The Endowment invests more than $12 million in New Hanover County grants
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Endowment is investing more than $12 million in new grants aimed at strengthening community safety, improving education and career pathways, expanding affordable housing, and enhancing health care access across New Hanover County.
Officials said the funding is part of a coordinated, data-driven strategy designed to improve long-term community well-being by aligning multiple systems of support.
“These investments reflect a deliberate, data-informed strategy to strengthen New Hanover County,” said Sophie Dagenais, president and CEO of The Endowment. “Using this approach, we hope to deepen our impact and help organizations learn from one another, strengthen collaboration, and demonstrate how systems of support are interconnected.”
Community safety receives largest share of funding
More than $8 million of the new funding will go toward 11 community safety grants focused on prevention, intervention and support services for children, youth, adults and families.
Programs funded under this category include mentorship, youth development, workforce training, reentry services, and trauma-informed care for victims of violence and individuals involved in the justice system.
Officials said the approach is intended to reduce gaps in services and improve coordination among organizations serving vulnerable populations.
“Young people are disproportionately affected by community safety challenges,” said Mary Vail Ware, director of Social and Health Equity and Community Safety. “These grants strengthen prevention and response, reduce gaps in support, and help residents get assistance when and where they need it.”
The Endowment also said it will provide data support and technical assistance to help grantees improve outcomes and strengthen collaboration, including organizations serving victims of human trafficking.
Education and workforce development investments
A $675,000 grant to AdviseNC through the University of North Carolina Wilmington will expand college and career advising services in three New Hanover County high schools: John T. Hoggard High School, Eugene Ashley High School, and the Career Readiness Academy at Mosley PLC.
The program provides one-on-one advising, FAFSA and college application support, family engagement, and individualized postsecondary planning.
In addition, the United Way of Cape Fear will receive capacity-building funding to explore the StriveTogether model, which aligns schools, nonprofits, businesses, and government partners around shared educational outcomes.
Affordable housing expansion planned
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity will receive a $950,000 grant to support the purchase of land in Castle Hayne for a 30-acre affordable housing development.
The project is expected to support the construction of 150 to 200 homes and expand homeownership opportunities for local workers. The initiative also includes financial education and counseling programs aimed at improving long-term housing stability.
New community care hub planned
Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear will receive a $2.5 million grant to establish a community care hub designed to improve access to social services and coordinate care among health and social service providers.
The hub will expand access to services such as behavioral health support, maternal and infant care, food access programs, and housing assistance.
Officials said the model is designed to be sustainable through a combination of medical reimbursements, employer contributions, philanthropic funding, and public support.
“This community care hub has the potential to become the first Social Care Network of its kind in the United States,” said Leigh Quarles, senior network officer. “It is designed to serve all residents, regardless of payer source or background.”
Broader strategy and impact
The Endowment said the investments reflect its broader 2026 strategy to align with New Hanover County’s goals and move from planning to implementation across key areas including health, education, safety, and economic opportunity.
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County. More information is available on the Endowment website.
