United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc., Charlotte Art League, PFLAG and Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays to receive strategic and creative resources in 2022.

Wray Ward has announced recipients for its 2022 EmpoWWer service-grant program, an established program entering its fourth year of providing marketing communications service grants to area non-profits. The United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc., Charlotte Art League, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays and PFLAG Charlotte were selected to receive pro bono strategic and creative resources from more than 30 applications.

Designed to help 501(c)(3) community organizations in the greater Charlotte area, EmpoWWer service grants from Wray Ward align with the agency’s passions and industry expertise under three pillars — creativity, shelter and advancement. Wray Ward selected recipients based on a demonstrated need for the agency’s resources; the organizations’ alignment with EmpoWWer’s pillars; and their ability to show how the outcome of the partnership would create substantive change.

“Our desire to give back to our community is stronger than ever as local organizations continue to face unique challenges in 2022,” said Jennifer Appleby, president and chief creative officer of Wray Ward. “We are proud to be partnering with four incredible organizations whose missions, though unique from one another, resonate with so many of our Charlotte neighbors.”

The 2022 EmpoWWer recipients’ impact in the community is diverse, and each tells a compelling story: the United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc. strives to alleviate complex economic challenges and social disparities facing individuals, families and communities across the region; Charlotte Art League provides an accessible gateway to the arts experience for art lovers of all ages and backgrounds; Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays seeks to address food insecurity through providing healthy groceries and meals to individuals in need; and PFLAG Charlotte supports families and allies of the LGBTQ+ community through conversation, education and advocacy.

The agency’s EmpoWWer work in 2022 will be customized to each organization’s specific needs and will tap into various talents from Wray Ward’s integrated marketing communications services, including strategic planning, positioning, identity, creative development, video production, public relations and social media.