Community Foundation Introduces 10+ New Scholarships For 2026

By Tatum Clements

Scholarship season is underway at the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF), and this year over 10 new scholarships have been added to OBCF’s offerings to support students and community members in their educational journeys. 

Whether you are a high school senior or a community member exploring new learning opportunities, the Community Foundation strives to offer scholarships for all types of students. OBCF has over 80 different scholarships in its application portal for 2026, and is continually working to expand the program.

 “Every scholarship we add represents a story, a family, and a belief in what’s possible for our students,” said Ray Meiggs, chair of OBCF’s Scholarship Committee. “Many of these funds are created in memory of loved ones, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see those legacies live on through the hopes and dreams of local students. Expanding our scholarship program is one of the most important ways we can invest in our community’s future, and we’re committed to making sure opportunity is within reach for as many people as possible.”  

Many of this year’s new scholarships honor loved ones who have passed away, which is a special way to create a lasting legacy through the Community Foundation while supporting local students. 

The Ben Birindelli Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Nancy Birindelli in 2025 in memory of her late husband. This renewable merit-based scholarship is for Dare County seniors who are members of the National Honor Society, and will give preference to history and literature majors. 

Manteo High School seniors who plan to attend a four-year North Carolina college or university can apply for the renewable Hugh A. McCullen Scholarship for the first time this year. 

The Celia Rollinson Meekins Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Celia Rollinson Meekins and is for graduating seniors from Manteo High School or Cape Hatteras Secondary School who are pursuing a career in education. 

The Denver Lindley, Jr. Arts Scholarship was established in memory of the prominent expressionist painter and provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Dare County who are pursuing studies in the visual arts.

Local nonprofits and businesses have also contributed to the Community Foundation’s growing number of scholarships. 

The Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts has established a renewable endowment scholarship to support Dare County students who aspire to pursue a career in the performing arts or in a field that supports the performing arts.

“The Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts is thrilled to partner with the Outer Banks Community Foundation in providing a scholarship for students who love music and the performing arts,” said Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts President Carl Curnutte. “The Community Foundation is one of the greatest ambassadors for our community, supporting education, service, and opportunity across the Outer Banks. We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation for their collaboration and to our patrons whose generosity makes this scholarship possible.”

The First Flight Rotary Scholarship is a new needs-based, renewable scholarship for Dare County seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree with service club experience. 

Bethany Church of Wanchese established the W.R. Davis Scholarship Fund with OBCF in 2025. This is a needs-based, renewable scholarship for Dare County students attending a public institution in the state of North Carolina.

Established by Dr. Jack Dunlevy, the Outer Banks Orthodontics Scholarship Fund provides need-based awards to high school seniors and homeschooled students with GEDS from Dare County and Ocracoke, with preference for those who have worked to pay for their education. COA graduates may also be considered for two-year scholarships. 

The Community Foundation also has scholarships for community members, two of which are new this year. 

Local salon owner Linda Porter recently expanded the Shear Genius Scholarship with OBCF, which is a needs-based scholarship that will support community members pursuing cosmetology or esthetics after spending one or more years in the workforce. 

The Mark Ward Scholarship is now available for community members who have been in recovery for a minimum of two years and are seeking to further their education or develop new skills. This scholarship provides renewable financial support for community members pursuing education after high school graduation or GED certification. 

“The scholarships offered through the OBCF are not one-size-fits-all,” said OBCF Board Director and scholarship team leader Cathy Baldwin. “Most aren’t simply merit-based or needs-based, and the community scholarships offer opportunities beyond high school seniors. All of the scholarships are unique, and that allows a wide variety of people to benefit from them.”

Also new this year is the Mr. Morris Scholarship Fund, established by Lynn Reams. This is a contributor scholarship fund, an accessible and meaningful way for community members to get involved. Contributor funds play an important role by supporting the Community Foundation’s OBX Scholars Fund, which awards annual scholarships to deserving local students based on criteria set by the Community Foundation’s Selection Committee.

Additionally, OBCF has partnered with the Dare Education Foundation (DEF) to provide students access to their scholarship program through OBCF’s application portal.

OBCF’s 2026 scholarship portal is currently open, and the deadline for all applications is 11:59 pm on Monday, March 2, 2026.

“I want to remind applicants that our staff is always here for questions,” said OBCF Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs Nandy Stuart. “We genuinely love scholarship season and getting to work with so many different students from our community. It’s an honor to support them as they work toward their goals and dreams.”

To learn more about the Community Foundation’s scholarships and how to apply, visit OBCF.org/scholarships. The deadline for all applications is 11:59 pm on Monday, March 2, 2026.

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.