A Community Microgrant at Work in Windsor Park
Published on February 04, 2026
As winter break approached, students at Windsor Park Elementary carried more than backpacks home from school. Tucked alongside their books was a board game, chosen just for them, and meant to be shared with their families.
That moment began when Windsor Park Neighbors learned about the City of Charlotte’s Community Microgrant opportunity and saw a chance to give back in a meaningful way. With Windsor Park Elementary in mind, the neighborhood decided to use the grant to support students through hands-on play by providing something special to take home ahead of winter break.
With $5,000 in Community Microgrant funding, Windsor Park Neighbors purchased board games for every student at Windsor Park Elementary. In total, 519 board games were given out, offering families a fun, screen-free way to spend time together during the break.
As the project took shape, the excitement spread. Inspired by a shared purpose, residents independently chose to donate additional board games and LEGO sets to the school’s library. After students returned to school, Windsor Park Neighbors received many thank-you cards from classrooms, including one from a student who shared how much the “toy” meant to them. The student explained they did not have a phone for games to play at home and were grateful for the gift during a difficult time for their family.
As the first completed project under the city of Charlotte’s new Community Microgrant opportunity, this effort shows how resident-led ideas can create real and lasting impact when paired with accessible funding.
“This project increased community participation and volunteer engagement, strengthened the partnership between the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association and Windsor Park Elementary, and demonstrated the neighborhood’s ability to mobilize around a shared goal,” said Rachel Guzman, president of the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association.
The Community Microgrant program supports short-term, resident-led projects that help bring neighbors together and strengthen communities. The program offers $500 to $5,000 in funding with no match required, making it easier for neighborhoods to turn ideas into action. Applications are accepted each year on a rolling basis from October 1 through March 1, and projects must align with one or more focus areas: Innovation and Sustainability, Community Health and Wellness, or Neighborhood Engagement and Belonging.
Learn more and apply on the city’s Community Microgrant webpage.