Guiding local philanthropy together.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation
Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation
Supporting solutions for a stronger Charlotte-Mecklenburg
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation was launched in 2001 thanks to a $35 million bequest from philanthropist Lucille Giles. The fund was established as an unrestricted endowment, which means it provides a permanent source of grantmaking for community needs as they evolve over time. Since its founding, CMCF has been able to utilize the initial $35 million bequest to award more than $50 million in grants to nonprofits in areas supporting children and youth, the environment, social capital, economic opportunity and more.
Local grantmaking
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation has awarded more than $59 million in grants since its inception and is in the process of reshaping its grantmaking strategy. With an eye on shifting toward a neighborhood-focused model designed to support long-term, community-driven change, more details will be shared later in summer 2026.
Board of Advisors
Jenny Ward, Chair, Bank of America
Erin Barbee, Immediate Past Chair, DreamKey Partners
Alex Bùi, Vietnamese Association of Charlotte
Claude Close, Springsteen Capital
Leah Davis, Winthrop University
Miriam Espaillat, Raydal Hospitality
Shawn Heath, City of Charlotte
Dominique Johnson, Duke Energy
Jamaal Kinard, Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance
Al McMillian, AvidXchange
Sarah Mikhail, Time Out Youth
Corey Mitchell, Theatre Gap Initiative
Mike Rizer, Ally Bank
Get in touch
Nicole Fote
Vice President, Community Programs and Civic Leadership
Kim Zona
Executive Assistant, Civic Leadership