September 24, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
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: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/yxP0QgHsoJYBc1lY-QZ6nuCIEtRHsRaLa8S1IYvmFeOvlgpJLOJIfcEXPhALiVY2.a82pXEoYlFCvBnnH
50 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
A prayer for Yom Kippur
An empty page, an open book, a day of ultimate questions.
Will I still be here next year at this time, with the ones I love beside me?
What is in store for my family, and what will become of my friends?
Who will have reason to celebrate? Who will contend with grief?
On the edge of the unknown we tremble: What lies ahead for us all?
An empty book, an open page, nothing is written and nothing is sealed.
Yet this we possess: the strength to persist, to prevail,
To comfort one another in the dark.
Congregation Beth Israel, Contemporary Service
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:
October 8
October 22
November 5
November 12
December 3
December 17
No meeting December 31
Open Tables Monday September 28 – 6 to 8 p.m.
"Holding Our Humanity Across Difference"
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church | 3400 Beatties Ford Road Vegetarian Potluck Dinner
Our Service Project for the evening will be with Crisis Assistance Ministry:
Crisis Assistance Ministry is Mecklenburg County’s lead agency providing rent and utility assistance, essential clothing and household items, and financial empowerment coaching to help individuals and families achieve greater housing stability.
We are excited and honored to host a service project as attendees arrive for the MeckMIN Open Tables event on Monday, September 28. My friend and colleague, Bonnie Tiernan, Director of Community Engagement, will lead an opportunity for attendees to assemble hygiene kits that will be made available to customers shopping in Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Free Store.
Each year, thousands of individuals and families visit the Free Store to shop at no cost for men’s and women’s clothing, coats, children’s school uniforms, shoes, hygiene products, and household essentials. By receiving these necessities at no cost, families can preserve hundreds of dollars in their household budgets for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other critical expenses.
The Free Store is open for shopping Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and donated items are accepted Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Thank you for giving your time to serve and for helping Crisis Assistance Ministry support our community with compassion, dignity, and hope. Every hygiene kit you assemble is a small but meaningful way to help an individual or family stretch their resources and move toward greater stability.
Youth Service Project Sunday October 25 – 4:30pm to 6 pm
Serving at Lydia's Pantry
Galilee Center | 3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte | RSVP
You can register as an individual or a group.
FRIENDSGIVING REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
NONPROFITS & ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAMMING PLANS FOR FALL 2026 Consider MeckMIN’s wealth of training offerings
For more information or to discuss options, email ledayne@meckmin.org
MeckMIN Speakers Bureau
Recently, Myers Park Covenant Church reached out to us to ask if there was someone in the MeckMIN network who could lead the adhan (Islamic call to prayer) as part of an interfaith-focused Sunday morning worship service. We LOVE these opportunities to create interfaith relationships and were delighted to connect the church to board member Erkam Adiguzel who described the experience as “lovely.”
If you are interested in hosting someone from another tradition in your house of worship, please reach out to ledayne@meckmin.org. We can also make suggestions for workplaces, schools, fellow nonprofits and more.
MECKMIN TALKS AND TRAININGS
LOOKING TO CREATE GREATER BELONGING AT YOUR SCHOOL?
Consider how MeckMIN can ease the way. We are excited to offer schools a dynamic way to expand understanding of different faith traditions. Through two interactive interfaith panels—one designed for students in grades 6–12 and another for teachers and administrators at all levels—we provide opportunities to learn directly from people who practice these traditions to build greater understanding across communities.
Help us expand religious literacy in our schools by sharing these flyers with educators and administrators in your network. If you would like to host an interfaith panel, please contact LeDayne at ledayne@meckmin.org
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
HOMES Program
Treva Teachey, representing the HOMES Program. This program assists qualified homeowners by providing financial assistance for their property taxes.
HOME Program provides grants of up to $650 towards property tax for eligible homeowners. The program runs from July 1st to November 20th each year, with over $3 million awarded last year. Homeowners can apply online through MECNC.org or visit one of two Department of Community Resources offices located at 3205 Freedom Drive or 430 Stitt Road.
