Community Grants Program
Funding Amount
Up to $5,000
Deadline
Expected ~April
Based on past cycles
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Current deadline
- April 4, 2027
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Deadlines typically fall in: April
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- Public agencies (state, county, local governments)
Required status
- Tax-exempt status
- Emerging nonprofits may qualify through fiscal sponsors or intermediary funders
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Overview
The Community Grants Program provides flexible funding to organizations working to strengthen New Hanover County. Nonprofit and community-serving organizations 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.
Geographic Scope: New Hanover County, North Carolina
Strategic Focus Areas:
- Social and Health Equity
- Education
- Community Development
- Community Safety
Mission: The Endowment invests in initiatives that create lasting impact and enhance the quality of life in New Hanover County, guided by four strategic pillars.
Eligibility:
- Tax-exempt organizations (nonprofits, public charities, universities)
- Public agencies (state, county, local governments)
- Emerging nonprofits may qualify through fiscal sponsors or intermediary funders
What They Fund:
- Programs, services, projects, and initiatives that benefit the community
- Projects that create positive outcomes for individuals and families
Grant Requirements:
- Organizations must utilize awarded funds by December 31, 2025 (for 2025 round)
- Submit an impact report by January 30, 2026 (for 2025 round)
- Sign a grant agreement with The Endowment
Contact Information:
- The Endowment
- 115 N 3rd St Suite 400
- Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: (910) 756-5990
- Email: information@theendowment.org
- Website: www.theendowment.org
Background: 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.
How to Apply
How to Apply
- Register and Complete Application
- Register and apply on The Endowment's grant portal at https://theendowment.org/grants/grantee-portal/
- Required Documentation
- IRS Form 990 (most recent fiscal year) - may be 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990
- For nonprofits: 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
- Clear budget for the proposed project
- Supporting documents
- Technical Assistance
- The Endowment provides assistance during office hours:
- Mondays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Fridays: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Contact: Moussa Toure, Network Associate
- Application Submission
- Submit all required materials through the grant portal by the deadline
- A well-prepared application with clear budget and supporting documents helps streamline the process
- Post-Award Requirements
- Sign a grant agreement with The Endowment
- Utilize awarded funds by December 31 of award year
- Submit an impact report by January 30 of the following year
What New Hanover Community Endowment Inc actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 61
- Total given
- $60.74M
- Median grant
- $382K
- Range
- $35K–$5.61M
- By dollars: North Carolina 100%. Top recipient cities: Wilmington, NC; Castle Hayne, NC; Wrightsville Beach, NC.
- 100% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Example grants
Cape Fear Community College Foundation Incorporated · Wilmington, NC
General support for programs, operations, and other charitable purposes
$5.61M
New Hanover County Schools · Wilmington, NC
General support for programs, operations, and other charitable purposes
$5.43M
YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina · Wilmington, NC
General support for programs, operations, and other charitable purposes
$5.28M
Shelter America Group · Wilmington, NC
General support for programs, operations, and other charitable purposes
$4.7M
Cape Fear Collective · Wilmington, NC
General support for programs, operations, and other charitable purposes
$4.14M
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Nonprofits
- Community services
- Education
- Community development
Categories
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