Community Foundation Awards $80,948 in Grants to Four Nonprofits

The Outer Banks Community Foundation has awarded four Community Enrichment grants to address a variety of needs across the Outer Banks.

Theatre of Dare was awarded a $20,000 grant to pay for renovations and purchase technology and storage equipment at their new, long-term home in Kitty Hawk. Now in its 32nd season, the group offers full-scale theater productions each year, summer theater camps and shows for children, and a Monday night comedy club for adults. “Our plan is to expand from just performances to providing camps and classes for children, booking concerts, and hosting events,” said Theatre of Dare Business Director Kelsey Thompson. “We have an amazing group of artists and volunteers, but it takes money, too. The Community Foundation grant award means we will be able to offer a larger variety of performing arts experiences to the community, and we could not be more grateful.”

Outer Banks Dare Challenge was awarded a $30,000 grant for its new facility in Wanchese that will triple its capacity for housing individuals in its substance abuse treatment program. In 2019 there were 19 drug-related deaths in Dare County; so far this year, there have been eight. Dare Challenge has a 15-year history of successfully treating men with substance abuse disorders. “Dare Challenge is a beacon for those who are struggling on the sea of addiction and looking for safe harbor,” said Dustin Daniels, Dare Challenge Executive Director. “Our expansion will enable more people to find freedom from their addictions.”

MANE & TAILL Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy was awarded a grant for $18,948 to support their program for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Grant funding will also help launch a new program to help at-risk youth learn life skills through working with horses and other animals. “Our new program for at-risk children offers a safe and challenging environment where change and growth can take place,” said MANE & TAILL Executive Director Samantha Iulo. “The planned activities will teach participants how to make empowered choices and will help them develop communication skills, greater empathy, and appropriate responses to peer pressure and other stressors.”

The Outer Banks Family YMCA was awarded a $12,000 grant for financial assistance to families in need with children wishing to attend summer camp. “We believe all children and teens should have the opportunity to participate in safe and fun summer programming that supports their learning and growth,” said Outer Banks Family YMCA Senior Program Director Sam Wills. “We are grateful for this grant that allows us to provide financial assistance for families in need this summer.”

The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization that connects people who care with causes that matter. Based in a historic flat top cottage in Southern Shores, the Community Foundation manages $25 million across more than 200 charitable funds for individuals and agencies, awards grants to nonprofits, manages more than 60 scholarship programs, and provides tailored services to help donors pursue their charitable interests. Since its inception in 1982, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $12 million in grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students.