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IAC OF CAROLINAS

India Association of CHARLOTTE

We partner with other entities in Charlotte to drive initiatives to promote artistic diversity and leverage artistic and cultural diversity to address the national undercurrent of xenophobia directed at immigrants, and in particular to those with Asian origins.

OUR MISSION

India Association of Charlotte is an IRS tax exempt non-profit organization, that brings together people of Indian origin, who call Charlotte home, to celebrate and preserve their rich and diverse cultural heritage. It seeks to preserve, and promote understanding of India, Indian people and their culture within the greater Charlotte mainstream community around us here.

We partner with other entities in Charlotte to drive initiatives to promote artistic diversity and leverage artistic and cultural diversity to address the national undercurrent of xenophobia directed at immigrants, and in particular to those with Asian origins.

There were a small number of Indian families living in the Charlotte and Mecklenburg county area some twenty years back. They were new in the area and their neighbors and friends did not seem to have any knowledge about the rich cultural heritage of India, and someone proposed the idea of forming an organization to foster that understanding and outbound education. As a result, the India Association of Charlotte was formed in 1995 by a Steering Committee of volunteers and continues with no paid staff. The organization was registered as an IRS Tax Exempt organization in 1999. Since then, the number of Indian families has steadily grown and there are now estimated to be around 35000 people of Indian origin.

The India Association of Charlotte was established as an independent nonprofit organization in February 1995, IRS Registration EIN 56-1907586, and was granted a tax-exempt status in April 1999 under 501(c)(3) of the IRS.

OUR INITIATIVES

Festival of INDIA

The Festival of India that we have been organizing is held at Uptown Charlotte, in the Belk Theater and on Tryon Street. The Festival program includes performances by artists from the Indian community, Indian food, exhibits of arts & crafts from different regions of India and much more. The event is organized to showcase Indian culture and heritage in a very festive spirit. It welcomes people of all communities in the area and provides a great opportunity for cultural exchange with other Americans. It also gives our children an opportunity to display their talents in art, dance and music, thereby reaffirming their pride in their heritage. And it creates an awareness of Indian culture among other communities in the Carolinas. 

The Festival has become one of the key cultural events in Charlotte and is considered our community’s major contribution to the city. In recognition of that, the Honorable Mayor, City of Charlotte has honored our community by proclaiming the opening day as India Day of Charlotte! 

DISHA

This initiative aims to expand IAC’s reach and impact beyond its directly managed initiatives. It involves supporting other nonprofit entities founded or driven by passionate Indian Americans, making a significant impact and difference within the community.

Youth Public SERVICE GRANT

This is an initiative to recognize young Indian-Americans living in and around Charlotte who have established or currently lead a nonprofit organization. In addition to their own academic pursuits, the winner would have dedicated themselves in meaningful ways to the pursuit of public good, and made a
significant difference in the lives of others, whether in India or here locally. 

Application DEADLINE

July 1st of every year.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Learn more about this grant and apply for this grant.

MORE ABOUT US

Organization

Learn about our organization

ABOUT US

India Association of Charlotte is an IRS tax exempt non-profit organization, that brings together people of Indian origin, who call Charlotte home, to celebrate and preserve their rich and diverse cultural heritage.

EVENTS

Learn more about our events

REQUEST our INVOLVEMENT

HOW WE CAN HELP

As our numbers have grown over the years, we get numerous requests throughout the year from the mainstream community, for involvement, participation, collaboration etc. on cultural diversity initiatives with particular focus on Indian culture. These come from local schools, Volunteer organizations, local corporate entities and many other arts organizations like Arts & Science Council. We have done exhibits in Spirit Square, Mint Museum, presented Indian art and dances at Bank of America, Wachovia and many other venues. We evaluate each request within the context of our core mission, to mainstream understanding of Indian culture and then form a special committee led by a Chairperson to drive that initiative to completion.

All such requests should be sent to the President, IAC, 3212 Devon Croft Ln., Charlotte, NC 28269-9746, who then, with the concurrence of the board, assigns a Chair to drive that initiative.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

MAKE A DONATION

India Association of Charlotte is run by unpaid volunteers and has no membership dues. All expenses incurred in the cultural activities like Festival of India are funded by individual donations and corporate sponsorship. So your donations of any amount are very much appreciated.

To make a donation;
1. Make a check out to “India Association of Charlotte”
2. Mail the check to:
Treasurer, IAC 3212 Devon Croft Lane, Charlotte, NC 28269 Please note that IAC is a tax-exempt organization under Tax Exempt Code 501(c)3. Your donations/contributions are tax deductible to the full extent as provided by the law. Please consult your tax-advisor for more details

SO FAR WE HAVE organized

5

Disha events

28

Festival of India events

$3ok

In Grants

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