May 22, 2025 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
- meckmin
- 17 hours ago
- 21 min read
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.
NOTE: If you did NOT get an email meeting reminder at 8 a.m. on Thursday, will you please let us know by emailing meckmin@meckmin.org.
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording
60 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
“Let your voice be an offering — not of perfection, but of presence.”
-- (Unknown)
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
What We're Looking For
We’re seeking original artistic performance pieces that reflect creativity, harmony, and community. Performances should be “Family-friendly” and should not exceed five (5) minutes in duration. All performance disciplines are welcome, including:
Music (vocal or instrumental)
Spoken word / poetry
Dance
Theater or dramatic readings
Interdisciplinary or multimedia performances
Commission & Honorarium
Each selected act will receive a $250 commission to honor your time and talent.
Submission Guidelines
Please submit the following:
A brief artist bio or group description
A short performance proposal (200–300 words) describing your piece and how it relates to the theme
A sample of your work (video or audio preferred, links are fine)
Tech needs (sound equipment, instruments, etc.)
Submission Form: RFP Google Form
Deadline: Monday, May 26, 2025
Themes
This year’s themes are unity in diversity, gratitude, and shared humanity. Artists are encouraged to reflect these values in their submissions.
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from individuals or groups of all ages and all cultures; artists from all faith traditions (or none); emerging and established performers; local or regional creatives; (Charlotte-Mecklenburg and surrounding areas)
APPLY HERE: RFP Google form:
Please submit your proposal by Sunday, May 26, 2025. Selected performers will be notified no later than Monday, June 2, 2025. Selected performers will receive a $250 commission.
PEOPLES OF FAITH - PILGRIMS OF HOPE | JUNE 8
Voice of the Faithful Charlotte is inviting ALL to join them on Sunday, June 8th, from 2 to 4 PM, at 4103 Shanamara Dr, Matthews 28104 to honor Pope Francis' legacy and dream of a future where we ALL are active pilgrims of hope and continue his work of creating more equitable, inclusive, and diverse faith communities.
Pope Francis' papacy was marked by service, dialogue, unity, humility, mercy, and compassion. He preached inclusive and equitable measures and reflected those values through his actions.
RSVP to info@votfwatchclt.com
At an Open Tables gathering, individuals from diverse congregations come together for fellowship and dining; with the goal of building relationships based on our shared humanity that go beyond the divides of tribalism.
Everyone is invited to bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. (Vegetarian meals make it easier to accommodate a variety of preferences and religious dietary restrictions.)
We sit at tables of 6-8 people making sure that each table has a variety of faith backgrounds and traditions.
Using some wonderful resources from Living Room Conversations, we have substantive conversations on topics that matter.
Our next Open Tables will be August 4, 2025 at St. Luke Catholic Church from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and we will be discussing Acceptance - the last stage of the 5 stages of grief. Please register to attend.
Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9, All day
We invite middle and high school youth to register to join us for this two day summit where we will visit houses of worship, build relationships across faiths and enjoy food and fellowship with one another.
SERVICE PROJECT:
Saturday, July 12, 9-12 for Beds For Kids
This will be a great opportunity to help others. The event will be for 3 hours and is open to all, including families. Sign up to come
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
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.
HURRICANE HELENE Help
Jackie Fitzella, jfitzella@truehomesusa.com
True Homes, in partnership with Lowe’s, Appalachia Service Project and the Homebuilders Association of Greater Charlotte is leading an effort to build tiny homes here in Charlotte and deliver them to our neighbors in WNC impacted by Hurricane Helene. They are building 4 at a time in a warehouse just north of Uptown and are beginning phase 3, lots 9-12. There are opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and non-skilled volunteers, as well as options to sign up to provide lunch for the crews/volunteers that day, (usually 8-16 people).
Please let Jackie know if you have any questions or if you want to join this work. Volunteer Sign Up
SBA FIling Deadline:
June 30 is The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) filing deadline to return economic injury applications.
