SVP Charlotte is proud to invest in and collaborate with high-impact nonprofits that are driving meaningful change across our community. These organizations are tackling urgent challenges with creativity, compassion, and determination—and we’re honored to walk alongside them as they grow their capacity and deepen their impact.
Each year, SVP Charlotte selects one nonprofit from the SEED20 Alumni Network that is tackling barriers to upward mobility in the greater Charlotte region to become our Investee. This three-year partnership includes:
• Unrestricted Grant Funding to support strategic growth and sustainability
• Intensive Capacity Building through hands-on support from SVP Partners
• Professional Development tailored to the nonprofit’s leadership and goals
Our Investee program is designed to help visionary organizations strengthen their infrastructure, expand their reach, and move closer to fulfilling their missions. It’s more than a grant—it’s a collaborative journey.
If you’re a SEED20 alum interested in applying or learning more, please reach out to kbeck@svpcharlotte.org.
The Arts Empowerment Project
The Arts Empowerment Project’s (TAEP) mission is to break cycles of violence and trauma through arts opportunities that ignite change in vulnerable youth. Their vision is a community that gives every child arts experiences that broaden horizons, foster resilience, and build essential life skills. This mission and vision drives every aspect of our programming, from their careful selection of teaching artists to strategic partnerships with juvenile courts and social services. Their programs serve youth in grades K-12, many of whom have experienced trauma, with distinct age-appropriate programming tailored to developmental needs: elementary (ages 8-11), middle school (ages 12-14), and high school (ages 15-18). TAEP focus mainly on court-involved youth, children in foster care, and underserved youth lacking access to arts programming.
Executive Director: Natalie Frazier Allen, JD
SVP Lead Partners: Indre Buechler, Rachel Johnson and Molly Withers
GardHouse
GardHouse GardHouse is a Charlotte-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on creating a seamless pipeline to employment for underserved college students. As Charlotte’s leading workforce development program for college students, we provide paid semester-long internships, career coaching, and professional development opportunities.
GardHouse was first introduced to SVP through our annual SEED20 program. Within the first year of SVP Charlotte’s investment, we are collectively working to strengthen its board and grow its social capital to increase placement opportunities for its interns.
Executive Director: Jonathan Gardner
SVP Lead Partners: Michelle Cottrell, Holly Edwards (RSM), Michael Sinsheimer, and Cristy Travaglino
The Bulb
Founded in 2016, The Bulb (SEED20 Class of 2019) operates a barrier-free mobile farmers market model, delivering fresh, high-quality, and culturally relevant produce directly into under-resourced neighborhoods, no ID, referrals, or payment required.
The Bulb annually:
- Serves nearly 85,000 individuals
- Hosts 392 markets
- Distributes over 430,000 pounds of fresh produce
- Rescues more than 300,000 pounds of food from area businesses
As food insecurity rises, particularly following reductions in federal SNAP benefits affecting more than 138,500 Mecklenburg County residents, The Bulb’s consistent, place-based approach provides dignified access to healthy food while helping families redirect limited income toward rent, utilities, and healthcare.
Executive Director: Lisa Mathews
SVP Lead Partners: John Pesavento, Lisa Turbessi, and Loren Weil
SVP Charlotte is honored to have worked with these local nonprofits since 2005 by investing partner skills and time along with multi-year investments.
To learn more about these innovative organizations, click on their logos below.
Sheltering Families Intact
