The Outer Banks Community is now accepting applications for grants to nonprofit organizations assisting individuals and households impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Applications are due by Friday, February 26 at midnight. The primary goal of these grants is to enable nonprofits to directly assist Dorian-affected individuals, families, and households who have continued long-term recovery needs in Dare County and/or on Ocracoke Island.
Nonprofit organizations serving Ocracoke and/or Dare County with 501(c)3 public charity status may apply—including those organizations that already have an active grant with the Community Foundation. Local organizations may be given priority for funding. Schools and government agencies may also apply. Churches and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply if they are assisting the wider community (i.e., not just members of their own faith or congregation), and if their outreach does not include the promotion of religious beliefs. Grantees must provide services on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Long-term Recovery Grants are intended to help nonprofits provide assistance to residents of Dare County and Ocracoke who have been affected by Hurricane Dorian. Grants can pay for food, building supplies and materials, appliances, equipment, educational materials, and other tangible goods and direct expenses.
Expenses associated with home repairs for permanent residents are eligible for funding, including measures to mitigate future storm damage (e.g., elevation of homes). This includes usual and customary fees charged by contractors for their work. Special emphasis may be given to efforts that help the most vulnerable and/or the most people.
Contract help and/or additional program staff may also be eligible if used for extra person or personnel hours to meet the need after Dorian. Grants may be used to fund program staff only; administrative and management staff time are not eligible. Overhead and indirect costs are not eligible for grant funding.
Repair of public infrastructure or facilities is not eligible for funding (e.g., road or school repair).
All grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis. Grant expenses must be substantiated by third-party documentation (e.g., vendor receipts, statements, and invoices). There are exceptions; if your grant will include financial assistance to individuals or households, please contact us for instructions.
Before applying, please call or email Bob Muller (252-207-5287 or bob@obcf.org) to discuss your project.
Applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation’s web portal, at www.obcf.org. The Community Foundation’s Community Enrichment Grant FAQ (https://www.obcf.org/grants/community-enrichment-grants-guidelines/) provides tips on using our online grant application. Grants will be announced by the end of March.
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 $22 million across 200 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 $11 million in grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students.
