United Way of Greater Charlotte

Today, we honor the memory of those lost on 9/11 and the bravery of those heroes who sacrificed everything. Our thoughts are with the families and all who carry the weight of that day. We will never forget. 🇺🇸💙

Thinking about how much fun we had lending a helping hand to our neighbors during Union County Day of Caring last month... 💭💙

Thank you again to everyone who volunteered as well as our incredible sponsors!

📅 Mark your calendars & get involved this fall across Charlotte!

Thursday, September 19: Graham/N. Tryon
Friday, October 4: Renaissance West
Saturday, December 14: Grier Heights

Projects vary at each location. Join us Thursday, September 19 for projects focused on beautification and clean-up within neighborhoods, weatherization of resident homes, as well as packing of supply kits for neighborhood nonprofit agencies.

Register for a Live United Day today: https://ow.ly/svnL50TfmeR

United Way's Nonprofit Board Member Training sessions are for leaders to learn, stimulate conversation and fuel change.

Joining a nonprofit board member training program is a valuable investment for both individuals and the organizations they serve, helping to strengthen governance, enhance effectiveness and drive positive impact in the community.

There are two sessions – Nonprofit Board Service 101: The Foundations of Equitable Governance & Governance 201: Actions and Perspectives on Racial Equity and Nonprofit Board Service. Register today for only $25 per session.

Secure your spot: https://ow.ly/XE5g50T97vg

Last month, our Interim President and CEO Kathryn Firmin-Sellers had the opportunity to join United Way CEOs from across the country for the United Way Worldwide Advocacy forum at the White House.

At the 2024 United Way White House Briefing, our leaders learned about the challenges and opportunities facing our communities and how the Administration's partnership and policies will help create more meaningful change across the nation.

We will apply what Kathryn learned and continue our work across our four-county footprint, investing in the greater good in greater Charlotte.

"In July 2024, Charlotte-Mecklenburg learned the good news that we no longer trail the nation in our ability to lift children and families out of generational poverty."

Our Interim President & CEO Kathryn Firmin-Sellers reflects on the Opportunity Insights team's latest research, the progress Charlotte has made and how investments into people and places, like United Neighborhoods, are helping pave the way for future success.

Read more: https://ow.ly/1rZY50SYvwe

We are at United Way!

If you thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment, you will be an excellent addition to our team. Join us in working for the greater good in greater Charlotte. 💙

Apply today: https://ow.ly/qIPa50SRq4S

If you love outdoor projects and helping your neighbors, Union County Day of Caring is for you! 💙

Grab your friends, family or coworkers and come lend a helping hand to your Union County neighbors at our annual Day of Caring on Saturday, August 24! 📅

Join us for the kickoff celebration in Irwin Belk Stadium at 8am, then head out to meet your volunteer teams and start working on projects at 9am. Projects include cutting grass, pruning shrubs, picking up trash, washing windows and more. 🌱✂️🖌️

📋 Register today: https://ow.ly/Sfpj50SNHT0

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories on local leaders, nonprofits, volunteer opportunities and more delivered to your inbox each month. 📧

📲Get on the list today: https://ow.ly/3ogV50SNEyO

Looking for help with accessing food, shelter, caregiving, and more? NC 211 is here to assist. Learn about community resources in your area to turn to by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162 or by visiting nc211.org.

Grab your friends, family or coworkers and come lend a helping hand to your Union County neighbors at our annual Day of Caring on Saturday, August 24! 📅

Join the kickoff celebration in Wingate's football stadium at 8am, then meet your team to start your projects at 9am. Projects include cutting grass, pruning shrubs, trash pick up, window washing and more. 🌱✂️🖌️

Learn more & sign up: https://lnkd.in/eXBUvF3c

Looking back at Live United Day last weekend ☀️☀️☀️

If you missed this one, don't worry! You can join us again THIS SATURDAY, July 20 📅 from 11am to 2pm in the Four Seasons neighborhood in East Charlotte. Volunteers will participate in a variety of activities, including an onsite project creating hygiene kits.

Register today: https://ow.ly/bwWs50SElnI

See you Saturday! 🤩

Looking for volunteer opportunities? There are 2️ Live United Day events happening this month! ☀️

Grab your friends, family or colleagues and sign up 👏🏽 You can help out in Camp Greene THIS Saturday, July 13 or in the Albemarle Rd/Central Ave corridor on Saturday, July 20.

Register here: https://www.uwgreatercltengage.org/live-united-days-2024

📣 The 2025 Unite Charlotte First Year funding application is now OPEN! The application window closes Friday, July 26. 📅

Listen to a few alumni speak about their experience with Unite Charlotte.

🎥 Watch video: https://ow.ly/qPew50Sx4qM

📋 More information about the grants process: https://ow.ly/4v5Z50Sx4qO

In today’s society, technology can isolate individuals, but online gaming has emerged as an unexpected way for individuals to build community with one another.

For Jonny Saldana and Zach Smith, online gaming was their way of staying connected with friends during the pandemic, and Charlotte Gaymers Network was born.

By leveraging the power of gaming, CGN fosters unity, inclusivity and support within the LGBTQ+ community, providing a safe space for people from all walks of life to gather. 🏳️‍🌈

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/f4le50Ss6nw

On June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was finally read to enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas after it was first issued on January 1, 1863.

