The Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) has awarded $57,500 in Community Enrichment Grants to 10 local nonprofits, supporting various initiatives that improve quality of life in the community. Grants were allocated for expanding food access, caring for feral cats, boosting educational engagement, enhancing bike routes, and addressing public health issues, illustrating the community’s commitment to support each other and foster local development.
The vibrant community of the Outer Banks is buzzing with excitement as the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) has just bestowed a generous total of $57,500 in Community Enrichment Grants to a diverse group of 10 local nonprofits. This funding aims to uplift and support initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Among the recipients, the Beach Food Pantry is set to enhance its efforts by expanding its storage and prep space. A grant of $13,500 will enable the pantry to add an impressive 1,200 square feet to its facilities. This expansion is crucial in providing nutritious food options to those in need, ensuring that locals have access to essential dietary resources.
On a more whiskered note, the Ocracats organization is also benefiting from OBCF’s generosity. With a grant aimed at maintaining a healthy feral cat population on Ocracoke Island, Ocracats will be able to feed approximately 400 cats this winter, ensuring these furry residents are well cared for even in the colder months.
The Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County (CYP) received funding to expand its diaper bank program, a response to the growing demand they’ve noticed from families struggling in the community. The emphasis on diapers highlights their importance for families with young children, making this initiative a vital one.
The community’s cultural heartbeat will also get a boost as the Mustang Music Outreach Program received a grant to relaunch its musical instruction offerings. This initiative provides an opportunity for both children and adults to dive into the joy of music through learning and performance opportunities, enriching the community’s cultural landscape.
Education is another focus of the recent grants, with Cape Hatteras Secondary School set to receive funding for an incentive program designed to boost student engagement among middle schoolers. This innovative program aims to enhance students’ academic performance, contributing to the overall educational success of the district.
Additionally, the roads of Outer Banks will become even more bike-friendly thanks to a grant awarded to OBX Way. They will be adding bike routes stretching from Nags Head to Carova to the community path maps—a fantastic enhancement for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the area.
The Saving Lives Task Force will utilize their grant to create a newsletter aimed at educational outreach regarding the opioid crisis, emphasizing the community’s ongoing commitment to tackling urgent social issues.
Outdoors lovers will also benefit from the funding granted to Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, which will develop self-guided interpretive signage and audio tours for Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This initiative is set to enrich visitors’ experiences, helping them learn more about the beautiful natural surroundings they are exploring.
On the safety front, the Cross Roads OBX organization will purchase an iPad to improve their tracking of service response data, while the Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant for 500 feet of 5-inch supply hose, boosting their firefighting capabilities and enhancing community safety.
As the OBCF looks to the future, they are excited to announce a new Focus Grant initiative for 2025, aimed at providing substantial funding for multi-year initiatives that will shape the community’s growth. Nonprofits interested in applying for funding can look forward to the first Community Enrichment Grant application deadline on Friday, January 31, 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for local groups to develop targeted investments that address pressing community needs. The OBCF is committed to creating a flexible grant framework to adapt to the evolving challenges faced in the Outer Banks.
For nonprofits eager to dive in, it’s recommended to visit the OBCF’s website for guidelines and application portals. Early submissions for review and feedback are encouraged to ensure the best chance of success.
The Outer Banks community clearly stands united in its efforts to support each other, and this latest round of grants is just one shining example of how local organizations are coming together to make a positive impact. From enhancing food security to supporting cultural initiatives and addressing critical public health issues, these grants showcase a commitment to nurturing a thriving community.
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