Our readers' picks for their favorite local charities
Our readers' picks for their favorite local charities
Have a glance at nearly 70 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?
(New to The Ledger? We’re an e-newsletter with local and business-y news and insights that’s quickly becoming one of Charlotte’s go-to sources for smart, engaging and thoughtful news and analysis. We offer free and paid subscriptions.)
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 is 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 on-going financial cost for children born with cleft lip and/or palate. Since most insurance does not cover on-going specialized care, many of these kids grow up with speech, feeding, emotional and social issues related to their cleft lip & 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 Café 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
GenerationNation engages students in positive and constructive civic discourse. Originally founded as KidsVoting, an organization that encouraged the habit of voting by holding mock elections, GenerationNation evolved into a holistic civic engagement organization. GenerationNation fights the coarsening of our civic discourse by teaching youth how to have productive political conversations. — Brian Francis
Girls Rock Charlotte teaches girls how to express themselves through rock music and film. Its camps and programs are life-changing. Participants form bands, write songs, and produce films under the instruction of industry professionals. Its scholarship program ensures opportunity for all. — Steve Dunn
Golden Retriever Rescue Club of Charlotte
Chartered in 1991, the Golden Retriever Rescue Club of Charlotte (GRRCC) has saved over 2,000 golden retrievers, labrador retrievers and retriever mixes. The club is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of unwanted, abused, neglected, abandoned or surrendered golden retrievers. — Christopher Corcoran
Greenbox Solutions' mission is to provide both the elderly and their caretakers with all of the education, preparation and resources that they will need to ensure a smooth transition to the next natural stage of life. They also sponsor local seniors with gifts like flowers and toiletries. — Alicia Broughton
50% of families with a pediatric cancer diagnosis will file for bankruptcy. With the help of HFH, families experiencing a financial burden are supported with grants that cover the costs of housing, utilities and transportation. This allows parents the opportunity to focus on their child's care and not their bank account. — Brian Hadley
The Holy Angels mission is to provide compassionate, dependable care and opportunities for high-quality living to those with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions through physical, social, spiritual, educational, vocational and emotional support. Since 1955, Holy Angels has provided a place for infants, children, and adults who cannot live unassisted. — Ben and Rosemary Dunn
Holy Angels is a mission of mercy — loving, living and learning for the differently able. The nonprofit helps kids and adults who are medically fragile or have intellectual developmental disabilities. The supportive staff truly do amazing work trying to help residents live his/her most independent life possible. The organization's inspirational work is what motivated me to change industries and call Holy Angels my own professional home. — Shawn Flynn
The Homeowners Impact Fund was started as a way for those that have the means to give back to end homelessness in our communities. At each home closing, each person gives a little and it will add up to a lot to help the homeless population with affordable housing. - Catharine Pappas
HopeVibes is a local charity focused on homeless community outreach. Their latest venture, the Hope Tank, provides a place for our homeless neighbors to shower and wash their clothes — bonus: it's mobile so they can travel to those in need. — Alicia Broughton
I AM 24/7 makes a much smaller impact than F3 Foundation, but in a much larger way. It's focused on impacting specific lives. They are "all in" 24/7. Pretty amazing commitment and generational impact where it's really needed. — Rob Miller
I want to promote icuTalks, a TED-type speaking ministry to promote mental wellness and work to remove the stigma around mental wellness. It's made a huge difference in my life and many others, and I happily volunteer and support this wonderful group. — Kurt Dyck
Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte
Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte provides social work and counseling for children, families and older adults in need. The nonprofit organization also provides emergency financial assistance, companionship for shut-ins and transportation/errand assistance for people struggling during the uncertain times. — Harriet Meetz
Diane Restaino has built Joedance into a solid non-profit, including a venue partnership with Charlotte Ballet, a film eligibility footprint that now includes four states, solid sponsorship levels, and consistently growing attendance and donations. In 11 years, Joedance has donated more than $205,000 to Atrium Health's Levine Children's Hospital. — Bert Woodard
Karaoke for Kidneys is an annual fundraiser that benefits the Pediatric Nephrology Center of Excellence at Levine Children's Hospital. This family friendly event includes raffle prizes, face painting, relay races, food, crafts, and karaoke! The event was held virtually this year. — Denise Wilcox
Want to help keep kids out of jail and families together? Thought you might. Life Connections, based in Charlotte, does just that by developing and mentoring adolescents through sessions with individuals and their parents. Please consider supporting our organization providing these exceptional educational experiences to create stronger and healthier families. — Matt Caragher
