The Outer Banks Community Foundation board of directors recently approved more than $46,000 for COVID-related projects in its seventh round of Rapid Response Grants funding, supporting the work of five area nonprofits who serve thousands of vulnerable community members. The grants will help Dare County families afford childcare and tutoring, get food to isolated and frail community members, provide financial assistance on Hatteras Island, and help people in need provide for their pets during these stressful times. To date, the Community Foundation has awarded nearly $300,000 in Rapid Response grants related to COVID.
“As the COVID pandemic deepens, we continue to be inspired by the support of our donors, who are helping us address unprecedented, urgent needs,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Lorelei Costa. “Generous community members are at the heart of all we do, and we could not be more grateful.”
Beach Food Pantry was awarded funds to outfit their newly-purchased van with a refrigeration unit, so that it can be used as a mobile pantry and delivery vehicle. Beach Food Pantry now makes regular deliveries throughout Dare County for anyone 70+ who is self-isolating; anyone of any age who is immunocompromised and self-isolating; and anyone of any age with a positive or inconclusive positive COVID test result. To find out more about this program, call Beach Food Pantry at 252-261-2756.
The YMCA E-Learning Academy were awarded funding to extend student scholarships and give families in need safe, productive opportunities for their pre-school and school-aged children. The YMCA offers daytime child care and remote learning services, enabling parents to keep their jobs and ensure their children’s educational needs are being met while schools are closed. Mustang Outreach Program received a grant award to support their scholarships program for students receiving tutoring services at their Kill Devil Hills location. To find out more about these programs, please call Mustang Outreach at 252-441-4612, and YMCA E-Learning Academy at 252-449-8897.
Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men received a grant award to ease financial hardship for families on Hatteras Island going into the winter months. Their application noted that many restaurant workers have experienced reduced hours due to the shortened season and the temporary closures that have followed positive tests in the workplace. Women with young children are having to choose between caring for their children or employment, due to the critical lack of childcare on the island. If you need help on Hatteras Island, first contact Dare County Social Services at 252-475-9320, and request an interview with the case manager at the DSS Frisco office.
Feline Hope received a grant for “Operation Feed Our Pets,” a collaboration of Feline Hope, Coastal Humane Society, and Friends of Felines/Hatteras Island created in early 2020 in response to the COVID crisis. They report that litter and pet food are available at all Dare County food pantries, and funding will enable them to respond to an anticipated 30 – 50% increase in demand in the coming months.
You can help more families in our community get the support they need. To contribute to the Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Grants Fund, visit, or call 252-261-8839 for more information.
The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization that connects people who care with causes that matter. Based in a historic flat top cottage in Southern Shores, the Community Foundation manages $20 million across 190 charitable funds for individuals and agencies, awards grants to local nonprofits, administers 55 scholarship programs, and provides tailored services to help donors pursue their charitable interests. Since its inception in 1982, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students.
