Charlotte, NC - The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, has announced its commitment and financial support to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force initiative.
The Task Force, made up of 20 volunteers from across Charlotte-Mecklenburg, was formed in May 2015 by Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte to investigate why, according to national research, Charlotte ranked 50th out of 50 of the largest U.S. cities in economic mobility and to craft possible solutions to improve economic outcomes for more of the city's residents.
Support of the Opportunity Task Force aligns with the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation's investments in projects and organizations that seek to narrow racial and gender wealth gaps by supporting equitable, inclusive, sustainable and vibrant economic development efforts that create opportunities to build and retain wealth and transfer it to the next generation. The Foundation has also funded research relating to income and wealth inequality that inform this area of focus, including:
Assets and Opportunity Profile (Charlotte) – This profile includes data snapshots of the financial security and opportunities for residents in Charlotte, as well as an overview of what cities are doing nationally to help financially educate, empower and protect residents and enable them to build a more prosperous future.
Report: Racial Wealth Disparity in North Carolina
Report: Strategies to Reduce the Racial and Gender Wealth Gaps in North Carolina
"The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation supports community-based efforts aimed at increasing economic opportunities across North Carolina," said Leslie Winner, executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. "ZSR is pleased to be a partner with this diverse and esteemed group of Mecklenburg County leaders who are collaborating to examine issues of economic mobility in the Charlotte area. We look forward our continued participation in this effort as we collectively seek solutions to build economic prosperity for a broad array of individuals and families."
Other funding partners of the Opportunity Task Force include Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, Foundation For The Carolinas, J.M. Belk Endowment, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Foundation For The Carolinas is providing administrative and operational support.
The public is invited to learn more, sign up for participation opportunities, and receive updates at www.opportunitycharmeck.org.