Nonprofit Holiday GI ING GUIDE

Presented By:


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Presented By:


Looking for a nonprofit to support this holiday season?
Gather your friends and family and use our Holiday Giving Guide to give local nonprofits exactly what they’re wishing for - from socks, pajamas, and toys to gift cards and volunteer time. You’ll make an impact by giving in the ways these organizations need most.
Explore the guide and see how much GOOD you can do for our local nonprofit community.
HAPPY SHOPPING!

Arts and Culture
Click the category to go to that section
6. Charlotte Museum of History
7. Raíces Latino Arts
8. Three Bone Theatre
9. Writing For Freedom
10. Matthews Playhouse
11. Arts For Life
Education
13. Unity Classical Charter
14. A Better World
15. Community Culinary School of Charlotte
16. Digi-Bridge
17. Freedom School Partners
18. Learning Help Centers of Charlotte
19. Philips Academy
20. The Epiphany School of Charlotte
21. Seeds of Hope
22. Waxhaw STEMSTERS
23. ALP (Augustine Literacy Project)
24. Alliance Center for Education
Environment & Animals
Family Support/ Life Skills
26. Bright Side Youth Ranch
27. Carolina Raptor Center
28. Friends of Feral Felines
29. TreesCharlotte
30. Carolina Waterfowl Rescue
31. Wing Haven
33. Angels & Sparrows
34. Baby Bundles
35. Congregations for Kids
36. Dress for Success Charlotte
37. Fatherhood Empowerment Network
38. Freedom Communities
39. Operation Clean Health
40. PFLAG Charlotte
41. Strong Like Ellie Foundation
Financial Literacy
Food Insecurity
Health & Wellness
43. Common Wealth Charlotte
45. Bags of Hope
46. Feast for Good: Nourishment to Brave Cancer
47. Zealous Empowering Nurturer
49. Care Ring
50. Caregiver Mental Wellness, Inc.
51. Fight the Flame
52. Hospitality House of Charlotte
53. McLeod Centers for Wellbeing
54. Piedmont Music Therapy
55. Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation
56. Sanctuary Counseling Group
57. Special Olympics Mecklenburg County
58. The Go Jen Go Foundation
59. The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte
60. HopeWay
61. Strong Like AK
62. Gladys Love Project
63. The Women’s Empowerment and Birth Equity Institute
64. Charlotte Trans Health
66. Beds for Kids
67. Charlotte Family Housing
68. Matthews HELP Center
69. Supportive Housing Communities
70. Healing Vine Harbor, Inc.
71. Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
73. Connected to Recover
74. GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte
76. Bright Blessings
77. Charlotte Mecklenburg Dream Center
78. Families Forward Charlotte
79. FeedNC
80. Champion House of Care Project One
82. Anderson Outreach
83. Chosen Leadership Academy
84. For Goodness Cakes
85. Foster Village Charlotte
86. Hugaroo, Inc.
87. Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center
88. Right Moves For Youth

Charlotte Museum of History preserves and shares Greater Charlotte and southern Piedmont history through exhibits, programs, education, and historic preservation initiatives.
Support Needed:
Provide new holiday décor—7ft prelit trees, large menorah, and kinara—to enhance programs, honor traditions, and improve guest experiences.


Raíces Latino Arts creates innovative, engaging experiences that celebrate, promote, and preserve Latino art, culture, and creative expression for diverse audiences.
Support our Year 1 Campaign to fund art, music, and storytelling programs, uplifting Latino artists and fostering a more inclusive Charlotte.


Three Bone Theatre uses powerful theatre to spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change, enriching and uniting our local community.
Donate to our Sovereignty production or purchase items from our Amazon wishlist, including T-shirts, beanies, and tote bags.


Writing For Freedom empowers girls and young women of color to reclaim their stories, build confidence, and lead through writing and mentorship.
Support Needed:
Seeking volunteers, artists, venues, and partners to lead workshops, support Blerd Chronicles, and expand Literacy Labs in underserved high schools.


