Our readers' picks: favorite local charities
For Giving Tuesday, a list of 60+ Charlotte-area organizations making our community better: improving education, aiding children in need, protecting the environment, supporting families in hard times
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, The Charlotte Ledger is publishing our third annual Charity Shout-Out today.
Earlier this month, we invited our community of paying members to write 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?
Readers wrote in about 64 charities. You can also find 2020’s list here and last year’s list here.
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Below, you’ll find links to the charity websites and brief descriptions from our members. 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 check out Share Charlotte, a clearinghouse that helps organize support of more than 600 Charlotte-area charities.
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.
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Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center
“This Charlotte nonprofit helps those with substance use disorders with detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and works throughout the community on efforts to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. They have some of the kindest, hardest-working staff around and deserve recognition for their service to our city. Anuvia has helped countless Charlotte residents achieve sobriety and reclaim their lives.” —Nicole Gardner
Assistance League of Charlotte
“Provides school uniforms, shoes, new underwear and hygiene kits to children in 25 high poverty schools!” —Ann Davis
“Baby Bundles is a longstanding non-profit committed to helping new mothers and babies get a positive start in life together. This group has a proven record of success and will put 2,100 bundles in the hands of moms who separately need this ‘baby shower in a bag’ that clothes the baby for 12 months. This organization is super fun to volunteer with and you feel so productive building bundles!” —Emily Harry
“Hi! I am one of the co-founders of baby bundles! Two friends and I started this charity 11 years ago to honor the infant children we all lost. We have loved being a part of something that honors our children while helping other moms/families who need some extra help in our community! Baby Bundles reaches so many families in need and provides them with a little extra hope and help for their newborn.” —Cat Long
Baby Bundles provides infant clothing and blankets to mothers in need as they leave the hospital. (Photo courtesy of Baby Bundles)
“I have supported Baby Bundles for years in various ways because of all they do to help families in need. Last year, my brother and sister-in-law lost a child and found immense support through the organization and their team. It was a reminder of why I love this charity so much and how important their work is in our community. Thank you BABY BUNDLES!” —Meredith Tomascak
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Charlotte
“In Charlotte, there are a lot of kids in situations where they need a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters does a great job of connecting people to help foster these relationships. A ‘big’ acts as a role model, a person to talk to and someone to offer another perspective. My ‘little’ is now bigger than me and in college, and I’m lucky to have had the chance to get to know him and see him mature from a great kid to a great young man.” —Chris Corcoran
“The Blue Ridge Conservancy has been protecting scenic, fragile, and culturally significant lands in the Charlotte area for over 25 years. I support BRC because land conservation is more important than ever in high-growth areas like western N.C., with its rising populations and dwindling natural spaces.” —Laura Paynter
“The Chetty study left the community scratching their heads about the current state of economic mobility in our community. This was our call to action to create the Boost Pad. The mission of The Boost Pad is to provide the resources women and BIPOC founders need to create sustainable business.” —Steven Lewis
“Brave Step empowers individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence. They help impacted adults reclaim the life they deserve, foster brave public conversations about sexual violence and cultivate courageous change-makers.” —Michael J. Solender
“Brave Step supports adult survivors of sexual violence. The founder is a true inspiration. She had the courage to share her story and help other adults who have experienced sexual abuse or violence as children — many of whom stayed silent about their experiences well into adulthood. Brave Step helps those adults to process and to heal, supports public conversations about sexual violence and fosters a strong community of support.” —Nicole Gardner
“I support this charity because of the amazing work they do to impact women both locally and globally. The organization does so much to help women ‘transform pain to purpose’ in our local community. Also, I think it is really cool that some of their artisans design and create the products they sell, which is unique for many non-profits.” —Rhett Postal
“Great organization in Charlotte that helps women overcome trauma and provides them with a strong community to help them build purposeful lives.” —Erin Diehl
“Love to see this organization rescuing foods (from the landfill) and giving out to community members in need! Win WIN!” —Amy Aussieker
Camp Thunderbird
“Camp Thunderbird has been changing lives for 85 years. Thunderbird is best known for day and resident camping. Kids need a meaningful camp experience today more than ever. I volunteer, and I give to this local treasure so more kids can experience this special place.” —Sloane Mayberry