The Juneteenth flag seen below was created in 1997 and features red, white and blue as its colors, same as the American flag. The star in the center represents Texas, the Lone Star State, but it goes further to represent the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states as well. The burst surrounding the star represents a new beginning following freedom across Galveston and the rest of the country. The arc that goes through the center of the flag horizontally symbolizes a new horizon of opportunity and promise that lies ahead for Black Americans.

Today we honor the historic moment that marked the end of slavery in our country. This day is a powerful reminder that while we celebrate freedom, progress and resilience, we know we are still on the journey to equity, equality and justice.

There are many ways to get involved and celebrate within our community today and through the weekend. Join one of the celebrations listed here: https://ow.ly/ARGp50Sl5lP

Calling all volunteers! 📣 Grab your friends or family and come participate in a day of service on Saturday, August 24 in Union County!

Projects include cutting grass, pruning shrubs, trash pick up, window washing and more. 🌱✂️🖌️

Learn more & sign up: https://www.uwgreatercltengage.org/union-day-of-caring

📅 Save the dates! Join us as we come together this summer to make a positive impact across greater Charlotte. Grab some friends and volunteer at an upcoming Live United Day event. Stay tuned for more details!

Sign up today: https://ow.ly/pTr350S0Wqi

We're excited to invite community members to join our Unite Charlotte grant panels to play a vital role in the grantmaking process!

📅 Why Volunteer?
As a panelist, your insights and perspectives will help shape funding decisions that directly impact our community.

📌 How to Get Involved:
You must live or work in Mecklenburg County and read, complete and submit the participation form.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/j9FL50S2XvE

Your involvement can help us create a more equitable and thriving community. Let's work together for the greater good in greater Charlotte. 💙

United Way of Greater Charlotte Announces Dr. Kathryn Firmin-Sellers as Interim President & CEO
The Board of Directors of United Way of Greater Charlotte are proud to announce the appointment of Kathryn Firmin-Sellers as interim President and CEO, effective July 1.

Kathryn has been a part of United Way for eight years, and is known in the Charlotte community as a top nonprofit leader. In Kathryn’s role as executive vice-president and chief impact officer, she has lead United Way’s community impact strategy, working hard to boost economic mobility and promote racial equity in all of United Way’s initiatives. Kathryn’s commitment and leadership are truly inspiring.

Congratulations to Kathryn as she transitions into her new role!

Read the full letter from Board Chair Raj Natarajan: https://unitedwaygreaterclt.org/blog/leadership/united-way-appoints-interim-president-and-ceo/

It is that time of year! 🎉 The 2025 Unite Charlotte First Year funding application opens in July, but there is a virtual information session next Monday, June 10, from 1:30-3:30pm. Agencies interested in applying are encouraged to attend.

📲 Register for the information session: https://ow.ly/CRSt50S046m

Learn more about United Way's work in Cabarrus County in the latest post from Regional Director Raijene Walker.

Walker dives into the importance of the Mental Wellness Collaborative working together to reduce the stigma around mental health.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/QGor50S0hr4

Congratulations to our Executive Vice-President and Chief Impact Officer Kathryn Firmin-Sellers on being nominated for an EQUALibrium Award! 🎉

The award honors local individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions in advancing equity within our community.

Through her strategic vision, unwavering advocacy for equity, and collaborative approach, Kathryn has made a lasting and meaningful difference in the greater Charlotte community.

Kathryn, thank you for hard work and commitment to the greater good in greater Charlotte. We are proud to have your leadership! 💙

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories on local leaders, nonprofits, volunteer opportunities and more delivered to your inbox each month. 📧

Get on the list today: https://ow.ly/lnFe50Ru1Oh

Congratulations to our Director of Community Initiatives Jamese Ivy on being named one of Charlotte Business Journal's 40 Under 40 this year! 🎉

In her role, Jamese has managed grant processes and spearheaded community initiatives, and demonstrates her capacity to lead teams, develop strategic plans, and drive organizational impact.

Jamese, thank you for your hard work and dedication to the communities across greater Charlotte. We are proud of this accomplishment and excited to celebrate you!

So many volunteers showed up and worked hard at Live United Day in Lakeview. We hope to see another great turnout this Saturday, May 11, at Northside Charlotte to pack supply kits for neighborhood nonprofit agencies!

Haven't signed up yet? No problem.

Register today: https://ow.ly/4CAL50RzKRO

See you there!

Are you registered for the upcoming Nonprofit Board Member Training?

In partnership with our presenters, United Way is offering the following sessions:
📅 Thursday, May 16 | Nonprofit Board Service 101: The Foundations of Equitable Governance
📅 Wednesday, June 5 | Governance 201: Actions and Perspectives on Racial Equity and Nonprofit Board Service

These trainings are for you if you are a current nonprofit board member OR if you are interested in nonprofit board service, but are not yet serving on a board.

➡️Secure your spot today: https://ow.ly/mmhx50RjnUR

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at United Way of Greater Charlotte, we're committed to fostering mental wellness in our community.

Let's break the stigma, raise awareness and support each other's journey toward better mental health. 💚

Congratulations to our remarkable President and CEO Laura Yates Clark on being named one of The Charlotte Ledger's 40 Over 40 this year! 🎉

Tonight, Laura and her fellow honorees will be recognized in celebration. Laura's visionary leadership has been a driving force behind our work. Thank you, Laura, for your unwavering dedication to the greater good in greater Charlotte. 💙

We are proud and excited to celebrate this achievement today.