WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment announces eight new grants, investing more than $6 million in nonprofits across New Hanover County, strengthening youth and community safety, expanding access to health services, improving food security, and building nonprofit capacity to better serve residents.
“These grants reflect our mission and strategic priorities and align with the types of investments envisioned in our governing documents,” said Sophie Dagenais, Interim President and CEO of The Endowment. “They also incorporate insights from our Community Advisory Council, especially in strengthening the capacity of local nonprofits. Each investment addresses immediate community needs while helping organizations build lasting, transformative impact.”
Three grants focus on advancing youth programs and community safety. Together, they support initiatives that create safe, welcoming spaces for young people and provide stable, homelike environments for children in crisis. Additional support strengthens programs that prevent youth violence, address trauma, expand education-to-career pathways, and mobilize collaboration among community partners. Through this support, organizations are building environments where youth can grow, learn, and thrive.
“These grants invest directly in the safety, well-being, and future of our youth,” said Mary Vail Ware, Director of Community Safety. “By strengthening organizations, supporting children and families in crisis, and fostering collaboration across the community, we help residents thrive and build stronger, safer neighborhoods for everyone.”
Four additional grants expand access to essential services. They fund clinician training, affordable counseling sessions, and emergency dental and medical care while strengthening clinic operations and staff capacity. One of these grants helps an organization continue serving low-income residents affected by unemployment or underemployment, and another supports programs improving food security and access. Together, these grants ensure residents across New Hanover County can access the care and support they need to thrive.
The eighth grant supports nonprofit capacity building by enabling local organizations to join a membership network that offers shared learning, peer support, and opportunities to strengthen their operations. This investment was informed in part by input from the Community Advisory Council (CAC), which in 2024 brought together grassroots leaders to share insights on the challenges facing community-based nonprofits. Through this support, eligible organizations can build connections, access resources, and grow their impact across New Hanover County.
Together, these investments demonstrate The Endowment’s commitment to building a community where all New Hanover County residents — youth, families, and individuals — have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to grow, succeed, and thrive.
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
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina – $1,791,010
Renovate facilities to improve safety and security for youth development and services.
Coastal Horizons Center – $1,475,000
Purchase and upfit the Open House Youth Shelter to provide secure, homelike services to children in crisis.
Community Counseling Center – $225,000
Support clinician training, enhance efficiency and sustainability, and subsidize 1,000 sliding-scale sessions for New Hanover County residents, expanding access to culturally competent mental healthcare.
Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC – $1,000,000
Support capacity building, implement impact-driven activities that strengthen network partnerships, and provide funding to help the Food Bank remain responsive to community needs
New Hanover Outreach Clinic (formerly St Mary Health Center) – $100,000
Sustain operations and hire essential staff to expand services for low-income and uninsured residents.
North Carolina Center for Non-Profits – $40,000
Build the capacity of New Hanover County nonprofits by providing access to resources through membership and participation in North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.
StepUp Wilmington – $200,000
Provide general operating support and bridge organizational transitions to better serve low-income residents in New Hanover County affected by unemployment or underemployment.
United Way of Cape Fear – $1,350,624
Reduce youth violence, address adverse childhood experiences, expand the education-to-workforce pipeline, and mobilize cross-sector collaboration to promote community safety.