“Carolina Waterfowl Rescue provides incredible care to waterfowl and many other creatures that would be ignored otherwise. They rarely say no to an animal in need. CWR does an amazing job utilizing social media (master storytellers) and educating their readers about rescue, caring for wildlife and so much more. They are angels on earth.” —Lesley O’Connor
The Center for Community Transitions
“If we are going to stop the cycle and increase economic mobility, we must help people with criminal records navigate paths toward healthy and productive lives. Second-chance employers are critically important, and CCT gives people the tools they need to be successful employees for those companies.” —Melissa Treadaway
“The Charlotte Boxing Academy’s creed and purpose has been to make life champions with influence of good character, academic achievement, high school and college graduation, and contributing life citizens of the community through positive mentoring, boxing coaches and competitions. Youth boxing ages 10-18.” —James Schepp
Charlotte ToolBank
“As a longtime volunteer, I have watched it grow from a small construction-based tool lending organization to a community-wide supporter of special events, increasing its broader appeal to the entire spectrum of organizations. Award-winning within its national network.” —Dave Peterson
“With the ToolBank, you get to support many nonprofits and community agencies across the city. The ToolBank lends tools and special event items to organizations at 80% of the cost. This savings allows the organizations to contribute more funds to achieve their mission. If you have seen blue tools on your community projects, you have worked with the ToolBank.” —Sara Downing
Volunteers help build a playground at Marie G. Davis School with the help of tools from the Charlotte ToolBank. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte ToolBank)
“Where does your local school get tools for their fall clean up? Where does your neighborhood get games for a block party? From the Charlotte ToolBank, of course! ToolBank’s lending library of more than 15,000 items are available to charitable organizations in our community for all their projects and events!” —Maureen Krueger
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Foundation
“The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Foundation is the non-profit partner of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that raises private funds to support the district’s highest strategic priorities in instruction, staffing, technology and other areas. These investments in innovative ideas and programs help accelerate system-wide transformation that have a meaningful, sustainable impact on our students and educators.” —Adam Bernstein
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
“I have supported the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (CTC) for years and serve as chair of the Board of Directors. CTC is committed to making the theatre available to everyone from an early age — whether this is through one of our well-known productions such as ‘Annie’ or through The Kindness Project, which is original works created at CTC that encourage kindness. Help celebrate CTC’s 75th anniversary this year by making a donation!” —Mitchell Kelling
“Claire’s Army seeks to serve families, love kids and fight pediatric cancer. They support families with kids fighting cancer by providing gas cards, meals, home payments, car payments, utility payments, etc. Claire was a 2-year-old who lost her battle to neuroblastoma, and the Army is the way to continue her story and tell other kids ‘I got you’ as Claire did.” —Kevin Fox
“This nonprofit provides immediate, on-the-ground support for families as they begin and sustain their pediatric cancer journey. They provide financial assistance, meals and a support network to help these families through these very challenging times.” —Shawn Flynn
Claire’s Army provides support and materials to families of children fighting pediatric cancer. (Photo courtesy of Claire’s Army)
“Nearly 50% of CMS schools are classified as Title I, which means many students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The families also cannot afford school supplies. Classroom Central supports teachers in Title I schools in greater Charlotte by providing free school supplies that they can use for their students. Our family has volunteered with supply drives, fundraising and board leadership, in addition to being consistent donors ourselves.” —Suzanne Meeker
“Compassionate assistance to help people find decent affordable housing.” —Ann Davis
“I’d like to give a shout out to CORE Wrestling for their work with boys and girls in our community. I’ve seen children learn about the importance of hard work, determination and overcoming adversity. I’ve seen kids gain self-confidence that wasn’t there when they walked through the door that morning. This team is changing and bringing together our community one child at a time!" —Carrington Dillon
E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide
“E2D refurbishes and redistributes low-cost laptops into communities that otherwise would struggle to afford them. They have distributed over 20,000 computers to Charlotte Region families just since the outset of Covid. There has never been a more important moment for digital inclusion than right now, and E2D’s work remains essential.” —Pat Millen
E2D seeks to bridge the digital divide by working to ensure that families have the computers and internet access, and works to expose young people to careers in information technology. (Photo courtesy of E2D)
“The Echo Foundation is Charlotte's very own international justice organization, annually hosting Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners to help students and teachers study global causes. Founded by Elie Wiesel and Stephanie Ansaldo, Echo is Charlotte’s voice around the world promoting human dignity, social justice and moral courage. Amplify the power of education!” —Beth Haenni
