Saturday, August 8, 2026

The Endowment prepares fall 2026 grant cycle

The Endowment’s fall 2026 community grants cycle has a total of $500,000 available for community serving organizations. Applications open August 10 and close September 8, at 11:59 p.m. (Port City Daily file)

WILMINGTON — The Endowment’s fall 2026 community grants cycle has a total of $500,000 available for community serving organizations. Applications open Aug. 10 and close Sept. 8 at 11:59 p.m.

Tax-exempt nonprofits, public charities, universities and higher education institutions, and public agencies (state, county, or municipal) that serve or benefit New Hanover County are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

“The upcoming Fall Community Grants cycle is an opportunity to support the next wave of community-driven ideas. We encourage eligible organizations to apply and look forward to partnering with those working to improve the lives of people across New Hanover County,” Endowment President and CEO, Sophie Dagenais said in a statement.

The Endowment’s fall 2026 community grants cycle is the second of the year, with the first grant cycle taking place in the spring. The organization’s total annual funding hit $1 million, split between the fall and spring rounds.

The spring cycle resulted in 41 organizations receiving funds. The Endowment said these awards broke down to 13 grants given for Social & Health Equity, nine for Education, nine for Community Safety, and 10 for Community Development. 

There were 134 applicants requesting a total of $1.78 million. Fifty-one of the applying organizations had not previously worked with The Endowment.

“Following an energizing spring cycle, we’re excited to see the great work of local organizations continue through the fall,” Dagenais said.


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