APPLICATIONS OPEN:
February 26th
Applications close on March 18th at 5pm EST
About the initiative
Community that Sparks Change
In a city divided by invisible lines, relationships are our most powerful catalyst for change. The Energizer Initiative identifies and empowers Charlotte's natural community connectors—those rare individuals who instinctively build bridges across barriers.
Are you
someone that's...
Audrey Baran
Baran Dance
Energizer, Fall '25
"It is an honor to be a LoveBolt Energizer! This program allowed me to investigate who I am as an artist and community leader and offered me a framework for the kind of work I want to do in the future. Connecting with my fellow Energizers and Henry was invaluable and I feel empowered to keep moving and making change throughout our community."
The Mission...
LoveBolt’s “Kitty Garner Energizer Initiative” is a grassroots program designed to bridge racial and socio-economic divides by empowering and amplifying promising community building initiatives.
“Before the Kitty Garner Energizer Initiative, I'd almost given up on finding my people. This cohort changed everything. I now have a clearer picture of the community I want to build, thanks to LoveBolt. Every session not only brought me closer to my own goals but also fostered a vibrant mini-community among the cohort's members. I've never felt this level of joy and comfort within a cohort,
- Energizer, Spring '25 Cohort
Proximity matters.
Charlotte's Got a Connection Problem...
Today, Charlotte is among the nations worst in terms of economic mobility - the ability to rise from a lower income bracket to a higher. Research reveals that a lack of social integration is one of the largest contributing factors as to why (Opportunity Insight, 2022).
70%
of residents in CLT report that their closest social networks consist of people from similar racial or socio-economic backgrounds. (Harvard Business Review)
Redlining maps from the 1930's determined credit risks based. largely on race/ethnicity. The impact of these maps can still be felt today, furthering racial and economic segregation. (Hanchett, Sorting Out the New South City)
MEET SOME PAST ENERGIZERS
Michelle Fernandez
Spring '25
Fresh Squeezed Craft Club
@freshsqueezedcraftclub
Danielle Rubin
Fall '25
The Friday Table
@the.friday.table
Fitzroy Powell
Fall '25
Content Sunday
@contentsunday
Hadassah Selby
Spring '25
What's On Your Mind
@whatsonyourmind
“Creating more connections across class lines looks to be the most promising route to improving rates of upward economic mobility in the U.S.”
(Opportunity Insights, 2022)
Program Pillars
01
Investing in Community Builders
Direct funding to projects led by diverse community organizers ($1,000 per project. 6-8 selections per cohort).
02
Facilitating Cross-Racial Collaboration
Creating intentional spaces where leaders from different backgrounds can share ideas, resources, and experiences.
03
Amplifying Community Impact
Offering mentorship, promotional support, and connections to enhance project visibility & sustainability.
04
Programming & Gatherings
One breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner to explore key themes and foster relationships among “Energizers”.
I continue to feel the impact of each individual who entered that space—offering fresh ideas, bringing up hard but necessary conversations, and helping us all grow in a time where connection and authenticity are more vital than ever. This experience has been nothing short of transformative.
- Energizer, Spring '25
What You'll Receive
We created this program to serve your unique needs and pain points.
Key Dates
April 1
The Kickoff!
(In-Person)
6:30-8:30pm
April 8
Group Alignment #1
(Virtual)
6:30-8pm
April 18
CLT History Lunch
(In-Person)
10-1pm
April 29
Group Alignment #2
(Virtual)
6:30-8pm
May 2
Bridge Builder Breakfast
(In-Person)
9-12pm
May 13
Group Alignment #3
(Virtual)
6:30-8pm
May 17
Culture Dinner
(In-Person)
5-8pm
Group Alignment (Virtual)
A community touch point to process and learn together. During these sessions we will work through "The Art of Community" by Priya Parker and workshop your communities together.
CLT History Lunch
Develop a greater understanding of the history of Charlotte and the necessary context to be more intentional about the community your developing and the broader impact you're creating.
Bridge Builder Breakfast
Further explore your own values, blindspots, and identity to grow as a leader and bridge builder that can fuel a a deep sense of belonging and connection in your own community.
Catalyzing Culture Dinner
Joined by local leaders/community builders, reflect on your community’s role in shaping culture in the city and how you can impact the city in ways you likely never considered.
Meet Henry...
Cohort Facilitator
Henry Davis is a CLT native, community connector, and filmmaker who has traveled the globe exploring human connection across race, culture, and religion. He's passionate about in-person community and believes that bringing people together is one of the greatest gifts anyone can offer.
Jennifer Moxley
Energizer, Spring '25
“I wish I knew this was more than just an $1,000 grant. I had no idea this would influence me so much as a leader, connector, risk taker, and community builder. I applied because my small nonprofit needs the funds, so much so, I'd commit two months for that. But I truly am more confident in my place as a community builder through the conversations, information, and other people's insight.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can multiple people from my organization attend?
Short answer, yes! However, we’d ask it to be no greater than two people. Please specify on your application both of the people that you’d like to include in the cohort.
What if I can’t make one of the core programming events?
Still apply! Indicate on your application the time conflict and we will do our best to work around it and remain flexible. That being said, because of how few in–person opportunities there are, we are really hoping to have full attendance. Of course, we recognize that life happens and things come up. If there is a clear conflict with a number of people, we are also open to re-scheduling an event to ensure the most people can attend.
Will this be a huge time commitment?
While you'll certainly be asked to share your time, both inside and outside of programmed events, we developed this programming to be minimally invasive and maximally impactful. Our general time expectation is between 2-5 hours per week during the length of the cohort. It’s one of those classic, “what you put in is what you’ll get out” sort of programs. That being said, we do expect you to stay connected with LoveBolt following the cohort and you’ll be invited to attend future events as part of the Energizer Network!
Are meals paid for at programmed events?
Yes! Each in-person event will have food provided. One breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner. Just show up ready to participate and learn. We’ll handle the rest.
What can I spend the money on?
The use of the funding is ultimately up to you! We are here to support you and provide space for you to consider and workshop the best use of the funding. Additionally, you’ll be asked to keep us updated with brief monthly updates for 6 months after the program on how things are going.
APPLY TODAY!
Let's Work Together To Create a More Connected CLT
© copyright 2024 by The LoveBolt
**The LoveBolt is a certified 501c3 Tax-deductable organization