Open doors, one connection at a time.
The Network Charlotte Foundation exists to make sure Charlotte's networking community stays free and accessible for the people who need it most: those between jobs, changing careers, or reentering the workforce.
Why the Foundation exists.
Networking is one of the fastest paths out of unemployment. Studies consistently show that 70-85% of jobs are filled through connections rather than public postings. But networking rooms tend to fill with people who already have the room; the folks who need it most often can't afford the door fee.
The Foundation was born to make sure Charlotte networking access does not depend on the ability to pay. Today it hosts its own jobseeker support programming, funds career-development workshops, maintains the jobseeker group directory, and awards hardship-relief grants to eligible Charlotte residents.
What we fund.
Career-development workshops
Interview prep, resume clinics, LinkedIn coaching, and industry-specific pathway sessions. Facilitated by Charlotte-area professionals who volunteer their time.
The Jobseeker Support directory
The Groups directory tracks 40+ Charlotte-area jobseeker groups, updated monthly. Free to search, free to attend.
Hardship-relief grants
Flexible cash grants recipients can invest in what they need most — Network Charlotte or Foundation Member dues, professional certifications, career coaching, or job-search materials. Awarded via a documented application process to Charlotte residents facing unemployment or under-employment.
Ways to give.
The Foundation is funded by Foundation Member dues ($33/yr, tax-deductible), donations, corporate giving, and grants. Every dollar goes to Foundation programming, hardship-relief grants, and Foundation-hosted events.
Foundation Membership
Join as a Foundation Member for $33/yr (tax-deductible). Supports Foundation programming, unlocks attendee-list access at Foundation-hosted events, and gives your name a permanent place in the mission.
Become a Foundation MemberCorporate giving
Sponsor a program cycle, underwrite a series of workshops, or become a named annual partner. Options range from single-event underwriting to multi-year commitments.
Email for a proposalIndividual donation
One-time or recurring. Every donation goes directly to program costs; the Foundation operates on volunteer time. Note: the Foundation is currently pursuing IRS 501(c)(3) status; until determination is granted, contributions are not yet deductible as charitable donations.
Contact us to donateVenue, expertise, or services
Volunteer to facilitate a workshop, donate meeting space, or offer pro-bono professional services (design, legal, accounting) that the Foundation would otherwise pay for.
Offer your helpFoundation Member vs Sustaining Member vs Both.
Two separate organizations, two different memberships. Pick the one that fits — or hold both for the full spectrum.
| Benefit | Foundation Member | Sustaining Member | Both |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $33/yr | $99/yr | $132/yr |
| Tax-deductible | Yes (501(c)(3), full amount) | No (for-profit product) | $33 portion deductible |
| Which entity | Network Charlotte Foundation | Network Charlotte (for-profit) | Both |
| Attendee lists at Foundation events | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Attendee lists at NC events | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Member directory | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early RSVP access | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Digital business card | Free basic (community feature) | Premium features unlocked | Premium features |
| Discount Program access | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foundation jobseeker programming | ✓ | Open to community | ✓ |
Transparency.
Two companies, two missions, one shared community. Network Charlotte is the for-profit that runs the monthly networking calendar, the platform, and the Sustaining Member program. The Foundation is a separate nonprofit (pursuing IRS 501(c)(3) status) that runs its own jobseeker support programming, hardship-relief grants, and Foundation Member community. Each entity keeps its own board, its own bank accounts, and its own tax filings. The Foundation uses the Network Charlotte platform and brand under a documented service agreement — a standard software-vendor relationship, no different than any nonprofit paying for the systems it runs on.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Annual reports and financial statements are available on request.