitment is what brings us together in inviting you to this training.
Safety Net was developed by the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) in partnership with Search for Common Ground and the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University.
The curriculum is designed to equip congregational, civic, and organizational leaders with practical tools to recognize growing polarization, respond to extreme rhetoric, strengthen community resilience, and help prevent individuals and communities from moving toward extremism or violence.
During the training, you will learn how to use the curriculum in your own local setting and will receive both printed and digital copies of the materials. Our goal is for participants to leave not only with a deeper understanding of these challenges, but also with tangible resources they can put into practice.
The training is free of charge, and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please register each person who plans to attend so that we can prepare appropriately. Food will be available to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
We have also attached a flyer that you may use to invite others. Please feel free to share this opportunity with clergy, nonprofit leaders, educators, civic leaders, and others throughout the greater Charlotte community who may benefit from it.
Who should attend? Safety Net is intended for congregational, organizational, and civic community leaders who want to bring these conversations and resources into their local settings. The training will introduce the curriculum and prepare participants to facilitate it within their own communities.
Location: 10624 Metromont Parkway, Unit 302 Charlotte, NC 28269
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We hope you will join us as we work to build a Charlotte in which people can disagree without dehumanizing one another, resist the forces of polarization and extremism, and strengthen the relationships that hold our communities together.
Blessings,
Naeem Fazal | Mosaic Church
Rabbi Asher Knight | Temple Beth El
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.
MECK COUNTY UPDATES
Jessica Montana
Interim Health Program Manager
Public Health | Population Health Division
Mecklenburg County Government
980-312-4897 | MeckNC.Gov
Safer Meck Campaign
The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) launched the Safer Meck campaign to encourage safe gun storage. The campaign included billboards, social media ads, bus ads, and gas pump ads throughout Mecklenburg County. The primary message is to lock up your gun. To support this, OVP is giving away free gun lock boxes, while supplies last, through the month of August. Multiple locations are available for pickup through the new Safer Meck website. The website also includes information about mental health, talking to youth and children about guns, resources to support mental health as well as parent and youth programs.
Check out all this information on the website here: https://go.mecknc.gov/safermeck
Upcoming Office of Violence Prevention Events
The Big Picture: Promoting Adolescent Health in the Social Media Era
Wednesday, August 19 | 9:00am - 10:30am | In-person and virtual options
In collaboration with the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce and Teen Health Connection, we are offering this workshop exploring the impacts of social media on adolescent health and relationships. The workshop will feature The Big Picture video series produced by Teen Health Connection and written and performed by local high school students to explore the experiences of youth on social media and how we can support teens in navigating issues.
Registration link: The Big Picture: Promoting Adolescent Health in the Social Media Era - Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Resiliency Model (CRM®): Practical Skills for Wellness
September 9 or September 21 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm | Virtual
The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® is evidence-based and trains community members to not only help themselves but to help others within their wider social network. The primary focus of this program is to re-set the natural balance of the nervous system. CRM Workshops help create “trauma-informed” and “resiliency-informed” individuals and communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased.
CRM Workshops introduce participants to six wellness skills that help them track their own nervous system to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into greater balance. CRM can be used as self-care for those community members who are the front-line workers, responding to crisis situations, or who live in highly traumatized and/or marginalized communities.
Register here for the September 9 session: https://www.southpiedmontahec.org/event/79056
Register here for the September 21 session: https://www.southpiedmontahec.org/event/79057
Future Office of Violence Prevention Events (registration opening in the next 1-2 weeks)
Project Unloaded: Social Media for Safer Communities Workshop
Monday, September 21 | 9:30am – 4:00pm | various locations in person
Teens ages 13-18 can join this 3-part workshop during the first teacher workday of the school year. Project Unloaded is a national organization that creates social media content alongside youth that promotes safety, violence prevention, and mental health support. During the workshop, teens will learn the facts about why they are safer unarmed, skills they can use to spread that message to their friends, and how social media can be a tool for positive change.