Matthews Playhouse is a community nonprofit theatre enriching lives through performing arts, theatre education, and cultural programs for all ages.
Support Needed:
Donate Amazon or Lowe’s gift cards, and purchase Community Series Dinner Theatre or Prince of Egypt tickets.


Arts For Life enriches pediatric patients’ lives by providing arts education and programs, nurturing creativity, well-being, and positive healthcare experiences.
Support Needed:
Support holiday and winterthemed art activities, providing materials to brighten hospital stays for patients, families, and siblings during challenging times.



Unity Classical Charter rigorously develops intellectually, morally, and physically excellent students who love learning and are committed to serving others.
Please donate STEM kits, school supplies, art, music, technology, and athletic equipment to support children’s learning and growth this holiday season.


A Better World empowers at-risk youth in West Charlotte through traumainformed, literacy-based, and holistic programs that build health, confidence, and academic success.
Sponsor a child’s Christmas wish list and bring joy, warmth, and hope to families in need this holiday season.


Community Culinary School of Charlotte offers workforce training and job placement for adults facing employment barriers, transforming lives and strengthening families and community.
Support Needed:
We are seeking white chef coats and black chef pants, sizes S–3X, to support our students’ culinary education and training.


Digi-Bridge fosters STEAM interest and persistence, providing underrepresented students access, opportunities, and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Holiday STEAMKit donations needed: AA batteries, pipe cleaners, and yarn to engage Charlotte students in hands-on learning during winter break.


Freedom School Partners empowers scholars to love learning, build confidence, and develop the skills and mindset to achieve extraordinary futures.
Please donate 10-count markers, 12-count colored pencils, and construction paper to support creative learning and arts activities for children this holiday season.


Learning Help Centers of Charlotte offer scholastic, social, and spiritual support in Spanish, empowering and equipping our neighbors to thrive.
Please donate Walmart or gas station gift cards to support families facing urgent needs this holiday season.



Philips Academy empowers teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing academics, job training, and independent living skills for purposeful adulthood.
Support our holiday drive: donate gloves, paper towels, slider bags, or purchase Flavor House Coffee, Teacher’s Pet Dog Treats, and beaded bracelets.

The Epiphany School of Charlotte empowers neurodiverse students with social, emotional, and academic skills essential for thriving in school and life.
You can support our students this holiday season by donating Amazon gift cards or selecting items from our classroom wish list.


Seeds of Hope offers scholarships and faithbased support to Charlotte students, empowering them to achieve their dreams and positively impact the world.
Donations toward tuition, Uber gift cards, and Amazon gift cards for items needed at school.


STEMSTERS is a studentled organization inspiring a love of STEM by teaching science through fun, interactive lessons and hands-on experiments.
Our nonprofit’s primary need is funding to purchase and ship essential supplies from our central organization in California.


ALP helps CMS K–2 Title I students become confident readers through volunteerled tutoring and equips schools with literacy tools and support.
Become an ALP Tutor or support one! Volunteer inperson or remotely, attend an info session, or donate for training and materials.


AC4Ed, Charlotte’s largest Early Childhood nonprofit, offers Head Start programs, home visits, and afterschool support promoting learning, health, and family wellbeing.
Please donate warm essentials for those in need—hats, gloves, scarves, cozy infant socks, toddler socks, soft blankets, and cot sheets.



Bright Side Youth Ranch equips and inspires youth with hope, purpose, and opportunity to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Give the Gift of Hay — Help Feed Hope! Your donation provides essential hay to nourish and warm horses bringing healing to youth.


Carolina Raptor Center inspires passion for birds of prey and fosters responsibility for protecting and preserving our shared natural environment.
Support Carolina Raptor Center this holiday— donate, gift memberships, or Release a Raptor to aid rehabilitation, conservation, and education efforts.


Friends of Feral Felines improves the lives of Charlotte-area community cats through Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return (TNVR) programs.
Support Charlotte’s unhoused community cats by donating to our TNVR Fund or purchasing mugs, shirts, and sweatshirts this holiday season.


TreesCharlotte grows, diversifies, and protects Mecklenburg’s urban forest, educating the community and guiding proper tree planting and care through science-based programs.
Volunteers need gardening gloves, pop-up canopies, and bug display cases to support tree care and educational urban forest programs.