NONPROFIT UPDATES
Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round
When 5 Howard University students sat on a Maryland carousel in 1960, the arrests made headlines. When the white, largely Jewish community near Glen Echo Amusement Park joined the Black students in picketing, the first organized interracial civil rights protest in US history was born. The pickets attracted Nazis, Congressmen, and a press avalanche. Picketing together led to partying together and union organizers mentoring student activists, ultimately producing ten 1961 Freedom Riders, including Stokely Carmichael, and a Supreme Court case. With never-before-seen footage, and immersive storytelling by Emmy-award-winning director Ilana Trachtman, four living protesters rescue this untold story, revealing the price, and the power, of heeding the impulse to activism. Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round includes voiceovers by noted actors Jeffrey Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Bob Balaban, Lee Grant, Peter Gallagher, Dominique Thorne, Alysia Reiner, and Tracie Thoms.
The film summary and trailer can be found on the following link: https://www.aintnoback.com/
For anyone in attendance at the Zoom meeting or who reads the minutes, we are excited to offer a 15% discount on licensing fees if they mention hearing about the film from this meeting. (This excludes events where admission would be charged).
Anyone interested in a screening event, will also have to fill out a Screening Request Form, found on our site.
City of Compassion
Susan Campbell susancampbellphd@gmail.com
Cell 404-272-1841
Dr. Susan Campbell is a psychologist, retreat facilitator and leadership coach based in Charlotte. She spoke with us about the increasing challenges associated with people becoming more isolated and self-focused and the risk this kind of individualism has on communities. She shared that the Golden Rule - loving our neighbors as ourselves - is a core tenet of all major faith traditions, AND is predicated on the idea that we love ourselves well, which many people do not. Her work focuses on teaching people about the importance of self-compassion and the relationship between that and empathy and compassion for others. She’s interested in opportunities to speak about this publicly, and to engage with others who are interested in a cohesive approach to elevate community compassion, supported by guidelines in the global “Charter For Compassion.”
Nourish Up - Meals on Wheels Delivery drivers needed!
Martha Cochrane mcochrane@nourishup.org
Courtney Oates cOates@nourishup.org
We desperately need Meals on Wheels Delivery drivers and this is the link to that info.
International House
1. The new report Immigrants in Mecklenburg County, released Sept. 19, provides an overview through data about the immigrant population and the ways they contribute to the county through work, spending power and tax contributions, summary and full report available here: Immigrants in Mecklenburg County: Economic Impact, Workforce, and Community Contributions - American Immigration Council. The report is a collaboration between Welcoming America's Gateways for Growth initiative, the American Immigration Council, the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte International Cabinet and International House.
2. The Journey Art Exhibit showcases pieces from 40 immigrant artists. Artists represent their journey to the US. The exhibit is at Queen City Art, near the Independent Picture House, through the end of September. (flyer attached)
3. International House's annual party and fundraiser, A Celebration of Cultures, will take place Oct. 23 from 6:30-10:00 at The Revelry in Camp North End. The event will celebrate the people and programs of International House, with food, performances and auction items from around the world. (flyer attached)
4. The fall session of our Adult English classes started last week. Locations are International House, Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte, and 4 branches of the public library including Allegra Westbrooks, South Blvd, Plaza Midwood and Sugar Creek. Classes are also available online. There is still limited space available in most locations. (flyer attached)
Additionally, the wait time to receive services from our Immigration Law Clinic is about 1 month. The law clinic helps immigrants and refugees with adjustment of status, work authorization, family reunification petitions, naturalization, green card renewal and other immigration-related issues. Our case management program is available and accepting clients who need help with mental or emotional health support, and offers a free support group for women. We have many volunteer opportunities available for groups and individuals, including preparing classroom materials and snacks for our children's ESL afterschool tutoring program, prep materials for citizenship classes, and ESL and citizenship class instructors and tutors. International House offers language conversation hours in 10 languages on site and online. Please check our website or social media for information about upcoming cultural events and opportunities, www.ihclt.org.
Susan Bird
Executive Director
Empowered Dreams Initiative
Samwel Otachi <sotachi22@gmail.com>
My name is Samwel Otachi, founder of Empowered Dreams Initiative, based in Korogocho Slums, Nairobi, Kenya.
In Korogocho, many children go to school hungry, and for many families, access to consistent food is a daily struggle. Hunger is not occasional — it is part of everyday life, and it affects children’s education, health, and dignity.
Through Empowered Dreams Initiative, we focus on three key areas:
First, feeding and food support, where we work with vulnerable children and families to provide meals and reduce hunger in the community.
Second, girls’ dignity and empowerment, including support with menstrual hygiene and mentorship, so that no girl misses school or loses confidence because of lack of basic needs.
