4th Annual Nonprofit Mission Mixer Encourages Connection & Balance

With the largest crowd to date, the Outer Banks Community Foundation and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau hosted the 4th Annual Mission Mixer on Thursday, April 30 at the Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills. 

“The Nonprofit Mission Mixer is one of our favorite annual events because it brings together an incredible group of community stewards to connect, collaborate and share ideas in a fun, social setting,” said Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lee Nettles. “Their energy and passion for making a difference are truly inspiring.”

The free event drew nonprofit professionals and board members from 38 Outer Banks nonprofits this year.

Nonprofits that were represented at this year’s Mission Mixer included the Collective Education Foundation, The Secotan Alliance, Outer Banks Health, Beach Food Pantry, Agile Alliance, Community Care Clinic of Dare, Outer Banks Women’s Club, Outer Banks Wedding Association, Hearts Home Films, Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts, Outer Banks SPCA, Eastern NC SPCA, Chasing Rainbows Foundation, Kitty Hawk Rotary Club, Outer Banks Relief Foundation, Room in the Inn, Friends of Youth, Cross Roads OBX, Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County, NC Coastal Federation, Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, Surfing for Autism, Dare Education Foundation, Coastal Humane Society, Outer Bank Dementia Friendly Coalition, Interfaith Community Outreach, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, Our Epic Project, Manteo Community Health Care, First Flight Rotary, The Rogallo Foundation, LUR Growth, The OBX Way, N.E.S.T., and Verdant Minds. 

“This was the first time that I had attended the Mission Mixer, and I knew so many people there through professional as well as volunteer connections,” said Outer Banks Community Foundation Board Director Natalie Mead. “I am inspired by my friends in this community who make time beyond work and family to make the Outer Banks a better place through nonprofit work.”

The Mission Mixer’s guest speaker was Amy Montgomery, Executive Director of Operations at Outer Banks Health. At the event, Montgomery spoke about the practical applications for managing balance, both personally and professionally. Balance is one of the five ThriveOBX pillars of well-being, established by Outer Banks Health to help cultivate a vibrant, thriving community.

The Community Foundation and the Visitors Bureau frequently collaborate on events, like the Mission Mixer, to foster collaboration and assist with growth and educational opportunities.

Planning is already underway for the 4th Annual Nonprofit Knowledge Series Workshop in the fall of 2026. This session is designed to bring together nonprofit professionals and board members in a collaborative setting, with a strategic focus on education and training. More details on the 2026 Knowledge Series will be announced soon.

Both organizations offer grant opportunities to nonprofits throughout the year.

The Outer Banks Community Foundation awards Community Enrichment Grants twice a year to qualifying nonprofit organizations to help meet local needs and enrich the quality of life for people on the Outer Banks. Community Enrichment Grants are open to all types of projects with no restrictions on scope or focus, with funding requests up to $10,000. The final Community Enrichment Grant deadline of 2026 is Friday, July 31. 

The Dare County Tourism Board sponsors several grant opportunities each year to help fund and support various Outer Banks projects and events organized by non-profits and government entities. Event Grants are designed to support events that drive overnight visitation to Dare County during less-than-peak months (September 7 to June 15). In addition, the Board offers other funding opportunities through its Restricted Fund Grants, including Tourism Impact Grants and Long-Term Unappropriated Grants, supporting programs or services needed due to the impact of tourism. For guidelines, applications and a list of past grant awards, please visit https://www.outerbanks.org/grants.

For more information about the Outer Banks Community Foundation, visit OBCF.org 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.