My shout-out is in support of the Matthews Free Medical Clinic, which provides free healthcare for low-income and uninsured members of our community in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. The clinic is not a walk-in clinic, but screens applicants to ensure that they are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and uninsured. The clinic receives no state or federal funding, but is able to serve our community because of private donations. — Taryn Mecia
The May 20th Society celebrates the history of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and is responsible for the Charlotte Liberty Walk and the Captain Jack statue on the Trail of History. In our growing community, it is important newcomers learn Charlotte's history and role in our nation's path to independence. — Stephen Fogg
Having lost a loved one to Parkinson's disease, I have a heart for Memory & Movement Charlotte. The nonprofit medical practice treats Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other forms of dementia. They care for patients and also support caregivers. They count on community support to cover its costs. — Ken Garfield
I donate to Mira Via because it has immediate, profoundly life-changing effects on young mothers in the Charlotte community. Mira Via provides safe, no-cost housing, childcare, and education opportunities on the campus of Belmont Abbey College for pregnant mothers from all backgrounds. — Cliff Edahl
We support OurBridge for Kids because they meet many critical needs for newly arrived and first generation American children in Charlotte. They not only offer educational and social-emotional learning opportunities for kids, but advocate for families and partner to ensure their access to nutrition and health resources. — Carrie Hanson
Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center
I’m a longtime supporter of Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center for their tireless efforts in supporting and bringing healing to children in Mecklenburg County who have been sexually and physically abused as well their leadership in coordinating efforts to stop sex trafficking in our community. Very powerful work! — Henry Breaux
I’m giving a shout-out to the fantastic folks at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. The staff work tirelessly to provide a safe, nurturing, and friendly environment for child victims of abuse in the Charlotte area. This is an organization of heroes! — Chris Socha
Playing for Others exists to give teens the opportunity to explore who they are and how they can give back to their community in a safe and welcoming space. We need more leaders, philanthropists, and creative visionaries, and Playing for Others is making it happen. — Katie Monson
Presbyterian Psychological Services
I support little-known Charlotte nonprofit Presbyterian Psychological Services because it reaches out to vulnerable and stressed-out members of our community such as first responders -- most recently healthcare workers, offering free and financially assisted therapy to help them cope with the stress of treating COVID patients. — Ken Gepfert
Project 2 Heal in Waxhaw raises and trains service dogs for veterans and those with medical needs. My husband and I believe In the work and are monthly donors (“Paw”tners). They regularly send moving, inspiring stories and videos of how their dogs change lives. Plus, live puppy cams, with audio! — Moira Quinn
Rainbow Express Ministries provides a place for adults with special needs to: belong; experience purpose through serving others; and grow in community and faith. Come get lunch at Feast with Friends (Thursdays) or fantastic coffee (hat tip Magnolia Coffee!) on Friday mornings – café resumes when safe for all. — Elizabeth Richter
Roof Above is the culmination of Urban Ministry Center and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte joining together as a single organization to have a greater impact on our mission to end homelessness. — Christopher Corcoran
I would like to give a shout-out to Liz Clasen-Kelly and the team at the Charlotte Men's Shelter / Roof Above. The tent camps along 12th Street and I-277 are testament to the explosion of homelessness in our community since last spring; Liz and her team are on the front lines of the effort to address this issue — Tim Whitmire
She Flew The Coop (SFTC) is a non-profit (501c3) women's empowerment organization made up of ambitious, energetic, dynamic women who support each other to reach their dreams and goals. We have seen women's lives be transformed through our work. They've launched businesses and/or creative projects, become more courageous in their workplace and everyday lives, left bad relationships, grown tremendously, become better friends, moms, wives, employers and employees, etc. — Sara Whitten
I support TreesCharlotte with my time and contributions. TreesCharlotte works to add to Charlotte's tree canopy through a variety of planting programs, engages people of all ages and backgrounds to be a part of planting trees for the future, deliberately promotes equity, and educates people on the value and importance of trees and how to properly care for them. Since their inception in 2012, they have planted or given away over 35,000 containerized trees and engaged over 18,000 volunteers. Great people, great organization. — Liz Lewis
Trees Charlotte is a public/provide nonprofit that promotes growing and diversifying Charlotte's urban forest. The organization is active in educating community citizens of the importance of a strong urban canopy and how to plant and preserve trees in your neighborhood. — Harriet Meetz
Veterans Bridge Home, as its name suggests, is an access bridge for veterans - providing them help transitioning to Civilian life. VBH staff's passion and caring have improved thousands of lives through introductions to available jobs, housing, medical, educational and social opportunities. VBH is a welcoming bridge to community and friends. — Joan Zimmerman
—Submissions compiled by Brie Chrisman
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Reporting intern: David Griffith