Supporting Youth Summer Programs, Expanding Access to Healthcare and Food, and Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Endowment is awarding $2.8 million in new grants augmenting youth safety and summer opportunities, expanding access to health care and food, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Our investments are designed to meet young people and families where they are, and support our vibrant community of entrepreneurs and innovation,” said Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO. “We aim to strengthen access to quality programs, health care, nutritious food, and pathways to opportunity. Together, these efforts help build a community that is more connected, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.”
Summer is a critical time for young people to stay safe, connected, and engaged. With summer approaching, The Endowment is investing in programs that expand youth enrichment activities, mentorship, and skill-building. Grants will support ACCESS of Wilmington’s Inclusive Summer Recreation program, creating opportunities for youth with disabilities to stay active and connected; expand the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina’s Summer Youth Development program from 300 to 500 participants with full-day programming; and enable Voyage and StepUp Wilmington to connect youth ages 14–21 to summer employment, mentorship, and career-exploration opportunities.
“Together, these investments create a system of support that helps young people stay engaged and motivated, build skills, and move toward graduation, careers, and long-term success,” said Mary Vail Ware, Director of Social and Health Equity and Community Safety.
The Endowment is also investing in initiatives that strengthen care coordination and improve health outcomes for New Hanover County residents. Two grants focus on increasing primary and specialty care availability and advancing community-centered models. Funding will support Cape Fear HealthNet, Inc., to enhance its coordinated care network for uninsured adults, connecting residents to care and coverage while building on care management efforts that have reduced hospital visits and improved chronic-disease outcomes. It will also support Tides, Inc., in expanding New Hanover County’s only perinatal recovery housing program through enhanced staffing, improved data systems, and progress toward a dedicated recovery-housing site.
“These investments reflect our commitment to reaching residents who face barriers to care,” said Leigh Quarles, Senior Network Officer, Social and Health Equity. “These efforts address both immediate needs and the underlying factors that influence long-term well-being.”
To reduce food insecurity and improve access to groceries, funding to New Hanover County will support the launch of a two-year food delivery program. This initiative will expand access to affordable, healthy groceries, serving all eight food deserts across the county. Additional details will be shared jointly with the county soon.
“At our December 2025 public meeting, we identified key barriers to improving health, education, safety, and economic success, with food insecurity emerging as a challenge that cuts across all four of The Endowment’s pillars. We’re pleased to be working with our government partners to identify and advance innovative solutions,” said Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO.
Through a grant to NC IDEA Foundation, The Endowment will serve as a host community partner in the 2026 NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit, North Carolina’s only statewide convening focused on entrepreneurship and ecosystem development. The event will take place this November 12-13 in New Hanover County.
This investment will position New Hanover County as a leader in entrepreneurship by creating spaces and partnerships that connect entrepreneurs, investors, and supporting organizations. It will also strengthen pathways for business growth and local talent by expanding access to statewide resources, funding opportunities, and subject matter expertise.
“Supporting this event advances The Endowment’s commitment to fostering a more connected and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, while expanding access to capital and business support for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the county, learning from statewide colleagues and resources,” said Terri Burhans, Senior Network Officer, Community Development. “Insights gained through the conference will directly inform our assessment of the local landscape and guide our grantmaking as we advance entrepreneurship and innovation as a core strategic objective.”
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
ACCESS of Wilmington – $15,985: To fund a summer camp that provides a full-day youth development program designed to keep youth with disabilities, engaged, supported, and inspired while school is out.
Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence (DBA Voyage) – $323,120: To provide paid and supportive summer youth employment programming and supportive services for at-risk youth to reduce violence and help youth move toward high school graduation and beyond.
Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina – $400,000: To fund a summer camp that provides a full-day youth development program designed to keep young people engaged, supported, and inspired while school is out.
Cape Fear HealthNet, Inc. – $125,000: To meet the health care needs of uninsured adults in NHC.
NC IDEA – $100,000: To serve as a host partner for the 2026 NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit, bringing statewide exposure to New Hanover County as a major entrepreneurship ecosystem and providing easy access to professional development and resources for the local ecosystem.
New Hanover County Administration – $1,244,215: To fund a two-year grocery delivery program serving all 8 food deserts in New Hanover County.
StepUp Wilmington – $126,000: To engage New Hanover County youth in structured career pathways and paid internships.
Tides, Inc. – $515,000: To support the region’s only perinatal recovery housing program and strengthen staff capacity, enhance data systems, achieve state and national certifications, and advance planning for a dedicated recovery housing site.