The Arts Empowerment Project (TAEP) has been named Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte’s 2025 Investee grant recipient, marking an exciting step forward in the organization’s mission to use the arts to break cycles of violence and trauma for youth in the community.
Through innovative, trauma-informed programming—including
Encounters,
Access Arts,
Culinary Camp,
Art of Resiliency,
Heart Packs, and a growing
Arts Residency Program—the nonprofit creates safe, creative spaces for young people in grades K-12 impacted by trauma, court involvement, or other systemic challenges to grow, heal, and thrive. TAEP is proudly housed in the
VAPA Center, a vibrant collaborative arts hub in the heart of Charlotte that supports local artists and arts organizations.
The Investee grant from SVP Charlotte brings not only $20,000 annually of unrestricted financial support but also includes access to SVP Charlotte’s diverse Partners
(donor volunteers) who bring professional expertise in a variety of areas including strategic planning, operations, and organizational growth. This multi-year partnership will be spearheaded by three Lead Partners, who will serve as primary volunteer liaisons and are committed to helping The Arts Empowerment Project build capacity and sustainability by identifying and supporting initiatives leveraging SVP Charlotte’s skilled volunteers as it continues to scale its impact. Lead Partner
Rachel Johnson is a CPA and MBA with extensive experience in financial leadership and nonprofit advisory;
Indre Buechler brings a background in strategic operations and a passion for fostering innovation in community organizations; and
Molly Withers is a finance executive with deep expertise in investment strategy and impact-driven initiatives.
“This partnership is about so much more than funding,” said
Natalie Frazier Allen, Founder and CEO. “To have experts who are genuinely invested in our mission, standing beside us to help guide strategy and growth—it’s truly invaluable.”
With this support, TAEP plans to strengthen its internal infrastructure, pursue strategic goals that were delayed due to the pandemic, and position itself for long-term success in serving youth through the power of the arts.
As a member of the SEED20 Class of 2014, TAEP looks forward to deepening its partnership with SVP Charlotte as it enters this exciting new chapter.