Third, community support programs that strengthen resilience, hope, and opportunity for young people and families living in the slums.
Over time, we have supported thousands of children and families, and we have identified about 1,200 of the most vulnerable children who need more consistent and structured support.
Right now, our main focus is building consistent feeding support, so that these children do not have to depend on uncertain meals.
We are currently running a GlobalGiving campaign to support this work:https://www.globalgiving.org/donate/106055/empowered-dreams-initiative/
Alongside this, I also lead FoodSharing Kenya, a food rescue initiative in Nairobi. We collect surplus food from markets, hotels, restaurants, and institutions, and redirect it to communities instead of letting it go to waste. It connects food waste reduction with hunger relief.
This weekend, FoodSharing Kenya will host a community food rescue and sharing event in Korogocho, bringing together rescued surplus food from markets and partners to support vulnerable families and children. The event aims to reduce food waste while ensuring that households facing hunger receive a shared, dignified meal.
At the heart of both initiatives is a simple belief: food is a basic human right, not a privilege.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our work.
Recognizing and Resisting Trauma as a Faith Community
Sunday, October 25, 12:00 pm
Becky Yates byatescnm@gmail.com
Workshop on Healing from Religious & Spiritual AbuseFocus on trauma, faith, hope, and healing. Many people carry pain that others may never see. Trauma can affect individuals, families, relationships, and even our experience within the church. Yet faith communities can also become places of compassion, understanding, and renewed hope. Learn about how to create space for healing and resisting further traumatization. Light refreshments will be served.
Speaker: Hannah Sutton-Adams Ph.D.; chaplain, educator, and researcher who earned her Ph.D in Theology and Education at Boston College where her research focused on religious trauma and spiritual care.
Event offered as part of our ongoing discussions toward being a Healing Centered Church, an initiative started by Bishop Carter. Register here.
ourBRIDGE for KIDS
Amilia Keomuongchanh amilia@joinourbridge.org
· Quick overview of ourBRIDGE + Introduction
o Amilia Keomuongchanh - Volunteer Engagement Manager
o ourBRIDGE for KIDS - Focus on welcoming newly arrived refugee and immigrant families through two direct services
§ Afterschool programming
§ Family Support
· Volunteer Opportunities
o Afterschool Programming - Once a week, for at least 10 week commitment; Requires an onboarding process
o Events - Monthly callouts at the beginning of the month; Requires attendance to an orientation
o Group Opportunities - Callouts sent as needed, but the focus is more intentionally planned around large needs; Requires an intro meeting with me
· Upcoming Way to Get Involved
o We are hosting our 13th Annual International Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17th from 2-6 pm
o Sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteers are the only way this event can happen. From event stations to setup and breakdown, our International Fall Festival runs on community! Volunteers will help with running popcorn & cotton candy stations Assist with pumpkin carving Serve food at the grill Check in guests Support family-friendly activities from around the world + more!
o Date: Friday, October 16th + Saturday, October 17th
o Location: 3925 Willard Farrow Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215
o Shift: Setup shifts 10-1pm or 9-12pm, Event shifts 1-4pm, 4-7pm, or 3-5 pm
We are hosting our 13th Annual International Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17th from 2-6 pm, and we need your support! We are looking for 300+ volunteers!
Please use this link to sign-up for a shift: Fall Fest Volunteer Sign-up
volunteering@joinoubridge.org if you want to get connected
Circle de Luz
Note - Carmen was unable to join today due to a work emergency. She plans to join us on October 8.
Carmen Aguilera <CarmenAguilera@circledeluz.org>
Dear comunidad,
This fall, Circle de Luz is excited to welcome a new group of eight 7th-grade Latinas into our familia as the Class of 2032.
We're currently looking for caring, committed individuals to join our community as Class Captains. Class Captains serve as mentors, advocates, and trusted supporters who walk alongside our students throughout their six-year journey with Circle de Luz. This is a meaningful opportunity to build relationships, celebrate milestones, and help young Latinas grow into confident leaders.
Curious about the impact of being a Class Captain? Check out these Entre Hijas y Mijas podcast episodes: From Mentoring to Friendship and Living in Alignment with your Purpose
Do you know someone who would make a great Class Captain? We'd be so grateful if you could help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your friends, family, colleagues, and networks.
Please find our recruitment flyer attached.
