Our readers' picks: favorite local charities
From arts to education to human services, Ledger members recommend 57 Charlotte-area charities that could use your support this holiday season
Charlotte is filled 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, The Charlotte Ledger is publishing our fifth annual Charity Shout-Out today.
Last month, we invited our community of paying members to write about the charities they most admire. 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 this year wrote in about 57 charities, and we divided them into categories below so you can more easily find causes that interest you:
You can find our previous lists here: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
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Below, you’ll find links to the charity websites and brief descriptions from Ledger 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 700+ Charlotte-area charities, including volunteer opportunities.
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.
ARTS
“Everyone deserves access to art and music and all the benefits they bring. But for a lot of people, financial barriers get in the way. Arts+ does an amazing job breaking down those barriers and making arts education available to everyone.” —Jon Littlepage
“I’ve never seen an organization grow so fast and generate so much excitement for community outreach and promotion of the arts! IPH is actively living their mission to ‘engage, educate and enable the Charlotte community through the art of film’ and I’m very proud of what we are accomplishing.” —Tom Eiselt
“As the only nonprofit community and arthouse cinema in Charlotte, The Independent Picture House fills a void for movie lovers and casual movie-goers. Through post-screening talkbacks and community screenings and programs, along with affordable rental rates for filmmakers, creatives, educators, and nonprofits, IPH provides a space for individuals to grow in their understanding of local obstacles, world affairs and the art of filmmaking.” —Claire Lechtenberg
The Independent Picture House, The Charlotte Ledger and CXN Advisory teamed up this year on a movie series featuring discussions with critic Lawrence Toppman, like this conversation in May about “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
“The Charlotte ToolBank is a MUST for Mecklenburg County nonprofits! E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide relies on the equipment that the ToolBank team has to offer. Having access to ToolBank’s large list of supplies is incredibly helpful toward our mission of ending the digital divide for all Charlotte/Mecklenburg residents.” —Pat Millen
“The Charlotte ToolBank is the backbone of community impact, providing over 1,100 charitable organizations with affordable tools and event supplies. With 13,000+ items in our inventory, every dollar donated helps organizations strengthen communities, revitalize spaces, and create lasting change where it’s needed most — including Western North Carolina.” —Maureen Krueger
“Freedom Communities is creating lasting change in Charlotte by empowering families and providing opportunities for a brighter future. With over 510 mothers and children impacted and 800+ affordable housing options preserved, built and in development, we’re expanding access in underserved areas.” —Suzanne Hunt
“The volunteers and the service they provide to their local community keeps everyone’s needs visible, and actively shows support through giving and kindness in real time for those who need it.” —Lorraine Thedinga
“Sustain Charlotte has been instrumental in advocating for policies that promote responsible growth, sustainable transportation and environmental conservation in the Charlotte area. From influencing transit expansion plans to shaping climate action goals, they're improving quality of life for residents and helping make the city more resilient to future challenges.” —Lauren Sawyers
The Junior League of Charlotte
“The JLC is celebrating 99 years of service in Charlotte this year and both supports the community with volunteer time and dollars, as well as supports women in developing leadership skills.” —Christina Gratrix
“Celebration and commemoration of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s rich history as the location of the first declaration of independence in America, on May 20, 1775.” —Scott Syfert
“Engages a broad grouping of Charlotte society — history, education, parks and recreation, and civic pride.” —Charles Jonas
“Recognizing our community leaders from the past that made a difference.” —Ron Hankins
“The Trail of History is Charlotte’s Only Outdoor History Museum. Our mission is to recapture and preserve the significance of key people who contributed to the history, growth and development of Mecklenburg County by erecting larger-than-life representative statues along the urban section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.” —Scott Syfert
“The Trail of History’s salute to Mecklenburg's history began with the beautiful statue of Captain Jack and now includes 11 beautiful bronze statues recognizing very significant people who formed Charlotte’s history. There are 10 planned additional sites for statues which will represent historical figures across the centuries.” —Al Brown
“As a board member, I’m proud of how the Trail represents Charlotte’s diversity across the sweep of the area’s rich 250-year history.” —Jessica Graham
The Trail of History includes 11 bronze statues that honor significant figures in Charlotte’s history, like Philip Van Every, who expanded Lance from its surplus-peanut foundations into a snack-making powerhouse.
