CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many nonprofits aren't seeing as many donations this year as they normally do.
Wells Fargo released a study on giving in America that showed while most Americans want to give back, only half feel like they have the means to do so.
Among the nonprofits struggling is We Rock, a Charlotte-based organization that uses music to empower young people. Organizers say they've seen a big drop in donations this year and without enough money coming in, there aren't enough scholarships for students.
"We Rock is very special because it celebrates diversity and all are welcome here and we make that known," co-founder Krystle Baller said.
We Rock recently celebrated 10 years of helping young people find their voice through music, holding camps and workshops with music lessons. For teens enrolled in We Rock's programs, it's more than learning how to play an instrument.
"Walking into We Rock feels like walking home," 15-year-old Avery Duncan said. "I get to play music, the thing I feel strongest about in the whole world."
Duncan started with We Rock at 11 years old and credits the organization with changing her life, maybe even saving it.
"I feel like I'm in a safe space," Duncan said. "If you don't have spaces you feel safe in, you don't feel welcome, you don't feel like you're worthy of being a person. You need places where you can be yourself."
Baller added that the organization also helps students of all backgrounds through their joy of music.
"We serve a lot of kids with ADHD, autism, things of that nature, and celebrate everybody," Baller said. "It's a really cool place to be yourself, be celebrated and feel safe and welcome."
We Rock also helps families who couldn't otherwise afford music lessons through scholarships that cover the costs of instruments and other needs.
"We get the instruments in their hands and they can have a creative and nurturing space," Baller said. "Adults nurture and encourage them to be creative and push them to the next level."
However, We Rock's scholarships rely on the community's generosity. Baller said donations are down this year, and the money the group gets from the city is now required to be specifically allocated to certain programs. This has left some students without access to a scholarship.
Duncan understands how crucial that money is. She was once a scholarship camper, and those funds helped her stay in the program.
"I know what it feels like and it can be difficult worrying about money," she shared. "Something kids shouldn't have to do to do something they love."
Contact Michelle Boudin at mboudin@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.