Before You Apply
Applying for a grant from The Endowment is an opportunity to secure funding for initiatives that drive meaningful change in our community. To ensure a smooth application process, we encourage organizations to carefully review our funding priorities, eligibility requirements, and expectations. Strong applications demonstrate alignment with our strategic pillars, a clear plan for impact, and a sustainable vision for long-term success. Below are the key steps to prepare and submit your grant application.
10 Steps to Apply for a Grant
- Ensure your project aligns with one or more of The Endowment’s four strategic pillars: Education, Social & Health Equity, Community Development, or Community Safety.
- Look for specific strategic funding opportunities that may be relevant to your initiative.
- Confirm your organization meets eligibility criteria, including 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.
- Evaluate your organization’s capacity to manage grant funding, implement programs effectively, and report on outcomes.
- Identify leadership and financial structures that support your proposed initiative.
- If you have questions about funding priorities, eligibility, or the application process, reach out to a Network Officer or email grants@theendowment.org for guidance.
- Define project goals, objectives, and intended impact.
- Establish a realistic timeline and key milestones.
- Outline a detailed budget, including expected expenses and revenue sources.
- Gather required financial statements, such as IRS Form 990, audited financials, or other relevant documentation.
- Engage your board of directors and key stakeholders to ensure alignment and commitment.
- Obtain letters of support if collaborating with other organizations.
- If your organization lacks 501(c)(3) status, partner with an eligible fiscal sponsor.
- Ensure the fiscal sponsor meets all requirements and approves the project.
- If you believe your organization is eligible, create an account or log in to the Grants Portal (Fluxx) and complete the Letter of Inquiry Form at https://nhcendowment.fluxx.io.
- The LOI should concisely summarize your project, intended impact, and funding request.
- Complete your application on our Grants Portal (Fluxx) and clearly articulate how your project will address community needs and achieve measurable results.
Be prepared for follow-up questions or requests for additional information.
- Engage in potential site visits, interviews, or presentations if required.
- For technical assistance, contact Eileen O’Malley, Chief Technology Officer: eomalley@nhcendowment.org or (910) 596-5990
Community Grants Program and Capacity Grants Program FAQ’s
Tax exempt organizations (nonprofits, public charities and universities) and public agencies, including state, county and local governments.
No, an LOI is not required for a community or capacity grant at this time. If you wish to apply, please complete the application directly from the portal.
Applications are due by 5 PM on April 4, 2025.
Yes, you can apply for both a community grant and a capacity grant if each application is for a distinct purpose. The capacity grant is designed to support the development and growth of your organization, while the community grant focuses on funding specific community-based projects or initiatives. Ensure that your applications clearly differentiate the objectives and use of funds for each grant.
Yes, the maximum award currently is $5,000.
If you have not received a response, your proposal is still under consideration, subject to review, processing, and our current strategic refresh. For more detailed information on the timing of our review, please contact your Network Officer.
Absolutely. Please feel free to call a Network Officer or seek technical assistance from the Endowment as provided here.
Please see the eligibility criteria above.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria above.
To be eligible for a Community Grant or a Capacity Grant from the Endowment, an organization must have a mailing address and serve or benefit residents of New Hanover County and region.
See eligibility criteria in relation to fiscal sponsorship.
There is no limit on the number of applications organizations can submit. However, all applications should be for distinct projects or capacity building initiatives. Moreover, due to the expected number of applications, you should rank your applications in order of priority.
No, the capacity and community grants are separate from other programs.
Please use this space to breakdown how you will spend your grant (in the amount requested).
Unless you are already registered, please register on the platform using the address of your main office. Please also upload your local address in a PDF attachment. In order to qualify for a grant, applicants must have a New Hanover county address and benefit New Hanover County.
The Community Grants will support programs, services, projects, or initiatives like summer programs, after-school activities, school supplies, arts programs, and community beautification efforts to bring impactful ideas to life.
The Capacity Grants will assist with field building and organizational development, such as governance, strategic planning, professional development, leadership development, board development, fundraising, research, and data organization. Specific examples include tech and software licenses, conference fees, professional development, memberships, strategic planning, internships, externships, and grant writing.
Applicants (or their fiscal sponsors) must provide their most recent audited financial statements. If you don’t have audited financial statements, you must provide financial statements for the last two years.
By following these steps, organizations can strengthen their applications and increase their chances of securing funding to make a lasting impact in New Hanover County.