Ten Nonprofits Awarded Community Enrichment Grants
To help meet diverse needs across the Outer Banks, the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) awarded $57,500 in Community Enrichment Grants to 10 local nonprofits this quarter.
Beach Food Pantry received a grant to increase storage and prep space by 1,200 square feet so that they can continue to provide access to nutritional food to those in need.
In order to maintain a healthy feral cat population on Ocracoke Island, Ocracats was awarded a grant that will enable them to feed approximately 400 cats this winter.
CYP’s Family Support Services Coordinator Molly McGinnis at CYP’s most recent Diaper Pick-Up event in Buxton. Photo courtesy of CYP
To sustain increased demand on local diaper needs, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County (CYP) received a grant to expand their diaper bank program.
“CYP’s Diaper Bank has seen an increase in the number of families utilizing it as a resource over the past year, and through this grant we are thrilled to have the opportunity to sustain this increased need,” said CYP Education & Program Evaluation Manager Carla Heppert. “We also look forward to having the ability to bring Diaper Drive-Thru events to the Buxton community and the Northern Beaches of the Outer Banks once again, in addition to our regular monthly Diaper Pick-Up events in Manteo. We know that diapers are a necessity for families with young children, and we are so grateful to the Community Foundation for their support!”
Mustang Music Outreach Program student band “Undertow” performing at their recent event at Avalon Pier. Photo courtesy of Mustang Music Outreach Program.
The Mustang Music Outreach Program was awarded a grant to relaunch their program, which provides musical instruction and performance opportunities to children and adults.
“We are honored to receive a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation,” said Mustang Music Outreach Program President Shelli Gates. “Our organization was founded to provide children the opportunity to learn and play music collaboratively. We have grown and expanded our mission to engage people of all ages in music, including special populations. This grant will allow us to reach more people and expand our programs. With the help of the Outer Banks Community Foundation, we will continue to create community through music.”
To increase student engagement and enhance academic performance, the Cape Hatteras Secondary School received a grant for an incentive program that will enable middle school students to become more involved in their education.
Building on community path maps that were funded by OBCF in 2023, OBX Way was awarded a grant to add bike routes from the roads of Nags Head to the beaches of Carova to the trail project.
To inform and educate the community on the important and trending happenings that impact our lives in NC related to the opioid crisis, The Saving Lives Task Force received a grant to create and print a newsletter that they can distribute during outreach events.
Friends of Jockey’s Ridge was awarded a grant to create self-guided interpretive signage and audio tours to deepen the understanding of the ecosystems, history and cultural significance for visitors of Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
In order to better capture and track service response data, Cross Roads OBX received a grant to purchase an iPad to use in the field when serving clients.
A fire truck at the Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. Photo courtesy of Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Dept.
The Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a grant to purchase 500 feet of 5-inch supply hose to strengthen their capabilities.
“We’re so grateful to the Outer Banks Community Foundation for their generous grant,” said Manns Harbor Fire Department Chairman Jeffrey Gard. “This essential equipment will enhance our ability to deliver water quickly and efficiently during firefighting operations, ensuring a stronger and more reliable response in emergencies. With this support, we are better equipped to protect lives, property, and the overall safety of our community.”
The Community Foundation is launching a new Focus Grant initiative and expanding their grant opportunities for 2025.
“The Focus Grants are a game-changer for our community,” said Packy Regan, Chair of the Grants Committee. “By offering substantial funding and the possibility of multi-year initiatives, we hope to enable nonprofits to implement meaningful, sustainable solutions to the challenges that impact us all.”
In addition to the Focus Grants, OBCF will continue to offer Community Enrichment Grants and Impact Grants to meet the needs of local nonprofits in 2025. The first Community Enrichment Grant application deadline of 2025 is Friday, January 31.
“We’re thrilled to support nonprofits as they tackle important challenges and seize opportunities to strengthen our community,” said Nandy Stuart, Chief Operating Officer of the Outer Banks Community Foundation. “The updated grant framework for 2025 reflects our commitment to flexibility and targeted investment in areas that matter most to our neighbors.”
Nonprofits are encouraged to visit OBCF’s website for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application portals. Early submissions are encouraged to allow time for review and feedback.
For more information or assistance with the grant application process, visit www.OBCF.org/grants or contact the staff at 252-423-3003.
About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.