OTHER INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES
2025 CHARLOTTE LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR from NC COUNCIL of CHURCHES
Wednesday, June 4 | 10 AM - 3 PM | Sharon Presbyterian Church
John Parker | Partnerships Director | john@ncchurches.org
Join NCCC to explore the intersection of faith and policy at the Legislative Seminar in Charlotte on June 4th. The event will honor Jennifer Roberts for her contributions and will feature a keynote from Christy Clark, Mayor of Huntersville, and a sermon from Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Associate Professor of Bible & Director of the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation.
Through expert-led workshops, we'll explore pressing topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, immigrants' rights, and affordable housing. Join us to gain deeper insight into these issues, connect with advocates, and take action for justice in North Carolina. The workshops will be offered both before and after lunch.
Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned advocate, this event offers insights into key public policy issues shaping the 2025 General Assembly.
MECK COUNTY UPDATES
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN
Cotrane Penn, PhD | Division Director, Child, Family, and Adult Services | Clinical & Contractual, Services | 704-621-1755 | Cotrane.Penn@mecklenburgcountync.gov
1 in 5 adults report poor mental health for 8 or more days in Mecklenburg County. Because of this and other statistics indicating crisis, Mecklenburg County is focusing on increasing access to mental health resources. They are beginning implementation of a behavioral health strategic plan. Phase one will focus on prevention and early intervention and has one or more action steps that specifically speak to engaging with the faith community.
There is a full explanation and review in the powerpoint they shared in the meeting. Reach out to Cotrane if you have interest in serving on the Prevention and Early Intervention Action Team. They are eager to have faith leaders join this team which will offer oversight and advice.
MEASLES
Liz Graham | Mecklenburg County Marketing Coordinator | 704-245-5715
Mecklenburg County Public Health continues to monitor the ongoing measles outbreak nationwide. It is working with partners, including hospitals, schools, and daycares, on education and preparedness efforts for a potential case in our community.
There are now over 1,000 cases nationally in 31 states. No cases have been reported in North Carolina this year; however, last year, there was a confirmed case in Mecklenburg County that was the first case of measles in North Carolina since 2018.
Public Health is encouraging everyone to stay updated on their vaccines. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing measles.
EDIBLE LANDSCAPE
Liz Graham | Mecklenburg County Marketing Coordinator | 704-245-5715
Edible Landscapes is a program that builds community gardens and orchards to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to communities that need them. The Public Health Department works to install them through partnerships with community and faith-based organizations positioned in food-insecure neighborhoods.
Interested organizations are welcome to complete an interest form: https://go.mecknc.gov/edible-landscapes
Next month, Public Health is celebrating its 50th “edible landscape” built in the County. Habitat for Humanity is the 50th location.
2. NONPROFIT UPDATES
FIRST IN FAMILIES/INREACH
Sheyla Cuadra | SCuadra@inreachnc.org
Keiba Young | 704-343-5205
First in Families Backpack and School Supply Drive
First In Families of Mecklenburg County - a project of InReach - is collecting school supplies for children with developmental disabilities and their siblings. YOu can drop off supplies from May 1 to August 11. Your donations will make a lasting impact on local families working hard to achieve their goals.
Drop-Off Location:
4014 Monroe Road
Building 4, Suite 170
Charlotte, NC 28205
We're calling on individuals, businesses, and community partners to join us as sponsors and supporters. Whether you donate a backpack or sponsor a full classroom’s worth of supplies, you’re making a difference.
Needed items include: Backpacks Notebooks & folders Pens, pencils & markers Crayons & colored pencils Glue sticks & scissors Lunchboxes & water bottles New school uniforms
Want to become a corporate sponsor or coordinate a supply drive at your workplace? Reach out to us at fif@inreachnc.org or 704-343-5205
Carolyn Dowdy | cdowdy@caregivermentalwellness.com
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit focused on one of the most overlooked yet vital pillars in our communities: the family caregiver. Our mission is to bring awareness, education, and advocacy to caregivers so they don’t fall through the cracks of burnout, exhaustion, and invisibility.
We are launching a call for collaboration with faith-based institutions, nonprofits, healthcare, and businesses. We hope to work together to create systems that support self-care for those who are caring for others.
In Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties, we are brainstorming prototype programs that model how to truly recognize and resource family caregivers at the community level that can be replicated across both counties and throughout NC and beyond.
The “why” behind our work:
After COVID, the number of family caregivers doubled, now touching nearly 40% of our population
About 70% of caregivers report high levels of stress.
50% of caregivers do not realize they are caregivers and so may not be getting the support they need.
To combat these statistics we will offer five free educational video programs to launch in late summer on our website. These will focus on educational self-care for the family caregiver including:
Parents of special needs or chronically ill children
Adults caring for aging or disabled loved ones
General caregiver education
Youth caregivers
Adult children as part-time or full-time caregivers
The video scripts were reviewed by a Ph.D. mental health specialist and professor, who also authored our Youth Caregiver content ensuring our training is grounded in both evidence and empathy.
We will also offer eleven short eLearning videos to support concepts we cover in our base programs to include nutrition, exercise, setting healthy boundaries, mindful meditation, and more.
Even though we’re a new organization, we are already seeing our impact:
Over 11,000 visits to our website and self-care services like guided meditation
Outreach to 129+ organizations (nonprofits, faith based, businesses, governmental agencies)
Sixteen events hosted at faith-based groups, cancer nonprofits, and community organizations
Dozens of networking events
Hundreds of caregivers and supportive family member education programs
43 collaborations of varying purposes
Requests for speaking and workshops outside our original service area
We travel within a 50-mile radius to provide workshops and talks and our free educational programs expand our reach across North Carolina and beyond.
We need your organization, your voice, your partnership—to help build a community where caregivers are visible, valued, and supported. We are one voice, we need a village to support our family caregivers. Will you become part of the village?
If you want to contact us through our website to learn more www.caregivermentalwellness.com or email Carolyn at cdowdy@caregivermentalwellness.com
Cheryl Emanuel | cemanuel@global330.org
Living Waters Inc, in collaboration with Empower Your Life Services, will host the Domestic Violence and Mental Health Summit 2025. Themed Bridging the Gap in Community Connections to Support Children and Families, the summit continues critical conversations from the 2024 dialogue among social workers, counselors, researchers, justice-involved professionals, child welfare organizations, and community and faith leaders.
This year’s event will focus on strengthening partnerships between healthcare systems, social services, and faith-based communities to enhance support for children and families affected by domestic violence and mental health challenges.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Charles Thompson, Assistant Director of Spiritual Care and Education at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. The event will be hosted and moderated by Tonya Rivens, a renowned radio personality and award-winning journalist.
Summit Objectives:
Promote collaboration between healthcare, social services, and faith-based communities to improve support for affected families.
Explore access to care for children and families from religious or cultural backgrounds.
Provide resources and training for grassroots and faith-based communities to aid survivors.
Foster safe spaces within religious and cultural communities for open dialogue and healing.
Key Discussion Topics
Mental Health of Children, Teens, and Young Adults Impacted by Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Services (including justice-involved and Guardian ad Litem perspectives)
Collaboration Between Faith-Based Communities and Domestic Violence/Mental Health Agencies
Support Systems Within Faith-Based Communities
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Male Mental Health
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Check-in and exhibitions begin at 8:00 AM)
Venue: Hybrid
In-person: StoneBridge Church Community, 3700 Prosperity Church Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
Virtual: Professionally produced online experience
Registration: Free (required). Register online at: https://bit.ly/2025-mental-health-summit
The summit will feature expert speakers, lived-experience speakers, interactive breakout sessions, a moderated panel discussion, audience Q&A, and an exhibitor hall. Complimentary continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
For more information: Visit online, call 704-944-3119 or email info@livingwatersfa.com
Shawn Carrington | shawnc@mrshawnbiz.com | 980-230-3102,
President | U.S. Army Retired Strategic Leadership,
MSB is a program that teaches strategic leadership development, hosts a book club and teaches chess. The work began with a focus, purpose, and passion to help and work with those that want to learn. To know yourself first is vital to the direction of your life. When your starting line is wrong, everything else will be off track. Life must have a purpose with intention. MSB teaches these principles through chess and a book club.
