​CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 19, 2021) – The City of Charlotte on Monday announced that business districts in Charlotte may now apply for a grant through the city’s Business District Organization Grant Program. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 17.

The Business District Organization Program (BDOP) is a matching, reimbursement grant program that supports the work of business organizations serving targeted business districts. The city will provide up to $30,000 in reimbursed matching funds per year to qualified business district organizations for eligible expenses, where the city reimburses two-thirds (66.6%) of funds raised and spent for eligible expenses by the organization.

About the Program

Empowering business districts to create positive changes that benefit the unique needs and challenges of the areas in which they are located is an important component of a healthy urban business district. When businesses collaborate on initiatives and find solutions that positively impact not only their unique districts, but also the surrounding residential areas, the overall health of our city is strengthened.

How it Works

1. Apply for an annual BDOP grant by May 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

2. Submit a workplan and budget for pre-approval for the upcoming fiscal year (July 2021 through June 2022) that details eligible program activity and expenses.

3. Once the workplan is approved, the organization enters into a grant contract with the city for the fiscal year.

4. Carry out the eligible activities and programs throughout the year.

5. At the end of the year, submit an annual workplan report and an invoice for reimbursement of 66.6% of eligible expenses, up to $30,000.

Eligible expenses must be pre-approved and include:

• Operating or administrative expenses, bookkeeping/ accounting expenses, professional consultant expenses, advertising costs, administrative expenses and ongoing operating expenses.

• Promotional, marketing and branding activities

• Special events. Expenses for alcoholic beverages are not eligible.

• Salaries, or other compensation, of board members are not eligible.

• Funds awarded under this program may not be used as matching funds required under the city’s Neighborhood Matching Grants Program inBusiness Matching Grant Program.

• Funds may not be used for political lobbying or endorsements.

• All expenses must be included in the annual work plan for approval. Any substantive changes in the annual work plan must be preapproved by the city before expenses are incurred.

Eligible business organizations must:

• Serve one of the city’s Targeted Business Districts as defined by the Business Corridor Revitalization Geography.

• Have documented or pending 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) not-for-profit designation. Municipal Service Districts are not eligible.

• Have a minimum of 10 district business members.

• Organization boards must have a minimum of 50% representation by businesses located in the district.

• Hold monthly membership or executive meetings and demonstrate on-going active participation via meeting attendance, etc.

Business districts with questions about the program can contact Erin Gillespie at 704.432.2948 or by email at bmg@charlottenc.gov.