Our readers' picks: favorite local charities
Have a glance at nearly 70 Charlotte-area charities Ledger readers support — from a group that helps families facing cancer to one that aids soldiers’ transitioning to civilian life
Charlotte is brimming with charities doing incredible things to make our region a better place, and often those good works happen quietly.
So to honor the season of giving and to mark Giving Tuesday, we at The Charlotte Ledger are publishing the first installment of our first-ever Charity Shout-Out today.
Last month, we invited our community of paying subscribers to write in about the charities they most admire, with the idea being this: Some 1/3 of all charitable giving happens in December, so why not spread the word about worthy causes that might benefit from some holiday donations?
Today is the first installment of our Charity Shout-Out. Readers wrote in about nearly 70 charities, so we split the list in half — we’ll publish the first half today and the second half on Thursday to make it easier to digest and enjoy. The complete list is also available on our website.
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Below, you’ll find links to the charity websites and brief descriptions from our subscribers. Of course, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re comfortable with how charities use your donations by looking them up on websites like GuideStar, ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer or Charity Navigator. You might also consider consulting local resources such as The Society Guide, which evaluates Charlotte-area nonprofits on their effectiveness and organization.
And feel free to share this post with friends who may be on the hunt for a charity to help this holiday season — or to let your favorite charity know that it’s on the list. — CB
Brave Step, which helps adults affected by sexual abuse, has been active in Charlotte since 2014. Last week, it announced a four-week parenting program aimed at moms who are survivors of sexual violence. (Photo courtesy of Brave Step.)
I support 24 Foundation and its 20 years of making an immediate impact in the lives of people affected by cancer. Survivors often thank us for saving their life through our groundbreaking survivorship programs. Knowing we are making that impact on fellow Charlotteans is both humbling and inspiring. —Spencer Lueders
I support 24 Foundation because of its dedication to changing the course of cancer and the impact it is making on our local cancer community. My daughters and I ride in its signature 24 Hours of Booty non-competitive cycling event and are proud to be among the 20,000 participants who have raised $23 million since 2002. —Jenni Walker
I support Alexander Youth Network which provides quality professional treatment to children with serious emotional and behavioral health problems. These children are the future of our city; they need high quality care and they need our help. —Jeremy Swinson
I originally became involved in ALA because of the incredible work they do to champion clean air and to eradicate smoking and vaping. Now, with the onset of Covid-19, a lung disease, ALA has funded a $25M initiative to end Covid-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics. Incredible work. —Jessica Graham
They catch people before they’ve hit rock bottom following disasters (small and big). They have an expense ratio better than nearly all other charities. They also save lives through blood collection and distribution and they are a vital part of antibody testing. —Jason Gudzunas
A great local charity that never gets enough funding is called Augustine Literacy Project. This wonderful organization is dedicated to improving the literacy skills for the low-income children in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. —John Stephens
We support Ballantyne Ball, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which hosts an annual masquerade gala to support smaller, local non-profits. Ballantyne Ball shines a spotlight on amazing organizations that are lesser known but having a tremendous impact in our area. —Allen Starrett
Ballantyne Families Helping Neighbors in Need
We support Ballantyne Families Helping Neighbors in Need because it’s an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that works with school counselors in local CMS schools to identify families in great need and support them with groceries and gift cards. There’s a perception that poverty doesn’t exist in the Ballantyne area — and unfortunately, that’s just not the case. —Stacy Picklesimer and Carrie Johnsen
Beds for Kids is a locally grown charity providing furniture, primarily beds, to people who have none. Homeless families given apartments don’t get furniture too. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. $150 buys a child a bed with all the bedding. Imagine the effect on that child’s well-being that comes with getting off the floor! —Tom Cochran
BOOM is Charlotte’s artist-led performance and visual arts showcase of contemporary and experimental works created on the fringes of popular culture. The three-day arts experience is a movement that believes in the explosive power of art to unite and strengthen our community. —Steve Dunn
Brave Step provides personalized services to help adults impacted by sexual abuse and reclaim the life they deserve. The nonprofit organization was established in 2014 by a survivor of sexual abuse, who found hope and healing through her own experience in therapy. —Michael Solender
Through year-round programming and Camp SOAR, a free annual weeklong day camp where no one is turned away, Special Olympics of Mecklenburg County gives children, teenagers and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities something the rest of us often take for granted: a chance to feel included, encouraged and valued. —Greg Efthimiou
I support Carolina Thread Trail because I believe everyone should have access to greenways, trails and blueways. During a pandemic, having access to trails is even more critical, as they allow people to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and healthy way. Carolina Thread Trail currently supports over 260 miles of trail and 170 miles of blueway open to the public, and they are working to add more. —April Dodge
I believe in supporting the Carolina Thread Trail because it’s a resource for the entire community that provides access to trails, health and wellness benefits, and promotes economic growth for 15 counties and two states. It also helps preserve our natural resources. Considering the times, it’s an invaluable amenity. —Jennifer DeWitt
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation
I’m proud to contribute to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation because supporting our library is an investment in an essential resource for the community. Our library provides much more than books — free access to resources and information, tools for upward mobility, and it’s truly a place for everyone. —Jennifer DeWitt
