Applications Due October 14th, 2026

✳︎

Applications Due October 14th, 2026 ✳︎

Microgrant Funds for Charlotte to Share What They Love To Do

City of Hobbies Microgrants fund free hobby community experiences in the City of Charlotte and/or Mecklenburg County . 

We want to support projects that let people share their passions, test new events and programs, and turn public spaces into hobby sites for people of all ages.Whether it’s knitting, painting, pickleball, or gaming, if you have a hobby worth sharing, we’ll fund your project to be implemented from   November 2026 - January 2027.

Who Can Apply

Anyone age 13 or older who lives, works, learns, or hobbies in the City of Charlotte and/or Mecklenburg County. Individuals, groups, nonprofits, for‑profits, small businesses, and clubs are all welcome. No prior grant experience needed.

  • Youth (Ages 13–17): $250 – $1,000 (Parent/guardian co-signer required)

  • Adults (18+): $500 – $1,500

  • Organizations & Businesses: $500 – $1,500

  • You're welcome to partner with a provider (a local business, instructor, studio, or organization that offers the hobby experience) to help bring your project to life.

What We Look For

Strong projects are:

  • Free, welcoming and open to the community

  • Designed to help people try, learn, share or connect through a hobby

  • Realistic for the requested budget and timeline

  • Led by someone excited to share their hobby (whether they are have taught before or are leading a workshop for the very first time), this session is designed to be engaging, welcoming, and easy to follow.

  • A new event, program, partnership or community use of space

Funding Guidelines

  • Eligible Costs: Supplies, teaching materials, equipment and space rentals or fees, and printing, outreach and promotion.

  • Requirements: Events must take place in an accessible public  space in Charlotte, and/or Mecklenburg County and be 100% free to participants.

  • Ineligible: Personal equipment, private/invite-only events, political/religious advocacy, or expenses that predate the grant.

Key Dates

  • Applications Open: September 21st, 2026

  • Information Session 1: September 25th, 2026, 4:30pm on Zoom.

  • Information Session 2: September 30th, 2026, 4:30pm on Zoom. 

  • Deadline:  October 14th, 2026

  • Decisions Announced: The week of November 3rd, 2026

  • Funding Released:  Early-November

  • Projects Take Place: November 2026–January 2027

Ready To Apply