Stories of Impact: CLT is Creative

By Meaghan Dunham Arena, Communications & Engagement Coordinator

At Women’s Impact Fund, we believe in the power of ideas and, more importantly, in the people behind them. That’s why we were proud of all the amazing grant recipients we have the honor of supporting — and spotlighting! — each year. Charlotte Is Creative is one of WIF’s 2024 Grant Recipients. Their commitment to fostering Charlotte’s creative community aligns beautifully with our mission to support transformational initiatives that strengthen our city.

One of their standout projects is the Charlotte Reciprocity Circles (CRC); a series of dynamic, in-person events designed to unlock social capital and remove barriers that often keep creative and community-driven ideas from coming to life.

The concept is simple, but the impact is profound. Each CRC gathering begins with a short, inspirational performance by a local artist, setting the tone for an evening of open exchange and collaboration. Then, participants are seated in facilitated small groups to share their goals, needs, or roadblocks and, in return, they receive tangible offers of support, introductions, resources, or ideas from fellow attendees.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, community organizer, artist, or someone with a spark of an idea, CRC creates a welcoming space to give and receive support across industries and neighborhoods.

As a supporter and partner, Women’s Impact Fund is proud to see this kind of catalytic programming made possible through our collective philanthropy, as well as the many other organizations in Charlotte that make the work of CLT is Creative possible. Many of our members have attended CRC events and returned inspired by the experience.

“Attending the Charlotte Reciprocity Circle hosted by Charlotte Is Creative was an inspiring experience filled with vibrant energy, creative collaboration, and meaningful connections. As a member of the Women’s Impact Fund and chair of the Community Impact Committee, it was especially rewarding to see a grant recipient fostering such powerful exchanges of support and ideas within the community.”
— Karen Barton, Community Impact Committee Chair

“At the Charlotte Reciprocity Circle meeting, I had the chance to make some connections on website design and received feedback on creating new approaches on business networking and hiring. The meeting sparked fresh ideas on how to build partnerships in innovative and more collaborative ways, and it was inspiring to exchange perspectives with professionals who value helping others. The format of the event makes it very easy to participate, share and follow up with the connections you have made during the event.”
— Susan Adams, Member Education Committee

“It’s always a joy to attend Charlotte Is Creative events, and Reciprocity Circles was a particularly meaningful experience. It offered a powerful opportunity to hear directly from creatives and community members about how we can better support individual artists and strengthen the cultural fabric that brings such vibrancy to the Queen City.”
— Angela Scholl, Membership Committee

Each CRC event lasts 90 minutes, includes light snacks and drinks, and is free to attend. Locations rotate throughout the city, adding to the inclusive, cross-community spirit of the series.

We encourage all members of the Women’s Impact Fund — and the broader Charlotte community — to participate in an upcoming Charlotte Reciprocity Circle. Bring your ideas, your connections, and your willingness to support others. You never know what conversation might be the spark that lights the next big idea.

Learn more and see upcoming dates at charlotteiscreative.com/crc. Together, let’s continue building a more connected, creative Charlotte.