Charlotte Wine + Food (CW+F) invites non-profit organizations serving primarily children and young adults (ages 0-22) in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and surrounding areas to apply for the opportunity to become beneficiaries of CW+F events for a period of up to 4 total years. During the grant cycle, CW+F intends to select a total of 2 new beneficiaries to receive grants annually each June for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. At the end of 2 years, CW+F can invite the beneficiary to stay for an additional 2  years. 

Selection of beneficiaries will be completed by a committee of the CW+F Board of Directors as each cycle closes. The next selection will take place Summer 2025.

Although CW+F would expect grants to range between $50,000 and $150,000 annually based on its most recent grants awarded, actual grant awards will be contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to the success of the CW+F events within each fiscal year (July 1-June 30) and the successful participation by beneficiaries in support of CW+F events.

Eligibility:
All organizations applying for beneficiary status must:

  1. Qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

  2. Not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief nor be a religious organization that serves exclusively sectarian purposes.

  3. Provide services primarily to children and young adults (ages 0-22) in Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area.

  4. Serve children from underserved communities by providing opportunities for upward mobility through one or more of these pillars:

    • educational and cultural enrichment

    • college and career readiness

    • social capital building

    • housing stability

  5. Show current budgets are at a level at which the CW+F grant will make a meaningful impact.

Areas Not Funded:
Travel and Conferences, Endowment Campaigns, Individuals, Projects promoting religious or political views,
Fraternal Organizations, Organizations for re-granting purposes

Additional Terms & Requirements:

  1. All beneficiary applicants must host a site visit during the grant application process if requested.

  2. If selected, CW+F requires full support and participation from beneficiary board members, staff, and volunteers to have successful events and fund these grants. A representative from each beneficiary will be named as the principal liaison between CW+F and the beneficiary and will attend required committee and other event meetings as reasonably required. Moreover, each beneficiary will be required to provide volunteers for events, event marketing support, and help solicit auction donations. 

  3. If selected, beneficiaries may be required to provide periodic written reports regarding the use of funds from CW+F grants.

  4. Any significant change in organizational structure, mission, or programming may be grounds for early termination of the grant partnership.

  5. Funds not spent for the approved purposes by the date specified must be returned to CW+F upon its request.

We are currently taking nominations for 2025-2026 beneficiaries with the first donation to be made in Summer 2026. Nominees chosen to apply will be contacted in Summer 2025 to complete the necessary application.

Interested in becoming a future charity partner? Let us know!
Email us at info@charlottewineandfood.org.