Applications are now closed
*
Applications are now closed *
Funded by A 704 Party x Surefire Market
$1,000 Culture Forward Grant
Creators | Innovators | Community Shapers
Third Round Winner:
July. 2025
In our second round, we awarded a $500 Culture Forward Grant to Imani Kai, a youth advocate dedicated to empowering young girls through mentorship, personal development, and confidence-building experiences. Through her work, Imani creates opportunities for girls to develop leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, and gain the tools needed to navigate life with purpose and self-assurance.
🌟 Why We Chose Her:
We believe that investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future of our city. Imani's commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where girls can learn, grow, and discover their potential aligns directly with the Culture Forward mission. Her work not only impacts the individuals she serves today, but also helps cultivate the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and community builders.
💖 How She Used the Grant:
With support from the Culture Forward Grant, Imani was able to:
✔ Fund programming and activities focused on personal growth and leadership development
✔ Provide resources and experiences that encouraged confidence, self-expression, and community building
✔ Expand opportunities for young girls to connect, learn, and grow in a positive environment
Through these efforts, she is actively pushing Charlotte's Culture Forward.
Second Round Winner:
Apr. 2025
In our second round, we awarded $500 to Garden of Intention, a Charlotte-based platform committed to community wellness, education, and reducing stigma around sexual and reproductive health. With support from the NC Department of Health and A 704 Party’s Culture Forward Grant, Garden of Intention is bringing essential resources to the community through creative, culturally grounded care.
🧠 Why We Chose Them:
Sexual health is often misunderstood or underserved, especially in marginalized communities. Garden of Intention is actively shifting that narrative by offering thoughtful, accessible education through their Back Outside: Sexual Health Guide and wellness kits. Their mission to destigmatize care through real conversations, resources, and cultural relevance deeply aligns with the values of Culture Forward.
📦 How They’re Using the Grant:
With the support of the Culture Forward Grant, Garden of Intention is expanding their reach by:
✔ Distributing 100 culturally relevant sexual health kits across Charlotte
✔ Providing access to sexual health education and resources designed with community needs in mind
✔ Promoting awareness and action around wellness through public engagement and storytelling
Through these efforts, Garden of Intention is boldly pushing Charlotte’s Culture Forward.
First Round Winner:
Dec. 2024
In our first round, we awarded $1,000 to Chauncy Haney, the founder of Accidental Isolation, a platform dedicated to mental wellness, self-discovery, and holistic healing. Through his work as a yoga instructor, podcaster, and storyteller, Chauncy creates spaces where people can explore their mental, emotional, and physical well-being in ways that truly resonate.
🧘🏾♂️ Why We Chose Him:
Mental health, especially within the Black community, is often overlooked or stigmatized. Chauncy is actively breaking barriers by using yoga, journaling, guided discussions, and storytelling to create accessible spaces for healing. His commitment to fostering growth, resilience, and community-building aligns deeply with the Culture Forward mission.
🎙 How He’s Using the Grant:
With the support of the Culture Forward Grant, Chauncy has expanded his wellness initiative by:
✔ Offering free and low-cost yoga sessions to make the practice more accessible
✔ Providing journaling and self-discovery workshops to help people express and navigate their emotions
✔ Hosting live podcast shows to share real conversations about overcoming personal challenges
Through these efforts, he is actively pushing Charlotte’s Culture Forward.