He is eager to connect with faith communities and bring his programs to your youths and adults. Reach out to Shawn Carrington, shawnc@mrshawnbiz.com to learn more and explore partnering.
CHARLOTTE CLERGY IMMIGRATION CONCERN MEETING
Tate Arges | tate.arges@duke.edu
Director of Youth Outreach and Discipleship, Amity Presbyterian Church,
Many have been feeling a growing sense of grief and concern as we witness the rising threats to the dignity and safety of immigrants and refugees in our country. These are not abstract policy debates—they are decisions impacting real people in our communities, including members of our congregations.
As people of faith, we are called to respond when the vulnerable are placed in harm’s way. We know that the moment is approaching—if not already here—when these realities will come to our own sanctuaries, our schools, and our neighborhoods. Now is the time to prepare.
With the full blessing of my pastor and session (elders) at Amity Presbyterian Church, we are inviting clergy, lay leaders, and concerned members of all faith communities in Charlotte to gather at our church for a conversation. Together, we’ll discern how we might offer protection and care to those most at risk, how we can act in faithful solidarity, and how we might organize a response that is grounded in love, justice, and mutual support. We hope to be guided by Carolina Migrant Network experts who have been invited to join us.
To help us find a time that works for most people, please take a moment to fill out this short availability form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctRVDkSb1b5l11wenn3toL-g53d7nXtvxqzpYD6eGke3rPwg/viewform?usp=header
Feel free to forward this invitation to others in your community who may be interested in this work. We especially hope to include elders and members of our congregations who were active during the Civil Rights Movement—their wisdom and lived experience will be vital as we find our way forward.
PUBLIC SCHOOL STRONG
Roxanna DeShong | roxannadeshong@gmail.com
Calling All Teachers, Parents, and Allies! Join Public School Strong at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting to show your support for a 10% increase in the teacher supplement pay. Make your voices heard and bring a sign to show your support! Here’s the link to sign up to speak: https://mecknc.seamlessdocs.com/f/zh9ht5d16i8x
Location: The Government Center 600 E. 4th St.
Date: TONIGHT, May 22nd Time: 6pm - 9pm
Our teachers deserve fair compensation for their dedication and hard work. Let’s stand together and make our voices heard! Wear your PSS shirts or organization’s shirts to show your support. Post on social media using our hashtags: #SupportOurTeachers #10PercentNow #InvestInEducation #PSSMeck
Why is the teacher supplement important? Professor Tom Kane, faculty director of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard explained it this way.
“Unless state and local leaders step up now, the achievement losses will be the longest lasting– and most inequitable– legacy of the pandemic”
NC has the lowest starting teacher pay and ranks only 46th in overall pay in the country. The starting teacher salary in NC is $40,136 per year. (salaries reflect 10 months of work, not full calendar year.) Teachers not being able to afford to live in Mecklenburg County on a CMS salary troubles many. We need certified teachers in every subject area.
Amplifying the problem, an increase in teacher pay is often tied to legislation funding private school vouchers which drains the public school system of funds. This continual shrinkage of public school funding hurts marginalized students and the teachers who teach them the most.
Our children deserve a basic equitable education. All children have dreams whether they live in the rural areas or in the city. An unequal approach where only a few can thrive educationally is unfair at best and cruel at worst. Everyone should be entitled to a good education in the richest country in the world.
Our children deserve fully funded and supported schools and teachers who are paid a fair salary. In addition, employers deserve an educated workforce. The very least the state can administer is a 10% teacher supplement increase.
Statistics that may inform your speeches:
Dr. GeAndra Imoudu | ge@stemskool.org
Founder/Director, Science & Engineering Facilitator
North Carolina leads the country for growth in future STEM careers. However, many of our students, including those living in Charlotte, lack access to adequate career and college readiness (CCR) in STEM.