Carolina Waterfowl Rescue rescues, rehabilitates, and provides sanctuary for animals.
Your holiday gift helps feed, heal, and protect rescued animals, ensuring warmth, care, and safety throughout the challenging winter months. You can also purchase our calendar, picture book, and apparel.


Cultivating sanctuary through nature connection, promoting environmental stewardship, and preserving the rich legacy and beauty of Southern horticultural traditions.
Support our gardens by donating toward seasonal plantings that attract pollinators, or purchase our featured books to help them thrive.




Angels & Sparrows empowers families toward upward mobility through food security and education, using our Pathway Program’s 2-Generation framework.
Support our Food, Nutrition, and Education programs with a holiday gift to help us meet our community’s growing needs.

Baby Bundles provides essential clothing and baby items to Charlotte families in financial need, giving newborns a healthy, positive start.
Provide books for children ages 0–2 and soft baby blankets to support early learning, comfort, and nurturing care.


Congregations for Kids mobilizes churches and communities to support foster children, building lasting resilience, stability, and hope in their lives.
Providing crib and twin sheets to support families in crisis and children navigating foster care, ensuring comfort and warmth during the holidays.



Dress for Success empowers unemployed and underemployed women with professional attire, skills training, and development tools to achieve economic independence and thrive.
Support Needed:
Please donate purses, personal care kits, and wishlist items to support individuals in need this holiday season.

Fatherhood Empowerment Network supports single fathers in underserved communities, providing guidance, resources, and confidence to navigate fatherhood successfully.
Support Needed:
We are collecting Amazon gift cards to provide teen gifts for our 6th annual S.M.I.L.E.S. for the Holidays giveaway.


Freedom Communities partners with neighbors in the Freedom–Wilkinson Corridor, creating educational, housing, employment, and wellness opportunities to foster holistic community transformation.
Support our Moms Moving Forward Program Closet by donating or purchasing Wishlist items like markers, colored pencils, and construction paper.


Operation Clean Health offers laundry support to families experiencing hardship, promoting dignity, wellness, and relief in challenging times.
Support families this holiday season by donating laundry vouchers, helping them maintain clean, safe clothing and a dignified living environment.



Founded in 1987, PFLAG Charlotte fosters a caring, just, and affirming community for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families and allies.
Support PFLAG Charlotte this holiday season by purchasing our t-shirts and keychains—gifts that empower and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Strong Like Ellie Foundation supports families facing pediatric cancer by providing personalized tote bags with t-shirts and essentials for clinic or hospital stays.
This holiday season, donate fuzzy socks, chapstick, and hand lotion to bring warmth, comfort, and care to those in need.



Common Wealth Charlotte empowers economically vulnerable individuals with financial skills, counseling, banking access, and nointerest loans to achieve stability and reduce reliance on aid.
Support Needed:
A $100 donation provides one-on-one financial counseling with a CWCcertified credit counselor. Donate $120 to celebrate CWC’s 10th birthday!



Bags of Hope provides weekend food to Lake Norman and Charlotte students facing food insecurity, offering nourishment and hope for success.
Provide a student with meals over Thanksgiving or Winter Break by donating a food bag or $20 grocery gift card.


Feast for Good provides locally sourced, nutritious food to cancer patients, ensuring access despite financial, physical, or caregiving obstacles, supporting recovery.
Support Needed:
Sponsor local farm boxes for cancer patients—$50 per box, $300 for six— and volunteer as a board member to expand impact.


Zealous Empowering Nurturer promotes healthy eating, provides personal gardening spaces, and delivers fresh food to support community members in need.
Support Needed:
Support our holiday efforts: donate Amazon gift cards, healthy non-perishable foods, or volunteer at Thanksgiving Mobile Markets in Charlotte.



Care Ring empowers people with limited resources to achieve lasting health through education, accessible care, and strong community support networks.
Most needed donations: holiday canned foods and essential newborn items such as car seats, diapers, formula, and other infant supplies.


