TAP is our emergency aid effort to support LGBTQ adults in need.
Twirl to the World took a giant leap forward during the COVID pandemic with the creation of the Twirl Assistance Program (TAP). TAP’s emergency hardship grants are available to LGBTQ adults in the Charlotte metropolitan region* who need support with mental health treatment, food assistance, medical care or transportation. TAP has become the focus of The Twirl to the World Foundation fundraising. Individuals can request TAP assistance directly (using the application on our website) after being referred by one of our approved partner agencies shown below!
*The Charlotte metro area is officially defined as follows: Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union Counties in NC, and Chester, Lancaster and York Counties in SC.
Our TAP Partners
The FAQs of TAP
Expand each section below to learn more about TAP, our short-term, emergency assistance program that provides financial support, health services and basic goods for LGBTQ adults in the Charlotte metropolitan area. If you need assistance and meet the demographic requirements, apply for a TAP grant through the application on our website.
The current grant is intended for self-identified Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer (LGBTQ) residents 18 years and older in the Charlotte metropolitan area*, who need financial assistance with groceries, medical, and/or transportation costs. Eligible individuals may apply once each year, and all submissions will be considered based on eligibility, need, an objective selection process, previous applications, previous receipt of assistance, and availability of funds.
*The official Charlotte metropolitan area includes the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Union counties in North Carolina; Chester, Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina.
We currently have four areas of focus:
- Direct Assistance (to individual applicants for groceries, medical, and/or transportation)
- Partner Referrals (from therapists and local partner agencies for Direct Assistance above)
- Mental Health & Wellness (to include individual therapy sessions)
- Financial Literacy (new in 2023/2024)
Per federal regulations, we will follow all governing guidelines (see Federal Guidelines listed below or in IRS Publication 3833: Disaster Relief – Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations)
- All applicant information received and documentation submitted will be kept confidential.
- Permission will be obtained from individual applicant(s) before sharing any information (example, to request other additional services or confirm referrals with partner agencies).
- Any reporting requested or required by donors or regulators will follow Federal Guidelines (example, individual recipient names will not be shared).
- Twirl Assistance Program (TAP) is now a year-round hardship grant program
- Applications from individuals will be considered one year after previous assistance received.
- Example: If applicant received assistance in May, they can apply again and be considered in May or after the following calendar year
Access the application online from your phone, tablet, or desktop/laptop (recommended):
Reminder: Eligible individuals may apply once each year.
Note: The form itself is dynamic, meaning additional fields will appear based on your selections. Complete all requests for information accurately and honestly, to the best of your knowledge. Partner Referrals will be confirmed confidentially.
