Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation Announces GroundWorks Grants to Support Long-Term Community Change
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, the grantmaking arm of Foundation for the Carolinas, will open applications Oct. 5 for GroundWorks Grants, a new grant opportunity providing larger, longer-term support for organizations working to strengthen economic mobility in Mecklenburg County.
In 2026, CMCF will offer one competitive grant cycle, awarding a limited number of grants of up to $200,000 over a two-year period. Eligible 501(c)(3) publicly supported charities may apply October 5-30, 2026, with recipients notified by the end of December.
GroundWorks is designed for organizations leading comprehensive, community-centered efforts that bring together residents, partners and resources to advance long-term neighborhood outcomes. The opportunity will support broad, place-based strategies rather than individual programs or services, with residents playing a meaningful role in identifying priorities and shaping solutions.
“Lasting community change requires time and sustained investment,” said Tracy Russ, Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Foundation for the Carolinas. “GroundWorks supports organizations pursuing long-term solutions rooted in their communities.”
The new grant opportunity reflects CMCF’s evolving approach to directing resources where they can have the greatest impact. By providing larger, longer-term grants, CMCF aims to strengthen organizations working across communities and support sustained efforts to expand economic opportunity.
New and returning applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. Registration is required, and a recording will be available following the event.
For complete criteria and application information, please visit the Foundation’s Online Grants Center and select “Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation” in the Grant Program Name field. Visit charmeck-cf.org to learn more about the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation and its grantmaking. For more information about this grant opportunity, contact Nicole Fote at nfote@fftc.org.
About Foundation for the Carolinas:
Founded in 1958, Foundation for the Carolinas is a community foundation serving a 13-county region across the Carolinas. Remarkable impact is at the heart of the Foundation's mission, and the driving force of that impact is the thousands of nonprofits, families and companies who partner with FFTC to amplify the power of giving. Visit www.fftc.org.
Media Contact: Timothy Hager, 704.973.4587 or thager@fftc.org