Caregiver Mental Wellness offers programs preventing burnout, promoting self-care, and providing education, awareness, and advocacy to ensure caregivers feel supported.
Support caregiver wellbeing through donations, sponsorships, gift cards, or partnerships to fund awareness campaigns and holiday mental wellness workshops.


Fight the Flame raises awareness, funds research, and supports individuals and families affected by CRPS through events, scholarships, and advocacy.
Support the Faces of CRPS Awareness Project by donating or volunteering to share patient and caregiver stories, educate, and inspire hope.


Hospitality House of Charlotte supports patients and families by removing barriers to accessing essential medical care away from home, promoting healthier outcomes.
Support Needed:
Provide comforting blankets or coffee to help our guests feel warm and welcome.


McLeod Center’s mission is to foster healing and hope through equitable, educational, and evidencebased practices for all communities.
Please donate socks, underwear, and essential toiletries to help support individuals and families in need this holiday season.


Piedmont Music Therapy empowers individuals of all ages and abilities through music therapy, inclusive lessons, and programs combining health and the arts.
Volunteers are needed to label and organize holiday gifts for music therapy clients, studio musicians, and community members in mobile programs.


The HEARTest Yard supports families of children with congenital heart disease, offering in-home care, medical services, and compassionate support for brighter futures.
Support Needed: Provide comfort and support to Heart families with gift cards, cozy items, and apparel during congenital heart disease hospital stays.


Sanctuary Counseling Group supports clients on their journey to heal mind, heart, and soul, believing health and healing are accessible to all.
Please donate 5 Chromebooks to keep client data secure, prepay therapy sessions for loved ones, or gift an anonymous client’s therapy session.


Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting fitness, courage, joy, skills, and community connection.
Please donate Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Lowe’s gift cards to support our 20 sports, equipment, tents, and event needs yearround.


The Go Jen Go Foundation provides essential financial support to Greater Charlotte families facing breast cancer throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Hope in a Box Care Packages provide curated items, soft blankets, and $25 gift cards to bring comfort and joy during holidays.


The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte enriches older adults’ lives by fostering social connections, expanding resources, and reducing isolation’s negative impacts.
Please donate $20 or volunteer to provide older adults with rides to critical medical and essential appointments, supporting independence and care access.



HopeWay promotes mental wellness by providing holistic, science-based care, raising awareness, and inspiring hope and acceptance for all.
Sponsor HopeWay Client Welcome Bags to provide journals, water bottles, and pens, warmly supporting clients and encouraging their recovery journey.

Strong Like AK honors Adam Kincaid by supporting families facing childhood cancer, providing comfort, financial assistance, and creating meaningful, lasting memories.
Support Needed:
Donate to support free medical housing or shop our Amazon Wishlist, providing comfort items and care packages for families at Levine Children’s.


Gladys Love Project enhances elders’ and caregivers’ mental health through mindful, creative activities that reduce isolation and prevent caregiver burnout.
Donate to provide frames, meals, and support for elders, caregivers, and volunteers, making our next Capture the Love portrait day memorable.


The WEBE Institute empowers and educates Black women throughout their pregnancy journey, promoting health, wellness, and informed choices before, during, and after birth.
Please donate pregnancy essentials—birthing combs, maternity socks, and keepsake items—to support expectant families this holiday season.


Charlotte Trans Health promotes health equity for transgender and genderdiverse individuals through education, advocacy, and accessible, affirming healthcare services.
Please donate gift cards for groceries, household essentials, and gas to support families in need this holiday season.



Beds for Kids provides beds and essential furniture to children and families in need, helping them create safe, stable homes.
Please donate blankets in twin, full, and queen sizes provide warmth and comfort to families and individuals in need this holiday season.


Charlotte Family Housing empowers families experiencing homelessness to overcome challenges, achieve long-term housing stability, and build financial independence for a sustainable future.
Support Needed:
Attend Home for the Holidays, where families serve, give, and learn together while celebrating the joy and magic of the season.


The Matthews HELP Center offers short-term crisis support to residents across six zip codes in the greater Matthews community: 28104, 28105, 28226, 28211, 28270, and 28079.
Donate financially for rent, utilities, or gift cards ($25+) for our Holiday Support Drive, Backporch Treasures, and family gifts.


