At Wray Ward, the spirit of giving resonates deeply with our mission to use our gifts for good and make a meaningful difference in the Charlotte community. So, as we embrace this joyful season, we’re excited to announce that the application window for our 2025 EmpoWWer service grants is currently open through December 31.

By focusing on Charlotte-area 501(c)(3) organizations framed by one of three pillars — creativity, shelter and advancement — the EmpoWWer program embodies Wray Ward’s commitment to championing social responsibility.

Since 2019, we’ve provided more than 20 local nonprofit organizations with the marketing resources they need to amplify their impact. Through their application, these grant recipients presented a tangible need for our agency’s creative and strategic resources, and in each case, our team delivered a solution that helped the organizations move closer to achieving their goals.

In addition to sharing this exciting news, we want to reflect on a few of the other ways our team has come together over the past few months to support those in need. From gathering supplies for our neighbors in Western North Carolina who were affected by Hurricane Helene to organizing a food drive for Nourish Up (a previous EmpoWWer grant recipient), these efforts remind us that when we give back, we build stronger, more connected communities.

Donating food and supplies is an important step in helping those in need, but donating our talent and skills is where Wray Ward really shines. Read on to learn what the EmpoWWer program is all about.

What can a grant do for a nonprofit?

Does your nonprofit — or one you know — have a clear vision but need help achieving it? That’s where our EmpoWWer program comes in.

Take Nourish Up for example, a 2022 EmpoWWer grant recipient. Through the program, Wray Ward provided the organization with a comprehensive rebrand, including a new name, a new logo, and branding guidelines and applications.

“The EmpoWWer program not only gave us a beautiful new brand; it took us to a whole new level,” said Tina Postel, CEO of Nourish Up. “As a nonprofit, we could never have pulled off a project of this magnitude on our own.”