Nonprofits partner with local businesses to give children new experiences
Organizations everywhere are struggling due to federal budget cuts and less donations but some are finding ways to serve their communities.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From Charlotte’s main homeless shelter, to the arts community, nonprofits across the country and right here in our area are fighting to stay afloat.
Nonprofits in the Charlotte area are struggling as they see a combination of federal cuts and less donations. To help keep programs thriving, nonprofits are leaning on local businesses for support.
Olivia West is the executive director of Champions of Change.
“Champions of Change is like make a wish for foster kids and homeless children,” West said.
West said a recent visit to Charlotte’s Museum of Illusions was a rare special outing for the families they serve.
“Our families had a great time when they came here, just to see their faces light up – parents more excited than some of the kids so it was awesome.”
The museum opened its doors to three nonprofits for free over the summer.
“It’s a great experience for us and the nonprofit,” museum general manager April Millner said. “We hope we’re offering an experience that allows these underprivileged youth to have an experience they may not have had otherwise.”
Millner spearheaded the effort because she spent 14 years working in the nonprofit world and knows how tough things are right now.
“We hope it’s strengthening community,” Millner said. “We’re new to the Charlotte community. It was our way of pouring back into the community who has poured so much into us.”
Connecting businesses and nonprofits has shown to be an effective way to give back to the community.
“It’s an amazing concept especially for smaller nonprofits like ourselves,” West said. “We could not afford to bring as many children as we did so it’s an amazing partnership that we’re so grateful for.”
RELATED: ‘A place of refuge’: Charlotte’s biggest homeless shelter facing uncertain future
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