Community Foundation Awards Over $70,000 In Grants To Local Nonprofits

Preserving history, fostering the arts and culture, and supporting youth education and well-being were some of the needs that the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) met when they awarded $71,992 in Community Enrichment Grants to 10 local nonprofits this quarter. 

“Our Community Enrichment Grants are all about investing in the nonprofits that strengthen and serve our community every day,” said OBCF Chief Operating Officer Nandy Stuart. “This first cycle reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the organizations meeting critical needs and enriching the lives of our neighbors.” 

The Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series received a grant to bring the Saakumu Dance Troupe from Ghana to the Outer Banks for a special residency May 2-10. 

“We are deeply grateful to the Outer Banks Community Foundation for their generous support of the Saakumu Dance Troupe residency,” said Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series President Bob Muller. “This vibrant celebration of Ghanaian music and dance will enrich our schools, festivals, and community spaces, bringing cultural diversity and global perspectives to residents and students across Dare County. In partnership with Dare Arts, the Children & Youth Partnership, and Dare County Schools, this project exemplifies the power of the arts to educate, inspire, and unite our community.”  

In the Spirit of Wingina 2: Our Women…Our Words…Our Water, an educational event hosted by The Secotan Alliance, will be supported by a grant. The program, which will be held May 30-31, will include indigenous history, a lecture and panel discussion, and an evening of music and poetry.

Two newly formed nonprofits, Hatteras Island Community Strings and Hatteras Island Futbol Club (HIFC), were awarded grants for music education and youth soccer. 

Hatteras Island Community Strings received a grant to purchase sound equipment for student performances and weekly practices, which will help bridge the gap between the youth and music education in the Hatteras community. 

The grant awarded to HIFC will enable them to purchase the necessary equipment for the spring and summer seasons to provide quality instruction at an affordable price for the 100+ players in their club. 

“On behalf of the Hatteras Island Futbol Club, we would like to thank the Outer Banks Community Foundation for their support,” said HIFC President Ian O’Neal. “HIFC was founded many years ago with the ultimate grassroots soccer concepts behind it. Over the years we have kept our grassroots philosophies and visions in order to maintain the characteristics of our soccer community. We are now striving to offer more than ever before as we address the need at an affordable rate. This upcoming spring and summer season would not be possible without the support of OBCF!”

Water’s Edge Village School in Corolla received a grant to fund essential components of the computer network installation in their new school building, which will open this fall.

As they celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2025, OBX Go Far received a grant to support a new special event for the 200+ youth who participate in their annual end of season race.

“We’re planning a special celebration at the Pioneer Theater in Manteo on May 3, coinciding with The Miles Cupcake 5K & Fun Run,” said Founder of OBX Go Far Samantha Lock. “Following the race, GO FAR will be “Going to the Movies” with a viewing of The Tortoise and  the Hare for our little runners, complete with popcorn and drinks. We hope the community will register for the race and join us in celebrating the impact GO FAR has had on thousands of families over the last 15 years.”

Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc. received a grant that will enable them to purchase a computer, smart TV, and audio equipment to teach the story of Keeper Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers through their “Freedmen, Surfmen, Heroes” education initiative, which involves storytelling through live educational programs. 

To have multiple small plane flights into the Dare County and First Flight airports on National Aviation Day, the First Flight Society was awarded a grant.

“The First Flight Society is grateful for the support of the Outer Banks Community Foundation in connection with the celebration of National Aviation Day on August 19,” said First Flight Society President Paul Jameson. “The grant will help bring more pilots to the Outer Banks and will help us spread the word about the event. We are pleased to team up with Beach Food Pantry to include a food drive at the event.”

The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society received a grant to print educational booklets about every lighthouse in North Carolina. 

To better engage with the Latin community on the Outer Banks, The North Carolina Aquarium Society received a grant to host a dual language night at the aquarium this fall where they will provide guided tours and animal encounters in English and Spanish. 

The Community Foundation’s next grant application deadline is for Focus Grants, which are a new initiative to tackle some of the region’s most pressing challenges. Focus Grants provide funding up to $50,000 to support innovative, large-scale projects addressing critical needs with a preference for healthcare access, affordable housing, and childcare solutions. The Focus Grant application deadline is Friday, April 25, 2025.

Nonprofits are encouraged to visit OBCF’s website for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application portals. Early submissions are encouraged to allow time for review and feedback.

For more information or assistance with the grant application process, visit OBCF.org/grants 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.