Pilot Program Partnership with Apparo

In partnership with United Way of Central Carolinas, Apparo has launched the Technology Education and Mentorship Pilot Program for a group of 10 Unite Charlotte nonprofits. Unite Charlotte provides funding and capacity-building initiatives to local grassroots organizations advancing racial equity and addressing economic mobility.

 

“As issues of equity and economic opportunity are fundamental priorities for Apparo, this partnership is very meaningful to us.” shares Kim Lanphear, CEO at Apparo. “We know through experience that technology education and change management support are critical to a nonprofit’s ability to reach their full potential in service to our community. We’re thrilled to provide these additional resources to Unite Charlotte recipients.”

 

Through this innovative collaboration, the participating nonprofits will receive technology education and an experienced mentor to aid their journey. Educational topics include: technology foundations, website, social media and introductions to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

 

The nonprofits participating are:

 

• ASPIRE Community Capital
• B.E.A.M. Foundation (Beta Nu Lambda Foundation)
• Black Social Capital Initiative
• GardHouse
• Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance
• Mecklenburg Council of Elders, Inc.
• North End Community Coalition
• Southside Rides Foundation
• The Academy of Goal Achievers
• Wilson Oasis

 

“Black Social Capital Initiative was honored to be invited to participate in the Apparo Technology pilot program through the support of Unite Charlotte,” said Chrystal Joy, managing director with The Lee Institute and Black Social Capital Initiative Board Member. “As a newly forming organization, the program will provide us with information to build our internal and external communications infrastructure as well as a resource platform to house our program content and curriculum. We may not have had an opportunity to focus on a more holistic approach to technology so soon in our development otherwise! This is a great access point for us from United Way.”

 

Established in 2016, Unite Charlotte addresses the inequities within philanthropy by intentionally funding Black- and Brown-led grassroots organizations in Mecklenburg County that increase racial equity and economic mobility. The program is part of United Way’s annual community investment initiative and, to date, has invested $2.39 million in over 90 organizations.

 

“Our partnership with Apparo will help drive our collective goals of bolstering the sustainability and community impact of the participating nonprofits,” said Sam Smith, director of external engagement at United Way of Central Carolinas. “I’m eager to see the results of this exciting pilot program.”

 

Learn more about Unite Charlotte by visiting https://uwcentralcarolinas.org/unite-charlotte/.