New Hanover County Community Foundation Grant

The New Hanover County Community Foundation is a local philanthropic entity supporting nonprofit work in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Established in 1987, it is a successor of the Community Foundation of Southeastern North Carolina and operates under the broader umbrella of the North Carolina Community Foundation. Guided by a local volunteer advisory board, the Foundation works to build permanent endowments, make grants, and offer community leadership to strengthen the area’s nonprofit ecosystem. Grant applications for 2026 will be accepted from March 20 until noon ET on April 21. All submissions must be completed through the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Grant Application Portal. New applicants must create a user profile using Training Module I, while returning applicants may use existing credentials. Both groups must follow Training Module II to submit their grant proposals. Applications received after the deadline, including those delayed due to technical issues, will not be accepted. This funding opportunity supports qualified charitable organizations that serve the New Hanover County community. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000, though higher awards may be considered for projects demonstrating strong potential for significant community impact. In 2025, the Foundation awarded $50,310 in grants to local nonprofits. Grants may come from the main community grantmaking fund or from board-advised funds, including the Suzanne and George Taylor Endowment (focused on children's welfare), the Food Bank of Coastal Carolina Fund (serving regional food insecurity), the 1898 Memorial Fund (supporting racial equity in Wilmington), and the Lucille Murchison Marvin Fund (supporting general charitable purposes). Applicants seeking funding from these specific funds must include the appropriate fund name in their project title. Grantmaking decisions are based on community need and are informed by an annual Community Needs Assessment. Award notifications typically occur about two months after the application deadline. Funding may support specific programs, projects, or general operations, though religious organizations may only apply for non-sectarian, community-benefiting activities. Grant use is subject to restrictions that include prohibitions on funding annual campaigns, political lobbying, faith-exclusive programs, or costs incurred prior to application submission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects under qualified public charities, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Faith-based organizations may apply if their proposed programs benefit the broader community. All applicants must ensure nondiscriminatory services and program access. For further assistance, applicants may contact Josh Littlejohn, Community Leadership Officer for Eastern North Carolina.

Projects targeting the Suzanne and George Taylor Endowment must include that name in the project title. Read all guidelines thoroughly before submission.