OBCF Unveils New Community Terrace
The new Community Terrace at the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
By Tatum Clements
From a humble, historic flat top cottage office in Southern Shores to a newly renovated, modern Outer Banks Center for Nonprofits in Manteo, the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) recently celebrated a huge milestone in its six year evolution.
On Thursday, May 21, the Community Foundation hosted a special opening reception for their brand new Community Terrace, a versatile outdoor space created to bring people together for conversations, celebrations, collaboration, and support of local nonprofits.
The new Community Terrace at the Outer Banks Community Foundation in Manteo. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
At the reception, over 75 community partners, nonprofit professionals, and OBCF supporters gathered on the Community Terrace, which features a partially enclosed and covered pergola with ceiling fans, an open air deck with a fire table, and comfortable outdoor furniture.
As with all good things, this new endeavor has taken the time and effort of many dedicated individuals.
“The partnerships formed among the philanthropic organizations in the Outer Banks provide the synergies to ‘Inspire Trust, Inspire Giving, and Inspire Action’ to meet the needs and opportunities in our community,” said OBCF Board Director and Facilities Committee Chair Chip Walton. “The facilities committee’s goal was always to create a versatile, welcoming space that directly served the needs of our nonprofit partners. Seeing everyone utilize the terrace for the opening reception made all the planning worth it.”
The Community Foundation relocated to Roanoke Island in May of 2023 with a vision for a larger, more collaborative office building.
“When we asked local nonprofits and community partners, ‘If you could use this space, what would you do?’ The resounding answer was a gathering space,” said OBCF President and CEO Chris Sawin.
Fresh paint and local artwork for the walls, a flooring update, and new office furniture was phase one for the building, known as the Outer Banks Center for Nonprofits. The space was created with the intention of better serving local nonprofits, including those who do not have a physical location for their operations.
L-R- OBCF CEO & President Chris Sawin, OBCF Emeritus Director & Donor Jane Webster, and OBCF Board Vice Chair Tess Judge. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
In 2024, OBCF began welcoming nonprofit professionals into the Outer Banks Center for Nonprofits. The center offers two fully-furnished conference spaces with wifi and teleconferencing, a small catering kitchen, and several private office rooms. This accessible space is available for board and committee meetings, brainstorming sessions, event planning, networking, and even small events.
Since the Outer Banks Center for Nonprofits opened its doors, OBCF has welcomed more than 70 nonprofits and over 600 guests into the community-based facility.
The Community Terrace is the final phase of the Community Foundation’s renovations to the Outer Banks Center for Nonprofits, and with the new space now being complete, OBCF has expanded its possibilities for local nonprofits.
“While we are grantmakers, the reality is that there is never enough funding to meet every community need,” said Sawin. “That means we have to continually innovate and find new ways to support the nonprofits doing such important work across our region. The Community Terrace became a natural extension of that idea. What began as a vision has truly become a community hub. The terrace now gives us another way to bring people together in a beautiful outdoor setting on Roanoke Island.”
The Community Terrace was made possible by these generous donors.
The 1,118 square foot terrace is now available for nonprofit fundraising events, celebrations, performances, receptions, educational programs, networking, and more.
“If they can dream it, we can host it,” added Sawin.
The Community Terrace was built by Overton Construction with support from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, Dare County Tourism Board, and many generous donors.
“The possibilities are endless as is the impact that this space will provide for our community,” said Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Community Engagement Manager Jeff Schwartzenberg.
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.