This free workshop will take place in 3-4 locations throughout Mecklenburg County. More information and registration will be shared soon!
Staying Alive: Suicide Prevention Awareness Summit
Thursday, September 24 | 8:30am – 12:00pm | The Park Church
September is Suicide Prevention month, so this event will spotlight local efforts, resources, and ways that we can all help prevent suicide. This free community event is hosted by the QPR & MHFA Instructor Collaborative and will provide information, resources, and tools to strengthen our collective community response to mental health challenges. Participants will also have the opportunity to take either a QPR Suicide Prevention or Community Resiliency Model (CRM) workshop during the Summit.
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/recast2/2318010
Mecklenburg County currently has vacancies on the following advisory boards and commissions:
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Air Quality Commission
Alliance Health Board of Directors
Building Development Commission
Centralina Economic Development Commission
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission
Groundwater Advisory Committee
Human Resources Advisory Committee
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Waste Management Advisory Board
To learn more or apply, visit BOCC.MeckNC.gov/AdvisoryBoards or contact the County Clerk’s Office at 980-314-2939 or Clerk@MeckNC.gov. Applicants must reside in Mecklenburg County to qualify for an appointment.
CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES
NEW Rental Housing Preservation Program: Applications Now Open!
This new pilot program is designed to help small and mid-sized rental property owners preserve Charlotte's existing affordable housing by providing funding for eligible rehabilitation projects. Whether your property needs critical repairs, system upgrades, or improvements that will help extend its useful life, RHPP may be able to help. All homes/units must be built prior to 1976.
The City may fund up to 75% of approved eligible rehabilitation costs, with flexible payment options available to help move projects forward.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Program Guide, which provides an overview of:
Who is eligible to apply
Property and unit requirements
Eligible repairs and funding options
Program commitments
The application and review process
What to expect before, during, and after construction
If you believe your property may be a good fit, click the links below to review the Program Guide and submit your application.
Applications will be accepted now through Friday, August 28, 2026. Because funding is limited, all eligible applications will be reviewed through a competitive selection process.
We look forward to working with property owners who share our commitment to preserving safe, quality, and affordable rental housing throughout Charlotte.
Jessika McNeill
Housing Project Manager
Housing & Neighborhood Services
Answers from CMPD:
At our last meeting, CMPD Chief Patterson was with us. Several people had questions in the chat that we did not have time to address. Chief Patterson asked us to share them for a response – the responses are below.
Are crime frequency maps available online?
Yes. Crime mapping is available on the CMPD website.
To access the interactive crime map:
Visit cmpd.org.
Select the News & Information tab at the top of the page.
Choose Crime Mapping from the available options.
The Crime Mapping application allows community members to view reported crime activity, identify trends, and explore crime patterns throughout the city.
What does the curfew mean for teen homelessness?
The primary purpose of the proposed ordinance is to protect young people and connect them with appropriate resources, not to criminalize vulnerable youth.
While a youth experiencing homelessness could technically be in violation of the ordinance if no exception applied, an officer's first priority would be assessing the juvenile's safety and identifying available resources and services. Officers would work to connect the youth with appropriate assistance whenever possible, with the overall goal of protecting their well-being.
Does the curfew apply to college students who are 17 or under?
Yes, however, the ordinance contains several exceptions that would continue to apply. For example, a juvenile would not be in violation if they are:
Attending or traveling directly to or from an official function sponsored by a school, government agency, religious organization, civic organization, or another entity that accepts responsibility for the juvenile.
Engaged in lawful employment or traveling directly to or from their place of employment.
Each situation would be evaluated based on the specific facts and circumstances.
A juvenile who is in a public place or business during restricted hours is not in violation of the ordinance if they are:
Accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Accompanied by an adult 21 years or older who is authorized to be accompanying the juvenile for the designated period of time and purpose.
On an errand, using a direct route, until 10:30 p.m. for juveniles under the age of 13 and 11:30 p.m. for juveniles ages 13-15.
