May 21, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
- meckmin
- 3 days ago
- 18 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
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
56 participants
This newsletter is sponsored by Guns to Gardens in partnership with Myers Park Presbyterian Church and RAWtools South.
Featured Community Partner
Turning Guns into Gardens
Myers Park Presbyterian Church, in partnership with RAWtools South, invites the community to a safe, anonymous firearm surrender event offering a responsible way to transform harm into renewal.
Saturday, May 30 | 10am–1pm Drive-through at MPPC Outreach Center
Plus: Family-friendly blacksmith demonstration Sunday, May 31 (after services)
This nonpolitical initiative creates space for community, conversation, and a shared commitment to safety—without judgment.
Learn more, follow, and share:Instagram: gunstogardenscltFacebook: gunstogardenclt
For more information contact: Blair Tucker: BlairSmithTucker@gmail.com
OPENING REFLECTION
Selected Passage from Today’s Rumis by M.Fethullah Gulen
When faced with unpleasant attitudes or behaviors, we’ve urged ourselves toward patience and tolerance. We haven’t magnified minor issues or turned differences into sources of conflict. We’ve refrained from confrontation… and resisted creating new ones. We’ve seen this approach—not reacting with hostility, but rather embracing understanding—as a vital path to building reconciliation and mutual respect across social divides.
Problems that could not be resolved through force or fury slowly began to unravel through love. Rusted locks on hearts that harshness could never open began to yield to gentleness.
Human beings… cannot remain indifferent to sincere acts of goodness. Throughout history and even today, efforts rooted in love and tolerance have always been worthy and noble pursuits in the eyes of humanity.
To embrace everyone purely on the basis of shared humanity, to open one’s heart without discrimination… to demonstrate that the essence of existence is rooted in love—what harm could there possibly be in any of that?
In the face of such moments… it is only natural that one’s inner strength may sometimes be shaken. We may find ourselves asking, “Are we doing something wrong?”
But in reality, there is nothing wrong.
None of this should discourage anyone or weaken their inner strength. On the contrary, these good efforts must continue—and grow—by being multiplied.
In places where there is tension, we take steps inspired by love, dialogue, human embrace, and positive action.
Our goal is clear: to win hearts… by helping build a world of shared peace and harmony.
We have made a vow: we will not see anyone as “the other.” Even toward those who see us that way, we will keep our arms open.
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:
No meetings in June
July 16
July 30
August 13
August 27
Sept 10
Sept 24
October 8
October 22
November 5
November 19
December 3
December 17
No meeting December 31
Calling All Artists!
Art nourishes the soul. Multiculturalism strengthens community. MeckMIN's Interfaith Friendsgiving unites through artistic expression, storytelling, music, dance, and shared traditions from around the world. This November, we're inviting artists of every background to help us do it again.
MeckMIN celebrates diversity as a source of strength and creativity. For nearly 50 years, Interfaith Friendsgiving has united people through artistic expression, storytelling, music, dance, and shared traditions from around the world.
We invite YOU to bring your voice, heritage, and creativity to this vibrant gathering.
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EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Heaton Hall, Myers Park Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC
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CALL FOR ARTISTS
We welcome artists from ALL cultures and traditions. Whether your work is rooted in heritage, contemporary expression, or a fusion of both—this is your stage.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
• Music, dance, spoken word, storytelling, or interdisciplinary performance
• Culturally inspired or original work
• Family-friendly pieces (≤ 5 minutes)
THEMES
Unity in Diversity • Gratitude • Belonging • Shared Humanity • Community
HONORARIUM
$250 provided for each selected performance
WHO CAN APPLY
Individuals and groups of all ages, identities, and cultural backgrounds Application: https://www.meckmin.org/performer-application
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Monday, June 21, 2026
Cultural Displays at Friendsgiving!
MeckMIN Interfaith Friendsgiving 2026 Call for Cultural Display Tables
A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Community
We invite YOU to bring your voice, heritage, and creativity to this vibrant gathering.
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EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Heaton Hall, Myers Park Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC
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CALL FOR CULTURAL DISPLAY TABLES
We welcome groups and organizations from ALL cultures and traditions. All displays must be family friendly. Share in the richness of our community’s diversity by sharing with all of us. Help us learn about you!