EDUCATION
“I have been an ALP tutor for over 10 years and gladly support them financially, too. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that provides free, high-quality literacy tutoring in high-need schools. ALP provides in-depth training to every tutor, high-quality measurable curriculum that has demonstrated results and a supportive staff in schools for tutors.” —Carol Gray-Adler
“ALP is a proven method of tutoring children grades 1-3 to get them to an age-appropriate reading level. Tutors are all volunteers. ALP is wholeheartedly endorsed by and works with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system.” —Des Keller
“Augustine Literacy in partnership with CMS is attacking early literacy deficits with in-person and virtual tutoring. Both methods are highly successful. Students are making incredible progress and tutors say the time spent is the best part of their day. A win for everyone! More students are waiting for tutors. You can make a real difference!” —Margaret Marshall
“Augustine Literacy Program (ALP) provides tutors to schools with primarily low-income students (Title 1 schools). This non-profit recruits volunteers and provides excellent training to prepare us on a well-researched and tested method of teaching reading to early elementary students. The results have shown students to have significant improvement.” —Ellen Holliday
“The charity, through volunteers, helps mostly first and second graders in 22 Title I schools in Charlotte catch up to grade level reading abilities.” —Alex Degernes
“Its tagline says it all: ‘Tutor one child. Change two lives.’ ALP is intergenerational and apolitical. ALP pairs children who need extra attention and encouragement with adults who are willing to make a major time commitment to help one child not only learn to read, but gain self-confidence and a new friend.” —Lisa Saunders
“I am a trained volunteer with ALP and have found it to be the best literacy program that continues to grow and evolve as needs change and can help transform the children’s lives learning to read.” —Karen Shea
“ALP is changing the future lives of more than 500 aspiring readers by providing one-on-one tutoring to those students that have fallen behind and need concentrated assistance and encouragement from kind and trained tutors.” —Mike Blair
“ALP makes a difference. As a tutor, I am seeing huge growth as I work with a student from 1st to 2nd grade. As an observer for the League of Women Voters of all Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board meetings, I watch the reports in terms of meeting the district’s literacy goals and I see the results. There is good news.” —Laura Cooper
“I’ve seen firsthand how The Boost Pad is transforming Charlotte’s entrepreneurial community. I’ve watched nearly 100 driven founders go through its incubator program, gaining the resources and mentorship needed to build impactful businesses.” —Douglas Neal
“Charlotte’s only K-12 civic literacy and student leadership education organization, GenerationNation is developing a new generation of leaders for Charlotte and beyond. Students learn first-hand how their governments and communities work and build knowledge, skills, experience, social capital and opportunity for leadership now and into college, career, and civic life.” —Amy Farrell
“HEART Math Tutoring gets students on track for academic success by working with students on basic math skills. I have been a tutor for 12 years, and you don't have to be a math superstar to help a child. HEART works with over 1,000 students in CMS, and more are waiting for a tutor. Sign up today!” —Margaret Marshall
“The nonprofit was started by an N.C. State student who is working to build classrooms for a school in El Salvador.” —Rick Rothacker
“I support TFI because excellent teachers need to be recognized and championed. Research shows the No. 1 reason students succeed academically is their relationship with a teacher. TFI celebrates good teachers and through their alumni programs continues to promote good teaching.” —Ann Hannah
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
“I have been a member of the board for several years. We help to improve the parks in the county.” —Greg Austin
“Partners for Parks aims to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Mecklenburg County and the surrounding region by preserving, promoting and enhancing the parks, greenways, open spaces, active play and recreational opportunities within our community.” —Jennifer Brooks
“Partners for Parks supports parks, greenways, recreation and open space in Mecklenburg County and the surrounding region. They advocate for more budget from Mecklenburg County and focus on being sure that these facilities and programs are serving all parts of our community, especially the underserved corridors of opportunity.” —Al Brown
“I love our parks here in Mecklenburg County, and P4P does an excellent job promoting and enhancing our parks for the entire community.” —Matthew Ridenhour
