Outer Banks Community Foundation: 2026 Grant Opportunities
Welcome to the 2026 Grant Opportunities page! Our grant programs are designed to empower local nonprofits and drive meaningful change in our community.
Explore All Grant Opportunities
The Community Foundation awards quarterly grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations on a competitive basis. These grants can be used for any kind of charitable project benefiting the Outer Banks, including animal welfare, arts and culture, children/youth, disaster relief/mitigation, education, the environment, health, historic preservation, and other human services, unless otherwise specified.
Community Enrichment Grants
- Application Deadlines: Friday, January 30, 2026 and Friday, July 31, 2026
- Funding requests up to $10,000
- Open to all types of projects with no restrictions on scope or focus
Focus Grants
- Application Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026
- Funding requests up to $50,000
- Designed to address critical needs with a preference for healthcare access (substance abuse/mental health), affordable housing, and child care solutions
Impact Grants
- Application Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
- Funding requests exceeding $10,000
- Open to all types of projects with no restrictions on scope or focus
Periodically, in times of crisis, the Community Foundation may initiate a Rapid Response Grant Program to support nonprofit organizations on a proactive and/or competitive basis, as urgent needs arise. Rapid Response Grants may follow a natural disaster (e.g., hurricanes) or may be initiated during other times of community-wide need.
How To Apply
OBCF’s Grants Committee reviews applications quarterly, ensuring a thoughtful and transparent process to allocate funds to the projects that will create the greatest impact. Nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications early to allow time for review and feedback.
Here’s how to get started:
- Review Eligibility: Click here to review OBCF’s Grant Guidelines and to learn about our funding priorities and requirements.
- Choose Your Grant: Determine which grant type best suits your project.
- Contact the Community Foundation: We ask all applicants to connect with staff before applying to discuss your potential project and your funding needs.
- Submit Your Application: Use our online application portal to apply for funding.
Need help or have questions?
We’re here to help! If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact our staff at 252-423-3003 or by clicking contact.
The Outer Banks Community Foundation is proud to partner with local nonprofits to create a vibrant, resilient community. We look forward to working with you during this exciting grant cycle!
Feedback
The Community Foundation invites feedback on its grants program, and welcomes comments from any nonprofit in any stage of the grants process. To submit feedback anonymously, use this online questionnaire. Your comments, concerns, praise, and criticism will help us become a better grant-maker for our community. This survey will be open indefinitely, and you can respond multiple times, now and/or in the future. If you would rather give feedback directly, please call our office at 252-423-3003.
