Ballantyne-area nonprofits can compete for up to $500,000 in Mecklenburg County grants when applications open Thursday, Oct. 29.

The county's Community Service Grant program will accept applications from Oct. 29 through Wednesday, Nov. 25, according to a Mecklenburg County announcement. The fiscal year 2028 (FY2028) grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and can fund either one-year or two-year programs. Funding begins July 1, 2027.

The competitive program partners the county with local nonprofits to address needs such as affordable housing, literacy, health care and workforce development, according to the county's Community Service Grant page.

Information session

Mecklenburg County will host an information session for interested nonprofits the same day applications open:

  • When: Thursday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m.
  • Where: Valerie C. Woodard Conference Center Auditorium, 3205 Freedom Drive, Entrance E, Charlotte

Registration is encouraged but not required.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold current 501(c)(3) status and serve Mecklenburg County residents. The county also requires audited financial statements, a documented Equal Opportunity Employer policy and the organization's most recent IRS Form 990. Applicants must submit an audit by April 1, 2027, and include a letter of engagement with their application.

Each applicant must align its proposal with one of four county focus areas. Those areas are quality of life, education and literacy, economic opportunity and workforce development, and public safety. Under quality of life, for example, the county lists goals tied to health care access, homelessness prevention and senior nutrition.

Organizations requesting a two-year grant must explain why two years is necessary to carry out their program. A two-year award distributes the funds over both years. Recipients must re-apply each year, and funding is not guaranteed, Mecklenburg County said.

How to apply

Applications and additional details will be available at Budget.MeckNC.gov/Grants when the window opens Oct. 29. The deadline is midnight Wednesday, Nov. 25. Nonprofits with questions can email [email protected].

Upcoming

  • Thursday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. — Mecklenburg County Community Service Grant information session, Valerie C. Woodard Conference Center Auditorium, 3205 Freedom Drive, Entrance E, Charlotte. Register at Budget.MeckNC.gov/Grants.