In a motor vehicle, with parental consent, engaged in interstate travel through the city originating or terminating the city.
Traveling in a motor vehicle with a parent or guardian or other authorized person adult age 21 or older.
Engaged in lawful employment or using a direct route to or from a place of employment.
Reacting or responding to an emergency.
Attending or traveling to or from an official function sponsored by the schools, a government or religious entity, a civic organization, or other entity that accepts responsibility for the juveniles.
Exercising first amendment rights such as a free exercise of religion, freedom of speech and the right to assembly.
Married or emancipated.
When authorized by special permit from the Chief of Police when the necessary nighttime activities of the juveniles are not adequately addressed by other provisions of this ordinance.
NONPROFIT UPDATES
Red Cross
Red Cross Restoring Family Links - Colombia
Red Cross Restoring Family Links is a resource for anyone trying to get in touch with family who may have been impacted by the earthquake in Columbia. Please share broadly.
Call with any questions: 980 297-0044
First In Families of Mecklenburg County
Keiba Young
o: 704-343-5205
First In Families of Mecklenburg County is a project of InReach, providing micro-financial support to individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities and their families.
Veterans Bridge Home
Ric Hannon
Network Director |
Veteran Resource & Community Partnership Contact NCServes / NCCARE360 / Unite Us — Train-the-Trainer
Please feel free to connect with me regarding veteran resources, community referrals, partnership opportunities, or questions about using the Unite Us platform. I’m also available to provide Unite Us training or walkthroughs for organizations that want to use the system more efficiently and effectively.
Veterans Bridge Home has partnered with Mecklenburg County distributing gun locks
Anyone can pick up gun locks M- F 8am - 5pm
Veterans Benefits Live – Charlotte
August 20 @ 9:00 am - August 21 @ 3:00 pm
The event will connect veterans one-on-one with representatives from the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office, Salisbury VA Health Care System, Veteran Service Organizations, the Mobile Vet Center, and community resource providers. Services include VA compensation and pension assistance, survivor benefits, VA healthcare eligibility, Veteran Readiness and Employment, education, home loan and life insurance information, mental-health counseling, housing assistance, and other social and vocational resources.
Crisis Assistance
Women's Health and Resilience Foundation Inc.
Lavette Shirley, DSc,PA-C | CEO, Women's Health and Resilience Foundation
The Women’s Health & Resilience Foundation (WHRF) works to improve women’s health through education, advocacy, and community outreach. WHRF is especially interested in partnering with congregations and community organizations to offer women’s health education sessions, wellness events, and other programs that make reliable health information more accessible.
Educational topics can be tailored to the needs of each community and may include breast cancer awareness, preventive screenings, mental health, cardiovascular care, chronic stress, and healthy living.
WHRF also invites the community to its 4th Annual Concrete Rose Breast Cancer Awareness Gala: Denim and Diamonds, taking place Saturday, September 19, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. The annual gala supports breast cancer awareness, community education, and resources for women and families.
Congregations, organizations, and community members are invited to attend the gala, become sponsors or donors, participate as vendors, and help spread the word through their networks.
WHRF welcomes conversations with congregations interested in hosting health education programs or exploring other community wellness partnerships.
Learn more: whrfoundaton.org
Gala Registration: 4th Annual Concrete Rose Breast Cancer Awareness Gala – Denim and Diamonds
Meridian LifeWorks
Johanna Banks, johanna@meridianlifeworks.com
Meridian LifeWorks is a nonprofit being developed to support autistic young adults as they transition from high school into adulthood. Co-founded by autism consultant Johanna Banks and parent advocate Todd Senff, Meridian is envisioned as a college-inspired learning community where young adults can continue building practical skills, confidence, relationships, and real-world experience.
The program will focus on meaningful, hands-on learning rather than a traditional classroom model. Students will have opportunities to prepare meals, strengthen executive functioning skills, manage daily responsibilities, volunteer in the community, explore internships and employment, and learn from local professionals and employers. Programming will be guided by Meridian’s Seven Foundations of Independent Adulthood™ and individualized around each student’s strengths, interests, goals, preferences, and support needs.
