The Endowment awards more than $3.5 million in new grants across New Hanover County

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Endowment is awarding more than $3.5 million in grants to seven nonprofit organizations in New Hanover County, targeting housing, food access, and youth development.

According to a news release, the grants are designed to support a wide range of programs aligned with The Endowment’s priorities in education, equity, community safety, and development. The funding will back initiatives ranging from early childhood education and mentoring to affordable housing and support for vulnerable residents.

“We believe that change happens when we invest in people and the organizations that support them,” said Dan Winslow, president and CEO of The Endowment. “These grants reflect our commitment to basic needs and the well-being of New Hanover County.”

The awards include:

• Bread For Life Senior Pantry – $100,000 for a new vehicle and increased access to food and essentials for seniors.
• Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem – $44,000 to fund tutoring, extracurricular activities for youth in foster care, and capacity-building for guardians.
• El Cuerpo – $440,000 to expand tutoring, mentorship, and family support for students at Mary C. Williams Elementary and Myrtle Grove Middle schools.
• Good Shepherd Center – $800,000 to support the development of 30 units of permanent supportive housing and expand shelter services at 812 Martin St.
• New Hanover County – $1.6 million to fund community organizations and programs deemed charitable and effective by the county.
• Soaring as Eagles Outreach Ministry Inc. – $125,000 for youth and parent education programs including Pre-K Jumpstart, Saturday Academy, and STEM initiatives.
• Union Missionary Baptist Church – $400,000 to support its after-school program.

“These grants embody the core pillars that support a thriving community,” said Sophie Dagenais, vice president of programs and grants. “By working together, we’re creating real, lasting change and building a stronger, healthier future for everyone who calls New Hanover County home.”

All awards are contingent on each organization signing a grant agreement and submitting a Plan of Accountability, according to The Endowment.