Founded and led by engineers, scientists, artists, and educators in our community, STEM Skool, Inc. is a Charlotte, NC-based non-profit organization that aims to increase K12 students' interest, proficiency, science identity, and science self-efficacy.
Our mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or socioeconomic status has access to a quality STEM education.
Our offerings include:
STEM Skool Micro School
Before- and After-School Programs
Annual STEAM Fest
They are eager to partner with faith-based organizations to
Lead after-school or weekend STEM workshops.
Connect faith stories to STEM activities.
Host guest speakers to foster STEM identity.
Share resources to support student achievement.
Increase students’ interest in STEM by fostering friendship and belongingness.
They can come to your location or host your group at their new science learning center and learning garden in East Charlotte, beginning January, 2026.
You can find more information on their full slide deck:
Enrollment information and Enrichment Class information can be found on their website.
Early Bird enrollment ends June 30th.
Teen Talk is a FREE app teens can download to seek support from trained Teen Advisors. JFS is training new Teen Talk advisors today.
The Teen Talk Advisor training is a 10 week virtual training that starts March 16 and is open to greater Charlotte 9th-11th grade teens. To apply to become a Teen Talk Advisor visit: bit.ly/TeenTalkJFSjan25.
NEW TRAINING DATES Mon, Aug 4th – Fri, Aug 8th | Mon, Aug 11th – Thurs, Aug 14th
Training sessions will be virtual from 4-8pm Optional make-up day: Fri, Aug 15th
If you have questions, please reach out to Howard.howard.olshansky@jfscharlotte.org
Liz Schob - WEDGEWOOD: A SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY
Have you been hurt by religious teachings or faith communities? You’re not alone.
This peer-led support group is a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to share experiences, offer mutual support, and find community in the journey of healing from religious and spiritual harm. It’s a space for connection, reflection, and solidarity.
What to Expect:
Peer support through honest, open dialogue
A safe, affirming, interfaith space rooted in shared experience
Details:
Free to join
Open to all LGBTQ+ people
Location and start date will be shared with those who sign up.
Sign up to receive updates: https://buff.ly/cg5The8
Questions? Contact Liz at wedgewood.church@yahoo.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS/CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS WEBINAR
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) DC Chapter's Pro Bono & Citizenship Committee will be conducting a Know Your Rights/Conozca Sus Derechos webinar. We will be discussing hot topics and reminding our community members of their civil and human rights. To sign up -https://forms.gle/UZRdgdFQNTwyAc3H8
When: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM EST
More: In English and Spanish
This will not be recorded.
We will send the zoom link to those who provide a working email.
Cuando: Jueves 29 de mayo del 2025
Hora: 6:00PM-7:00PM EST
Más: Será en español e inglés
Esto no será grabado.
Mandaremos el enlace de zoom a los que nos den un email válido.
WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY WALK June 11
Frederick E. Hudson | fred.hudson@usdoj.gov | Office (704) 338-3106 Direct
Law Enforcement Coordinator, Manager, Community Engagement Unit, United States Attorney’s
Please see invitation to our World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk which we are co-hosting with Mecklenburg County and AARP. Elder abuse, including neglect, financial exploitation, and mistreatment, affects far too many older adults in our communities. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the elderly, but we need partners to increase awareness and help us support and promote the well-being of older adults in Mecklenburg County. We invite you and members of your organization to join us in this important effort. Your involvement will make this event even more impactful. The attached flyer provides additional information about the walk. Registration is encouraged but not required.
If you wish to have an informational table at the event, please reach out to lia.bantavani@usdoj.gov or pam.burgess@usdoj.gov by June 5th. We hope you will walk with us as we stand together against elder abuse. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out.
GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Monay Miller | 980-470-0277
CCHW, Health Policy Coordinator, Office of Violence Prevention | Public Health
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month—a time to honor lives lost, support survivors, and recommit ourselves to creating safer, healthier communities. In light of this, we invite your congregation and leadership to stand with us in solidarity and prayer, and to help spread awareness about this critical issue. Together, we can foster peace, healing, and action. We are asking that houses of faith commit to one actionable item in the month of June. Our team will be in contact to participate/collect information on your participation throughout the month.