WHAT WE PROVIDE
One 6-foot display table
Two chairs per group
Space in Heaton Hall
Electricity, first come first served
WHAT YOU BRING
Your display materials
Extension cord & power strip if needed
Family-friendly content
Set-up & tear-down crew
SET UP
Set up begins at 5:30pm
GROUPS MUST APPLY AND BE APPROVED
Individuals and groups of all ages, identities, and cultural backgrounds
Friendsgiving Registration is Open!
ConnectTech & ConnectTech+ Applications Open Friday
Susana Jerez jerezs@queens.edu
Good morning, everyone, and first of all, thank you to MeckMIN for the invitation to present this morning.
We are excited about several opportunities to partner with you and continue serving the community together.
Before I begin, let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Susana Jerez, and I am the Program Manager for the ConnectTech program at the Center for Digital Equity.
I have been with the Center for a little over a year, and I have served the Charlotte community in different capacities for more than 25 years.
The Center for Digital Equity is housed within Queens University of Charlotte, and our mission is to help individuals feel confident using technology in their everyday lives.
Find out more and register here: https://bit.ly/CDE-meckMIN
Right now, we have three exciting opportunities happening:
1. ConnectTech and ConnectTech+WorkConnectTech is a digital skills program where the Center for Digital Equity partners with community organizations to deliver computer classes in an efficient and supportive way.
Participants gain digital skills, receive a device upon completion, and build an ongoing connection to support as they continue their digital journey.
Applications are now open. We will also be hosting information sessions beginning next Tuesday. I’ll place the links and details in the chat.
2. Community Council Participation
We invite you to join our upcoming virtual Community Council meeting, where we’ll share updates and insights from local, state, and national leaders advancing digital opportunity. You’ll also get a first look at the Center for Digital Equity’s new 3-Year Strategic Plan.
Details:
o June 4
o 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
3. Device Repair Support ProgramThe Center for Digital Equity is also sponsoring repairs for 100 individuals through ReConnex so community members can stay connected and participate in modern life.
Eligible devices include laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
To request one of these repair spots, individuals must first complete the interest form.
Applications for our next ConnectTech cohorts officially open this Friday — and for the first time, both programs are available to organizations serving communities across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, and Union counties. You no longer need a formalized partnership tier with the CDE to apply.
This year, we’re also excited to introduce ConnectTech+, a new, expanded training opportunity designed to support workforce readiness and foundational AI learning alongside core digital skills development.
ConnectTech helps community members build confidence with everyday technology through hands-on training in computer skills, using the internet, and staying safe online.
Organizations selected to host a cohort will receive:
Up to 9 hours of in-person instruction
Support for up to 15 learners per cohort
Laptops for participants who complete the program
Tools to help grow long-term digital skills programming in their communities
ConnectTech+ is an expanded digital skills and workforce readiness program that introduces foundational AI concepts and career-focused learning.
Organizations selected to host a cohort will receive:
Up to 16 hours of in-person instruction
Support for up to 15 learners per cohort
Laptops for participants who complete the program
Tools to help build long-term digital and workforce development capacity in their communities
We are hosting information sessions for organizations interested in learning more before applying. Visit our website to learn more, explore program details, and register for an information session.
Applications close on Friday, June 12.
OTHER FAITH/INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES
Sense of Wonder Half Day Retreat
Saturday, June 20 - Half-day retreat (10am - 3pm) at Erwin Lodge!Are you on or near Davidson College for any reason at all? Join the retreat! A sense of wonder in nature. See you there!Open to all students, staff, faculty, community. Space is limited.RSVP at the QR in the image, or on Eventbrite, or email me (ivmayerhofer@davidson.edu) and RSVP today!Co-hosted between the Charlotte Center for Mindfulness and the Davidson Meditation Initiative.
