What We Look For
In Charlotte, Knight Foundation’s work focuses on the Historic West End, which is experiencing substantial commercial and residential investment. Leveraging economic growth, our vision is for the West End to become an inclusive and thriving residential, commercial and university corridor.
Since 2008, Knight has committed more than $58 million to Charlotte, including investing in the Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s community development strategy aimed at driving transformation and promoting economic opportunity in the Historic West End and across the city; helping Project L.I.F.T. launch the Civic Tech Experience, which provides the city’s West Charlotte community with digital skill-building and connections to economic resources and community engagement opportunities; and supporting the development of community-based organizations to lead neighborhood transformation such as the Historic West End Partnership and the West Side Community Land Trust. Our investments seek to elevate community voices and support greater economic opportunity for all.
The Charlotte program centers on:
- Promoting community engagement and ensuring Historic West End residents are connected to and participating in the corridor’s growth.
- Increasing the neighborhood’s capacity to develop and drive a community vision.
- Supporting the creation and programming of public spaces and hubs that foster interaction and connection among residents.
Knight also invests in the city’s creative sector, as a way to build community, through its arts program. Learn more about the Knight’s Arts program.
Knight Charlotte Office:
220 N. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Charlotte Community Advisory Committee members:
Charles Bowman, Bank of America; Jesse Cureton, Novant Health; Clay Grubb, Grubb Properties; Tony Lathrop, Moore & Van Allen; Dionne Nelson, Laurel Street Partners; Ted Williams, Charlotte Agenda.
community program staff


Press Mentions
Charlotte gets a million dollars to study two interchanges in West End
City of Charlotte Receives $1M Federal Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Grant to Study the West End
Local artists share what they need to succeed
Multi-use food and business ‘hub’ to open in Historic West End
Knight Foundation Invests $225,000 to Enhance Open Space along Beatties Ford Road Corridor
He’s helping invest in Charlotte’s Historic West End
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