Meridian also plans to establish a Parent Learning Center, offering parents and caregivers practical educational opportunities, connections to trusted community professionals, helpful resources, and opportunities to learn from and support one another. The organization’s longer-term vision includes transitional educational living opportunities where young adults could practice skills such as cooking, budgeting, household management, routines, and community navigation while continuing to participate in Meridian programming.
Meridian is currently searching for a property in Iredell County or the greater Mecklenburg area, ideally within approximately 15 minutes of a major interstate. The organization is seeking roughly five to ten acres with open space, mature trees, and, if possible, an existing building, barn, workshop, or similar structure that could be adapted for its learning community.
Community members are encouraged to connect with Meridian if they:
Know of a potential property, including one that may not currently be on the market
Know a family that could benefit from Meridian’s future programming
Represent a business or employer interested in providing internships, work experiences, or employment opportunities
Have professional expertise they could share with students or parents
Are interested in exploring partnerships or other ways to support the organization
Meridian LifeWorks’ goal is to help autistic young adults continue learning, growing, contributing, and building adult lives that reflect their individual strengths and goals—while ensuring that their families have access to education, connection, and community along the way.
PFLAG Faith & Allyship Book Club
Elizabeth Deters (she/her)
Executive Director elizabeth@pflagcharlotte.org
PFLAG Charlotte is hosting their inaugural Faith & Allyship Book Club on Sept. 16 at 7pm at NODA Brewing (150 W 32 St). We will be discussing Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H. Facilitated by faith leaders in the LGBTQ+ community and allies, all are welcome to join in the discussion! Please RSVP if you are able to join in the conversation: Faith & Allyship Book Club - PFLAG Charlotte. This group will continue to meet on a quarterly basis.
Feel free to share the attached flyer with your community!
If you want free bookmark styled flyers to share with your community, or want to get more involved with facilitation and future book selections? email elizabeth@pflagcharlotte.org
Low-Cost Immigration Legal Assistance from Vía Legal and Project 658
Ana Butters
VP of Programs | Project 658
3646 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC. 28205
(O) 704 733 9934 (C) 704 763 6655
and
Wayne Snyder
Immigration Talk in Spanish with Via Legal:
Thursday, August 27 @ 6:30pm Project 658: 3646 Central Ave., Charlotte
About Project 658:
Project 658 provides pathways to thriving and belonging by walking alongside immigrant and refugee families through integrated wellness services, transformational community programs, and social enterprise. Through Hope Community Clinic—including primary care, behavioral health, and our new dental clinic—along with youth and family programming, workforce development, and mission-driven businesses, we address physical, emotional, spiritual, and economic well-being so our neighbors can flourish. Besides the services provided by the clinic, Project 658 runs a Catering and Events business and offers a variety of programming that includes: English as a Second Language and Culinary classes, two programs that work with youth and adults through soccer, academic support, and college, career, and job readiness, and another program that supports refugee women through sewing, vocational, digital literacy, and skill-based ESL classes.
About the partnership between Project 658 and Vía Legal:
Project 658 and Vía Legal are partnering to support immigrant and refugee families in our community by providing financial assistance and educational opportunities so they have access to immigration legal services and are informed about immigration law updates and have a better understanding of what their options are depending on their specific case.
Language you can share:
Reaching out to let you know that Project 658 and Vía Legal are partnering to make immigration legal services more affordable by offering our immigrant community low-cost legal assistance with immigration processes. If you know anyone who might benefit from this opportunity, please share with them the attached flyer and the information below (Spanish version).
¿Necesitas iniciar un proceso legal de inmigración o tienes dudas sobre tus opciones?
Agenda tu consulta inicial con Vía Legal por solo $25 usando el código de descuento ES658 en el siguiente enlace: https://calendly.com/d/5hz-6hc-jpp/consulta-de-servicios-legales-de-inmigracion
Además, Project 658 podría ofrecerte asistencia de hasta un 70% para cubrir los gastos legales en los que incurras con Vía Legal. ¡No esperes! Si tienes preguntas, llama al número en el volante. ¡Haz tu cita ya!