Available for faith partners:
Gun Violence Awareness pledge cards (pic attached)
Worship fans
Yard signs (pic attached)
Additionally, we’re excited to share that we have upcoming Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings taking place soon. These sessions equip participants with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in a compassionate and effective way—especially important in times of trauma and uncertainty (brief descriptions below).
Youth Mental Health Aid Training – This training is scheduled for June 14th, 2025 from 9am – 3pm and teaches any caring adult (youth group leaders, parents, caregivers, camp counselors, etc.) how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of a mental health or substance use challenge among children and adolescents ages 12-18 years old.
Adult Mental Health Aid Training – This training is scheduled for July 25th, 2025 from 9pm to 4pm and teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
If you or members of your faith community are interested in attending these trainings, we would love to have you join us. Registration is open, and space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up early. Flyers with registration information attached.
Lastly, we know that summer brings a wealth of opportunities for youth across Mecklenburg County to get active in their communities. The Mecklenburg County Office of Violence Prevention is proud to support and participate in a variety of events and programs designed to promote connection, well-being, and positive engagement for all. Attached to this e-mail is the summer edition of our youth and family newsletter, with several free summer events that we’d love for your congregation's youth and families to participate in.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to the wellbeing of our communities. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or if your house of faith would like promotional materials to share with your members.
CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS (Ages 14-24) WITH DISABILITIES
2025 EQUALIBRIUM AWARDS GALA
Join WFAE for the 2025 EQUALibrium Awards Gala, a celebration honoring extraordinary Charlotte-area residents who are advancing equity and transformative change across the region.
Date: Thursday, June 5
Time: 5:30pm
Location: The Revelry at Camp North End
The evening will feature powerful speakers, dynamic performances and an inspiring awards ceremony.
Through this gala, WFAE amplifies the voices and achievements of those working to ensure everyone in our community has the resources to thrive.
Tickets on sale now! Click here to get yours today.
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS
GrantStation is closely monitoring recent federal actions and their impact on the nonprofit sector. This article tracks ongoing developments, providing links to source materials. We will update the article at least once a week, and in cases of significant developments, we will provide updates as quickly as possible.
NEWS & TOOLS TO NAVIGATE UNCERTAINTY – NC CENTER FOR NONPROFITS
Over the last three months, there’s been a flurry of significant policy developments affecting nonprofits at both the federal and state levels. To help NC nonprofits catch up and keep up:
Over the last three months, there’s been a flurry of significant policy developments affecting nonprofits at both the federal and state levels. To help NC nonprofits catch up and keep up:
We continue to update resources to help nonprofits navigate the current funding and political uncertainty. Check in regularly for new tools like:
Beyond the Moment: How Nonprofits Can Leverage Civic Engagement
The Resilient Nonprofit: A Technology Roadmap for Navigating Uncertainty
Staying Inside the 501(c)3 Lines: Keeping Nonpartisan in Messy Partisan Times
This week, a U.S. House committee approved major tax legislation that will become part of the full budget reconciliation bill (aka The One Big Beautiful Bill Act) that Congress plans to pass to enact many parts of President Trump's tax and spending policy agenda. Check out our analysis of the provisions that could impact nonprofit operations.
2025 CONFERENCE for NORTH CAROLINA'S NONPROFITS
As the political landscape continues to shift, nonprofits are stepping up in big ways to advocate for their communities, respond to policy changes, and protect the heart of their missions and teams.
The 2025 Conference for North Carolina’s Nonprofits will dig into what that looks like and equip you to lead with purpose and clarity, adapt with confidence, and connect with others to strengthen our sector and drive meaningful change.
SAVE THE DATE to learn, share, and grow together: November 19-20, 2025 in Research Triangle Park. Stay tuned for opportunities to submit session proposals!
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
LOCAL
Truliant Foundation
Truliant invites nonprofit organizations to apply for "community mini grants" of $1,500 for capacity-building needs. Applications will be accepted through May 31. Learn more.
Canopy Housing Foundation Unmet Housing Needs
Kim Oliver, MPA, Director of Community Engagement| Canopy Housing Foundation, 704-940-3142
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 2025 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 23: 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.
We are also currently accepting nominations for our 7th Annual Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Award. This award was established to recognize and celebrate the area’s youth who are engaged in improving the quality of life in the region. The nomination form and additional information on this award is also attached.
For additional information about the Canopy Housing Foundation or our grants process, please visitwww.CanopyHousingFoundation.org.
We look forward to receiving applications and nominations prior to our MAY 31st deadline.
NATIONAL
Seed Funding Provided for Innovative Child and Youth Mental Health Projects
Application deadline: July 7, 2025
Grant amount: $100,000 for Innovation Awards and $25,000 to $50,000 for Next Gen Innovation Awards
Description: The Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children's Mental Health Innovation Awards aim to seed fund transformative mental healthcare solutions for children and youth across the U.S. The Awards seek new or piloted projects from direct-service organizations that will help address stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues in children and young adults. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities with an annual total revenue under $5 million are eligible to apply. Awards will be made in two categories: the Innovation Awards ($100,000 each), which are open to all, and the Next Gen Innovation Awards ($25,000 to $50,000 each), which are open to nonprofits founded or led by leaders under 32 years old.
Application deadline: Applications will be accepted from May 19 to June 30, 2025.
Geographic scope: Communities within the Bank of America footprint
Description: The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides support in communities within the Bank’s footprint in the United States to advance economic opportunity. Support is currently available through the Stable Housing and Empowering Communities request for proposals. In the area of stable housing, the focus is on creation and preservation of affordable housing, access to affordable rentals, and access to affordable homes. In the area of empowering communities, the focus is on community leadership, community or neighborhood collaboration, and systemic change and reform. Visit the FAQs page for more information on the application process, and to begin the eligibility quiz.
Grants Enhance Nutrition and Wellness Programs in Company Communities
Application deadline: June 18, 2025
Geographic scope: Communities served by Sprouts
Grant amount: $5,000 to $10,000
Description: The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation seeks to improve health outcomes in the communities Sprouts serves in 24 states by supporting nutrition education, nutrition access, and wellness programs. The following grants are available: The Sprouting School Gardens Grant supports school gardens and classroom cooking programs to foster hands-on learning and nutrition education. Growing Healthy Kids Grants support community-based programs focused on children’s nutrition access, nutrition education, and health and wellness. Wellness Across the Lifespan Grants support programs that provide adults and vulnerable populations with access to health and nutrition education, healthy lifestyle and behavior programs, and nutrition security.
Grants up to $1 Million Target Youth Mental Health in Six States
Application deadline: May 23, 2025
Geographic scope: CA, CT, MA, NC, NY, or PA
Grant amount: $300,000 to $1 million over three years
Description: The Tow Foundation's 2025 Innovation Fund will support nonprofit organizations in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, and Pennsylvania that are innovatively expanding access to the care and support that youth need to thrive. Up to ten general operating support grants will be awarded to organizations that are improving youth mental health and well-being and serving young people between the ages of 0-25. The Fund takes a broad and inclusive approach when imagining the kinds of care and support that may have a positive impact on youth mental health and well-being and welcomes submissions from a diverse array of organizations working in a variety of community, school, and clinical settings.
Autism Peer Education Efforts Supported
Application deadline: June 30, 2025
Grant amount: Up to $10,000 for school district-wide projects and $500 to $5,000 for projects of lesser scope
Description: The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is committed to increasing autism acceptance through the Peer Education Grant. Support is provided for projects that use OAR’s peer education materials to increase autism awareness and acceptance. Example projects include awareness campaigns, workshops, and presentations. Teachers, administrators, parents, youth group organizers, and autism professionals interested in organizing an autism awareness initiative at a school or other community-based organization may apply. Eligible organizations include but are not limited to K-12 public schools, districts, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the United States.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
“Joy is the oxygen for doing hard things.”
-- Gary Haugen
NEXT MEETING: Two weeks from today – Thursday at 11 a.m.
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