Support for survivors, free dental care and early reading, plus funding for Cameron Art Museum that includes a dollar-for-dollar match.
WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment is awarding four grants totaling $4,812,055 to help residents find safety and support, get the care they need, and enjoy more places to learn, play and gather.
The grants include $3,042,055 for the New Hanover County Community Justice Center, $1.5 million for Cameron Art Museum, $150,000 for New Hanover Outreach Clinic, and $120,000 for Reach Out and Read.
“The Endowment’s resources are here to benefit everyone in New Hanover County,” said Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO of The Endowment. “Every resident benefits when families have support, people can get the care they need, and our community has inspiring places to learn, create and gather. We’re investing in a healthier, safer and more vibrant New Hanover County, today and for generations to come.”
Helping Families Find Safety and Support
A three-year, $3,042,055 investment will help The New Hanover County Community Justice Center sustain and expand its services. The center brings public agencies and community organizations together in one location to help survivors of family violence and sexual assault access legal assistance, health care, housing support, and other resources. Many of these same partners also work together to prevent and respond to youth violence.
The grant will fund a coordinator to manage collaboration across agencies and a child advocate to support children who have experienced or witnessed violence, connecting services for survivors and families with youth violence prevention and intervention. It will also support services, cross-agency training and technical assistance as the center works toward national Family Justice Center affiliation.
“This investment advances the family safety and stability focus of our Community Safety strategy by helping survivors and families access coordinated support that addresses the lasting effects of violence and trauma,” said Mary Vail Ware, Director. “Linking that support with youth violence prevention strengthens the network for young people and their families and creates another pathway to prevent violence and intervene early.”
Expanding Access to Emergency Dental Care
New Hanover Outreach Clinic will receive $150,000 to provide free emergency dental care for uninsured, limited-income residents of New Hanover County. Funding supports dental services, equipment upgrades and staffing, helping volunteer dentists and oral surgeons treat urgent dental problems.
Supporting Young Children Through Reading
Reach Out and Read will receive $120,000 over three years to strengthen its program at participating healthcare clinics and expand to another location in New Hanover County. During routine checkups, providers give families free, age-appropriate books and show parents and caregivers how reading together supports their child’s development, building language skills, strengthening family bonds and connecting families with additional support.
“These two grants advance our Social and Health Equity strategy by helping residents get needed care and supporting children early in life,” said Leigh Quarles, Senior Network Officer. “New Hanover Outreach clinic helps people get urgent dental treatment as we continue working toward better access to ongoing preventive care. Reach Out and Read advances recommendations in our Behavioral Landscape Assessment and drives our health and educational priorities by helping families nurture their children’s development during routine pediatric visits. Both grants connect families with trusted providers and support when they need it.”
A Matching Challenge to Build an Outdoor Art Park for Everyone
Cameron Art Museum (CAM), Southeastern North Carolina’s premier accredited art museum, will receive $1.5 million to support the construction of a new Education Pavilion and the first phase of CAM’s Art Park. These improvements will expand access to outdoor recreation, arts education, and family-friendly activities while strengthening the museum’s role as a cultural and community destination.
An initial $750,000 payment will help unlock a $500,000 matching gift already secured by the museum. The remaining $750,000 will be released when CAM raises an equal amount, creating the potential for a combined investment of $2.75 million in the museum’s facilities and outdoor spaces.
The project aligns with early findings from The Endowment’s countywide Recreational Opportunities Assessment, which emphasizes the importance of accessible parks, trails, and community gathering spaces.
“This investment advances our Community Development strategy by expanding access to arts and recreation,” said Terri Burhans, Senior Network Officer. “CAM’s improved outdoor spaces and connection to the Wilmington Cross-City Trail will support learning, wellness and social connection for residents across the county. The project will also strengthen the museum as a visitor destination, supporting tourism and our local economy.”
“From safety and health care to early reading and the arts, these grants reflect The Endowment’s long-term commitment to making services and opportunities easier to reach,” said David Stegall, Vice President of Programs and Grants. “Each one builds on partnerships that help families, children and every New Hanover County resident thrive.”
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County. For more about The Endowment and to stay informed about upcoming grant opportunities, visit www.theendowment.org.
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Grant Awards:
Cameron Art Museum: $1,500,000
To support the construction of a new Education Pavilion and the first phase of CAM’s Art Park. These improvements will expand access to outdoor recreation, arts education, and family-friendly activities while strengthening the museum’s role as a cultural and community destination.
New Hanover County Community Justice Center: $3,042,055 (three years)
To sustain and expand the Community Justice Center’s work to prevent and respond to family violence, sexual assault, and youth violence. Funding also supports multidisciplinary training for prevention and response agencies and efforts to achieve Family Justice Center affiliate status.
Reach Out and Read: $120,000 (three years)
To support the expansion of Reach Out and Read’s evidence-based early childhood program in New Hanover County, using shared reading to strengthen parent-child relationships and promote healthy development, well-being, and resilience.
New Hanover Outreach Clinic: $150,000
To support New Hanover Outreach Clinic services, including equipment upgrades and staffing to expand access to healthcare.