I’m thrilled to announce the official launch of EmpoWWer, our service-grant program created to support 501(c)(3) community initiatives. As I shared when we first went public with our intentions for this program in late 2017, EmpoWWer fuels our creative spirit and our agency’s indomitable hunger for using our gifts for good. It also formalizes a commitment to social responsibility that Wray Ward has embraced since its founding more than 40 years ago.

This deep-rooted sense of responsibility has always been part of our DNA. We serve clients based all over the world, but the Charlotte community is our home. It’s not just where we live, but also where we work, play, learn, create, share and grow.

That’s why we’re committed to giving deserving nonprofit organizations in and around Charlotte gifts of time and talent. EmpoWWer also includes a special benefit known as EmpoWWer hours, through which our employees will go out into the community and complete hands-on work, from painting houses and picking up trash to reading stories to children. We believe this type of partnership is special because it brings givers and receivers together. In addition, it gives the givers an intimate understanding of the special, long-lasting impact a single person can have on individuals and communities.

I’m also excited about the opportunity to connect with charities that need help with branding and marketing communications efforts. Branding and marketing are crucial considerations for not just large corporations, but also the smallest community groups. After all, they still have big, important stories to tell.

EmpoWWer supports important causes framed by one of three pillars: creativity, shelter and advancement. To learn more, please reference the details listed on the EmpoWWer website. If you represent a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and think a partnership with Wray Ward would be a good fit, I hope you will take a few minutes to review our application guidelines. We understand that charities apply for many forms of assistance, some of which are complex, so we’ve tried to make the process as simple as possible.

We will accept applications September 1 through October 31, notify selected groups by January 1 and complete all projects by December 31, 2019.

We look forward to working side by side with Charlotte’s amazing nonprofit community. Together, we can accomplish great things.