Wilmington, NC – To strengthen New Hanover County’s nonprofit sector and drive meaningful change, The Endowment is offering two targeted grant opportunities: the Community Grants Program and the Capacity Grants Program. Guided by its recently unveiled Grants Rainbow, which categorizes various grant types to help residents and organizations better understand available opportunities, The Endowment is committed to building a vibrant community. Nonprofit and community serving organizations and agencies can receive initial grants up to $5,000 to fund a project, program or event, expand their impact, enhance services, and build a more sustainable future.
“Local organizations are at the heart of meaningful change, and these grants are a direct investment in their ability to serve our community,” said Vice President of Programs and Grants, Sophie Dagenais. “By supporting both direct services and internal growth, we aim to help them to create immediate and lasting impact.”
The Community Grants Program supports programs, services, projects, and initiatives that benefit the community. Funding will be awarded to organizations whose work aligns with one or more of The Endowment’s priority areas: social and health equity, education, community development, and community safety. These grants help organizations to create positive outcomes for individuals and families in New Hanover County.
Recognizing that strong organizations build stronger communities; the Capacity Grants Program helps organizations invest in their long-term success. Organizations can strengthen their internal structures through strategic planning, professional and leadership development, board development, financial stability initiatives, research and program evaluation, and data organization. Emerging nonprofits that are not directly eligible for Endowment funding may qualify for funds through a fiscal sponsor or intermediary funder. By focusing on sustainability, The Endowment aims to help organizations not just survive but thrive. Capacity grants also will be eligible to fund scholarly research and solutions to local challenges.
“These grants are an investment in the long-term success of our local organizations, providing the resources they need to grow, innovate, and sustain their impact. By strengthening their foundation, we are ensuring a brighter future for New Hanover County,” said Dan Winslow, President & CEO.
Winslow noted that The Endowment will continue to adjust and improve these grant programs with the benefit of experience from this first round of grants, with updates posted to the Endowment’s website.
Applications officially open on March 3rd, 2025, with grant awards to be announced following the review process. Eligible organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Grantee Portal for full details and to begin the application process.
Eligible organizations must complete the application process through The Endowment’s grant portal and submit required documentation by 5 p.m. on April 4, 2025.
Grant recipients will be required to sign an agreement with The Endowment, utilize awarded funds by December 31, 2025, and submit an impact report by January 30, 2026. This ensures transparency and allows The Endowment to assess the effectiveness of the programs while refining future grant-making strategies.
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to address the root challenges in community safety, community development, social and health equity, and education and to develop impactful solutions for every person in New Hanover County. The Endowment was established from the sale of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020. The initial fund was nearly $1.3 billion. Grants will be awarded each year in perpetuity. www.theendowment.org
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APPLICATION GUIDE
Community and Capacity Grants
Nonprofit and community serving organizations and agencies can receive Community or Capacity grants up to $5,000 to fund a project, program or event, expand their impact, enhance services, and build a more sustainable future.
Eligibility: Tax exempt organizations (nonprofits, public charities and universities) and public agencies, including state, county and local governments.
How to Apply:
Register and Complete Your Application
• Register and apply on The Endowment’s grant portal.
Required Documentation
• Applicants must provide the following, for themselves or their fiscal sponsor if applying via a fiscal sponsor:
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990 for the most recent fiscal year. This may be a 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990.
• For non-profit organizations, proof of 501(c)(3) status.
• Most recent audited financial statements or financial statements for the last two fiscal years
• Current board of directors list.
Technical Assistance
• The Endowment will provide assistance in completing the application during our Technical Assistance office hours from March 3, 2025, through March 31, 2025.
• Mondays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Fridays: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Please contact Moussa Toure, Network Associate, to receive assistance during the technical assistance office hours.
Timeline:
• March 3: Program announced and applications open
• April 4: Deadline to submit applications
• May 28: We will announce Community and Capacity Grants Program awards!
For more information about the Community Grants Program or Capacity Building Grants Program, and to apply, please visit https://theendowment.org/grants/grantee-portal/.