On Tuesday, Wells Fargo announced a $6 million philanthropic investment in Charlotte, reinforcing the company’s long‑standing commitment to the city. The CLT Alliance Foundation was one of the recipients.
Focused on West Charlotte, the new funding will support six nonprofit organizations working across housing, workforce training, and small business growth to deliver coordinated, community‑driven solutions. The announcement was made at an event hosted at Johnson C. Smith University.
The grant announcement builds on Wells Fargo’s broader community engagement in Charlotte, where the company has its largest employee base. Between 2020 and 2025, Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation invested more than $48 million in philanthropic initiatives in the Charlotte region, and employees have volunteered more than 675,000 hours in the local community.
“Wells Fargo’s deep roots in Charlotte drive our commitment to fuel economic growth for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve across North Carolina,” said Jason Rosenberg, Wells Fargo’s Head of Public Affairs. “This investment in West Charlotte will support expanded housing options, more capital for businesses, and access to workforce development in the community.”
Grant recipients and community impact
The $6 million philanthropic investment from the Wells Fargo Foundation includes grants to six nonprofits:
Housing access
- Freedom Communities: Supporting the creation of 12 affordable rental units for workforce program participants, helping promote housing stability and economic mobility
- Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance: Supporting construction of 15 accessory dwelling units (ADUs), expanding affordable rental options, and enabling home repairs, solar installations, and energy upgrades
Workforce development
- CodePath: Expansion of CodePath’s industry-aligned computer science courses, career services, and interview preparation into programs at UNC Charlotte and Johnson C. Smith University, with plans to expand to additional institutions across the region
Local business growth
- CLT Alliance Foundation: Supporting assessment of small business needs and launching readiness programs with a focus on West Charlotte
- ASPIRE Community Capital: Investment in the Financial Empowerment for Growth initiative to help 24 business owners work toward sustainable growth
- West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition: Establishing Three Sisters Market, the first full‑service grocery store in more than 30 years for West Boulevard Corridor, expanding access to fresh food
“Philanthropic investments like this, backed by Wells Fargo’s long-standing support of Charlotte, help translate community vision into measurable progress,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “Supporting housing access, workforce training, and local businesses in West Charlotte strengthens the city as a whole.”
“Community development means that each person is doing what they can to lift their neighbors up,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Wells Fargo’s $6 million investment will support meaningful work on affordable housing, workforce development, and financial literacy.”
“West Charlotte is a community defined by resilience, leadership, and possibility,” said U.S. Rep. Alma Adams. “With Wells Fargo’s investment, local leaders can advance their vision and position the community for long‑term success.”
“Wells Fargo’s $6 million investment in West Charlotte is a strong example of how public-private partnerships can expand opportunity and strengthen communities across North Carolina,” said U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. “By supporting housing access, workforce development, and small business growth, this effort will help more families achieve stability and economic mobility. I appreciate Wells Fargo’s continued commitment to Charlotte and look forward to the lasting impact these investments will have on the region.”
“Wells Fargo’s investments in the Charlotte community will help families find affordable housing, provide opportunities for individuals to learn new skills, offer more resources to local businesses, and bring a new grocery store to West Charlotte,” said U.S. Sen. Ted Budd. “I am grateful that Charlotte is home to strong partners like Wells Fargo who are working to better the community they call home.”
Photo credit: Wells Fargo