Supportive Housing Communities provides affordable, supportive housing to reduce homelessness, striving for a future where it is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
Support Needed:
We need Walmart gift cards to help residents purchase groceries, gifts, and essential household items, ensuring a brighter holiday season.


Healing Vine Harbor empowers single women in shelters or unsafe situations, providing pathways out of poverty to achieve self-sufficiency and ASCEND.
Support Needed:
Holiday baskets provide 25 women with gifts, including gas and grocery cards and items from an Amazon gift list.


Habitat Charlotte Region tackles affordable homeownership, home repair, and fair housing, partnering with supporters to build equitable, thriving communities.
Support Needed:
Donate furniture, home goods, and construction materials to support families in need, helping create safe, comfortable, and functional living spaces.



Connected to Recover breaks the silence on mental health and substance use, empowering individuals, supporting families, and transforming communities through education and compassion.
Support Needed:
Provide warmth and essentials this holiday season: coats for men and women, plus lunch boxes to support families in need.



GiGi’s Playhouse transforms lives, offering free educational, therapeutic, and career programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and communities nationwide.
Please donate Amazon and Publix gift cards to support our programs and provide essential resources to the families we serve.


Bright Blessings spreads hope and joy to homeless and impoverished children by engaging community volunteers in meaningful acts of service.
Please donate Nerf footballs, Barbies, and coloring books to bring joy, creativity, and active play to children during the holiday season.


Charlotte Mecklenburg Dream Center transforms lives in the community by sharing the Gospel, fostering hope, faith, and lasting spiritual and personal growth.
Providing joy and play, our nonprofit donates toys to children in need, fostering imagination, happiness, and memorable holiday experiences.



Families Forward Charlotte partners with families in poverty, providing education, essential support, and personalized mentoring to achieve lasting economic stability and growth.
Support Needed:
Provide holiday meals and gifts, including warm winter items, to Family Success Program families through virtual angel tree and donation options.

FeedNC connects people to food, education, and community resources, serving as a catalyst for positive change and stronger, healthier communities.
Help 500 children from families in need experience holiday joy—donate a new, unwrapped toy for FeedNC’s Winter Wonderland event.


Champion House of Care Project One supports homeless children and fights hunger along the I-85 and Sugar Creek corridor, promoting hope and stability.
Support Needed:
Bring joy this holiday— donate bikes, gift cards, and baby dolls to support children and families in need.



Anderson Outreach supports equity-impacted youth by promoting health, education, and housing stability through essential programs, partnerships, and targeted funding initiatives.
Support youth ages 5–18 in care by funding healing experiences—equine therapy, performing arts, and educational workshops that inspire hope.


Chosen Leadership Academy offers a safe afterschool environment, helping youth build confidence, leadership skills, and a positive connection to community.
Support Needed:
Provide laptops and pro bono classroom space to support students’ learning, digital access, and educational opportunities during the holiday season.


For Goodness Cakes celebrates underserved children by providing cakes for birthdays and graduations, creating joyful, memorable moments in their lives.
Donations support our mission, helping provide essential resources, programs, and services to those in need during the holiday season and beyond.


Foster Village Charlotte supports children and families in foster care by meeting urgent needs, providing educational and emotional support, and advocating collectively.
Please donate Doordash gift cards, Cantu Care shampoo and conditioner, and Squishmallow stuffed animals to bring comfort and support to children in care.


Hugaroo gives new stuffed animals to children facing life-threatening illnesses, traumatic events, or highrisk situations, offering comfort and emotional support.
Please donate Amazon gift cards, new stuffed animals (9–12”), and give hugs— volunteers help make the holidays joyful for all.


Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center protects and heals children, unites key partners, and mobilizes the community to prevent and end child abuse.
Support Needed:
Provide individually wrapped snacks, bottled water, and toys for our children’s programming.


Right Moves For Youth empowers grades 6–12 students to maximize education, build connections, and seize opportunities, preparing them for future success.
This holiday season, RMFY requests $20 Amazon gift cards to reward students’ positive behavior, academic growth, and program commitment.


