WILMINGTON, N.C. In a sweeping push to fuel impact, The Endowment will award 16 new grants worth over $20.3 million to spark lasting impact and build momentum for change. With these grants, The Endowment’s 2025 total climbs to 158 awards and over $45.2 million, supporting residents at every stage of life. From strengthening families through high-quality education and economic participation measures, to promoting health and well-being and building vibrant, resilient communities, these investments bring The Endowment’s four pillars to life while addressing the most pressing needs across New Hanover County.
“Lasting change comes from integrated approaches and collaboration,” said Sophie Dagenais, Interim President and CEO of The Endowment. “By supporting organizations and partnerships that work across multiple pillars, we are building a stronger, more resilient community where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”
SUPPORTING LEARNING FOR ALL AGES
- New Hanover County Schools – $2.7 million: To pilot a targeted staffing initiative to close achievement gaps, support positive behavior, increase student engagement, improve graduation rates, and create positive learning environments.
- Cape Fear Literacy Council – $370,000: To expand free one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction in Adult Literacy, English as a Second Language, and Digital Literacy.
- Child Development Center – $200,000: In support of students with disabilities and their needs, by bridging gaps between state funding and the true cost of education and therapeutic services.
- Young Scientist Academy – $289,292: To expand in-school and after-school STEM programs.
- YWCA of Lower Cape Fear – $564,800: To support kinship care by assisting grandparents serving as foster caregivers, enhance aquatics programs for children and under-resourced groups, and expand childcare capacity through strategic capital improvements.
“Partnering with New Hanover County Schools and supporting evidence–based solutions to bolster school performance is an investment in the future of every child in New Hanover County,” said David Stegall, Director of Education. “This grant will provide targeted resources to close achievement gaps, boost student engagement, and create positive learning environments that help all students succeed.”
STRENGTHENING HEALTH AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: FROM CHILDREN TO OLDER ADULTS
- Community Care of Lower Cape Fear – $1.5 million: For the development of a Social Care Network with local Human Service Organizations building on the success of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP).
- LifeCare Memory Partners – $5.1 million: To expand dementia care services and strengthen support for families, including resources, education, and programs that enhance quality of life for individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers.
- Welcome Home Angel – $1,143,304: Tn support of individuals with special health needs and to launch the ABLE program, incorporating the CAPABLE model to help participants safely and independently age in place.
- Elderhaus – $987,350: To strengthen programs and operations for older adults through operating and capital investment that promote social engagement and well-being.
- Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear – $50,000: To support emergency sheltering and homelessness and foster care prevention.
PROMOTING COMMUNITY SAFETY FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS
- Domestic Violence Shelter and Services – $1.4 million: To sustain and expand prevention and intervention services for survivors of intimate partner violence.
- Legal Aid of North Carolina – $1.1 million: To consolidate and strengthen services by co-locating staff at the Harrelson Center and continuing the Second Chance Program to reduce recidivism and improve employment outcomes.
- Carousel Child Advocacy Center – $1.9 million: To support operations and promote program sustainability in New Hanover County.
- Voyage (Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence) – $560,000: To support violence prevention programs and services targeting youth including, enrichment and employment initiatives and case management.
“Safety is a shared responsibility, and these grants reflect the power of collaboration,” said Mary Vail Ware, Director of Community Safety. “Together with community partners, we’re ensuring vulnerable residents have access to programs and services that make New Hanover County safer for everyone.”
EXPANDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS
- New H.O.P.E. CDC – $2.2 million: To purchase and renovate an 11-unit, 22-bed apartment complex for conversion to workforce housing.
- Catholic Charities, Cape Fear Office – $248,000: To expand mobile food pantry services and provide targeted support for individual facing transportation and accessibility barriers to food access.
Together, these grants reflect the breadth and ambition of The Endowment’s work, addressing critical needs across all ages, strengthening families and communities, and driving The Endowment’s four pillars with impact, vision, and purpose. From early childhood education to support for older adults, the panoply of investments demonstrates a commitment to lasting change and opportunity for everyone in New Hanover County.
All grant awards are contingent upon The Endowment’s receipt of a signed grant agreement and Plan of Accountability from each grantee organization.
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in our community. The Endowment was established from the sale of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020. The initial fund has grown from nearly $1.3 billion to allow millions of dollars to be awarded as grants each year in perpetuity.
To stay informed about upcoming grant opportunities, news, and community events, follow The Endowment on social media or subscribe to the newsletter at www.theendowment.org
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GRANT AWARDS
Cape Fear Literacy Council – $370,000: To expand free one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction in Adult Literacy, English as a Second Language, and Digital Literacy.
Carousel Child Advocacy Center – $1.9 million: To support operations and promote program sustainability in New Hanover County.
Catholic Charities, Cape Fear Office – $248,000: To expand mobile food pantry services and provide targeted support for individual facing transportation and accessibility barriers to food access.
Child Development Center – $200,000: In support of students with disabilities and their needs, by bridging gaps between state funding and the true cost of education and therapeutic services.
Community Care of Lower Cape Fear – $1.5 million: For the development of a Social Care Network with local Human Service Organizations building on the success of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP).
Domestic Violence Shelter and Services – $1.4 million: To sustain and expand prevention and intervention services for survivors of intimate partner violence.
Elderhaus – $987,350: To strengthen programs and operations for older adults through operating and capital investment that promote social engagement and well-being.
Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear – $50,000: To support emergency sheltering and homelessness and foster care prevention.
Legal Aid of North Carolina – $1.1 million: To consolidate and strengthen services by co-locating staff at the Harrelson Center and continuing the Second Chance Program to reduce recidivism and improve employment outcomes.
LifeCare Memory Partners – $5.1 million: To expand dementia care services and strengthen support for families, including resources, education, and programs that enhance quality of life for individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers.
New H.O.P.E. CDC – $2.2 million: To purchase and renovate an 11-unit, 22-bed apartment complex for conversion to workforce housing.
New Hanover County Schools – $2.7 million: To pilot a targeted staffing initiative to close achievement gaps, support positive behavior, increase student engagement, improve graduation rates, and create positive learning environments.
Voyage (Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence) – $560,000: To support violence prevention programs and services targeting youth including, enrichment and employment initiatives and case management.
Welcome Home Angel – $1,143,304: Tn support of individuals with special health needs and to launch the ABLE program, incorporating the CAPABLE model to help participants safely and independently age in place.
Young Scientist Academy – $289,292: To expand in-school and after-school STEM programs.
YWCA of Lower Cape Fear – $564,800: To support kinship care by assisting grandparents serving as foster caregivers, enhance aquatics programs for children and under-resourced groups, and expand childcare capacity through strategic capital improvements.
All grant awards are contingent upon The Endowment’s receipt of a signed grant agreement and Plan of Accountability from each grantee organization.