Outer Banks Community Foundation Supports Local Nonprofits with $54,000 in Community Enrichment Grants
This quarter, the Outer Banks Community Foundation has generously allocated $54,000 in Community Enrichment Grants to 11 local nonprofits, and the excitement in the community is palpable! These grants are directly aimed at fostering growth and innovation among organizations that touch the lives of many residents in the Outer Banks area.
“As stewards of our community’s future, the Outer Banks Community Foundation is honored to support the incredible work of local nonprofits,” said Nandy Stuart, the Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation. She highlighted that the initiatives funded through these grants stretch across a wide array of purposes, including education, the arts, veteran support, and community beautification.
Empowering Local Organizations
One notable recipient, The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, will use its grant to provide scholarships for nonprofits to participate in the prestigious Leadership OBX Program. This initiative aims to equip leaders with skills that can benefit our local community in the long run.
Next up, Dare Arts, with their eyes set on their 50th anniversary in 2025, received funds to elevate their longstanding programs. Executive Director Jessica Sands excitedly shared how they plan to create a calendar filled with events spanning all kinds of art—from live music to dance, writing to gallery tours. “There is something for everyone on our robust calendar of events next year to honor the past, present, and future of Dare Arts and to celebrate all of the art and artists on the Outer Banks!” she said.
Innovative Projects Taking Shape
Meanwhile, the First Colony Foundation will conduct a feasibility study to bring a bit of history to life at the Elizabethan Gardens by reconstructing an interior room from an Elizabethan manor house. This promises to be a fascinating addition that visitors will adore.
Another grant was awarded to the Friends of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail (MST). They are set to install informative signs at Jockey’s Ridge State Park that will delve into the MST’s history and its connection to the Outer Banks—a wonderful way to enhance both educational opportunities and visitor experiences.
Promoting Civic Engagement
The League of Women Voters of Dare County is gearing up for its Make Your Vote Count Rally & Resource Fair, thanks to their grant funding. Scheduled for September 28, this event aims to empower voters with the knowledge and resources necessary for informed decision-making. Tianna Stathis, a representative from the League, warmly encouraged everyone to join in for a day filled with live music and delicious food.
MANE & TAILL Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy received funding to introduce animal-assisted therapy for first responders and public school students, promoting mental well-being through unique and impactful experiences.
Aiding Those in Need
Grants also went to the Marine Corps League Outer Banks Detachment to support their Marine in Need Program, which financially assists local veterans with essential expenses, especially during emergencies. Furthermore, Mount Olivet United Methodist Church will renovate its playground to ensure a safe and engaging space for its early childhood development program and the community at large.
To support their self-sustainability efforts, the Outer Banks Dare Challenge will use their grant to cultivate gardens that provide fresh produce, while the Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts plans to host EarthBeat!, a vibrant event celebrating global rhythms and traditions.
Building a Community of Support
Wind Sports for Wounded Warriors OBX also received funding to further their mission of supporting veterans through wind sport education, creating camaraderie and emotional support for those in need. President Eric Endries passionately shared how this initiative intends to provide a welcoming community for healing and personal growth.
Looking Ahead
The Outer Banks Community Foundation plans to award Community Enrichment Grants four times a year, with the next deadline for applications set for October 25. If you’re part of a nonprofit organization looking to make an impact in the community, you’ll need to submit an online application to be considered.
For further information on how to apply for these impactful grants, individuals can check out OBCF.org. This initiative showcases the heart and soul of the Outer Banks community, knitting together various threads that create a richly woven tapestry of support, care, and growth.