Para más información sobre Vía Legal: https://vialegalimmigration.org/es/
Para más información sobre Project 658: www.project658.com
EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES
Patrick - Executive Director
DIAPERS FOR 2 YEARS- EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES
This program provides monthly support to pregnant women and families with young children by delivering diapers, baby clothes, and other essential items. New accepted participants will begin receiving benefits starting in August. We currently have the capacity to onboard around 20 new moms with babies preborn up to 5 years old.
Use the link above to submit a request to join the program.
Colombia Donation Drive
Drop off donations every day through Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM
To all my friends and members of our community who read this message, this is a time when even a small act of kindness can make a BIG difference.
Following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake, many families in Colombia need our support. We are collecting essential items in Charlotte to send assistance to those affected.
PLEASE, DON’T WAIT. If you can help, please donate today.
DONATION DROP-OFF CENTER:
9233 Nations Ford Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28273
Contact my friend Natalia Silva, an organizer of the Colombian Festival and President of the Colombian Chamber of Commerce @ 980-229-1069
Every day through Saturday | 10 AM – 7 PM
ITEMS MOST NEEDED:
Please DO NOT donate water.
Non-perishable food
Personal hygiene products
Baby supplies
Blankets
Flashlights and batteries
First-aid supplies
Pet supplies
Boxes and packing materials are urgently needed
Imagine suddenly losing access to the basic necessities your family depends on. Today, we have an opportunity to show Colombia that they are not alone.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Buy a few extra items when you go grocery shopping.
Bring them to the donation center.
Invite a friend to donate with you.
If you cannot donate, PLEASE SHARE THIS POST.
Charlotte, let’s fill this donation center with love, solidarity, and hope!
Back to School Events/Giveaways
Lists of upcoming back to school events/giveaways https://www.charlotteonthecheap.com/back-school-events-school-supply-deals-information/
Sneaker Give-Away Donate to SneakerSoulz at Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center 501 S. Bruns Avenue, Charlotte | thru Thursday, Aug. 20 until 8pm Giveaway: Saturday, August 22 | 12pm-3pm
Hertford County ICE Vigil
Clergy Invited to Join Vigil at Winton ICE Processing Center
Mary Ross
919-451-2341
Organizers are moving forward with a clergy vigil near the Winton ICE Processing Center, formerly known as Rivers Correctional Institution, and are inviting clergy from the Charlotte area and across North Carolina to participate.
Details and link to register:
August 21, 2-4 pm
In front of Hertford County Courthouse, corner of Rt 158 and Parkers
Fishery Road (detention center is across the road)
The vigil will bring clergy together in solidarity, with several participants offering prayers or brief remarks. Organizers are also working to involve clergy from northeastern North Carolina and other parts of the state, with outreach support from Rev. Dr. Copeland of the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Because Winton is a considerable distance from Charlotte, organizers recognize that not everyone will be able to attend in person. They are also exploring ways to raise awareness locally about The GEO Group’s regional office in Charlotteand to provide opportunities for people in the Charlotte area to support the effort.
Clergy, congregations, and community partners who may be interested in participating in the vigil, helping spread the word, or supporting related Charlotte-area efforts are encouraged to connect with the organizers as plans continue to develop.
Opportunity: Get Help Studying for the U.S. Citizenship Exam
Are you pursuing U.S. citizenship? Welcome.US can match you with a screened, trained volunteer who can help you study for the citizenship exam, practice English, or walk through a practice citizenship interview. It’s all online and on your schedule. Learn more.
Latin American Coalition|Family Wellness Center
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS NONPROFITS
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course
Veterans Bridge Home is hosting an in-person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course on Friday, August 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at our Charlotte office.
Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to recognize the signs of someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, how to respond appropriately, and how to connect them with the right resources. It is valuable training for providers, community partners, employers, faith-based organizations, educators, first responders, and anyone who interacts with the public.
