Community Foundation’s Impact Grants Infuse Over $124,000 Into Local Nonprofits

As 2025 comes to an end, the Outer Banks Community Foundation has awarded over $124,000 in Impact Grants to nine local nonprofits, most of which are meeting pressing needs of underserved community members.

“With a record of 21 applicants requesting over $570,000, we realize there are many needs and opportunities in our community,” said Outer Banks Community Foundation President and CEO Chris Sawin. “It is clear that the rising cost of living has affected everything from the holidays to healthcare to housing to food. After careful deliberation and working with our remaining budget, we were able to award nine Impact Grants to local nonprofits.” 

The Outer Banks Woman’s Club received a grant for their Angel Gift Program, which is a partnership with Dare County Health and Human Services that provides hundreds of underserved children and their families with their holiday wishes.

“We are incredibly proud of our Angel Gift Program, which is now in its 38th year,” said Outer Banks Woman’s Club Secretary and Fundraising Lead for the Angel Gift Program Donna Garcia. “This initiative stands as our club’s largest and most significant project, dedicated to providing Christmas gifts to hundreds of families in our local community. Our primary goal with the Angel Gift Program is to offer crucial support to families who might be unable to provide Christmas for their loved ones this year. Because we saw a significant increase of 100 children this year, the grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation will ensure that we can continue this critical work during the holiday season.”

A grant to Food For Thought will enable them to provide Food Lion gift cards to students in the Food For Thought Program for the winter and spring holiday breaks when they don’t have access to free meals at school.

“Food for Thought was started in 2006 when we realized that children from food insecure homes were eating much more at school on Mondays than on other days of the week,” said Food For Thought Secretary and Grant Writer Carole Kimmel. “With the generous support from the Community Foundation’s Impact Grant for Food Lion gift cards, we hope to maintain good nutrition for our children while they are away from school on break. This is especially important now because of the current rise in food costs, cuts in food subsidy programs, and the resulting increase in the number of children in our program.”

With a need for more affordable healthcare options across the nation, many people are not able to get regular health and dental screenings, which is why North Carolina Baptists on Mission was awarded an Impact Grant for their “Relief for Today. Hope For Tomorrow.” program.

“It is a privilege to serve the underserved residents of the Outer Banks—from Ocracoke to Avon to Kitty Hawk—through our Mobile Dental Ministry,” said North Carolina Baptists on Mission Medical-Dental Ministry Coordinator Krissy Watson. “All dental services are provided free of charge by dedicated volunteers who travel from across North Carolina to make this outreach possible. This grant will allow us to continue enhancing dental health among community members who are often tucked away and overlooked once the tourism season ends. Thank you for helping us continue treating, caring for, and loving the residents of these coastal communities.”

Housing insecurity remains a pressing need on the Outer Banks, and OBX Room In The Inn received a grant to establish “The Neighbors In Need Fund” which will assist in covering security deposits and short-term rental costs, thereby removing the key financial barriers to stable housing. 

“The OBX Room In The Inn is taking action to address the escalating community crisis of homelessness, low housing stock, and high rental expenses,” said President and CEO of OBX Room In The Inn Shari Fiveash. “The Neighbors In Need Fund” offers a definitive way to end the cycle of housing insecurity. Thanks to OBCF’s vital grant, we can now provide the necessary financial cushion—specifically security deposits—for individuals who are ready for a home but lack the upfront funds. This contribution allows us to create direct, immediate pathways to stable housing, and we sincerely appreciate their partnership.”

Surfing for Autism received a grant for a community-wide program called Sandbar Social, which creates inclusive opportunities for neurodiverse adults to connect, grow, and thrive with their neurotypical peers.

First time applicant, Verdant Minds, was awarded a grant for their “Planted Potential” project which offers year-round, hands-on, workforce development training for exceptional children at Manteo High School and individuals with developmental disabilities in Manteo.

Three different nonprofits from Ocracoke Island received Impact Grants that will help with diverse needs across their community, from arts and culture to history to health and wellbeing. 

Ocracoke Alive received a grant for a program that fosters cross-cultural understanding by offering free bilingual programs where Latino and non-Latino neighbors connect through arts, food, music, and wellness. The Ocracoke Preservation Society, Inc. was awarded a grant to help finish the restoration of the Historic Island Inn, and the Ocracoke Community Pool Association received a grant for site assessment and planning for a community pool.

The Community Foundation’s next grant application is for Community Enrichment Grants. The application deadline is Friday, January 30, 2026.

Nonprofits are encouraged to visit OBCF’s website for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the application portal. Early submissions are encouraged to allow time for review and feedback.

For more information or assistance with the grant application process, visit 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.