Shannon Winslow
Chair
Careers
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our history
The Endowment was established from the sale of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020. Since then, the initial fund has grown from nearly $1.3 billion to more than $1.7 billion, allowing The Endowment to award millions in grants to our community every year, in perpetuity.
By aligning with New Hanover County’s Strategic Plan and The Endowment’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, our work is focused on improving outcomes for all residents of New Hanover County. The Endowment advances this mission by investing in solutions across four pillars.
Through the careful stewardship of resources, our grantmaking and programs are aimed at creating long-term systemic change that is community-informed, grounded in data, and driven by impact.
A Historic Genesis: 2020–2021
The Endowment is formally established from the sale of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health. A founding Board of Directors is appointed to oversee the strategic vision and safeguard the funds in perpetuity.
Establishing a Foundation: 2022
Following an intensive exploratory phase and community listening sessions, The Endowment launched our inaugural grantmaking cycles. Based on the four strategic pillars, a first wave of capital was deployed to local nonprofits and partners in New Hanover County.
Total grants: 111
Total Awarded: $9.3 million
Scaling Strategic Investment: 2023
Moving from initial grants, The Endowment committed its first major multi-year investments: strategic and responsive grants. This included a groundbreaking $22-million healthcare workforce pipeline grant – uniting UNCW, Cape Fear Community College, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, and New Hanover County Schools to collaboratively address critical regional healthcare talent shortages.
Total grants: 33
Total Awarded: $55 million
Addressing Complex Community Challenges: 2024
The Endowment expanded its grantmaking focus to begin addressing complex, interconnected challenges requiring multi-partner solutions. This included major investments targeting regional food security, development and housing.
Total grants: 50
Total Awarded: $53 million
Scaling with Rigor & Stewardship: 2025
In 2025, The Endowment focused on strengthening relationships, elevating community voices, and laying the groundwork for sustained, strategic impact in New Hanover County.
In addition to completing a strategic refresh in May of 2025, The Endowment convened funders, launched landscape assessments and Community Grants Program, Arts & Culture Program and announced the establishment of a $2 million Emergency Recovery Grant Reserve for 2026.
Total Grants: 169
Total Awarded: $54 million
Landmark Grant: 2026
In May 2026, The Endowment announced jointly with New Hanover County and New Hanover County Schools, a major philanthropic investment up to $116 million over ten years to support a comprehensive, countywide school improvement and capital modernization plan that will be implemented over the next decade in New Hanover County.
Landscape Assessments: To help guide our strategy development, The Endowment launched a series of data-driven assessments exploring behavioral health, early childhood education, county-wide recreation, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These efforts bring together research, shared learning, and community perspectives.
Meet the Endowment Team
THE BOARD
The Endowment Board consists of a diverse group of dedicated volunteers who provide strategic oversight and governance for our mission. Their collective expertise and commitment to community service ensures that we remain focused on creating sustainable, positive change in New Hanover County.
Composed of 13 members, all residents of New Hanover County, the board includes six leaders appointed by the Novant Health Coastal Region, LLC, five leaders appointed by the County Commissioners, and two leaders appointed collectively by the Board, demonstrating a high standard of governance.
Directors serve three-year terms, with a maximum of three consecutive terms. If filling an unexpired term, a new director’s first full term begins afterward. After completing the maximum term, a one-year break is required before reappointment. For NHCR BOM appointments, candidates are recommended by the NHCR Nominating & Governance Committee for board approval. Directors, except those appointed by the County, follow a calendar year term cycle.
To be considered for a future appointment, submit your interest here.
STAFF
Leigh Quarles MPH, CPH, CHES
Network Officer, Social & Health Equity
Email Leigh Quarles MPH, CPH, CHES
(910) 903-7990
Mary Vail Ware
Director of Social and Health Equity and Community Safety
Email Mary Vail Ware
(910) 903-8006
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Community Advisory Council (CAC) is an essential link between The Endowment and the diverse voices within our community. Comprised of committed volunteers with a wealth of experience, the CAC acts as a vital resource for the Board of Directors and staff by providing valuable insights into local challenges and opportunities. The CAC’s members represent various sectors, including education, health, social equity, public safety, and community development, ensuring that our initiatives are informed by multiple perspectives and expertise.
By collaborating closely with The Endowment, the CAC helps shape our strategic priorities and enhances our ability to address the pressing needs of New Hanover County. Together, they work to ensure that our efforts resonate with community members and create lasting, positive change.
