Building a Better New Hanover Community
For all

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Endowment Facts – By the Numbers

A snapshot of The Endowment’s investments, strategic initiatives, and real results. See how we’re driving change and strengthening our community, one number at a time.

2026 Spring Community Grants

See Our Quarterly Reports

363

Cumulative Grants (Since Inception)

$177M

Cumulative Awards (Since Inception)

169

2025 New Grants Awarded

$59M

2025 Budget Committed

Community Grants Program

More than funding, this program is an investment in the nonprofit, governmental, and community organizations that strengthen New Hanover County.

It provides flexible support to organizations working to strengthen New Hanover County and create meaningful change across The Endowment’s strategic pillars: Social & Health EquityEducationCommunity SafetyCommunity Development.

Grant awards will be between $5,000 and $15,000, with $1M available across two competitive cycles.

  • Spring 2026 Applications
  • Open: January 5
    Close: February 6, 11:59 p.m.

A series of walkthrough guides are available to help you navigate the application process. These resources are designed to answer common questions and make applying as seamless as possible. Scroll down to download them.

For questions, contact Shannon Wick, Network Associate by email or schedule a support session via Zoom for the Spring 2026 cycle.

THE ENDOWMENT LAUNCHES ENHANCED ARTS AND CULTURE

Building on the success of its 2025 pilot, The Endowment is launching an enhanced Arts and Culture Grants Program for 2026 to directly advance its core priorities: education, social and health equity, community safety, and community development. By supporting a wide range of arts and cultural initiatives, the program fuels economic growth, enriches lives, and fosters opportunities for youth and residents of all ages to thrive.

Read the full announcement HERE

THE ENDOWMENT SELECTS WESTON & SAMPSON TO LEAD RECREATIONAL ASSESSMENT

The Endowment is pleased to announce it has selected Weston & Sampson to lead a county-wide Comprehensive Assessment of Recreational Opportunities in New Hanover County. This assessment will comprehensively evaluate the recreational landscape, map assets, identify service and facility gaps, and intentionally engage community voices to inform strategic investment areas and guide the pursuit of facilities, greenspace preservation, and community-informed amenities.

View the full announcement HERE.

 

Public Meeting & Board Listening Session

December 10, 2025

Thank you for attending the Public Meeting & Board Listening Session.

Follow the link below to find:

Stay connected with The Endowment—visit our website for news and updates, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Public Meeting Recap

NEWS

Stay informed with the latest updates from The Endowment. From major announcements to community impact stories, our news and press releases keep you connected to the work shaping our region’s future.

Mission Statement

To improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in our community.

Learn More About Us

Our Vision

To transform our community so all will thrive.

Our Strategic Plan

We strive to build a community that is just and inclusive. Our commitment to equity is at the core of who we are and serves as a guiding principle that shapes our work. We aspire to build a community where all voices are heard, all barriers are faced and where all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and build a better life. We are committed to the work that is required to build a community that values and supports the humanity of all people.

2026-2030 Strategic Plan

Our Four Pillars of Focus

Providing or improving access to resources for optimal health and well-being; advancing programs and initiatives that promote access to resources, and equitable opportunities for all members of our community.

Delivering or enhancing educational opportunities, access to learning resources, and skill-building opportunities; investing in innovative learning opportunities to ensure all students in New Hanover County have access to quality education, resources, and pathways to success.

Helping to create safe and supportive environments for all residents; strengthening neighborhood initiatives and partnerships, and promoting community resilience and engagement.

Promoting economic and community development, creating welcoming environments, and fostering community cohesion; supporting economic growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements to build a thriving and sustainable community.

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