Community Foundation now accepting grant applications

The Outer Banks Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications from qualified nonprofits for several different grant programs, including the David Aycock Loy, Pauline Wright, Aviation Education, and Community Enrichment grant programs.

Applications must be completed and submitted online by Friday, May 1, through the Community Foundation’s website: www.obcf.org.

David Aycock Loy Grants are intended to help children on the Outer Banks with autism or any kind of intellectual, developmental, and/or learning disability. Charitable organizations that serve these children—or their families—are encouraged to apply. The David Aycock Loy Fund has about $1,500 to award this year in grants, but excellent projects may be eligible for matching dollars from other Community Foundation grant funds.

Pauline Wright Grants are aimed at helping children or adults with Down syndrome or any other kind of intellectual and/or developmental disorder. Both nonprofits and government agencies are eligible to apply, but priority emphasis may be given to programs in schools, and/or job-training and life skills programs for adults. 

Pauline Wright Grants are available for both Dare County and Currituck County. Each county has a separate endowment fund, each with about $7,300 to award this year; projects benefitting both Dare and Currituck could draw from both funds. Excellent projects may be eligible for matching dollars from other Community Foundation grant funds.

The application deadline for Pauline Wright and David Aycock Loy Grants is Friday, May 1. Before submitting an application, prospective applicants are urged to review the grant guidelines on the Community Foundation’s website, and also contact Lorelei Costa at 252-261-8839.

Also by May 1, the Community Foundation is continuing to accept applications for its traditional Community Enrichment Grants Program. Community Enrichment Grants are open to any nonprofit serving the Outer Banks for any kind of charitable project. Areas of interest include: arts and culture; animal welfare; children and youth; education; the environment; disaster relief and prevention; health; historic interpretation and preservation; and other human services. Applicants should follow the same guidelines as above.

Finally, organizations working on aviation education may be eligible for a special Aviation Education Grant. Prospective applicants should call the Community Foundation at 252-261-8839 for Aviation Education application guidelines.

The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a public charity that connects people who care with causes that matter. The Community Foundation manages $13 million in 135 charitable funds for individuals and agencies, awards charitable grants to local nonprofits, administers 45 scholarship funds, and provides tailored services to help donors pursue their charitable interests. Since its inception in 1982, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $6.6 million in grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students.