Rev. Iván (Toan) Mayerhofer, Ph.D. (he/him)
Associate Chaplain for Buddhist Programs
Director of the Davidson Meditation Initiative
Coordinator of Interfaith Programs
704-894-2423
St. Peter Catholic Events
Kennedy Lecture — May 30 — St. Peter Catholic
We’d love to have an interfaith audience for Sister Barbara on May 30 https://catholicnewsherald.com/90-news/local/12715-kennedy-lecture-to-focus-on-women-leaders-in-the-early-church-2
Faithful Witness Prayer Service — June 20 -- St. Peter Catholic
Deacon Clarke E. Cochran
806-438-9057
Interfaith Immigration Efforts
Mary Ross maryrossva@gmail.com
I will focus on what we are doing to raise awareness, the interfaith statement and how we will announce it at a press event next week.
Most of the people who've signed up have been from organizations but we will list as individuals.
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
Partnering With Faith Leaders to Strengthen Children, Families, and Our Community
Across Mecklenburg County, children and families are facing growing behavioral health challenges. Stress, emotional struggles, and developmental concerns are showing up earlier—and families are increasingly turning to their faith communities for guidance, trust, and support. Faith-based leaders are not just helpful in this moment; they are essential.
The Basics Mecklenburg is a community-wide effort focused on strengthening young children’s brain development and emotional well-being during the years that matter most. Using simple, research-informed practices rooted in everyday interactions, The Basics equips parents and caregivers to build strong, nurturing relationships that support lifelong mental and behavioral health.
Faith-based organizations are uniquely positioned to share this vital information. Families already look to you for direction, encouragement, and hope. When these messages are reinforced through trusted faith leaders, they have lasting impact—not only on children and parents, but on the health of our entire community.
Easy, Meaningful Ways to Participate
The Basics can be naturally incorporated into what faith communities already do, including:
Baby dedications, baptisms, and welcome moments, affirming parents in their responsibility and role
Welcome or nursery bags, offering families free parent educational materials that are easy to use and share
Parent, marriage, and family ministry groups, where conversations about connection and stress are already happening
Faith-based activity guides, designed to align with your values while promoting healthy development and bonding at home
Added Support for Basics Partner Organizations
As a Basics partner, your organization also gains access to:
Free parent educational materials to share with families year-round
Parent workshops led or supported by The Basics Mecklenburg
Community events and learning opportunities hosted by The Basics
Ongoing tools that help reinforce healthy messages caregivers can use every day
These supports make it easier for faith communities to care for families without adding burden to ministries.
A Shared Responsibility for a Brighter Future
Supporting children’s behavioral health is a shared responsibility—and faith leaders play a critical role. By partnering with The Basics Mecklenburg, you help ensure families receive guidance and support early, before challenges grow into deeper struggles.
Our goal is to work alongside the strong, trusted faith-based leaders of Mecklenburg County to secure a brighter, healthier future for our children—one family, one congregation, and one community at a time.
We invite you to partner with The Basics Mecklenburg.
Together, we can strengthen children, support parents, and build a healthier future for our county.
We would love to talk with you about partnering with The Basics Mecklenburg or bringing resources, workshops, or events to your faith community.
CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES
CITY WATER RESTRICTIONS & BURN BAN
Subject: New Mandatory Water Restrictions and Burn Ban in Charlotte
We’re sharing an important update from the city of Charlotte about new mandatory water restrictions and a burn ban now affecting Charlotte residents.
Due to ongoing dry conditions, Charlotte Water implemented mandatory water restrictions beginning Friday, May 15. Charlotte Fire has also issued a burn ban, effective immediately, in alignment with statewide restrictions.
Under the mandatory water restrictions, Charlotte Water customers are asked to follow these conservation measures:
Lawn and landscape irrigation is limited to no more than two days per week, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Residential swimming pools may only be topped off on Thursdays and Sundays between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Customers may not wash vehicles at home, fill residential swimming pools, operate non-essential water features, power wash surfaces for non-essential purposes, or hold charity/fundraising car washes.
Residents are also encouraged to reduce indoor and outdoor water use, water lawns with no more than one inch of water per week and identify and repair water leaks as quickly as possible.
The burn ban applies to all areas within the city of Charlotte and remains in effect until further notice. Residents with questions about the burn ban may contact the Charlotte Fire Marshal’s Office at 704-336-2101. Violations may result in fines and court costs.
