Updated 12:29 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Non-profit groups in the Charlotte area are awaiting news today from the United Way of Central Carolinas about grants for 2009-2010. For some, the news could determine what programs continue, and what programs are shut. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

The suspense is over for local cultural groups waiting to see how much funding they’ll get next fiscal year from Charlotte’s Arts & Science Council. It’s mixed news in north Mecklenburg: Cuts to some groups were bigger than expected, while others were pleasantly surprised just to get any money at all.

The ASC has less to dole out this year because of a 37 percent drop in giving to its annual campaign. Many organizations were already preparing for smaller grants, as well as studying how to make up for reduced contributions by individuals and corporate sponsors. Now, they’re looking closely at how to cut expenses or programs to cope with leaner budgets. Read the full story

United Way of Central Carolinas is leading a drive this week to collect toiletries for homeless women and families entering the Women in Transition women at the YWCA. Read the full story

This summer could be a trying one for leaders of many area non-profit organizations  as they struggle to deal with funding cuts, revenue shortfalls, and shrinking budgets.  Just how big is the problem and what can we do to help? This week, DavidsonNews.net joins a consortium of Charlotte-area media outlets in an unusual joint reporting project that addresses those questions, called Charlotte Mission Possible. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Non-profit and cultural organizations across the region are in the midst of a flurry of fund-raisers and appeals to make up budget shortfalls before their fiscal years end June 30 – and as they brace for more cuts from funding agencies and corporate donors.

Every weekend this spring has brought competing events – from benefit parties to 5K races to family fun days. Public radio stations WFAE-FM and WDAV-FM both are holding short on-air pledge drives this week in hopes of breaking even for the year.

Executives at Ada Jenkins Center and other local organizations are staging events or sending letters and emails and hoping for year-end cash infusions. And they’re biting their nails as they await 2009-10 funding announcements in the coming days. Read the full story

A pair of fund-raisers is on the calendar this weekend in Davidson. On Friday, June 19, it’s a South Main Square Block Party hosted by Amity & Bailey Trading Co., which will help support United Family Services. Then Saturday morning, June 20, Ada Jenkins Center hosts a 5k race and barbecue festival called “Fire” to celebrate its 10th anniversary and bring in badly-needed funds for its social service programs.

Read the full story