The training is:
Free
Open to the public
Eligible for CEUs for many professions
Facilitated by Crystal Miller
Training Details
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 | Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Veterans Bridge Home
5260 Parkway Plaza Blvd., Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28217
To register, visit:
Agility Corps: Opportunity to access experienced leadership support
The Robinson Center for Civic Leadership, the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council and SHARE Charlotte have partnered to create Agility Corps - connecting Charlotte nonprofits with accomplished executives and community leaders who are ready to share their time, expertise and leadership - at no cost to your organization!
Following a successful pilot with nine nonprofit engagements, applications are now open for the Fall Cohort (Oct 2026 - Jan 2027). Participating organizations receive tailored support to strengthen operations, governance, strategic planning and long-term capacity.
Apply Corps Fall Cohort: Applications Open
Apply by August 28
ShareCharlotte
Charlotte's Inaugural DAFdayCLT (a virtual education session for non-profits to learn about donor-advised fund fundraising) is Oct. 8!
With billions of dollars sitting in donor-advised funds (DAFs), the opportunity for increased DAF funding is an opportunity for ALL nonprofits - not just those with dedicated DAF fundraisers.
On August 26 at noon, DAFdayCLT will be hosting a virtual education session for SHARE Charlotte partners to review a marketing toolkit and answer questions about donor-advised fund fundraising, and DAFdayCLT. RSVP for August 26 Info Session.
Looking for enthusiastic teen and college student volunteers?
SHARE Charlotte is now accepting volunteer opportunities for our Third Annual Teen & College Student Volunteer Guide, launching this September and distributed to high schools, colleges, universities, and youth organizations across the Charlotte region.
In-person, remote, and hybrid opportunities are welcome!
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local
SEED20
Every year, SEED20 shines a spotlight on ten local nonprofit leaders who are tackling our region's biggest challenges with bold, innovative ideas. Could your organization be next?
Whether you're launching a new nonprofit, growing an emerging organization, or introducing a new program within an established nonprofit, the yearlong SEED20 program is designed to help you strengthen your impact while sharing your story with the Charlotte community.
Participants receive media assets, coaching, training, and access to experienced mentors as they prepare for a high-energy, live pitch event, all while building meaningful connections with funders, volunteers, and fellow changemakers. Every participating organization develops greater visibility, valuable resources, and a network of support that extends well beyond the program.
Applications for the SEED20 Class of 2027 will be open from September 1 – 21, 2026. In the meantime, we encourage interested organizations to explore the eligibility requirements, preview the application questions, and register for the informational webinar at noon on September 2nd, or office hours afterward.
Ready to learn more? Visit SEED20.org to explore the program and prepare for the upcoming application season.
Domestic Violence Funding (DVF) through Mecklenburg County Community Support Services is now available for our fiscal year 2026-2027.
Haley Marie Social Services Specialist Community Support Services | Prevention and Intervention Mecklenburg County Government 980-314-8965 | MeckNC.Gov
We are pleased to offer training on information about DVF and how the DVF application process works so that you are well prepared to fill out an application to submit on behalf of your clients who need financial assistance after facing intimate partner violence. Training is fundamental as the educational basis of what DVF is and how your clients can access it. Although anyone can fill out an application, this training will make it much easier and more convenient for you to do so. We highly recommend that you join us and forward this to who you believe may benefit from this training.
We have three future dates for this training opportunity:
August 19, 2026 - 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at VCW Suite 2000 - Queen City Room
August 21, 2026 - 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at VCW Suite 2000 - Queen City Room
August 26, 2026 - 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at Virtual - Microsoft Teams Meeting
Further opportunities will be available throughout the year.
Please sign up at this link. Space is limited.