We encourage you to share this information with your neighbors and community networks. You can find the full update, including additional water conservation guidance and resources, on the city’s website:https://www.charlottenc.gov/City-News/Mandatory-Water-Restrictions
Additional resources that may be helpful for residents include:
Emergency Repair Program: May be able to support eligible households with urgent home repair needs, including water leaks.
Quality of Life Team: Can help support education and compliance around water conservation restrictions.
Naturalistic landscapes: A low-water option for maintaining yards during dry conditions, while also supporting pollinators and local ecosystems.
Thank you for helping us keep residents informed and connected to available resources!
NONPROFIT UPDATES
Carolina Migrant Network Volunteer Opportunity
"Stefania Arteaga, co-director of Carolina Migrant Network, will share a new support effort at local DHS offices, where we’ll conduct check-ins, distribute resource sheets for individuals and families, and recruit volunteers from your congregations to support the work"
I hope you are doing well! I wanted to reach out to see whether it might be possible for Carolina Migrant Network to join one of the upcoming MeckMIN meetings to briefly share a new community support effort we are organizing at local DHS offices.
We will be conducting check-ins with individuals at the offices and distributing resource sheets that may be helpful to them and their families. We are also reaching out to see whether there may be volunteers within your congregations who would be interested in helping support this work.
To give you an idea of the commitment, the volunteer schedule would be divided into two morning shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays:
• 7:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.• 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The goal is to ensure that individuals waiting in line receive important information and know that there is support available to them. In situations where someone is detained, volunteers would also be able to contact our hotline so we can determine how else we may assist.
Beyond sharing resources, having volunteers present is an important way for community members to feel seen and supported during what is often a stressful experience. This is also something new we are trying, and we are hopeful it can become a meaningful way to support community members during these moments.
For anyone interested in volunteering or learning more, we will be holding 45-minute virtual information sessions on:
• May 28th at 10:00 a.m.https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XB1MzyTeTNeHIh7T8BWP3Q
• June 11th at 6:30 p.m.https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NWqBass3SRmNTq7wvzlZZg
We would be grateful for the opportunity to briefly share this initiative with the MeckMIN community and answer any questions.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
--
Maryann Ruiz (she/her/ella)
Community Outreach Coordinator
Carolina Migrant Network
Youth Wellness Hubs, Village Heartbeat Inc.
They offer LOTS of resources to prevent youth suicide - please take a careful look at what they offer (see the flyers below) and refer people as needed
Upcoming Teen Mental Health First Aid on June 10, 17, 24 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm at Greenville AME Zion. (Parent meeting will be held June 3 at 6 pm). To signup, email ywh@vhbinc.org or contact me directly at vnorman@vhbinc.org.
Victoria Norman
Community Health Worker
Youth Wellness Hubs
Village Heartbeat Inc.
Cell (704) 648-4878
Lemontree Food Helpline
Most people facing hunger don't take the free food available to them. Lemontree uses technology & empathy to ensure that accessing food assistance is an easy, reliable, and dignified experience for all.
Lemontree has helped 2 million+ people navigate food assistance. Neighbors can browse their database of food resources online or sign up for one-on-one support, where users get a personalized dashboard, receive helpful reminders, and more–all designed to navigate resources with ease. Our database is backed up by real feedback from neighbors across the country–see that work in action at foodhelpline.org/feed.
Eliza Braverman (she/her/ella) eliza@lemontreefoods.org
Program Associate | Lemontree Food Helpline
Sante Group
Peacock, Rebecca rpeacock@santegroup.org
Goal - keep people having a mental health crisis out of the hospital, criminal, involuntary commitment system because it is clear that keeping people in their community and with their support network has a MUCH better success rate
Our Mobile Crisis Teams consist of licensed mental health clinicians and counselors extensively trained in de-escalation and crisis intervention in the areas of mental health, substance use, and situational crises. Our teams are available to provide support in any mental health emergency.
Upon arriving at the scene of a crisis, we assess the needs of you or your loved ones to provide immediate stabilization and resources. Once the crisis is alleviated, we work with you to coordinate the necessary next steps towards sustainable health and provide regular follow-ups to ensure recovery.
Call the Crisis Call Center in your county to contact a Santé Mobile Crisis Team near you.