Interested in learning more? Join us a Class Captain
Thank you for helping us build the village our students deserve. Whether you share this opportunity, become a Class Captain, or support our scholars in another way, your support makes a difference.
Con Cariño,
Carmen Aguilera (She/Hers/Ella)Bilingual Case Manager, Circle De Luz
Shalom Teaching Institute: Striving for Love, Justice, and Belonging
Karen Owens <kowens@hoodseminary.edu>
Shalom Teaching Institute: Striving for Love, Justice, and Belonging, October 15–16, 2026, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Conference Center in Charlotte.
We are pleased to offer a scholarship, which waives the $99 registration fee, for those who are able to attend the conference.
Given MeckMIN’s important interfaith presence in our community, we would be delighted to have your members join us for these two days of learning, dialogue, and engagement around love, justice, and belonging.
QC Family Tree and Here for Good Business Cooperative
April Turner <aprilcturner@gmail.com>
We Well is a dynamic symposium of artists, wellness practitioners, and medical professionals uniting creative wellness practices and community support in one place.
QC Family Tree and Here for Good Business Cooperative invite you to spend Saturday, October 17 connecting with others and discovering strategies for excelling in the art of healthy living. Explore topics that support physical, mental, emotional, and creative wellness through arts-based workshops, interactive activations, community panel discussions and more.
We want to invite nonprofit orgs working with populations experiencing challenges to plan to attend as a group. This event might also be good for caregivers. It is free, and open to individual participants as well.
Cancer Prevention Resources
Thank you for the opportunity to present the programs that the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement is offering in Mecklenburg County and the surrounding counties. I truly appreciate the chance to share information about our services and connect with community leaders who can help us expand awareness and access these valuable resources.
As promised, I have attached the presentation that includes an overview of all the programs we currently offer.
Thank you again for your support and for providing this opportunity to highlight the work we are doing in the community. I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.
Please feel free to share my email address and phone number with anyone who may need to contact me.
Magbis Love
Warm regards,
Magbis N Love, MHR
Community Liaison
Office of Community Outreach and Engagement
WFBCCC Atrium Health
Companionship Training
Bolotin, Terri <Terri.Bolotin@advocatehealth.org>
This free training is designed for those wanting to develop or improve their skills at being with others (especially with others different than themselves). It is experiential and offers lots of practices on how to walk alongside someone in need. The intent is especially for those interacting with under-resourced communities like those at Roof Above and would also be appropriate for anyone wanting to do outreach but need some support about how to be in such unfamiliar situations.
Faith & Health Summit
Blue Cross NC’s Faith-Based Initiatives invites you to a Faith & Health Summit. Come share your resources and successes, connect with organizations, and learn about ways that Faith Communities can improve health for all!Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 9:15 am – 2:00 pmFriendship Missionary Baptist Church
9:15 am - Check-in & Breakfast
10:00 am – Summit starts
A full agenda will be sent to you as we approach the Summit!
We are pleased to share that Dr. Sonyia Richardson, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and the School of Medicine at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will be our keynote speaker!
Registration is required for resource vendors, speakers, and general seating. Please register no later than Tuesday, September 15th.
Resource Vendors – We invite organizations to reserve space to display information about your organization. Please indicate on the registration form. As space is limited, you will be notified if we are able to accommodate your organization. Setup as early as 8:30 am.
General Seating – Anyone may register to attend and learn about community and Blue Cross NC resources available. Choose Community Member on registration form.
Continental breakfast and catered lunch will be provided.
Matthews Help Center
Hello and good morning everyone!
I am Aurora
Palmer, 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
Festival of Wellness & Unity, on October 3.
This year’s theme is “Unity.”
Held in celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, this event will bring together families, educators, community leaders, and local organizations to celebrate well-being, creativity, and community engagement.
Event Details: - Date & Time: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Location: 700 east trade street Charlotte, NC 28202
The event will include:
· Wellness and mindfulness experiences
· Family-friendly activities
· Cultural and creative engagement
· Youth and community participation
· Recognition of those who help strengthen community unity
· Opportunities for meaningful community connection and collaboration
A Day of Action: Stand up to Protest ICE Cruelty and to Protect Democracy!
Time: Saturday, September 2612:30 – 1:30pm EDT Location: Hertford County Courthouse119 Justice Dr., Winton NC 27986 (Across the road from Winton ICE Processing Center)About this eventJoin us on September 26 for A DAY OF ACTION! We will call out the inhumanity, immorality and illegality of ICE actions and detention centers. We will focus on actions we can all take to force changes and protect our communities - including getting out the vote!
