What is the Flight Fund?

• The fund, administered by the Library Foundation, infuses dollars into the Library’s programming budget via micro-grants to Library staff.
• Funded programs must expand existing programs or develop new programs that align with Library’s programming priorities, are responsive to community needs and advance the Library’s commitment to equitable practices.
• Each year, the Library provides more than 30,000 programs for customers of all ages in Mecklenburg County. Their budget of $225,000 has been flat over the past 10 years; needs and costs have increased each year. While this fund will not meet every need or gap in programming, it will provide an outlet for staff to try new programming ideas, reach new audiences and be more responsive to what our community needs and wants.
• The Library Foundation allocated $25,000 the first year and has continued funding projects bi-annually. Project amounts can range from up to $500 to $2,500. Monies will be awarded twice a year.
• First application cycle launched January 2023 (piloting the Flight Fund!)
• As of January 2026 there have been seven application cycles awarding 53 grantees.
• Documents to assist in your planning and completing the application can be found on FOREWORDnet. (Link can only be accessed by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff.)