Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities

 

Should your Neighborhood Seek Tax-Exempt Status from the IRS? | Tuesday, April 26, 6 p.m.

 

Are you wondering if your neighborhood might qualify for more grant opportunities if your organization were a 501c3? You might have heard that donations to your neighborhood group could be tax-deductible if your organization were a registered non-profit. These all sound pretty good. At the same time, applying for tax-exempt status can cost hundreds of dollars and require lots of paperwork which comes with legal responsibilities. So many questions that need to be answered, right? 

 

Join us for a presentation and Q&A session with Attorney Rocky Cabagnot who has guided hundreds of organizations (including Charlotte area neighborhood and cultural groups) in forming legally compliant nonprofit 501c3 organizations. We will discuss the pros and cons of seeking 501c3 status for your neighborhood association and what is required if you do decide to file. If your community has questions, this presentation intends to provide you with answers!

 

This workshop will take place via Zoom. Registration is required. Online and call-in access instructions will be emailed to registered participants prior to the workshop.

 

 

Attend an in-person or virtual Pre-Application Workshop to learn how your neighborhood can receive up to $25k!

 

Hundreds of Charlotte’s neighborhood organizations have received funding through the Neighborhood Matching Grants Program (NMG). Yours could be next!

 

The NMG program awards up to $25,000 to eligible neighborhood-based organizations to complete projects including art, beautification, signage, festivals, sustainability, safety improvements, community gardens, recreational features and more! Applications are accepted March 1, June 1, and September 1, annually. Organizations match funds received with at least 50% volunteer engagement activities, the remaining match may be in the form of more volunteer activities, cash, or in-kind donations (equipment, supplies, professional services, etc.). Participation in a pre-application workshop is required. 


To get started, attend one of the following workshops or view the workshop presentation and program guidelines online at www.charlottenc.gov/nmg.

 

  • Tuesday, April 26, 12 - 1 p.m. (Virtual)
  • Wednesday, April 27, 6 - 7 p.m. (Belmont Center, 700 Parkwood Avenue, Jack Bullard Conf. Room, 2nd Floor)
  • Thursday, May 5, 12 - 1 p.m. (Virtual)
  • Wednesday, May 11, 6 - 7 p.m. (Arbor Glen Outreach Center, 1520 Clanton Road, Charlotte)
  • Friday, May 20, 12 - 1 p.m. (Virtual)

 

Virtual workshops will take place via Zoom. Online and call-in access instructions will be emailed to registered participants prior to the workshop.

To participate, please register

Please contact Jackie Clare at jackie.clare@charlottenc.gov or 704-336-4594 if you have any questions or need assistance.

 

Register Your National Night Out Events by July 22

 

National Night Out (NNO) is America’s Night Out Against Crime. This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

 

National Night Out 2022 will be observed on Tuesday, August 2. CMPD strives to have officer participation at each registered event. If your neighborhood or organization is hosting a NNO event, please complete this brief questionnaire to tell us of your plans by July 22.

 

Learn more about CMPD NNO resources and register your event.

 

 

Volunteer Advisory Board Positions Available!

 

Did you know the City of Charlotte has 35 boards and commissions, ranging from the Arts and Culture Advisory Board to the Zoning Board of Adjustments? Mecklenburg County residents can volunteer to serve by completing an online application and submitting it to the Office of the City Clerk by the deadlines listed in the current vacancy notice. Serving on a board is an opportunity to collaborate with local government and to help shape decisions and policies that impact our community.

 

The Neighborhood Matching Grant Fund Board currently has an open position for a non-profit representative. If you are interested in more information about that role, please contact Jackie Clare, 704-336-4594 or jackie.clare@charlottenc.gov for more information.

 

The application deadline is April 28. 

 

 

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation FY 24 - 24 Capital Improvement Plan 

 

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is kicking off the community engagement process for the FY 2024 to 2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This five-year program will fund major renovations and construction projects for all types of our park and recreation facilities. The funds in the CIP are for construction and associated information technology, and do not include operating expenses or programming after the completion of the project. The projects included within the next CIP will be influenced by recommendations from Meck Playbook, our recently endorsed park and recreation master plan, and additional input we receive from County residents. Park and Recreation projects to be funded may include:

 

  • Reinvestment in existing parks, nature preserves, recreation centers, and greenway trails
  • Investment in new parks, nature preserves, recreation centers, and greenway trails
  • New amenities across several park sites
  • Improved access to existing parks, nature preserves, recreation centers, and greenway trails

 

Please visit www.PublicInput.com/24CIP for more information and to provide input for the FY 2024-2028 CIP today. Please share this link with your contacts so we can hear from as many County residents as possible.  

 

 

Registration for City Walks 2022 is now open!

Charlotte City Walks begin on Monday, April 25, offering the chance to discover the Queen City on free walking tours. Learn about Charlotte's art, history, public spaces and more. Each tour is different, led by a local historian, activist, non-profit leader or neighborhood resident. These walks are inspired by urban activist and author Jane Jacobs.

Upcoming 2022 Walks: 

  • Walk Tall: Wander Among the Trees of University City’s Green Heart - Monday, April 25, 12 p.m.
  • Dilworth/South End Tour - Monday, April 25, 5 p.m.
  • Elizabeth neighborhood Tour - Wednesday, April 27, 5 p.m.
  • Ramble along The Plaza - Thursday, April 28, 5 p.m.
  • A Walk on the Wild Side...of Plaza Midwood - Friday, April 29, 10 a.m.
  • Coffee + Donuts: South End Edition - Friday, April 29, 10 a.m.
  • Art in Transit: Blue Line Tour - Friday, April 29, 1:30 p.m.
  • South End’s History: Rail and Reinvention - Friday, April 29, 4 p.m.
  • A Walking Tour of NoDa and Historic North Charlotte Tour #1 - Saturday, April 30, 10:30 a.m.
  • A Walking Tour of NoDa and Historic North Charlotte Tour #2 - Saturday, April 30, 11:30 a.m.
  • Exploring the “Hidden” History... Along West Boulevard - Saturday, April 30, 1 p.m.
  • Charlotte's Belmont Neighborhood: Where Do I Go From Here? - Saturday, April 30, 3 p.m.
  • Historic West End / Biddleville Tour - Monday, May 2, 5 p.m.
  • Heart of Myers Park Tour - Wednesday, May 4, 5 p.m.
  • Treetops & Tombstones - Charlotte's Super-Natural Arboretum - Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.
  • The Evolution of University City - Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m.
  • Stories in Stone - Our Charlotte Hebrew Cemetery - Sunday, May 8, 1 p.m.

To participate in a walk, register online. If you would like to learn more about City Walks, visit the website.   

 


For your consideration

Community Grants Allow East Charlotte Leader to Keep Her Neighborhood Revitalized for Decades

City of Charlotte Opens Separated Bike Lanes on Fifth And Sixth Streets

West Charlotte Community Leader Determined to Preserve its History: National Volunteer Week

City Renames Final Two Streets Through Legacy Commission Work