Charlotte Rescue Mission is a well-run non-profit with a goal of Christian rehabilitation for alcoholics. —Luther Moore
The ToolBank serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise to help them achieve their goals. If you have worked on a service project in Charlotte, there is a good chance you had a “blue tool” in your hand. The ToolBank has over 275 different types of tools. Having access to these tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, repairing and storing tools. —Sara Downing
What if nonprofits had access to more affordable resources, supplies and tools to accomplish their dreams? Enter the ToolBank, a capacity-building nonprofit, providing tools and special event items organizations need. Supporting the ToolBank supports the missions of 735+ member agencies. Multiply your gifts by investing in tools for our community. —Maureen Krueger
Charlotte Wine + Food is about hosting unique wine and food events that bring together connoisseurs for a cause while making significant contributions to local children’s charities — over $5.5M in the past 32 years. While our programming has been impacted during Covid, the needs of our four charities have not. —Palmer Steel
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
I am a volunteer, donor, member of the Board and the president of Encore — the volunteer corps of CTC. This organization is on the forefront in this country of creating cutting-edge youth and young adult theatre. I have been incredibly impressed with CTC’s ability to pivot with Covid. Participating in the arts at an early age is key to unlocking imagination. —April Whitlock
Claire’s Army provides support for families fighting childhood cancer, allowing them to focus on the child. This amazing organization is on the ground and supporting families during some of their worst moments. It provides a meal in the hospital, a mortgage or rent payment, transportation expenses and more. Most importantly, it tells families they’re not alone in this fight. —Shawn Flynn
Classroom Central: Because a $1 donation is leveraged into $5+ of free school supplies for kids in need. A great investment! —Robert Rostan
Culture Blocks, presented by Clayworks, embraces and celebrates the cultural life and desires of residents, connects communities to arts and culture activities that speak to their interests and seeks to break down barriers to participation with cultural organizations. —Gene Cochrane
I support the Cleft Out Foundation. This Foundation helps families bear the ongoing financial cost for children born with cleft lip and/or palate. Since most insurance does not cover ongoing specialized care, many of these kids grow up with speech, feeding, emotional and social issues related to their cleft lip and palate. —JD Thacker
Community Matters Cafe (Charlotte Rescue Mission)
Men and women graduates of the Rebound and Doves Nest programs are transformed from the inside out and receive life skills training in the Cafe program that prepares them to return as productive members of the community. From homelessness and addiction to jobs, housing, families, and sobriety. Lives Changed! —William Robertson
Congregations for Kids is specifically focused on helping kids in Mecklenburg County’s foster system. There are approximately 600 children in the county’s foster case system, yet fewer than 60 families are currently licensed with Mecklenburg county. CFK provides critical support for these children, filling in where others can’t. —Rachel Clapp Miller
Congregations for Kids works directly with Mecklenburg County DSS to provide support to children in foster care, support to the social workers, and support for families seeking to foster children. The statistics are alarming for children in foster care that do not have an adequate support system. That is what CFK does, they wrap around the child to provide support to help the children thrive. —Sara Downing
My favorite non-profit is CORE Wrestling Inc., where I’m a volunteer coach. Our mission is to impact the lives of at risk and privileged youth athletes through CORE Values and CORE Skills. Our CORE Values are commitment, education, respect, and service. —Lee McNeer
As a volunteer at our local CMS school, I’ve been able to see the lack of funding in public education. I support DonorsChoose.org, because they make it easy to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experience they need for a great education. You can search the site by topics, teachers or schools to find a project that you want to support. —April Dodge
I proudly donate my time and money to Dress for Success Charlotte. They provide financial education, professional workshops, computer skills training, interviewing skills and that all-important suit to women in need! If you help lift a woman out of poverty, she brings six other people with her! —Marcia Merrill
Dress for Success is more than just a suiting program. They empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Especially important now with Covid-19's disproportionate economic and social impact on women. —Jessica Graham
F3 Foundation because it supports verifiable local community needs with local intel in various communities across the nation. Not 100% local impact, but the roots are. —Rob Miller
Fashion and Compassion is a unique program that provides employment for women who are struggling. Whether they are victims of sex trafficking, addiction, or refugees struggling to make it — they come together around a table to make jewelry, get work experience and plan for the future. Participants gain confidence and respect for different cultures. —Kalie Koivisto
I support Freedom School Partners because it prevents summer learning loss and provides quality enrichment experiences to children and families who most need yet can least afford them. FSP’s summer program focuses on literacy, socioemotional skills and self-efficacy and strives to close the achievement gap between low-income and affluent students. —Brian Bernhardt
Since 1976 our mission at Friendship Trays has been to deliver nutritious meals to elderly or infirm individuals in the Charlotte community who are unable to obtain or prepare their own meals. The organization cooks and couriers meals to the doorsteps of over 700 recipients. It delivers human connection and peace of mind to those that are isolated and lonely. —Gene Cochrane
Furnish for Good is a 501c3 non profit serving individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, poverty and other dire circumstances through the effective reuse of quality furniture and household donations. We want to move beyond simply handing out donated items — we want to transform lives by providing hope, dignity and a renewed sense of possibility for everyone we serve. —Peter Hollett
—Submissions compiled by Brie Chrisman
➡️ Look for the other 1/2 of the charities recommended by our community of paying subscribers in an email on Thursday. Or check out the full list here.
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Reporting intern: David Griffith