The Outer Banks Community Foundation board of directors approved $65,150 in third quarter Community Enrichment grants to eight nonprofits, lending support to programs that educate our children, nurture our elderly, provide animal welfare, support the performing arts, appreciate our environment, history, and culture and train our region’s nonprofit leaders.
Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts received grant support for their 38th season relaunch. “We are grateful to the Community Foundation for their support of this exciting entertainment series,” said Forum President David Connaughton. “Our supporters also make possible the college scholarships and student internships in performance, sound, and stage management we are able to offer. World-class entertainment and focus on the performing arts enrich us all.”
Dare Education Foundation received funding to assist with in-house technology for Language Arts programs in all county schools. Teachers will be able to use grant-funded document cameras to provide high-quality visual components that increase student engagement in class.
Elizabethan Gardens was awarded funding for PlantED, a new child education initiative to increase learning and nurture enthusiasm for nature, botany, gardening, and environmental science. “We greatly appreciate the Community Foundation’s support to enhance educational programming at the Gardens,” said Executive Director Theresa Armendarez. “This funding will add sensory elements to the Discovery Cottage outdoor space that will help us serve a broader audience.”
The Tamassee Group received grant funding for a new documentary film that will promote public awareness of the Outer Banks and its fascinating history. The film’s anticipated completion date is early 2024.
Hatteras Island Meals received a grant to provide nutritious, hot meals to homebound Hatteras Island residents each weekday. “Community Foundation grant support goes a long way toward moving us closer to our goals,” said Hatteras Island Meals Board Chair Mike Tidd. “We delivered compassionate outreach and 10,000 hot meals last year; we expect that we’ll beat that number in 2022. There’s a need, and we’re meeting it head-on. We plan to continue doing just that.”
Coastal Humane Society was awarded grant funding to provide low-cost heartworm tests at vaccination clinics and subsidized treatment when pets test positive for heartworm. They also will subsidize heartworm prevention medication for one year to owners in need of extra help.
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island received grant to support free public events and training for Dare County employees and residents. They plan to present at several community events where organizers are requesting services but can’t afford the associated costs.
A grant award to Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce will offset registration fees for nonprofit personnel to attend “Leadership OBX” in 2023. Interested nonprofit staff should visit the Chamber website for updates and applications.
“Community Enrichment grants offer nonprofits the opportunity to apply for funds from a growing and unrestricted grant-making pool,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Chris Sawin. “We encourage interested nonprofit leaders to contact us at any time to discuss their projects, so we can work together to help address the Outer Banks’ most pressing needs and promising opportunities.”
Grant applications are submitted to the Community Foundation via an online grants link. Organizations interested in applying for grants should contact Chris at the Community Foundation to discuss their project before applying. The next round of Community Enrichment grant applications is due by 11:59 pm on Friday, October 28.
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 $25 million across more than 200 charitable funds for individuals and agencies, awards grants to nonprofits, administers 60 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 $12 million in grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students.