“Envision Charlotte leads Charlotte’s progress as a global Smart City through innovations that strengthen economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and positive community impacts. Envision Charlotte has recently embarked on transitioning Charlotte's linear economy to a circular economy by reducing our waste going to landfill.” —Darlene Heater
“Envision Charlotte is focused on creating a more sustainable city. From promoting proper recycling to addressing material landfill diversion to managing programs to collect bubble wrap, PakTechs and brewery grain bags, just to name a few. The Innovation Barn in its first year had over 15,000 visitors and had over 3,000 volunteer hours. Their outreach is making an impact in Charlotte and in cities across the country!” —Kim Marks
“FSP helps kids from poor and disadvantaged areas change their futures by preventing the 2 to 3 months of summer reading loss they would otherwise suffer. FSP increases literacy for kids that need it while showing them that their communities care about them. By doing so, it helps end cycles of dependency and increases social mobility. All that in an amazing summer program run by hundreds of student interns and staff.” —Brian Bernhardt
“Freedom School Partners serves vulnerable children (grades K-8) and families by providing a six-week literacy and enrichment camp program each summer that includes transportation, meals and snacks at no cost to participants. This nonprofit is meeting a critical need in our community by helping to prevent summer learning loss.” —Glenda Bernhardt
“Furnish for Good believes a home’s environment affects the mental health and housing sustainability of an individual. While keeping over 10,000 household items out of landfills, FFG recipients are able to share family dinners and conversations around your well-loved dining table, outfit a kitchen with your pots and pans and have a new mattress to dream on every night.” —Mary Beth Hollett
Get Your Rear In Gear - Charlotte
“Breaking down barriers to colorectal cancer screening and treatment in Charlotte is our mission. Get Your Rear In Gear provides over $100,000 annually to community partners and directly to patients and survivors to increase screening access and help cover financial needs. The signature event is a 5k walk/run in March.” —Philip Sanford
Greater Steps Scholarship Fund
“Greater Steps provides both funds and mentoring support for area students who are/were residents of Charlotte’s public housing programs. Donations can be designated for immediate use or to add to the endowment. After our children finished college, we chose to continue to fund college tuition for a student annually. Hearing from the recipients is truly inspiring.” —Stephen Valder
Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County
“Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County believes everyone deserves a place to call home. The need for safe, stable homes has never been greater. The ability to afford decent housing is out of reach for too many families. Habitat Gaston partners with families to make their dream of homeownership possible.” —Kay Peninger
Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church
“Friendly, encouraging services and programs. Wonderful outreach including Room In The Inn (homeless), Alcoholics Anonymous, preschool, music camp, youth mission trips, studies and family-friendly Wednesday Night events (with dinners). Vibrant, multi-generational, traditional/contemporary/blended worship services (with nursery) in an inspiring, 107-year old sanctuary in Elizabeth/Plaza-Midwood. All are welcomed.” —Tommy Lawing, Jr.
Heart Math Tutoring
“Heart Math Tutoring works to ensure Charlotte-area elementary students develop the strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success, using volunteers as tutors. Volunteers commit for 1 hour/week and are matched with a student for one-on-one tutoring sessions, supported by a curriculum and on-site coordinator.” —Suzanne Hunt
Heart of the Carolinas UU Animal Ministry
“This nonprofit, organized in 2019, frees dogs who are chained or confined in small spaces by building fences equipped with dog houses and sun/rain protection. It costs nothing for owners but is life-changing for their dogs, many of whom have endured extreme hardship.” —Bruce Henderson
“Holy Angels provides the best love and care for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and the medically fragile. This nonprofit has served this population for 67 years and provides the highest quality of life for these remarkable residents.” —Shawn Flynn
“The work Ben Paige is doing in Grier Heights is truly amazing. The kids in that area have been transformed, if they buy in. Staying in school, graduating, playing sports and staying out of trouble. They need this city to rally around them just like Ben and his wife have. There are even more that can be served if we all pitch in.” —Brett Boner
“The Independent Picture House is the new nonprofit arthouse cinema in Charlotte. The 3-screen cinema has a wonderful community feel and a commitment to bringing people together through the shared experience of film. I support this charity because of their mission to educate, enable and engage the community through diverse programming and outreach focused on independent and foreign films and filmmakers.” —Kendra Dodds
“An extraordinary organization that has for 42 years supported persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their own goals for a satisfying, productive life! Serving over 1,000 individuals and their families yearly, InReach engages individuals in community activities, lifelong learning, volunteer and job opportunities and safe and affordable housing.” —Sandy DuPuy
InReach’s Melody Makers singing group and bell ringers perform at the annual Dream Maker luncheon, one of the two big fundraisers InReach hosts each year. (Photo courtesy of InReach)