UNIVERSITY SOUP KITCHEN
We are continuing to serve the Charlotte Mecklenburg region with our direct distribution giveaways and our mobile help center that delivers groceries and other supplies to families in need all over the region.We have a perpetual need for volunteers, especially during this time of year as families adjust to the budget challenges associated with their kids returning to school (gas, food, clothes, supplies) Wehave a sign up to volunteer link on our website www.universitysoupkitchen.org
Here is the link to sign up:We also accept donations all year round, and are in big need of clothes and canned goods. We are located at 8929 JM Keynes Dr ste 335 Charlotte NC 28262.
Here is a snippet from our monthly update email that may give you a bit more information about us:
Thank you for continuing to support the University Soup Kitchen! We have been serving the city of Charlotte and its surrounding areas for over a decade now, and we deeply appreciate all of the hard work you have put in to help us grow each year.
We are not the largest or most glamorous organization, but we are one of the most genuine. Our impact is felt across thousands of households in the Carolinas, and every single month we show up to serve in multiple capacities.
Here is a look at what your support accomplished in just the last 30 days:
800+ warm meals served to individuals and families, including veterans, seniors on fixed incomes, disabled individuals, single-income families, and neighbors experiencing mental health conditions or transitioning out of incarceration.
1,000+ pounds of groceries, diapers, and essential supplies delivered directly to the doorsteps of over 40 local families.
Hundreds of pounds of clothing, shoes, hygiene supplies, and over-the-counter medications distributed directly to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
School supplies and warm meals delivered to local students during our back-to-school efforts last month.
We need your help to keep this fight going as we gear up for our Thanksgiving and holiday initiatives! Here are four ways you can make a difference right now:
1. Volunteer Your Time
We serve all year long, not just during the holidays! Our full calendar is available on our website, or you can use the link below to sign up for a shift for the remainder of the year.
Sign up to volunteer via SignUpGenius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A8AE23ABF8C43-61437465-university#/
2. Make a Financial or Physical Donation
Note to our student volunteers: Please do not feel pressured to give financially! Your donation of time and energy is already more than enough, and we are so grateful to have you.
Without financial and physical donations, these vital community services will disappear. Any amount helps us ensure local families enjoy a poverty-free fall season.
Monetary Donations:
PayPal: Donate via PayPal
Venmo: @universitysoupkitchen
CashApp: $helpuniversity
Check: Payable to University Soup Kitchen (Mail to: 8929 JM Keynes Drive, STE 335, Charlotte, NC 28262)
Physical Donations (Clothing, shoes, baby supplies, non-perishables, school supplies):
Drop off at our center: 8929 JM Keynes Drive, STE 335, Charlotte, NC 28262
Hours: Anytime Monday through Friday, or by appointment after 5:00 PM on weekdays and anytime on weekends.
Sponsor a Family Directly:
We have hundreds of families in need. By sponsoring a family, you can fund their specific needs, help deliver their items, and personally track their progress. Email us at info@universitysoupkitchen.org to get started.
Students please remember this section is not for you, students are encouraged to volunteer!
3. Spread the Word
Negative news dominates the headlines every day. Let’s change the narrative right here in Charlotte! Invite your friends, colleagues, and classmates to serve with us. The more people who know about our mission, the greater the impact we can make together.
4. Participate in Our Upcoming Events
We have several incredible annual events coming up, including our Thanksgiving Giveaways, Santa's Helper Giveaway, and our 12th Annual 24-Hour U-Haul Project. Come out, learn more about our mission, and bring your family to participate in these community-focused service events.
Thanks again for all of your work in the community LeDayne.Respectfully,USK TEAM
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local
Community Health Grants
Just a quarterly reminder - the Community Health Grants page where we share grant opportunities with our Mecklenburg County Public Health community partners is updated and current as of this morning!
2026 Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation - Groundwork Grant Cycle
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation’s Groundwork Grants will provide two years of operating support to eligible Mecklenburg County organizations leading resident-driven place-based strategies that advance long-term neighborhood and community outcomes. Applications will be accepted from Monday, October 5, through Friday, October 30.
