In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CIS) by offering a $100,000
matching gift challenge grant. Donations made to CIS by new donors –
or donations that represent an increased gift by a current donor –
will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 if made between now
and December 31, 2012.
"We are thrilled and excited about this generous opportunity," said
Molly Shaw, CIS Executive Director. "This grant will have a huge
impact on our ability to broaden our donor base by attracting new
donors as well as larger donations. Further, it will allow us to meet
the community's growing needs and serve more students, as well as
continue programming to the children we currently serve in 44
Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools."
Communities In Schools' mission is to help disadvantaged students stay
in school and graduate from high school. CIS takes a holistic approach
to increasing graduation rates in Charlotte-Mecklenburg public schools
by addressing the physical, emotional and academic needs of children
and their families through direct case-management and a comprehensive
range of services for students in grades Pre-K through 12. By
determining students' needs and surrounding them with a community of
support through relationships established with local businesses,
social services agencies, health care providers, faith communities,
and civic and other volunteer organizations, CIS helps thousands of
students each year to be successful in school and prepared for life
after high school. Of the 5,735 students enrolled in CIS during the
2010-11 school year, 99% stayed in school; 93% were promoted to the
next grade; and 624 CIS seniors graduated with a high school diploma.
"Strengthening PreK-12 public education and providing post-secondary
access for disadvantaged students is one of the key tenets of The
Levine Foundation's mission," said Tom Lawrence, Executive Director of
The Leon Levine Foundation. "We believe Communities In Schools'
mission to help kids stay in school and graduate, along with the
organization's demonstrated track record of success, aligns perfectly
with our mission. Most important, the entire Charlotte community will
benefit if CIS is able to reach more students and provide them with
the resources they need to become high school graduates and productive
citizens. We're optimistic that this 'challenge grant' will be met
with resounding success."
To learn more about Communities In Schools and to make a gift that
will be matched by The Leon Levine Foundation, visit www.cischarlotte.org
and click on the "Donate Now" tab. Or donations may be mailed to
Communities In Schools, Attn: Development Office, 601 E. 5th Street,
Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28202.
