OBCF 101-4: How Is OBCF Making An Impact In Our Community

In an effort to better connect with our community and educate people about all of the unique facets of the Community Foundation, we have created OBCF 101.

This week, we want to give you a quick glance at how the Outer Banks Community Foundation has recently made an impact in our community.

Through the generous contributions of donors, volunteers, and partners, the Outer Banks Community Foundation has been able to make a significant difference in our community while building a source of support for the future.

Below are some awesome statistics to show you how OBCF made an impact over the last year.

Fiscal 2024 Stats: 

• Donor Gifts: $1,779,927

• Scholarship Awards: $248,033

• Community Enrichment Grants: $281,242

• Donor Advised Fund Grants: $606,216

• New Funds Created in 2024: 13 (The Outer Banks Community Foundation manages more than 200 diverse charitable funds.)

A few examples of impact from the above stats: 

• A $300,000 grant from the Evans Family Fund, the largest single award ever made through the Outer Banks Community Foundation, helped Water’s Edge Village School’s new building become a reality. The school’s new building will welcome its first students in August for the 2025-2026 school year.

• For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Outer Banks Community Foundation awarded 100 scholarships totaling $250,150 to 85 students, breaking its past record for scholarships. Of those 85 students, 39 were new scholarship recipients from local 5 area high schools (Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Currituck High School, First Flight High School, Manteo High School, and Ocracoke School), one local homeschool student, three College of the Albemarle graduates, and two community members.

• The Love in Action, established by anonymous donors and managed by the Outer Banks Community Foundation supports Liberty Christian Fellowship in Kill Devil Hills. The donors intentionally structured it so that the church distributes the money each year to nonprofits on the Outer Banks.

  

  The Saakumu Dance Troupe performing at the Artrageous Kids Art Festival. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.

• The Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series and Dare Arts received Community Enrichment Grants to bring the Saakumu Dance Troupe from Ghana to the Outer Banks for a lively 10 day residency in May.

• The Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a grant to purchase 500 feet of 5-inch supply hose to strengthen their capabilities.

The Outer Banks Community Foundation helps meet local needs across Dare County and the entire Outer Banks. We manage charitable funds for individuals and agencies, and we target grants and scholarships toward our community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities.