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October 22, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting

Writer: meckmin
meckmin
Oct 9
19 min read

Updated: Oct 22

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.




Attendance: 52


OPENING REFLECTION



This week I learned a new word: catkin.


Catkin is the more formal name for the tassels that fall off many types of trees—including oaks—every spring. The reason I looked this up is that the enormous oak tree in front of our house picked this week to dump roughly one bazillion catkins in our yard.


Each tassel is a cluster of dozens of tiny brown flowers. They’re the male flowers of the oak tree. The female flowers sensibly stay up in the trees, so small you can hardly see them among the green leaves. The male flowers are stuffed with pollen. Wind flings pollen from male to female. When it works, you get the fruit of the oak: an acorn.

Watching the catkins fall, and learning about the process, I was reminded again how nature puts such overwhelming effort into something with such a small chance of success.


If every tassel connected with every female flower, and every acorn produced an oak tree, the world would be so choked with oak trees there’d be no room to walk. But the overwhelming majority of tassels don’t pollinate, and the overwhelming majority of acorns get eaten by squirrels or washed down sewer grates or whatever . . .

 

Push yourself to do things that stretch you and scare you.


All those things increase the tassels you drop to the ground. You can’t know—no one knows—which ones will catch the wind just right and pollinate. Decades ago, some long-dead oak tree dropped a million tassels on the ground. One of them overcame all the odds and helped make the tree in our front yard. It’s a bit of a miracle. But it’s also evidence. Keep trying and it can happen.


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:

  • November 5

  • November 12

  • December 3

  • December 17 

  • No meeting December 31

  • 2027 Schedule TBA


MeckMIN: Women's Interfaith Book Club (aka Faith Club)

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 7 PM - both in person and Zoom options are available


Interfaith Embroidery Group Seeks New Members



Youth Service Project Sunday October 25 – 4:30pm to 6 pm

Serving at Lydia's Pantry


Galilee Ministries | 3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte | RSVP



November 12 – Potlucks for Pluralism Dignity Index Training

Open to local college students and college-age young adults



DINNER GATHERING FOR TEACHERS OF WORLD RELIGIONS


Throughout the past year, we've had some great gatherings of local folks who teach world religions and related fields. We've had a great time connecting with one another and sharing experiences and resources.


Thanks to generous funding from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (AVDF), we're going to continue these gatherings once a semester this academic year.


This semester we'll gather at Davidson on Tuesday, November 17, from 4 to 6 p.m.  We'll gather at the Carolina Inn 215 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036. The gathering will include a FREE dinner.

Please RSVP to me (ledayne@meckmin.org) to let me know you can come, and please mention any dietary restrictions. 


We'd also love to expand our reach -- Who else do you know locally who might be interested? Per our grant funding, this event focused on educators involved in higher education—so those at the collegiate or graduate levels. Who else do you know that we might invite? 

FRIENDSGIVING REGISTRATION IS OPEN!  




Save the Dates:


February 2 – Interfaith Harmony Month Kick-Off Dinner

 

February 21 - Youth Interfaith Panel (all ages invited to attend)

 

USHERING IN 40 YEARS


In a time when division and distrust can feel easier than connection, MeckMIN creates spaces where people across faiths, cultures, and communities can know one another, work together, and build trust.


Throughout Mecklenburg County, we bring faith and community leaders into relationship, help neighbors better understand one another’s traditions, equip people to navigate difference with respect, and connect organizations and congregations around the needs of our community.


That work takes many forms: regular gatherings of faith, nonprofit, and community leaders; interfaith education and training; youth programs; conversations and service opportunities; and community-wide events like Interfaith Harmony Month, the Community Leader Awards Breakfast, and Mecklenburg Interfaith Friendsgiving. Sometimes our most important work is less visible — making an introduction, connecting the right people, or helping build the relationships that allow a community to respond when a need arises.


As MeckMIN ushers in its 40th year, we believe this work is as important as ever.

Your gift to the Building Bridges Campaign helps sustain the relationships, programs, and connections that make a more understanding, compassionate, and connected community possible.


Together, we can continue building a Mecklenburg County where people do more than live alongside one another — we know our neighbors, value one another, and work together for the common good.


We hope you'll consider making a gift to help MeckMIN usher in its 40th year here:


Link to Nima's letter about MeckMIN past, present and future: https://www.meckmin.org/post/a-letter-from-the-president-of-the-board




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


OTHER FAITH AND INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES


Becoming a Living Light Diwali Event

Nira Andharia niraneel13@gmail.com


Reset and Recharge This Diwali

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026

8145, Ardrey Kell Road, Suite 207

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Charlotte NC 28227

Please register using URLRegistration link :

 

 

2026 Giving Machine in Charlotte


Good Morning, I'm Sabrina Johnson with The Light the World Giving Machine in Charlotte, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is our 5th year! Our website is: GivingMachineCharlotte.org

 

Sabrina Johnson | Communication Director

Charlotte and Western NC, Northwestern SC

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


MECK COUNTY UPDATES


Community Service Grant


The Community Service Grant program will enable the County to partner with local nonprofit organizations through a competitive grant process to address critical community needs. INFO:- There are opportunities for one-year or two-year grants.- Applications will be accepted Oct. 29 through Nov. 25. - Attend an Info Session on Oct. 29 to learn more.REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION: https://publicinput.com/H18563ADDITIONAL INFO: https://budget.mecknc.gov/grants

 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) is seeking applications for incoming Board members

 

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) is seeking applications for incoming Board members. The CoC is mandated by HUD (for our community to receive financial support for homeless services) to bring stakeholders together with the goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

 

The Board's Membership/Nominating Committee is currently seeking applications for the Faith-based organizations active in ending homelessness seat, which is responsible for sharing lessons learned from your own work and gather information and feedback from your colleagues working in similar organizations so that the CoC can make better informed decisions about resource allocations and strategies to end homelessness. Regularly and broadly communicate the work of the CoC, its accomplishments and challenges, to leadership and membership of the faith-based organizations, as feasible.   Encourage additional faith-based organizations of all denominations, active in ending homelessness, to join the CoC. Advocate for additional resources and participation.  Suggest strategies to better align public and faith-based funding. Identify opportunities for faith-based organizations to fill gaps in the continuum of services.

 

Expectations of Board members: 

  • The CoC Board currently meets every month on the 4th Thursday from 2pm-4pm. The meetings alternate between in person and virtual. Board members are required to attend 75% of scheduled meetings. 

  • Additionally, Board members are asked to serve on a CoC Committee or Workgroup. Most committees and workgroups meet once per month for 1-2 hours. Some meet in person and others meet virtually.

  • Outside of these meetings, we’d look to this seat to offer guidance and perspective on ways to advocate for persons experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and to highlight gaps in the system.

 

Here is a link to the application. If you have questions about the Board or this seat, please reach out to erin.nixon@mecknc.gov. 

 

Hiring event hosted by Mecklenburg County's Economic Mobility Division

 

Sean Barrett swbarrett4@gmail.com

 

I hope you are doing well. Some of you may know me, but for those that don't, my name is Sean Barrett, and I am the Social Services Program Coordinator for MeckWorks, a program within the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, government. At MeckWorks, we assist those with barriers to employment find not just work, but economic stability and upwards mobility.

I am putting together a hiring event on behalf of the Economic Mobility Division here in Charlotte on November 4, focusing specifically on health and wellness industries- but one doesn't need a medical background to attend! Our vendors are looking to fill all sorts of roles, including Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, Admin Specialists, Maintenance, and more.

 

Please see the attached flyer and share with anyone you think may be interested. Thanks!


Here is the flyer if you are interested in having one of our certified graduates offer their skills to your organization:  https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/umW1WXumYp?origin=lprLink



Auditions for This is My Brave

 

 

We just launched auditions for This is My Brave: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/timb 


The CharMeck This Is My Brave Production Team is excited to announce that auditions are now open for the CharMeck This Is My Brave 2027 Show! A Youth/Young Adult Show (13-21 years old) and an Adult Show will be held on April 10, 2027.

 

We invite individuals who have experienced challenges with mental health, substance use, or community violence to share their stories of hope and resilience through creative expression including:

 

  • Spoken word poetry

  • Personal essays and storytelling

  • Original Music

  • Dance and other artistic expressions

 

Auditions are a time for you to share your story. Your story doesn't have to be perfect, but it must be yours. Stories can be no more than 5 minutes.

 

3 dates to choose from:

 

  • November 2 (1:00pm-5:00pm) - The Valerie C. Woodard Center

  • November 6 (12:30pm-4:30pm) - Allegra Westbrooks Library

  • November 7 (10:00am-2:00pm) - University City Library

 

Your Story, Your Voice, Your Bravery. The stage is waiting, are you ready?

 

Find more information and register here: tickettailor.com/events/timb  


CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES


2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration!

 

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations MLK Holiday Planning Committee is excited to invite you to participate in the 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration!

 

Each year, our community comes together to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through events that celebrate unity, service, equality, and hope. This year’s theme is “Maintaining Faith & Hope in a Time of Uncertainty”

 

As we prepare for the 2027 celebration, we invite community organizations, schools, businesses, faith-based groups, neighborhood associations, families, and individuals to get involved!

 

REGISTRATION & NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

 

2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

Be part of one of Charlotte's cherished traditions! We invite marching bands, dance teams, community organizations, businesses, schools, faith-based groups, and other community partners to participate in the annual MLK Parade.

· Registration Deadline: Saturday, December 12, 2026

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Emerging Leaders

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Emerging Youth Leadership Award Application is for high school students in the Greater Charlotte area who are making a difference in their community. A student committed to service, leadership, and positive social change, who embodies the values that Dr. King stood for: justice, equality, and community empowerment. Through active involvement in community service initiatives.

· Nomination Deadline: Saturday, December 12, 2026

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion Award nomination form

The Medallion and Keeper of the Dream Awards celebrate individuals who embody racial equality, social justice and active community service. These are the people who step up for others when walking away is the easier thing to do.

· Nomination Deadline: Saturday, December 12, 2026

 

Growing the Dream 

Help us recognize individuals and organizations who continue to advance Dr. King's dream through leadership, community service, advocacy, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

We encourage you to nominate deserving individuals and organizations whose work reflects Dr. King's vision of a more just, inclusive, and compassionate community.

· Nomination Deadline: Saturday, December 12, 2026

 

DON'T MISS DECEMBER 12TH DEADLINE!

 

We encourage you to share this opportunity with your friends, family, coworkers, community organizations, and networks.  For additional information, registration details, or nomination opportunities, please contact mlk@charlottenc.gov or visit Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK Celebration - City of Charlotte

 

Respectfully submitted,Delores Reid SmithChair, MLK Holiday Planning Committee

 

Important Request: Community Relations Faith-Based & Community Leadership Contact Network

 

Good morning,

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and coordination throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Community Relations Department is updating our contact information for faith-based leaders, community organizations, and other trusted partners.

Our goal is simple: When an urgent community matter or crisis arises, we want to be able to reach the right people quickly, share accurate information, and work together to support our community. There may be situations when the Mayor, City Manager, Chief of Police, or other community leaders need to communicate important information directly to our faith-based and community partners.

I am asking all faith-based and community leaders to take a few minutes to complete the contact information form below. We are requesting your name, organization, leadership role, direct cell phone number, and email address.

I also want to be clear about how this information will be used. Your direct cell phone numbers and contact information are being collected for official Community Relations communications and urgent crisis coordination, not for general public distribution. The information will be maintained in a secured departmental contact directory, with access limited to authorized personnel and handled in accordance with applicable City policies and public records requirements.

I recognize that many people are understandably hesitant to share their personal cell phone numbers. Please know that our intention is not to contact you unnecessarily. When you receive an urgent call or message from me or our department, it will be because there is an important matter requiring timely communication, coordination, or your assistance in reaching others.

Community Relations Contact Information Form:https://seam.ly/XMNkImHu

I would also appreciate your help with two things:

1.    Primary and Secondary Contacts: For faith-based organizations, we would like the senior pastor or primary organizational leader to complete the form, along with a secondary contact who can help coordinate or distribute information when the primary leader is unavailable.

2.    Sharing the Link: Please forward this form to other faith-based leaders, community organizations, and trusted partners who should be included in this communication network. We want to make sure no important community partners are overlooked.

This effort will also allow us to move away from maintaining a static Excel contact list and establish a more reliable process for keeping information current as organizational leadership and contact information change.

Thank you for your partnership and continued commitment to our community. The relationships we build before a crisis are often what make the greatest difference when one occurs. My goal is to ensure we have those relationships and lines of communication in place before we need them.

I appreciate your assistance in helping us strengthen this network.

 


NONPROFIT UPDATES


Charlotte Rescue Mission Thanksgiving Box Drive

 

Charlotte Rescue Mission Talking Points

 

· A little history – Started 14 years ago when we moved into Dove’s Nest to support the Reid Park community. We delivered 40 meals.

· It has continued to grow to over 6,600 families fed last year

· Our boxes contain a complete Thanksgiving meal along with a turkey (on the side) to serve a family of 4

· We provide boxes and turkeys to 22 non-profit agencies and 11 Title 1 schools.  We do not serve individuals. 

· Collection days are Friday 11/20 & Saturday 11/21

·       This outreach gives our residents the opportunity to participate in a community service project. Their commitment to transforming their lives is evident in the dedication and pride they show while collecting and distributing the boxes and turkeys.

· We need to collect 5,500 to meet the need of the agencies we serve. To date, we are short by 2,500 boxes and 4,000 turkeys

· For all the details including box contents and delivery information, send an email to tgiving@crmclt.org

 


NAMI Charlotte's Mental health youth leadership Summit

 

I would like to share about NAMI Charlotte's Mental Health Youth Leadership Summit that will be held November 14th at St. Luke's Lutheran Church.  The Summit is open to 10th-12th graders and any young adult mentors who apply and are accepted. 

 

I have attached the fliers for our youth summit, but also the flier and application for the Young Adult Mentoring Program at NAMI Charlotte. This will be coming out of the Youth Summit. 

 

Lisa Drew, She/herEducation Director

 

Resource Center

 



A Fork in the Public Safety Road: Retribution & Cruelty or Accountability & Repair

Cindy Adcock cadcock@msn.com

 

Our community is under extraordinary stress.  In less than two years, local efforts to introduce restorative practices such as hospital-based violence intervention programs and mixed first responder teams have been grievously undermined by Operation Charlotte’s Web, Iryna’s Law, and the Criminalization of Homelessness.  We can do better. We must do better.  Let’s reassert Charlotte community values.

 

Please join REDRESS NC for a community conversation examining critical approaches to public safety, criminal justice reform, and community well-being. When we gather, we will explore accountability and repair of harm and identify how we can do better.  This gathering will explore the stark contrast between retributive policies and restorative approaches centered on accountability and sustainable healing.

 

Date & Time

· Friday, November 20, 2026: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

· Saturday, November 21, 2026: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location

First Baptist Church-West, Charlotte, NC

 

Registration

 

 

VíaLegal Resources: High quality, accessible, affordable legal services for the immigrant community

 

Immigration affects many people in our community, and often families and individuals don't know whom to rely on for trusted guidance. VíaLegal Immigration is an immigration law firm on a mission to make high-quality legal services accessible and affordable for our community. They work to open as many doors as possible for immigrants and their families for a pathwayforward.

 

VíaLegal provides workshops, presentations, and various educational sessions to support our community, and we have upcoming virtual events to share.  

 

Virtual Immigration Chat on October 28 from 9 am - 5 pm:

 

Immigration Pathways, Updates, and Potential Next Steps held virtually on November 16 from 6:30 - 8 pm:

 

Please see the attached information and the links for more details, and feel free to share this with your communities. Also, if you'd like to partner with VíaLegal to offer an immigration workshop, presentation, or clinic for your community, please contact Wayne Snyder at wayne@vialegalimmigration.org.


Please email me if you want to have a meeting to discuss how ViaLegal Immigration can support your work or if you want to explore the legal funding I mentioned. wayne@vialegalimmigration.org.

 

 


Charlotte Documenters

Sana Silvera-Roy <silveraroys@queens.edu>


The Charlotte Journalism Collaborative (CJC) is a community-driven initiative that brings together journalists, news organizations, and local institutions to strengthen local journalism, civic engagement, and journalism education in Charlotte, N.C., who operates Charlotte Documenters.

 

·      Founded in Chicago in 2016, the Documenters program trains and pays community members to monitor local government.

·      The Documenters Network includes 20+ action-aligned, people-powered sites across the United States—including this one.

·      Those sites are operated by local news and community organizations.  Highlighting the news and community aspects of the collaborative.

·      Together, the network helps communities understand and shape local policies and public systems.

·      It makes local government more transparent, accessible, and participatory for all.

·      Charlotte Documenters is housed in the Knight Crane Building on Queens Campus

Next Training will be October 24 at Knight Crane Hall on Queens Campus both from 11-1 p.m.


   You can register for the training or future training at charlotte-nc.documenters.org


 



NCIA, Vocational Training Center

Shamaiye K Haynes <shamaiye.haynes@ncianet.org>

 

I'd like to share about an opportunity for some churches and Faith organizations to receive assistance with maintenance, minor HVAC work, driving, or even auto mechanics.

 

I am starting a new program where I work to allow students to take volunteer apprenticeships to get meaningful experiences in the trades.  These students have certifications and will be recent graduates from our program. Awaiting regular paying jobs. 

 

 

OTP Mobile Unit

 

McLeod Centers for Wellbeing has launched its OTP Mobile Unit. The unit is parked at Hajee House Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.


 

First in Families Needs Dental Floss for Care Packets

Keiba Young, fif@inreachnc.org - we need 288 packages of dental floss


Protect Our Neighbors Day of Action

 

Greetings! We are planning to establish a regular presence at the Winton ICE detention center to bear witness and voice concern about the inhumane and immoral treatment of our immigrant neighbors by ICE and associated agencies. 

Our next event will be on Saturday, October 24 at 1:30 pm. As in September, we will park at the Courthouse across the road and walk down the entry road to gather in front of the detention center. This month, we are also joining with Disappeared in America and The Workers Circle for a nationwide Dia de los Muertos Day of Action. During the event we will recognize the many deaths that have occurred in ICE detention or at the hands of ICE. Please join us if you can! 

Time: Saturday, October 241:30 – 2:30pm EDT

Location: Hertford County Courthouse119 Justice Dr., Winton NC 27986(Across the road from Winton ICE Processing Center)

Sign up here: (same event, different platforms for the organizations)

Disappeared in America and Workers Circle - https://www.mobilize.us/disappearedinamerica/event/1058411/

 


Navigating U.S. Healthcare: Understanding Your Options and Finding Affordable Care

 

International House, in collaboration with Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, will be hosting an informative workshop titled“Navigating U.S. Healthcare: Understanding Your Options and Finding Affordable Care” on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

This in-person workshop is designed to support immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in understanding the U.S. healthcare system and learning about the resources available to them and their families.

During the workshop, participants will learn about:

· How the U.S. healthcare system works.

· Health insurance options and eligibility.

· Medicaid updates and changes that may affect coverage.

· Free and low-cost medical clinics.

· Local healthcare resources and support services.

Workshop Details:

· Date: Monday, November 16, 2026

· Time: 12:00 PM

· Location: International House

I have attached the workshop flyer in both English and Spanish for you to share with the individuals and families you serve. Registration is easy! Participants can simply scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up or click HERE. 

If you need the flyer in another language to better serve your community, please let us know, and we will be happy to provide one.

We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with community members who may benefit from this information.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us connect immigrant, refugee, and newcomer families with valuable resources.


Alma Hernández

Legal Clinic Manager

1611 E. 7th Street | Charlotte, NC 28204

 

 

Healing and Wellness Experience



Matthews Help Center

I am AuroraPalmer, Director of Programs & Services @ the Matthews Help Center.

Our mission is to provide short-term financial crisis assistance (rent, utilities and daycare) to our neighbors in the Greater Matthews community. We serve people living in six zip codes in and around Matthews; 28104, 28105, 28211, 28226, 28270, and 28079.

We also offer non-financial assistance. Anyone needing food or clothing assistance should visit our site at Client Inquiry Form - Matthews Help Center It’s a very simple process to apply for food and clothing assistance.

I'd be happy to answer your

questions. You can reach me at 704-847-8383 or Aurora@MatthewsHelpCenter.org


fftc:FWD




RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS


S.P.A.R.K.


Applications are open through Thursday, November 5, for S.P.A.R.K., a 32-week, hands-on technology program sponsored by Lowe's that launches in January 2027.

Five Charlotte-area nonprofits will work with a dedicated technology mentor and a skilled volunteer team to:

·       Understand their technology strengths, gaps and opportunities

·       Strengthen cybersecurity with an assessment and personalized scorecard

·       Build a practical one-year Technology Action Plan

·       Get hands-on help putting the first recommendations into action

S.P.A.R.K. is a strong fit for nonprofits that know technology matters but aren't sure what to tackle first. No advanced technology expertise is required.

Want to learn more or ready to apply? Applications close Thursday, November 5, 2026.

 

AI in Action Lab

Bring one real task to an AI in Action Lab, and a skilled Apparo volunteer will help you put AI to work on it.

Apparo will match you with a volunteer, or small team, with the right skills for your need. You'll work together virtually in one or two one-hour sessions, using readily available AI tools. Together, you can:

·       Draft content or templates

·       Outline workflows or processes

·       Brainstorm AI approaches and prompts

·       Save time on repetitive tasks

It's free, and no AI experience is needed. You'll leave with immediate wins, more confidence using AI responsibly, and practical tools you can keep using after the session.

See what's possible: at Apparo's AI in Action Day, Social Venture Partners Charlotte worked with volunteers to turn a volunteer coordination process that took a full week into one that takes one hour. Read the story.

Getting started is easy. Share one task, challenge or workflow where AI could help, and we'll take it from there. Learn more about AI in Action Labs.

Request Your Free AI Lab

ConnectTech

Do you serve residents in Gaston, Cabarrus, Union, or Mecklenburg counties? If so, we invite you to apply for the next round of ConnectTech!

 

Applications are officially open, and we’re excited to support organizations, community groups, and trusted leaders who want to bring hands-on digital skills training directly to their communities.

 

Whether you’re a longtime partner or connecting with us for the first time, you are welcome to apply — no current partnership is required.

 

ConnectTech and ConnectTech+ help learners build confidence using technology for everyday life, learning, and work — from navigating devices and email to accessing online resources and more.


Learn More!

Join one of our upcoming virtual information sessions to hear about the program, application process, and what to expect.

· Friday, October 16 from 12:30pm - 1:15pm

· Monday, October 26 from 5pm - 5:45pm

· Tuesday, November 3 from 9:30am - 10:15am  



GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 


LOCAL


Truist Championship's Birdies for Better program is back! 


Birdies for Better invites nonprofits to raise funds by asking supporters to donate $20+ to guess the number of birdies made during the 2027 Truist Championship. Nonprofits keep 100% of donations and receive a share of a $100,000 bonus pool. The top five fundraisers will be named a “Charity of the Day” and receive an opportunity to connect with tournament attendees. Learn more and apply.


After a two-year hiatus, the County’s Community Service Grants are back!

 

Applications will be accepted from October 29 through November 25.Funds may be requested for 1 or 2 years.

Interested organizations may attend an informational session on October 29 at 10am at the Valerie C. Woodard Resource Center.REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION: https://publicinput.com/H18563

 

Liz Graham Mecklenburg County Marketing Manager704-245-5715


Plan a Beautification Grant Project

Keep Charlotte Beautiful awards up to $8,000 for projects focused on litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling, beautification or community greening. Neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofits, schools and individuals citywide can apply. Join the virtual workshop at 6 p.m. to learn about eligible projects and the application process. Letters of Intent are due Nov. 4. Register for the Beautification Grant Workshop.


Care for Your Neighborhood’s Tree Canopy

Keep Charlotte Beautiful and Landscape Management offer matching Tree Care Grants of up to $3,000 for neighborhood associations citywide. Eligible projects include invasive species removal, Bradford pear removal, canopy assessments, bark scale treatment, pruning, mulching and tree-related community events. Join the virtual workshop at 6 p.m. Applications are due Jan. 6. Register for the Tree Care Grant Workshop.


Community Microgrant Now Open: $500 to $3,000 for Neighborhood Projects

Applications are now open for the Community Microgrant, which supports short-term, resident-led projects that bring neighbors together, improve well-being or address neighborhood needs. Eligible neighborhood organizations, including HOAs and resident-led groups in rental communities, can request $500 to $3,000 with no matching contribution required.

Applications are reviewed as received through March 15, 2027, or until funds run out. Before applying, watch the required pre-application workshop recording. Submit applications through the HNS grant portal.


Here is the direct link to the grant opportunity, which also includes a link to the Application Tool Kit and the recording for the information session:https://fftcgrants.communityforce.com/Funds/FundDetails.aspx?496F49596D593768464E3537506B6F754D5442315A38647164526E64457874436B746867736B4F64647834416C527365646F56616C3774484E73737763613346466A4E446D756A4E387A383D


Help Make Charlotte a City of Hobbies


Apply for a micro-grant and bring your hobby to life!


Have a hobby you’d love to share with your neighbors?



City of Hobbies is a team of nonprofit, public and private partners working together to help all Charlotteans find a hobby that brings them joy and purpose. Through micro-grants of $250–$1,500, they’re helping people (aged 13 and up) turn their passions into community projects that bring neighbors together.



Whether it’s knitting, painting, pickleball, gaming or something entirely different, your idea could make a difference



PRAYER FOR LEADERS 


Your best is what you can do without harming your

physical or mental health. NOT what you can accomplish

when you disregard it. -- Sue Bush / tinybuddha.com


Next meeting – Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m.


 
 
 

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