January 12, 2009

Charlotte, NC -- The next Neighborhood Matching Grants program application deadline is March 16. Organizations interested in applying must send a representative to one of thefollowing pre-application workshops:

January 29 6:00 - 8:30 pm, Freedom Regional Library, 1230 Alleghany St.

February 4 6:00 - 8:30 pm, Sugar Creek Library, 4045 North Tryon St.

February 7 9:30 am – 12 pm, Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd.

February 12 6:00 - 8:30 pm, Methodist Home Recreation Ctr, 3200 Shamrock Dr.

The Neighborhood Matching Grants program awards funds up to $25,000 to eligible neighborhood organizations to help support projects that improve neighborhoods. Organizations may match the grant funds with cash, volunteer labor or in-kind donations of goods and services related to the project. Project categories are neighborhood improvement, crime and public safety, organizational development and educational, recreational and cultural initiatives.

Eligible organizations include neighborhood associations, business associations andneighborhood-based community development corporations that have been organized for at least six months and are in neighborhood statistical areas with median household income not exceeding $64,219.

For more information or to check your organization's eligibility, call 704-336-2061 or visit http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org.