Q: What is Hands Helping Heroes?
A: Hands Helping Heroes is Time Warner Cable Charlotte Division's community outreach initiative. Through this program, the Charlotte Division partners with police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, teachers and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that prevent crime, promote community safety and education, especially with children in kindergarten through ninth grade. The program consists of a grant application process and a volunteer program for Time Warner Cable employees.

Q: Who can apply for funding?
A: Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, teachers and nonprofit organizations who work on their behalf. Applicants must operate in the counties served by Time Warner Cable’s Charlotte market, including Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Cleveland, Richmond, Anson, Rowan, Stanly, Cabarrus and Iredell counties.

Q: How will grant applications be judged?
A: When reviewing applications, Time Warner Cable will consider a number of factors, including size of the community served by the project, potential of the project to result in significant community impacts, the potential role of Time Warner Cable as a partner, etc. Time Warner Cable and its Hands Helping Heroes grant application selection committees reserve the right to determine which applicants will receive funding and to determine the size and amount of any grant, if any, that an applicant receives.

Q: How much funding can I apply for?
A: There are no pre-set limits. However, we encourage applicants to seek funding between $10,000 and $50,000.

Q: Can I apply for in-kind gifts?
A: Yes. Including requests for in-kind support, such as production of public service announcements or videos, or airtime will strengthen your application.

Q: How do I apply for funding?
A: Complete the application process described on this Web site under "Application."

Q: When are the applications due?
A: By 5 p.m. December 12.

Q: When will you distribute the grants?
A: Funding decisions will be announced in writing in February.

Q: I live in a Time Warner Cable system, but not in the Charlotte area. Can I apply?
A: Funding through the Hands Helping Heroes program is only available to programs and organizations in the areas served by Time Warner Cable's Charlotte market. Those areas include Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Cleveland, Richmond, Anson, Rowan, Stanly, Cabarrus and Iredell counties.

Q: How can I get involved?
A: Hands Helping Heroes provides Time Warner Cable employees the opportunity to volunteer with granted projects. Contact Time Warner Cable's Director of Public Affairs at jessica.graham@twcable.com to get involved.

Q: How can I request volunteer help for my project?
A: You can include volunteer requests in your application for funding. If you have a separate request, send it to Time Warner Cable's Director of Public Affairs at jessica.graham@twcable.com. Include a description of the program, how many volunteers are needed, date, time, any special requests or considerations, etc. Expect at least a four week turnaround for your request.