Groundwork Grants at a Glance
Funding: Up to $200,000 over two years
Who should apply: Community-based organizations driving neighborhood-level outcomes
Where: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Awards announced: By December 31, 2026
Grant start: January 2027
Application Tool Kit
CMCF has developed a Tool Kit that includes a sample application and answers to frequently asked questions. CMCF encourages all applicants to review the Tool Kit before beginning the application process. Click here to download the Tool Kit.
Virtual Information Session
CMCF will host a virtual information session focused on the Groundwork Grants opportunity on Wednesday, September 30 at 11:00 a.m. A recording will be available following the event. Click here to register for the virtual information session.
Regional
American Heart Association
Heart disease is the No. 1 leading cause of death in North Carolina and stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in North Carolina, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics. Many of those deaths are preventable, and through clinical and community partnerships, the American Heart Association collaborates on evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes.
The American Heart Association, with support from Novant Health, is funding organizations to implement heart health interventions in Cape Fear, Greater Charlotte, and Triad market regions. Community organizations are eligible for subawards ranging from $2,500 - $15,000 to support heart-healthy policies and environments. Organizations may include non-profit organizations such as faith-based organizations, food pantries, senior centers, health centers, housing authorities, colleges, and municipal governments.
Examples of health interventions:
Establish blood pressure screening and referral initiatives in community or clinical-based settings
Increasing capacity to provide healthy foods such as fresh or frozen produce at a food pantry/bank (e.g. purchase of refrigerator, sink, shelving, etc.)
Establish infrastructure for new food distribution site (e.g. pop-up market, mini pantry, etc.)
Launch EBT (SNAP & WIC) payment system at a Farmers Market, mobile market, or other healthy food outlet (except corner stores)
Other cardiovascular disease prevention efforts focused on nutrition security and blood pressure control.
Which counties are included in the eligible regions?
• Greater Charlotte: Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union, Cabarrus, Rowan, Lincoln, Catawba, and Iredell
• Triad: Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, and Davidson
• Cape Fear: New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender
Where do I apply?
When is the application deadline?
We will be accepting applications through midnight October 9, 2026. Award announcements will be made public in November 2026.
Who can I email with questions?
Allison Nelson, VP Community Impact Greater Charlotte Market Allison.nelson@heart.org
Workforce Development Support for Youth in NBA Team Markets
Application deadline: October 31, 2026Grant amount: VariesGeographic scope: Areas with an NBA teamTarget population: Underserved youth ages 14 to 24Description: The NBA Foundation provides funding to local and national organizations creating economic opportunities and career pathways for under-resourced youth ages 14 to 24. Giving is centered on markets with an NBA team across the United States. Funded projects focus on job readiness, skills training, career advancement, and school-to-career pathways. Eligible organizations must serve at least 25 youth annually
National
Funding for Hunger Relief, Food Access, and Culinary Arts Training
Application deadline: November 1, 2026Grant amount: VariesTarget population: Individuals facing food insecurity and aspiring culinary professionalsDescription: The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation invests in organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts across three areas. Nutrition education grants support schools and community groups helping people make healthy food choices. Food access grants support food banks, community kitchens, and hunger relief organizations. Culinary arts grants support high schools, colleges, professional education programs, and scholarships for the next generation of culinary professionals.
Community Grants Span Arts, Education, Health, and Environment
Application deadline: November 10, 2026Grant amount: $1,000–$20,000Target population: Community membersDescription: The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports community-based nonprofit organizations throughout the United States for whom a small grant can make a meaningful difference. Funding spans a wide range of areas including museums, cultural and performing arts, schools, hospitals, educational and skills training, programs for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, and environmental and wildlife protection. Project and general operating support are both available.
Urban Agriculture and Food Security Grants for Public Gardens
Application deadline: November 17, 2026Grant amount: $5,000–$20,000Target population: Communities experiencing food insecurityDescription: The American Public Gardens Association's Urban Agriculture Resilience Program supports public gardens and their partners in facilitating collaborative urban agriculture, community gardening, and food-growing programs that address food security challenges. Funded projects must combine food-growing and education components, with preference given to small public gardens, projects committed to sustainable agriculture or climate resilience, and organizations launching new urban agriculture programs.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
the poet, naturalist and philosopher Wendell Berry died August 31 of this year
3 lines from his poem titled Sabbaths 2005 speak powerfully:
I know that I have life
only insofar as I have love.
I have no love
except it come from Thee.
Help me, please,
to carry this candle against the wind.
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