“Their trail is a wonderful place to walk through our greenway.” —Ron Hankins
“Advocates and raises funds and awareness about the importance of our parks, open space and recreation for all.” —Beth Poovey
HEALTHCARE
“Assist ME collects gently used medical equipment and gifts it to underinsured Charlotteans in need. Having essential rehab equipment speeds patients' recovery, their ability to care for family and return to work — restoring dignity and enriching community.” —Ann Marie Beurle
“Support Claire’s Army to provide vital assistance to families battling pediatric cancer. Their compassionate services offer financial aid, hospital meals and essential support, allowing families to focus on their child’s care. This is a ‘family’ who are on the front lines supporting other families on their worst days.” —Shawn Flynn
Claire’s Army provides support and materials to families of children fighting pediatric cancer. (Photo courtesy of Claire’s Army)
Cook Community Clinic, formerly known as Lake Norman Community Health Clinic
“Cook Community Clinic believes everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy life. Over the past 26 years, CCC has been a place of hope and healing for almost 10,000 uninsured neighbors in our community. They offer a place where people feel welcomed and loved – where trust leads to hope. When people have hope that their future will be healthier, they’re already halfway to healing.” —Sarah Porter
“I am proud to support the Go Jen Go Foundation, which is an incredible community resource that provides hope and critical support to families who are facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. Currently, the foundation supports approximately 90 families per month in the greater Charlotte area.” —Jenni Walker
“Holy Angels, a nonprofit supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is raising funds for four backup generators to protect residents in its community group homes during power outages. Your donation ensures safe, uninterrupted care, offering stability, dignity and peace of mind to those who need it most.” —Shawn Flynn
“I’m a big fan of HopeWay, an accredited nonprofit mental health treatment organization that helps clients find hope and healing. Seeing firsthand what they are doing to provide extraordinary mental health services for adults, teens, veterans and first responders is truly inspiring.” —Jenni Walker
The Ivey Brain Health & Wellness Center
“The Ivey Brain Health & Memory Wellness Center, in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, was founded in 2008 by Lynn Ivey. The Ivey is a respite club, offering memory wellness programs for those living with cognition challenges, as well as support for caregivers. Services include brain-health workshops, keeping brains healthy for aging well.” —Rachel Sutherland
Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina
“Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina grants wishes for children with critical illnesses in our area. There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing the incredible impact a wish can have on a child and their family at a time when they desperately need strength, hope and joy.” —Peter Smul
“Mitchell’s House is the first-of-its-kind, non-profit counseling center in the U.S. to focus on children and families facing medical trauma. Mitchell's House children have cancer, rare genetic disorders, cardiac conditions, sickle cell disease. When a child is the patient, counseling is important for the whole family.” —Meg McElwain, CEO
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)
Planned Parenthood — Charlotte Health Center
“Reproductive rights are essential for the well-being of women, families and the community. PP serves a valuable service!” —Theresa Nardi
“For over 30 years, THC has provided physical and mental health services to teens and their families from professionals trained in their unique needs while also providing family and community education, teen leadership development and research. THC adapted quickly to meet the increased requests for critical teen mental health services.” —Sandy DuPuy
“My husband and I co-founded Vision To Learn Charlotte in 2018. VTL provides vision screenings, eye exams and glasses to children at their schools and community organizations with mobile vision clinics at no cost to the children or their families.” —Renee and Hugh McColl III
HUMAN SERVICES
“Founded by a Davidson College grad and based in Davidson, Access2Success seeks to break the cycle of poverty in Nigeria through programs of education, career development and community empowerment, including by operating an after-school academy for more than 250 students, awarding scholarships and supporting entrepreneurs.” —Robert Hesselbacher
Assistance League of Charlotte