If you are interested in having us visit your space to have trainings, we can accommodate that. If interested, please email haley.marie@mecklenburgcountync.gov
While training is highly encouraged, if you are unable to attend and you would like to immediately receive the application packet with all necessary paperwork, please email haley.marie@mecklenburgcountync.gov
RFP: Emergency Assistance Service Provider
The City of Charlotte (City), through the Housing & Neighborhood Services Department (HNS), is looking to select one or more qualified agencies to provide Emergency Assistance Services. The City is seeking agencies whose combination of experience, emergency response capacity, housing stabilization expertise, administrative controls, and cost effectiveness will provide timely and high-quality services to residents and to the City.Information related to this solicitation, including any addenda, will be posted to the City’s Housing website at:https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Housing/Resources-for-Developers-and-Contractors/Request-for-Proposals.
The City of Charlotte has chosen the recipients for this year’s Placemaking Grant program. In partnership with the Corridors of Opportunity program, the Office of Sustainability and Resilience, and the Vision Zero program, the city awarded a total of $175,000 to support community-led projects. The city remains dedicated to placemaking and collaborating with residents and local artists to cultivate a livelier Queen City.
The Placemaking Grant program started in 2018 and is managed by the City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center (UDC). The grant program offers financial aid and practical guidance for initiatives that foster community gathering, safety and character.
Ten projects, three programming schedules and two Technical Assistance Grants will receive funding this year. These projects focus on:
Activating vacant or underused areas
Improving streetscapes
Enhancing public spaces through art and beautification
Developing community gathering and sharing spots
Regional
Bridging Gaps in Human Services Across North Carolina
Application deadline: November 15, 2026 Grant amount: Up to $25,000 Geographic scope: North Carolina Target population: Underserved communities Description: The Civic Foundation supports small, local nonprofits in North Carolina working to bridge gaps in human services. Grants are awarded quarterly in four areas: healthcare, housing, human services, and hunger. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public charities, private foundations, schools, hospitals, and local government organizations with nonprofit status. Funds may only be used for programmatic expenses.
National
Defending Civil Rights and Freedoms Nationwide
Application deadline: October 6, 2026 Grant amount: $5,000–$25,000 Target population: Community members Description: The Herb Block Foundation's Defending Basic Freedoms program invests in projects that safeguard the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and encourage government accountability. The program also considers proposals addressing contemporary societal issues as they arise. Grants are available to organizations located anywhere in the United States.
Mental Health Support for Young People of Color Nationwide
Application deadline: August 31, 2026 Grant amount: $10,000 over two years Target population: Young people of color experiencing mental health challenges Description: The American Psychiatric Association Foundation's MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program funds community organizations with innovative programs that improve mental health outcomes for young people of color. Funding focuses on addressing mental health and substance use disorder inequities, promoting awareness, increasing equitable access to care, and enhancing culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Improving the Lives of Women and Children in Need
Application deadline: Rolling deadline Grant amount: $1,000–$15,000 Target population: At-risk women and children Description: The Make Sense Foundation supports nonprofit organizations across the United States working to improve the lives of women and children in need. Funding spans seven areas: domestic violence, human trafficking, homelessness, poverty and food security, at-risk youth, health and wellness, and education and training. Project, program, and capital support are all available.
Building Safer, Resilient Communities in Erie Insurance Service Areas
Application deadline: September 11, 2026 Grant amount: Over $25,000 Geographic scope: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin Target population: Community members Description: The Erie Insurance Giving Network supports nonprofits, educational institutions, and municipal agencies in communities served by the company. Funding focuses on three areas: community building, including urban revitalization, arts, and basic human needs; safety for individuals and families, including disaster relief; and environmental responsibility, including community gardens and responsible use of resources and energy. Project support and sponsorships are available.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
We’re living inside imaginations
that other people told us were
true, and told us were how the
world is…We live in this abundant
world, and we’ve been told it’s
scarce. And then we’re given
all these stories of scarcity. So,
so much of the work of radical
imagination is, what does it
look like to imagine beyond the
constructs? What does it look like
to imagine a future where we all
get to be there, not causing harm
to each other, and experiencing
abundance?”
Emergence emphasizes critical connections over critical mass.
adrienne maree brown
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