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About The Charlotte Hornets Foundation

The Charlotte Hornets Foundation helps make up most of our Swarm to Serve initiatives. The Charlotte Hornets Foundation is a separate 501c3 that focuses on building a stronger community, from our community, for our community.

Please click here to make a donation.

Our History

NBA legend Michael Jordan acquired the Charlotte Hornets (then Charlotte Bobcats) in 2010. While there were many changes that came with a new owner, there was one initiative that relentlessly remained on top – reinvesting in the community this team calls home. And thus, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation (previously Cats Care under the Bobcats) was created. The Charlotte Hornets Foundation aims to create a stronger Charlotte community. After research, surveys and discussions with community leaders, the organization selected four pillars on which to focus: Education, Hunger, Military and Wellness. Individual initiatives have been established in these focal areas that reaffirm our mission.

Since its inception, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation has awarded over 250 grants, inspired over 10,000 individual volunteers and seen over 500 player appearances in the community participating in events. With the help of over 120 partnerships, the Foundation has grown into the robust organization it is today. To fund the numerous programs it supports, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation relies in large part on contributions from corporate partners and individuals, and fundraising events. The impact the Foundation has made is because of our partners, sponsors, fans and supporters. For that, we thank you. The Charlotte Hornets Foundation is dedicated to the needs of the Charlotte metropolitan area. With all administrative costs covered, 100 percent of your gift goes directly to benefiting our initiatives.

Board Members
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Rick Schnall

Co-Chairman

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Gabe Plotkin

Co-Chairman

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James Jordan

President

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Betsy Mack

Executive Director

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Jim Dunlevy

Treasurer

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Shannon Gilligan

Secretary 

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MC Belk Pilon

Board Member

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Damian Mills

Board Member

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Amy Levine Dawson

Board Member

Grant Recipients

Each season, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation distributes around $100,000 in grants between our focus areas of Education, Hunger, Military and Wellness.

Education

2020-21: The Boost Pad

2019-20: Neighborhood Libraries

2018-19: Technology Lab Makeover

Hunger

2020-21: Community Culinary School of Charlotte

2019-20: Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council

2018-19: Friendship Trays

Military

2020-21: Veterans Bridge Home

2019-20: Purple Heart Homes

2018-19: USO Center at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Wellness

2020-21: Novant Health

2019-20: Out Teach – Devonshire Elementary School

2018-19: Out Teach – Lebanon Road Elementary School

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the State.

Support The Foundation
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An annual black-tie fundraiser to support the Charlotte Hornets Foundationwhich celebrates individuals for their contributions to the Charlotte community and features attendees sporting sneakers with their finest formal wear.

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An annual fundraiser to support the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, which brings hundreds together to pedal with a purpose towards building a stronger Charlotte community.

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Get ready to score big during the 2023-24 season: purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket today to support the Charlotte Hornets Foundation and for the chance to win half of one of this season’s 50/50 jackpots!

Additional Programs 
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Financial information about this organization and a copy of its’ license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400.  The license is not an endorsement by the State.