“I am a member-volunteer at Assistance League of Charlotte, which I also support financially. We feed, we clothe, we mentor, and we educate through our philanthropic programs. We provide school uniforms for CMS students, operate food pantries, run Mecklenburg County Teen Court and have a college scholarship program.” —Kathleen Reardon
“Baby Bundles is entering its 15th year serving the Charlotte community and will deliver over 3,000 bundles or baby showers in a bag to moms and babies who desperately need the essentials in the bundle. This bundle provides HOPE to thousands of families!” —Emily Harry
“Founder/Director Ira Lawrence and Bunk 57 are helping to restore lives and create a safer community. They mentor teens to develop their character, nurture resilience and build life skills. They also help support a positive re-entry to society for people who were formerly incarcerated.” —Grace McLain
“Charlotte Clubhouse offers non-clinical work-ordered day programming for adults living with mental illness, following the Clubhouse International model. We provide a safe space where members can grow job skills, find meaningful work/education opportunities, connect to resources, engage in socialization and more to increase quality of life and return to independent living!” —Larry A. Clark
“The Charlotte Moms Foundation brings HOPE and JOY to families during the holidays by meeting REAL NEEDS in our community! With a 100% volunteer team, every single dollar goes directly to helping local moms and kids feel seen, valued and fully supported. —Jess Kawski
“I’ve supported Dress for Success Charlotte for over 10 years and have the honor of chairing the board this year. Since 2000, DFSC has empowered 12,000+ women with resources like professional attire and workforce development programs, helping them achieve economic independence through job readiness, acquisition, retention and career advancement.” —Jessica Graham
“Emerald School of Excellence is a recovery high school that provides amazing support for the educational, social and mental health needs of their students. It’s a safe and loving place designed to allow their students the environment they need to thrive. I’m excited to support them because of the innovative and creative ways they are changing lives.” —Michele Juliana
“When our neighbors go hungry, it’s not because there isn’t enough food, it’s because the food is not distributed to people who need it. Feeding Charlotte tackles this issue by rescuing freshly prepared food and getting it to people who need it while also reducing waste.” —Raj Merchant
“Friendship Circle’s mission is to help children and young adults with special needs find companionship and happiness through a variety of programs. Their programs help participants build friendships and feel included. They focus on abilities and celebrate individuality.” —Michael Solender
“Furnish for Good serves neighbors in need by repurposing donated furniture and household items. Their goal is to transform lives by providing hope, dignity and a new sense of possibility. From couches, dining tables and even a can opener - they provide a dignified experience of choice through a process of empowerment. Furnish for Good partners with over 35 agencies within Mecklenburg County serving people from various circumstances including homelessness, addiction, mental illness and domestic violence.” —Mary Beth Hollett
“GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte provides free therapeutic, educational and social programs for people with Down syndrome of all ages. It’s a place my teenage son with Down syndrome can call his OWN, meet with friends and feel belonging. GiGi’s Charlotte helps people with intellectual disabilities be their very best.” —Victoria Vila
“Good Friends Charlotte, a women-led nonprofit — founded in 1987 by friends who wanted to give back — is a philanthropic powerhouse, raising more than $6.2 million and serving more than 3,000 families annually, working in concert with 40 community partners. The 38th annual Gather & Give Luncheon is Dec. 12.” —Rachel Sutherland
Hearts United for Good Charlotte
“HUG Charlotte is a hands-on, dedicated, needs-based organization. They get in the trenches and truly talk to and listen to the people in need to find out what services or goods would help them the most, and then they just get it done! Every time!” —Linda Buckel
“InReach is celebrating 50 remarkable years of supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including my daughter, to reach their own goals for a satisfying, productive life! Serving over 1,100 individuals and their families yearly, InReach engages individuals in community activities, lifelong learning, volunteer and job opportunities and provides safe, affordable housing.” —Sandy DuPuy
“Matthews Help Center provides short-term help to individuals and families in the Greater Matthews area who have experienced a financial crisis. MHC, aided by community support, revenue from its Backporch Treasures thrift store, and over 200 volunteers, provided over $800,000 in assistance to more than 2,600 households last year.” —Robert Hesselbacher