Through their dedication and expertise, the CAC plays a crucial role in guiding The Endowment’s initiatives and ensuring we effectively address the needs of our community.
Learn more about the process for being considered for a future appointment.
To be considered for a future appointment, submit your interest here.
News
Funders Convening: The Power of Collaboration
On October 21, 2025, The Endowment, in partnership with the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers, …
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A Morning of Learning and Connection
On Wednesday, October 22, more than 100 nonprofit leaders from across New Hanover County came …
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Leadership in Action
Strong leadership begins with connection, with people coming together to share ideas, spark collaboration, and …
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THE ENDOWMENT SELECTS MOSAIC GROUP TO LEAD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment is pleased to announce it has selected Mosaic Group to lead …
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THE ENDOWMENT ANNOUNCES 2026 COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Broadening Reach, Building Community Impact WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment proudly announces its 2026 Community Grants …
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Celebrating The Endowment’s 40 Under 40 Honorees
Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Community Impact The Endowment is thrilled to celebrate several members of …
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THE ENDOWMENT LAUNCHES ENHANCED ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS PROGRAM
Driving Community Vitality Through Arts, Culture, and Creativity WILMINGTON, N.C. Building on the success of …
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THE ENDOWMENT SELECTS WESTON & SAMPSON TO LEAD RECREATIONAL ASSESSMENT
Guiding Strategic Investment in Community-Informed Parks, Amenities, and Greenspace WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment is pleased …
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THE ENDOWMENT AWARDS 16 NEW GRANTS TOTALING MORE THAN $20.3 MILLION
WILMINGTON, N.C. In a sweeping push to fuel impact, The Endowment will award 16 new …
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THE ENDOWMENT ANNOUNCES BOARD APPOINTMENTS & REAPPOINTMENTS
WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment welcomes new and returning leaders to its 2025 Board of Directors. …
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Quarterly REports
2026 Quarterly Reports
2025 Quarterly Reports
2024 Quarterly Reports
2022 Quarterly Reports
Public Meetings
Semi-Annual Public Meeting & Board Listening Session – June 3
Thank you for joining us for the Public Meeting & Board Listening Session! We loved …
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Presentation to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, May 4th, 2026
On Monday, May 4, The Endowment presented to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, …
Read MoreFinancials and Governance
2026 Quarterly Reports
2025 Quarterly Reports
2024 Quarterly Reports
2022 Quarterly Reports
Explore Quarterly Reports
Tax Forms
IRS Determation Letter 501(c)(3)
Governance Documents
Form BE-17 Designation and Statement Change
Asset Purchase Agreement – Exhibit C
Endowment – NC DOJ Agreement_01.20.2021
NC DOJ Letter of Non-Objection_01.21.2021
By Laws
Articles of Incorporation
Amended Articles of Incorporation
Conflict of Interest Policy
Conflict-of-Interest-Policy: 12.18.25
Community Advisory Council
Public Meetings
Get Involved
If you’re interested in making an impact in New Hanover County, explore opportunities to join The Endowment’s team. Career openings will be posted below, along with information on how to apply for service on The Endowment’s Board of Directors and Community Advisory Council, both volunteer positions.
Community Advisory Council
The 18-member Community Advisory Council (CAC) serves as a vital connection between The Endowment and the New Hanover County community. CAC members are appointed by The Endowment’s Board of Directors and serve three-year terms.
The CAC is composed of volunteers with experience across The Endowment’s four pillars: Social & Health Equity, Education, Community Safety, Community Development.. Members provide valuable insights into local needs, emerging challenges, and opportunities that help inform and strengthen The Endowment’s work.
To be considered for a future appointment to the Community Advisory Council, submit an online application during the first quarter of each calendar year. Applications are reviewed to fill available appointments for that year.
Board of Directors
Composed of 13 members, all of whom are residents of New Hanover County, the board includes six leaders appointed by the Novant Health Coastal Region Board, five leaders appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, and two leaders appointed collectively by the Board itself.
Directors serve three-year terms, with a maximum limit of three consecutive terms. (If a director is appointed to fill an unexpired term, their first full term begins upon its completion.) After completing the maximum allowable terms, a one-year break is required before a director is eligible for reappointment.
To be considered for a future appointment:
Novant Health Coastal Region Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee (6 appointments): Email your name and resume or background information to boardinquiries@novanthealth.org.
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners (5 appointments): Submit your interest through the New Hanover County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners.
The Endowment Board (2 appointments): Email your name and resume or background information to boardinquiries@theendowment.org.
