The Spring Cycle of The Endowment’s 2026 Community Grants Program is now open for applications, offering flexible grant awards of $5,000–$15,000 and a total of up to $500,000 available for distribution through this first competitive cycle. The program supports organizations working to strengthen New Hanover County and create meaningful change across The Endowment’s four strategic pillars: Social and Health Equity, Education, Community Safety, and Community Development.
Application Timeline
Spring Cycle: January 5 – February 6, 11:59 p.m.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public charities, universities and higher education institutions, and public agencies (state, county, or municipal).
Office Hours & Application Support
The Endowment will offer virtual office hours via Zoom during the Spring Cycle to assist applicants with eligibility, application requirements, project alignment, and technical questions in Fluxx. Office hours will be held Mondays from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and Fridays from 2:00–3:00 p.m., from Monday, January 5 through Friday, February 6.
Advance registration is required.
Applicants may also access online application walkthroughs, including guidance on how to register and tips for completing a Community Grant application, on theendowment.org.
Community Grants Program
For more information on The Endowment’s Community Grants Program, please visit https://theendowment.org/our-grantees/community-grants-program/. The Fall Cycle will open July 13, 2026, through August 14, 2026, and will offer the same grant range of $5,000–$15,000, with up to $500,000 available for distribution. Across both cycles, the Community Grants Program will award a total of $1 million in 2026. Organizations may apply for a grant in each cycle.
About The Endowment The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of 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 has grown from nearly $1.3 billion to more than $1.7 billion, allowing The Endowment to award millions in grants to our community every 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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