“MiraVia is truly a lifeline for young women facing unexpected pregnancies. They don’t just offer temporary help—they’re there for the long haul, giving women real support and hope. It’s amazing what they do, and so important for sharing the joy of new life.” —Andrew Dunn
“NourishUp is far more than a ‘food bank.’ It is a nutrition educator, a friendly face delivering meals, a locally sourced and local resource serving our region.” —Jon Heaslet
“Purple Heart Homes hails from Statesville and endeavors to provide home upgrades for handicapped access and safety to and for disabled and honorably discharged Veterans. It was started by two Statesville veterans and has now expanded to multiple chapters around the country. They have recently expanded to building tiny homes for unhoused veterans.” —Angelia Natili
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte
“This House is a home to parents with a child hospitalized in Charlotte. Because of the support they get, they can focus time and energy on their child.” —Anita Pangle
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte
“As a volunteer over many years, I have witnessed the staff commitment to our community through the Center of Hope shelter, Christmas Center, emergency response and youth programs. Thousands of our underserved population benefit annually. The organization brings hope to those facing challenges.” —Mark Norman
“Youth Meditation teaches mindfulness meditation skills to young people, providing tools to deal with life and the many obstacles they will encounter over a lifetime. Kids need practical knowledge and effective tools for managing stress and anxiety and emotions as they navigate through adolescence. For me personally, mindfulness meditation has changed my life, and I can just imagine if I had those tools from an early age!” —Larry Clark
HUMAN RIGHTS
Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency
“CRRA welcomes legal refugees to our country of immigrants and facilitates their productive and independent integration into our society. CRRA helps, encourages and celebrates refugees on their path to becoming citizens. A bare-bones group with committed leadership, CRRA represents the best face of the USA.” —George Bohmfalk
“I’ve supported PFLAG Charlotte with gifts of time and treasure for years. Why? Because PFLAG Charlotte’s mission is to create a caring, just and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. That’s the kind of world I’d like to live in.” —Karen Graci
“PFLAG has helped our family immensely, as well as many others throughout the Charlotte region. As a retired minister, I have witnessed its work of support, education and advocacy for decades. PFLAG’s work is needed more than ever to protect and increase inclusivity of some of our most vulnerable citizens.” —Jane Summey
SOCIAL ADVOCACY
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
“They offer services that protect people’s safety, shelter, health and income and have a profound impact on the lives of those served. Their team of dedicated attorneys, paralegals and support staff work tirelessly to ensure access to justice for all—helping individuals secure their rights and protect their futures.” —Kelly Lynn
“This women-owned pet rescue provides respite for animals in shelters, sparing them from a kill shelter, and providing care and health care so that animals can bridge to forever homes. My son and daughter-in-law are fostering a sweet girl who is recovering from heartworm treatments, likely abandoned. She wants a family, so sweet and well-behaved and will be completely healthy — what a gift!” —Moira Quinn
Friends of CMAS (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Shelters)
“If you have a pet or just love animals, you need to know about Friends of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Shelter. They’re the fundraising arm of Animal Care and Control and help provide essential services like free rabies vaccines, spay & neuter clinics, animal welfare monitoring, pet reunification and of course, animal adoptions.” —M. Mustapha
“As former foster parents, we love the mission of Foster Village Charlotte to support and advocate for foster parents. They believe that strengthening the families and systems that surround a child experiencing foster care leads to a resilient next generation that breaks the cycle of childhood adversity.” —Christina Emmons
“Like most physicians, I didn’t think about national healthcare policy. After I retired and became involved with HCJ•NC, I’ve learned of the grievous shortcomings of our healthcare system that could be remedied with a tax-based universal system. HCJ•NC is interested only in bringing the peace of mind of guaranteed healthcare to all Americans.” —George Bohmfalk
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman