Investing in Health, Housing, and Community Resources
Wilmington, N.C. The Endowment is awarding eight new grants totaling more than $17 million for initial disbursement in 2025 or 2026 to expand healthcare access, strengthen youth and family services, provide safe and affordable housing, and preserve historic resources. With these awards, The Endowment’s 2025 grantmaking reaches 167 grants totaling more than $58 million, directly benefiting residents throughout New Hanover County.
“These grants represent partnership in motion,” said Sophie Dagenais, Interim President and CEO of The Endowment. “By investing in health, housing, youth programs, and community resources, we’re strengthening the systems that keep opportunity and resilience within reach for everyone in New Hanover County.”
Expanding Health and Essential Services
- MedNorth Health Center – $5,000,000: To complete the expansion and renovation of the center, increasing access to care and essential services.
- Diaper Bank of North Carolina – $447,906: To expand the eHub program in New Hanover County and fund a full-time staff member at the Lower Cape Fear Branch.
Supporting Youth and Families
- Kids Making It – $900,000: To help support general operations, expand and diversify funding, and launch the Apprentice Campus.
- Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, Inc – $235,000: To support foster care prevention through intensive in-home services.
Strengthening Community Services and Housing
- Leading Into New Communities, Inc (LINC) – $1,400,000: To help sustain and continue LINC’s reentry programming.
- New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force – $545,931: To support and expand evidence-based trauma-informed initiatives for service provider resilience.
- Wilmington Housing Authority – $5,700,000 (for disbursement in 2026): To fund Phase I of the Hillcrest Redevelopment, including the construction of 84 senior rental units.
The Hillcrest project will expand affordable housing options and include dedicated homes for seniors. “The Endowment’s grant to the Wilmington Housing Authority is a vital investment in safe, stable housing and resilient neighborhoods,” said Terri Burhans, Network Officer for Community Development. “The Hillcrest redevelopment, with affordable homes for seniors, will strengthen the foundation for lasting neighborhood stability and opportunity.”
Investing in Cultural Resources
- Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.: $3,000,000 to support Thalian Hall’s capital campaign to expand usable square footage and programming while preserving a nationally recognized historic landmark, $2,000,000 of which will be funded as a 1:2 matching grant.
“This investment celebrates creativity as a cornerstone of community well-being and economic vitality,” said Sophie Dagenais, Interim President and CEO. “Support for spaces like Thalian Hall preserves our historic assets while fostering access to the arts and strengthening the social and economic fabric of our community.”
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 and Girls Home of North Carolina, Inc – $235,000: To support foster care prevention through intensive in-home services.
Diaper Bank of North Carolina – $447,906: To expand the eHub program in New Hanover County and fund a full-time staff member at the Lower Cape Fear Branch.
Kids Making It – $900,000: To help support general operations, expand and diversify funding, and launch the Apprentice Campus.
Leading Into New Communities, Inc (LINC) – $1,400,000: To help sustain and continue LINC’s reentry programming.
MedNorth Health Center – $5,000,000: To complete the expansion and renovation of the center, increasing access to care and essential services.
New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force – $545,931: To support and expand evidence-based trauma-informed initiatives for service provider resilience.
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc – $3,000,000: To support Thalian Hall’s capital campaign to expand usable square footage and programming while preserving a nationally recognized historic landmark (includes $2,000,000 as a 1:2 matching grant).
Wilmington Housing Authority – $5,700,000 (for disbursement in 2026): To fund Phase I of the Hillcrest Redevelopment, including the construction of 84 senior rental units.