Hotline: 704-566-3410
Senior TLC Charlotte
Joel Higgins <johiggins@seniortlc.org>
Senior TLC Case Manager
Senior TLC is a non-profit, State and Federally Funded Medicaid and Medicare program that seeks to assist members of the community to remain in their home and out of the nursing home. To achieve this goal we provide four main services medical care, transportation, a social center and home healthcare. In the interest of time, I will briefly discuss our healthcare model.
Individuals will have 24 hour access to our medical team.
We provide same day or next day appointments.
We cover the cost for all specialty appointments.
We provide all durable equipment and incontinent supplies.
Our provider visits are longer than the standard 15 minutes.
For further information you can contact me via email at johiggins@seniortlc.org or call me at 980-507-5667
Senior TLC Charlotte
6133 The Plaza | Charlotte, NC 28215
704.887.3840 (Phone) | 980.507.5669 (Cell) | 704.227.7041 (Fax)
PNP community picnic fundraiser on July 17th
Nancy Healey
I would like to highlight again for PNP that we are still hiring and looking for members. As well as that we are going to have a community picnic fundraiser on July 17th at the Hut.
DREAMKEY PARTNERS & GRIER HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTER
Flavor, Future & Fun Block Party and Resource Fair
We’re excited to invite you to be part of something truly special! Mark your calendar for Monday, June 1st (6:00–8:00 PM)!
DreamKey Partners is throwing the Flavor, Future & Fun Block Party and Resource Fair at the Grier Heights Community Center, and we’d love local vendors and partner organizations like you to join the fun.
While we’re celebrating during NeighborWorks Week 2026, our main mission is simple: show up for Grier Heights. This night is all about uplifting, listening to, and celebrating the amazing residents who make this community shine.
Why this event matters:
Centering Resident Voices
We’re kicking off our Community Impact Measures (CIM) Survey to hear directly from residents about their hopes and dreams for the future.
Bringing Resources Home
We’re bringing resources, support, and opportunities right to the neighborhood, making it easier than ever for residents to connect and thrive.
Food, Music & Fellowship
It’s a joyful celebration of Grier Heights; its rich history, vibrant people, and incredible energy.
Supporting Local Businesses and Resources
We’re committed to keeping dollars and opportunities flowing right here in the community.
How you can get involved:
Host a Table (Free)
Join our Resource Fair, meet your neighbors, and share what you do best. Bring your materials, swag, or simply your smile, and we’ll save you a spot as soon as you register! Flavor, Future & Fun @ Grier Heights Vendor Registration – Fill out form or using the QR Code below.
Donate Gift Cards ($5–$20)
We’re sharing “Hyper-Local Perks” with residents as door prizes, raffles and who complete surveys. Your gift cards help keep the love (and support) flowing right back into local businesses.
Become a Sponsor
Looking to make an even bigger impact? Become a sponsor and help make this celebration unforgettable!
Your presence helps Grier Heights stay vibrant, self-determined, and thriving, now and for the future. Interested in reserving a table, donating gift cards, or learning about sponsorship? I’d love to connect and share more details! For More information, contact Carla Scott at cscott@dkp.org. We hope to see you there!
Keeping These Calls Going
Greg Asciutto of CharlotteEAST gave a shout out to you and MeckMIN at FFTC's 2026 Community Impact Summit last week for keeping these calls going as a platform to others!
REDRESS NC
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS NONPROFITS
Alix Felsing
704-589-2026 and alixfelsing@gmail.com
Good morning!
My name is Alix Felsing. I teach communication, journaling and resilience. I recently edited a book on the neuroscience of leadership, and I coach leaders like yourselves as you navigate increasingly complex challenges.
I have 3 questions for you:
Will you join me in setting aside your phones, closing your eyes, and taking 3 deep breaths?
If you were a cellphone, what is your battery capacity at this moment, at 11 a.m. on a Thursday?
Write down the percentage of battery life, and add to the chat if willing.
What gives you energy?
Write that down, and add to the chat if willing.
We often pour everything we have into serving others -- our congregations, our communities. It's easy to treat everything like a sprint, but this is a marathon.
Remember to breathe.
Pay attention to your capacity.
And find ways to recharge -- or to adjust your expectations.
