Celebrating More Than $100 Million in Funding to Support the Queen City’s Growth
CHARLOTTE, NC—The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced nearly $17 million in new investments to bolster Charlotte’s continued development at a community celebration held last night at the Mint Museum. This latest commitment brings Knight Foundation’s total investment in Charlotte to more than $100 million over the past 20 years, underscoring its enduring support for the city’s vibrant future.
“More than 100 new residents are moving to the Charlotte area every day, and our latest investments reaffirm our commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive Charlotte for all — from lifelong residents to newcomers,” said Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, president and CEO of Knight Foundation. “We’re proud to support and accelerate transformative projects like the Charlotte Ballet’s new dance facility, a resident-led food cooperative in the Historic West End, and the launch of Press Forward Charlotte to strengthen local news.”
These investments come on top of a $5 million grant to the Charlotte Symphony announced last spring. The new funding announced last night includes:
LISC Charlotte ($8.75 Million): Responding to long-expressed community needs, Knight is investing in the launch of a cooperative grocery store, led by Historic West End Partners, and owned and managed by residents, providing access to fresh, healthy groceries in the Historic West End. Additionally, Knight’s funding will drive economic development by offering flexible capital solutions to local small business owners, empowering them to thrive and contribute to the neighborhood’s revitalization.
Charlotte Ballet ($5 Million): Knight’s investment will bolster the Ballet’s ambitious plans to create a mixed-use development in Charlotte’s North Tryon corridor expanding their facilities and providing mixed-income housing and retail, while strengthening its role as an anchor arts institution in Uptown.
North Carolina News Lab Fund ($2 Million): Last year, together with a coalition of other national funders and donors, Knight co-launched a half billion dollar nationwide effort to revitalize local news. This new commitment, made in partnership with local funders Wells Fargo, the C.D. Spangler Foundation, United Way of Greater Charlotte, Gambrell Foundation, the Leon Levine Foundation, and several individual donors and families, will launch Press Forward Charlotte, to strengthen Charlotte’s local news ecosystem.
Historic West End Partners ($1 Million): This funding will build the capacity of Historic West End Partners to foster small business and commercial development centering the needs and desires of residents.
Wadsworth announced the grants at an event that included Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, former Mayor Harvey Gantt and Charlotte City Council Representative Malcolm Graham as well as Knight Foundation staff and members of the Board of Trustees.
Before Wadsworth’s remarks, a storytelling performance featured local leaders — Charles Bowman, former president of Bank of America; Alesha Brown, founder and executive director of For The Struggle; Greg and Subrina Collier, co-owners and founders of Bay Haven Restaurants; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County manager; and Giovanna Torres Nieves, co-founder of Cine Casual and Charlotte’s first Latin American Film Festival – sharing their journeys as community builders. Guests were also treated to a dance performed by the Charlotte Ballet.
“Since our launch in 2019 to date, Knight Foundation has supported our work in the Historic West End community,” said LISC Charlotte Executive Director Ralphine Caldwell. “Through their partnership, our organization has been able to invest in and collaborate with community leaders, businesses, and residents to drive significant economic and community development. We could not be more grateful for Knight’s leadership and a shared commitment to creating more equitable and inclusive communities.”
“The power of the arts is the ability to strengthen, unify and give voice to communities. We are honored and humbled by this generous gift that will help us fulfill our mission to bring new life and energy to our home on North Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte,” said Douglas Singleton, executive director of Charlotte Ballet.
Knight’s commitment to Charlotte stretches back to 1955, when Knight Newspapers acquired the Charlotte Observer. These investments prioritize the unique needs of the city’s residents, focusing on fostering community engagement, nurturing a dynamic creative economy and supporting local journalism, arts and culture. Additionally, they emphasize economic development through entrepreneurial and business initiatives, and improve access and programming in libraries, parks and other public spaces.
After announcing the new grants, Wadsworth encouraged attendees to get involved and invest in their community (quote from remarks as prepared for delivery):
“To be clear, at Knight Foundation, we are committed to Charlotte. We believe in the power of people. We invest in their ideas, their visions, and their capacity to shape their futures.” Wadsworth said.
“And tonight, I invite you to join us in this mission. Our theory of change is simple: We take inspiration from the people who dream big dreams for their communities and seek to support them. And we believe we can do more, and have greater impact, when we work together.”
Photo credit: Jon Strayhorn