“A friend of mine started this charity to address the racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Tomeka Isaac lost her son and almost lost her life a few years ago while pregnant. Unfortunately, pregnancy complications are much greater for black women. The goal of the organization is to help improve maternal/fetal healthcare disparities through education, advocacy and community engagement.” —Chris Corcoran
The Junior League of Charlotte
“The Charlotte Junior League is a great place to learn about our community, to make new friends for life, and to learn the importance of volunteering in our community. Members are 20-100 years old. It began 97 years ago and is going strong today with over 2,000 members. Helped start the Charlotte Nature Museum, Discovery Place, Levine Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center, Charlotte Speech and Hearing, Thompson Child Development Center.” —Lisa Tomlinson
Make-A-Wish of Central and Western NC
“We support Make-A-Wish of Central and Western NC because children who are battling critical illnesses deserve hope and joy, and because wishes support better health outcomes for the kids and critical emotional support for their families. MAWCWNC grants 300+ wishes annually to children who are our neighbors, friends and classmates. When you see the face of a Wish kid, you will understand the impact and know that it was worth the investment.” —Peter and Debra Smul
Memory & Movement Charlotte
“This nonprofit medical practice cares for those with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. More than that, the practice cares for caregivers. If you or a loved one has suffered from this affliction or cared for someone who has, you understand the power of combining medicine, compassion and care.” —Ken Garfield
“MiraVia provides love, caring, and support — financial, material and emotional — to young women who become unexpectedly pregnant. They give young mothers the strength and courage to thrive, all free of charge.” —Andrew Dunn
“Mitchell is my late son. Mitchell’s House is a project of Mitchell's Fund and a safe place offering counseling and play therapy services to children with serious illnesses, their parents and siblings. When a child is diagnosed, it can impact the entire family, who can become anxious, overwhelmed and exhausted. Mitchell’s House offers services regardless of a family’s ability to pay.” —Meg McElwain
“I volunteer my time with Mitchell’s House. The licensed clinicians and play therapists provide services like trauma-informed therapy and coping skills; medical play, art and sand tray therapy; sibling and parent support groups; and procedural preparation and end-of-life therapy.” —Grace Schlernitzauer
Mitchell's House is a project of Mitchell's Fund, which offers counseling, play therapy and support to families of children with serious illnesses. (Photo courtesy of Mitchell's Fund)
N.C. Health News/Charlotte Ledger Health Reporting Partnership
“The nonprofit N.C. Health News and The Charlotte Ledger have teamed up to enhance reporting on healthcare in Charlotte. This innovative partnership funds the work of a reporter and makes smart and original articles on local health care available to all. Having an independent source of information helps people make better decisions about their lives, gives a voice to patients and holds institutions accountable.” —Tony Mecia
“NCHN focuses on impactful local stories that are overlooked by national media. By zooming in on health care in particular and with an RN as editor in chief and founder, NCHN reporters build expertise to ask real, data-driven questions about what affects local communities.” —Yen Duong
“OurBridge integrates immigrant and refugee kids and parents into the community through after school and summer education and recreation programs. These kids get opportunities to enjoy their culture and other cultures while learning necessary skills.” —Steve Yaffe
Peninsula Community Foundation
“Founded in 2001, the Peninsula Community Foundation (PCF) is an all-volunteer organization that has contributed over $2,000,000 to local charities in the communities of North Mecklenburg County. PCF brings people, capital and ideas together to address the unmet needs of the young, poor, distressed, elderly and handicapped in Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson.” —Scott Keadle
“Per Scholas North Carolina offers free technology training for people under-represented in tech industries. Courses are rigorous, ranging from IT support to cybersecurity to software engineering. Learners also get coaching on interview skills and other professional development topics. Per Scholas boosts economic mobility while adding to our skilled workforce.” —Andrea Cooper
“This campaign raises funds and awareness for breast cancer prevention, treatment and research by selling pink bows to put on mailboxes in October. It started in Ballantyne in 2007 and is now in over 50 neighborhoods around Charlotte. This year, the proceeds are going to GoJenGo, another Charlotte non-profit that provides financial assistance to patients and their families. I have been a neighborhood captain for 5 years and am proud to support others!” —Suzanne Meeker
The Pink Bow Campaign sells pink bows to raise money and awareness for breast cancer prevention, treatment and research. (Photo courtesy of Pink Bow Campaign)
“Presby Psych, a Charlotte nonprofit mental health counseling center, provides free and financially assisted therapy to vital community groups who suffer stress as part of their jobs, including police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers and teachers — 118 of these heroes so far in 2022 alone — a 25% increase over 2021.” —Ken Gepfert
