The Endowment establishes $2 million emergency recovery grant reserve

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — In order to provide fast, target support when disaster occurs, The Endowment established a $2 million Emergency Recovery Grant Reserve for 2026.

“We take seriously the role of The Endowment as a civic leader and steward of public resources and are here to stand with New Hanover County residents in times of crisis,” said Interim President and CEO Sophie Dagenais. “This anticipatory lane of funding allows us to prepare so that when challenges arise, we can respond quickly, support our community, and help everyone recover stronger together.”

New Hanover County has experienced 20 federally declared disasters mostly weather-related in the past two decades.

The Emergency Recovery Grant Reserve can be activated when a state of emergency is declared in the county, providing support to residents facing direct losses and assisting first responders with unmet goods. It may also be deployed during non-natural crises, including criminal incidents, victimization, or behavioral health emergencies.

The program is also designed to work in collaboration with local emergency management leaders and disaster response partners.