WILMINGTON — After The Endowment’s pilot program last year folded in the arts to its grant-giving outreach, the organization announced Tuesday it would continue and expand the program in 2026.
READ MORE: ‘It’s an economic engine’: National study shows $75M arts impact in NH County
The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County is the first nonprofit sub-granting partner with The Endowment and distributed $172,000 to 30 local arts organizations in 2025. The collaboration will continue with the arts council receiving $50,000 to administer the program and dole out $500,000 next year.
“These types of grants provide vital resources for local artists and organizations to expand programs, engage the community, and inspire creativity across New Hanover County,” Arts Council CEO Rhonda Bellamy said in a release.
Sophie Dagenais, interim president and CEO of The Endowment, added the arts have an economic impact that helps elevate the greater Wilmington area’s reputation as a cultural destination.
This is something Bellamy has been touting throughout the community for years and especially since a 2023 study found in New Hanover County, there was $75.6 million in economic activity from the arts sector in 2022, with $19.3 million in spending by nonprofit organizations and $56.3 million in event-related expenditures spent by audiences. As well, the boost supported more than 1,200 jobs, $40.3 million in income to residents, $1.3 million in local tax revenue, $2 million in state taxes, and $8 million in federal taxes.
“Investing in arts and culture yields substantial returns on quality of life, economic development, education, wellness, and community cohesion,” Dagenais said in the release from The Endowment on Tuesday. “Through this program, we are making a tangible investment in the vitality, resilience, and future of New Hanover County.”
Dagenais added the expanded arts and culture grants program falls in line with the four pillars of The Endowment. Education, social and health equity, community safety, and community development all are touched upon via arts initiatives.
Last year, grantees used the $172,000 in funds for varied engagement in dance, music, visual arts, film, theater, storytelling and more. Recipients included the Cape Fear Jazz Appreciation Society and Opera Wilmington, Carolina Beach Mural Project and Wildlife Artists of the Carolinas, Cape Fear Swing Dance Society and Forward Motion Dance Company, DREAMS of Wilmington, Cucalorus Film Foundation, Opera House Theater Company and others.
The announcement of the continuation of the arts and grants program comes on the heels of $20.3 million announced by The Endowment earlier this month for 16 grants.
“The Endowment’s 2025 total to 159 awards and over $45.7 million, supporting residents at every stage of life,” according to the release.
Founded from the sale of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020, the initial Endowment fund has grown from nearly $1.3 billion to almost $1.6 billion. By 2028, the organization will be required by law to pay out at least 5% of its assets to maintain its private foundation tax status.
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