City of Charlotte Invests to Expand Opportunities for Teens
Published on October 05, 2026
The City of Charlotte Office of Youth Opportunities (OYO) is accepting applications for a new grant program designed to expand access to programs, experiences and spaces for Charlotte teens outside of the traditional school day.
Through the
OYO Partnerships Grant, selected organizations will receive $50,000 each to expand existing youth-serving programs, increase access and remove barriers to participation for teens ages 13–18.
Applications open Monday, Oct. 5, and will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
The grant is designed to invest in existing community capacity rather than creating something new. OYO is seeking organizations that already have youth-serving programs, services, spaces or infrastructure and can use funding to expand those opportunities for Charlotte teens.
Eligible programming may include recreation, mentoring, leadership development, career exploration and readiness, educational enrichment, postsecondary exposure, civic engagement, arts and culture, wellness, skills development and other youth-development activities.
Funding could be used to expand the days or hours an existing program is offered, serve additional teens, add activities or experiences, or address barriers that prevent teens from participating. Examples of eligible expenses include additional staff hours, contracted instructors or facilitators, transportation, meals associated with programming, program materials and equipment, facility or space costs, admission or participation costs, and outreach and recruitment.
Eligible organizations must serve youth within the city of Charlotte and have an existing youth-serving program, service, space or demonstrated capacity to deliver the proposed programming, as well as the ability to implement the proposed work and manage city funding.
Applications will be reviewed in November, with applicants expected to be notified in early December. Grant-funded activities may begin after execution of the funding agreement and must be completed by July 31, 2027.