The Charlotte chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities celebrated a record-breaking Night of Joy Grant Celebration, awarding over $2 million to 95 local nonprofits—a major increase from last year’s total.

 

More than 400 children and charity representatives gathered for holiday festivities, enjoying treats, visits with Santa, and a dazzling ride through the Speedway Christmas lights.

 

Key community contributors included SCC Chairman Marcus Smith, Catwalk for Causes donors, and Coca-Cola Consolidated, which gifted an added $50,000.

 

Beneficiaries such as One7 Ministries received vital support for their outreach to local refugee and immigrant families.

 

SCC honored standout volunteers and celebrated its cumulative impact—over $79 million granted nationally since 1982—underscoring its commitment to helping every child overcome obstacles.

Charlotte’s spirit of giving shines brightest when neighbors unite for a common cause.

 

This holiday season, residents can amplify their impact through the SHARE Charlotte 2025 Holiday Giving Guide, highlighting 74 local nonprofits with clear, specific needs.

 

The guide spotlights organizations like Common Wealth Charlotte, providing financial counseling and stability for struggling families, Digi-Bridge, which sparks curiosity in STEM for local students, Beds for Kids, ensuring children have warm, safe sleeping spaces, and Right Moves For Youth, empowering students with support for academic and personal growth.

 

Residents are encouraged to browse the guide, connect with missions that resonate, and give—whether through donations, wish list items, or volunteering.

 

Your support can turn generous intentions into real change for Charlotte families this season.

College students at North Carolina A&T State University are finding vital support through the Aggie Moms Scholarship and Resource Foundation, a nonprofit established by seven dedicated mothers, including alumna Michelle Middleton.

 

Motivated by rising costs and increasing student hardships, the foundation works to meet pressing needs that often go unnoticed.

 

Care packages filled with essentials—laundry detergent, snacks, hygiene products—help ease daily burdens for students lacking basic supplies.

 

Recognizing that emotional health matters as much as financial relief, the nonprofit also provides free mental health support for families, fostering well-being on and off campus.

 

Scholarships are available through a video submission program, granting funds that directly help students carry on with their education.

 

The foundation’s impact goes beyond material aid, building a nurturing community of mothers who offer acceptance and reassurance to students far from home.

Taniyah McCormick, a junior at UNC Greensboro, has relied more on the Spartan Open Pantry after her $52 monthly SNAP benefits were suspended due to the federal government shutdown.

 

She’s among nearly 85,000 North Carolina college students affected, highlighting a widening campus hunger crisis.

 

According to the Student Basic Needs Coalition, almost 30% of students across five North Carolina campuses experience food insecurity.

 

Many students don’t realize they’re eligible for SNAP, so the Carolina Hunger Initiative launched NC College Food Benefits in January 2025, offering tailored SNAP information and an eligibility screener.

 

Even with these supports, the SNAP application remains challenging, says Andrew Mails-Saine of the Spartan Open Pantry.

 

At UNC Pembroke, more than half the students receive Pell Grants; the school provides vital resources and peer guidance for SNAP applications.

 

With food prices rising and demand growing, local pantries distribute thousands of pounds of food weekly—easing hardship for students working multiple jobs or sending money home.

Charlotte’s creative spirit is set to flourish with $1.723 million in 2025 Creative Growth Grants awarded to 106 local artists and organizations.

 

This significant investment highlights the city’s support for a robust arts community, strengthening the vibrant cultural landscape that shapes Charlotte’s identity.

 

The grants are distributed across three categories: operational support for grassroots nonprofits, funding for innovative projects and events, and professional development opportunities for artists.

 

Notable recipients include ArtPop Street Gallery, bringing public art to Mecklenburg County; Raices Latino Arts, promoting Latin culture; and 7th Street Concerts, enlivening uptown with music gatherings.

 

Leaders like Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus D. Jones praised the initiative for showcasing Charlotte’s boundless creativity and community vision.

 

This funding follows the city’s 2023 Arts and Culture Plan, ensuring a thriving future for local artists and deepening community connections.

Charlotte’s Wooden Robot Brewery has honored the memory of its late co-founder, Dan Wade, by creating the Dan Wade Memorial Scholarship for aspiring local brewers.

 

This new scholarship will fund one student to attend the Appalachian State University Brewing Short Course in summer 2026, an intensive program covering recipe design, brewery technology, and equipment.

 

Dan Wade was celebrated for his passion for brewing and mentoring, hosting “Beer School” classes for staff and local brewing enthusiasts.

 

His wife, Samantha Wade, continues to champion his educational mission at Wooden Robot.

 

The scholarship fund was raised through an October 2025 event, highlighted by sales of Cosmic Ballet—a beer named by Dan—with all proceeds supporting the cause.

 

Applications are open until January 1, 2026, inviting candidates to apply with a personal statement.

 

This initiative celebrates Dan Wade’s legacy and supports Charlotte’s brewing community.

Centralina Regional Council and the City of Charlotte are inviting local nonprofits to support the Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg program, focusing on expanding solar energy access for low- to moderate-income homeowners.

 

Eligible organizations must apply by November 21, 5 p.m. to be considered for up to two available $10,000 grants.

 

Selected nonprofits will lead outreach efforts, educate residents about solar benefits, and guide interested homeowners through the application and installation process.

 

The program’s main goal is to complete 25 solar installations by April 30, 2026, fostering greater renewable energy adoption in Charlotte communities.

 

Applicants need to demonstrate strong outreach experience, serve Charlotte’s LMI population, and show alignment with solar and housing initiatives.

 

This collaboration aims to build a more sustainable, equitable future while empowering nonprofits with hands-on knowledge of solar energy implementation.

Charlotte’s Community Impact Grants empower local groups and small nonprofits with funding for projects that build community connections and spark neighborhood improvement.

 

From movie nights and health fairs to cleanups, seating installations, and green initiatives, these grants encourage residents to launch creative, people-centered activities within the city limits.

 

With three distinct grant categories, each tailored to different needs, applicants are guided through clear steps and criteria to ensure their project strengthens local ties.

 

Occasional one-time or seasonal opportunities may also arise as additional resources become available.

 

Microgrant applications are accepted between October 1 and March 1, and all events must be held in Charlotte.

 

Questions? Support is available by email and residents can subscribe for updates and tips.

 

With this program, everyday Charlotteans can transform ideas into real change, creating a more united and vibrant community.