New Hanover Community Endowment expects nearly $63M in new grants in 2027, adds four staff members
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover Community Endowment is preparing for nearly $63 million in new grants in 2027 while expanding its staff to manage a growing number of community investments.
The organization announced four additions to its Programs and Grants team following a yearlong review of staffing needs and organizational strategy.
The Endowment, which has approximately $1.8 billion in assets, currently manages 215 active grant commitments and awards totaling $308.6 million.
Since its inception, the organization has awarded 491 grants totaling more than $349 million to support health, education, safety and economic opportunity in New Hanover County.
The Endowment expects its 2027 budget for new grants to reach nearly $63 million, with annual grantmaking projected to increase as it prepares to transition to private foundation status in 2028.
Four employees joining Programs and Grants team
The Endowment announced that Veronica Creech, Elizabeth Naegle, Jamar Jenkins and Lauren Iammatteo will join its Programs and Grants team this fall.
Creech will serve as director, filling a position that opened when Dr. David Stegall became vice president of Programs and Grants.
She previously served as chief economic development and external engagement officer at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh. Before that, she was director of economic development and innovation for the city of Raleigh.
Naegle will serve as senior network officer. She previously interned with the Endowment while pursuing doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Her background includes leadership roles at Teaching Lab and TNTP, where she worked on education programs and initiatives to expand STEM opportunities.
Jenkins will join as a network associate. He has served on the Endowment’s Community Advisory Council since 2024 and has experience in financial services, youth development and project management, including work at Live Oak Bank and Civic Federal Credit Union.
Iammatteo will also serve as a network associate. She previously worked as an outreach and communications specialist for the New Hanover County ABC Board, where she helped manage grant and scholarship programs.
Expanding capacity for future grants
The new employees will help develop relationships with community organizations, identify funding opportunities, monitor existing grants and evaluate the impact of the Endowment’s investments.
Sophie Dagenais, president and CEO of the Endowment, said the additions follow an assessment of how to support the organization’s expanding responsibilities.
“Over the past year, we’ve taken a careful look at what it takes to sustain that work well and prepare for what comes next,” Dagenais said.
Stegall said the new employees will help the organization strengthen its work with residents and community partners.
“Veronica, Elizabeth, Jamar, and Lauren bring a wealth of experience that strengthens our capacity to serve the community,” Stegall said.
The Endowment is also developing grant opportunities for 2027 and 2028 as it prepares for its next phase of operations.
Additional information about the organization and upcoming grant opportunities is available on the Endowment’s website.