If this resonates with you, please reach out to talk about how I can support you and your congregations.
You can sign up for a free coaching consultation using this link: https://forms.gle/4BZvgGh9sCU9hyfe7
Thank you for all you do. Have a great day!
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Event Details:
· Date - 05/29/2026
· Time - Appts available from 9am to 2pm (By Appointment Only!)
· Location - Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, 5535 Albemarle Rd, NC 28212
· Registration - in order to secure an appointment on the day of the clinic, applicants must submit a completed intake packet to CCLA by mail, by email to vlsu@charlottelegladvocacy.org, or by dropping it off at our office.
Packets can be submitted directly from applicants or by community partners working with applicants.
The deadline to submit Intake Packets is 5/22/2026; please note: space is limited and participants will be accepted on a first come first served basis
Who is eligible -
Veterans and their spouses who reside in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties are eligible for this event. While there is no maximum income limit for participants, applicants must understand that this event is specifically for assistance in preparation of advanced directives and a simple will. Therefore, we will not be able to assist applicants with substantial assets, or assets whose value may be best protected through documents or processes more complex than a simple will.
What to expect -
Each qualifying veteran or veteran spouse will submit intake packets directly to CCLA via email, mail, or hand delivery to our office. Our legal staff will review the documents for completeness and assign a volunteer attorney to prepare the estate planning documents. Event participants will receive confirmation of their appointment time for the date of the event. Upon arrival for the event, each volunteer attorney will use the information from the intake packets to prepare their participant’s simple will and advanced directives on site. Documents will be printed and volunteer notaries public will assist in executing documents. All documents and information on what to do with the documents will be provided to participants at the close of their appointment.
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local
The Canopy Housing Foundation DUE MAY 31
Thank you for the work that you do on a daily basis to fulfill and address the local needs of our community. The Canopy Housing Foundation, the charitable arm of the Canopy Realtor® Association, is pleased to announce our timeline for our 2026 Community Grants and Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Awards:
March 1: Applications released to the public
May 31: Deadline for submission of applications
July 22: Grants Celebration Event at Canopy Building (1120 Pearl Park Way, Charlotte)
Our grants program provides restricted monetary support to nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties that addresses unmet housing needs. Grants are awarded in amounts up to $5,000. Only exceptional applications will receive the optimum amount of funding. Funds cannot be used for operational, administrative, capital expenses, endowment or debt reduction.
Attached you will find additional criteria and information as well as the application itself. 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.
Regional
National
Building Global Perspectives in K-12 Education
Application deadline: June 15, 2026Grant amount: $10,000–$20,000Target population: K-12 students and teachersDescription: The Longview Foundation supports K-12 education projects in the U.S. that build global perspectives in teachers and students across four priority areas: state and districtwide internationalization efforts, global perspectives in teacher preparation and professional development, global-ready classrooms and communities, and global competence in Career and Technical Education programs. Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions may apply.
Mini Grants for People with Autism and Disability Rights Advocates
Application deadline: July 31, 2026Grant amount: Up to $6,250Target population: People with autismDescription: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) Mini Grants Program supports self-advocates working to make the world better for people with disabilities. Two grant types are available: AiA grants for the network’s affiliate groups, and STEP grants for applicants of color or groups led by advocates of color. ASAN particularly encourages proposals led by or supporting people with autism who are people of color, non-verbal, LGBTQ+, or have intellectual disabilities. Grantees also receive quarterly check-ins, online training, and networking support.
Improving Maternal and Infant Health Across the U.S.
Application deadline: July 31, 2026Grant amount: VariesTarget population: Pregnant women, new mothers, and infantsDescription: The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Infant Health Program funds programs that improve maternal and infant health, reduce disparities in pre-term birth and maternal morbidity, and remove barriers to care throughout the pregnancy journey. Priority is given to programs that support whole-person health, address health-related social needs, include culturally relevant interventions, and generate measurable outcomes. The Foundation supports national programs promoting systemic change, with some support for local programming also available in several states.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
The poet and sage, Rumi, has written, "The wound is where the light enters us."
I believe it is possible to take all of our wounds AND all of our light and create a new path.
~ Chaplain Mark Bredholt
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