Our response to a 2015 study putting Charlotte last among the 50 largest US cities in economic mobility: To focus like never before on the causes and solutions so all of our residents – regardless of zip code, background, race or income — have the opportunity to achieve. We know we are not unique among cities in the challenges we face. But we can be – and intend to be – focused on progress for all like no else.
This is where GreenLight Charlotte comes in. We give Charlotte a way to match the most pressing needs of low-income residents with the country’s best social innovations.
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of Mecklenburg County children ages 0-5 live in households earning below 200% of the Federal poverty level.
the poverty rate of working age African Americans and Hispanics is twice that for whites in Charlotte
of Charlotte young people ages 16-24 are neither working nor going to school or training.
We search from coast to coast to bring promising, ground-breaking answers to some of Charlotte’s most persistent poverty-related challenges. Organizations in our portfolio represent the best in their fields – in innovation, measurable results and ability to scale.
“After seeing [GreenLight Fund’s] model work successfully in Boston, Bank of America has been a proud partner in supporting GreenLight Fund’s expansion to the Bay Area, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Detroit. We are thrilled that the GreenLight Fund, in partnership with an impressive group of founding investors, chose Charlotte as the sixth community in its growing network.”
– Charles Bowman, Market President of Bank of America Charlotte
“I am honored to be one of the advisors for GreenLight Fund Charlotte. I am constantly inspired by GreenLight’s leadership and determination to make Charlotte a better place for all.”
– Sil Ganzó, Founder and Executive Director, ourBRIDGE for kids
“Our commitment to Charlotte extends beyond the services we provide. Duke Energy is working in partnership with our neighbors to identify solutions to issues facing our growing, diverse community. Bringing GreenLight Fund to Charlotte allows us to tap into innovative programs from around the nation that improve economic mobility and put them to work for the city.”
– Cari Boyce, SVP, Stakeholder Strategy at Duke Energy and President, Duke Energy Foundation
“Given recent studies showing limited upward mobility in Charlotte, this is a timely moment for the GreenLight Fund to come to the city. GreenLight brings a strong and welcomed focus on expanding successful programs and transforming lives in high-poverty neighborhoods. We look forward to supporting its efforts.”
– Rhett Mabry, President of The Duke Endowment
“GreenLight Charlotte’s work is truly making a difference in Charlotte. The Greenlight Charlotte team brings innovative ideas and partnerships to address some of the region’s most pressing issues to help families enhance their economic mobility. Their data-driven approach to problem-solving and grantmaking, along with leveraging the insights of community stakeholders, including those they seek to impact is a model for other organizations to follow.”
– Jada Grandy-Mock, Chief Corporate Community Economic Development Officer, Fifth Third Bank
“GreenLight’s multi-city track record of identifying unmet community needs and bringing tailored, innovative solutions to address those local challenges attracted me to supporting the organization’s debut in Charlotte. We’re eager to see GreenLight’s positive impact on our community.”
– Jack Purcell, Partner at Ridgemont Equity Partners
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