“Project Scientist, founded in Charlotte in 2013, provides after-school and summer STEM programs for girls in multiple cities. The goal: to cultivate their confidence in their abilities in science, technology, engineering and math. Project Scientist served its 20,000th girl this year. It started with six girls in Dilworth!” —Andrea Cooper
“Project2Heal (P2H) helps provide service dogs to veterans in need to combat veteran suicides and help them heal. P2H breeds and nurtures Labrador Retriever puppies and donates them to carefully selected service dog organizations. This reduces the cost and time it takes to place a service dog with a person in need. They do a great job involving the community to help with the puppies, have camps for kids and really make a difference.” —Liz Lewis
“I have personally witnessed the good work the Salvation Army can do. The Salvation Army provides assistance, shelter and work to people whose lives are broken. The Salvation Army is very efficient with the money it raises.” —James Schepp
“SHARE Charlotte makes it so easy for neighbors, nonprofits and businesses to come together through good to support our local community. This year, SHARE Charlotte celebrates its 10th anniversary — that's 10 years of ‘Doing Good’ by connecting volunteers and financial resources to our local nonprofits, providing critical nonprofit training, networking and support to more than 600 Charlotte nonprofits.” —Darlene Heater
SHARE Charlotte provides support to more than 600 local nonprofits. It’s holding a celebration today at Community Matters Cafe in uptown. (Photo courtesy of SHARE Charlotte)
Social Venture Partners Charlotte
“Did you know that some entrepreneurs put their talents to work for social good? My favorite charity, Social Venture Partners Charlotte, is an incredibly unique nonprofit that invests in and strengthens innovative nonprofits who are tackling our community’s greatest challenges by leveraging a network of engaged philanthropists.” —Mark Weber
“SCC staff and volunteers operate year-round to fundraise at Charlotte Motor Speedway and community events to support children in need. Annually, they give back to the Charlotte region by supporting non-profits who directly impact children who need help the most. All funds stay in the greater Charlotte area.” —Scott Cooper
“Stand for Animals is Charlotte’s innovative leader in delivering affordable spay-neuter and veterinary care. This pioneering NPO stands for all pets — and their humans — by making these services accessible to all. Since 2011, SFA has cared for 100,000+ pets, performed 105,000+ surgeries and prevented more than 1 million unwanted/orphaned litters.” —Adam Bernstein
“Sustain Charlotte works to make it easier and safer for everyone to live, work, travel and play in a healthy, equitable, vibrant community that prioritizes more sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, parks, greenways, and trees; less displacement with more diverse neighborhoods; and a fast, reliable public transit network. Sustain Charlotte advocates for transportation and land use options that will make our community welcoming to everybody who lives here now and in the future.” —Lauren Sawyers
“SAA-Charlotte was created in 2017 and has granted more than $700,000 to fund cancer research at Levine Children’s & LCI. All donations to SAA-Charlotte stay in our community. Swim Across America has 25 charity swims across the US that have raised $100M (since 1987) and helped lead to new treatments such as Keytruda, Opdivo, and Yervoy, giving hope to families fighting cancer.” —Rob Butcher
“The Teaching Fellows Institute invests in outstanding Mecklenburg County teachers to promote teacher retention and student success. A TFI fellow said, “TFI has been the biggest way I stay up to date on educational practices and thought. I feel encouraged and inspired as I sit with other educators from Charlotte to exchange ideas, learn from the best, and share in our common passion of serving today’s kids.’” —Barbara Caldwell
“For 30 years, THC has provided physical and mental health care from medical professionals specifically trained in the unique needs of teens and their families and has seen the need for mental health services double in the last 2 years. THC also provides parent education, teen leadership development and research.” —Sandy DuPuy
“No greater mission than this: ‘We empower children & families to achieve their goals through trauma-informed mental health, family stability, and early childhood services.’ I have volunteered for this organization for many years — and its history of good works in Charlotte is legendary. This organization is lead by extremely talented individuals; not only the best in their fields, but careful stewards of every dollar that they receive.” —Cantey Brown
“Vision to Learn, started in 2018 by Renee & Hugh McColl, provides free eye exams & eyeglasses to children in underserved communities. We bring two mobile eye clinics to CMS schools to provide services. VTL has provided over 15,000 eye exams and over 13,000 eyeglasses in Charlotte. Help us help Charlotte children succeed in school and life.” —Hugh McColl III
“WSCLT develops affordable housing options focused on areas at high risk of displacement. Its governance and membership are majority community led. It was originated by residents, for residents. I’m able to support with time and money knowing that it is supporting the real needs of the community.” —Stephen Valder
“News with no name-calling and general avoidance of inflammatory language. Lots of local focus, shout out to Ann Doss Helms for her CMS reporting, and for dedicated climate reporting by David Boraks.” —Angelia Natili
“ZABS Place mission is to help young adults with special needs harness their own special talents and prepare them to transition to rewarding careers and realize their dreams of leading meaningful lives.” —Michael J. Solender
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Contributing photographer/videographer: Kevin Young, The 5 and 2 Project