Wednesday, October 14, 2026
By Submitted Story on October 2, 2026
As the diverse needs and opportunities within the Outer Banks community continue to grow, so do the grant requests from local nonprofits spanning from Corolla to Ocracoke Island. That’s where the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) comes in.
Sixteen local nonprofits dedicated to a wide range of needs and opportunities in our community, including education, healthcare, children & youth, animal welfare, the environment, the arts, and history, were recently awarded $93,691 in Community Enrichment Grants.
“The number and quality of applications we received this cycle reflect both the strength of our nonprofit community and the significant needs that these organizations are working to address,” said OBCF Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs Nandy Stuart. “With requests totaling more than $165,000, this grant cycle was highly competitive”
Two different nonprofits that help those battling cancer received grants. Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas was awarded a grant for their Outer Banks Childhood Cancer Safety Net program, and Good Guys vs Cancer was awarded a grant for their upcoming high school basketball showcase fundraising event, which will be held in December.
Three education-based nonprofits were awarded grants for unique opportunities that will benefit students across the Outer Banks.
A grant to the Dare Education Foundation will support enhancing outdoor classrooms at five Dare County Schools using sustainable, native plants to create accessible, hands-on learning spaces for hundreds of students.
The Collective Education Foundation was awarded a grant to assist with printing costs for OBX Field Guide- Our Collective Coast, a simple guide of the Outer Banks for kids of all ages designed by students at Outer Banks Montessori Collective and Wilbur Gardens.
Water’s Edge Village School in Corolla received a grant to strengthen the Multi-Tiered System of Supports program for students with exceptional needs through evidence-based literacy training and instructional resources.
A grant to the League of Women Voters of Dare County will also benefit middle and high school students across Dare County, allowing them to participate in mock school candidate forums. “The grant from OBCF will help us upgrade our current school programming to a whole new level,” said League of Women Voters of Dare County’s Voter Registration Director Tianna Stathis. “With the addition of the Mock Candidate Forums, we will be able to provide a full-circle voting experience for the students in Dare County.”
A grant to Special Olympics North Carolina, Inc. will support the inclusion of students of all abilities in sports and other activities. “We are grateful for the support granted by the Outer Banks Community Foundation for our Unified Champion Schools program,” said Special Olympics North Carolina President & CEO Keith Fishburne. “Our program joins students of all abilities for inclusive sport, leadership and club activities that are deeply impactful not only for the students engaged, but also entire school communities.”
To help address the lack of licensed childcare providers on Hatteras Island, Coastal Family Collaborative received a grant for its inaugural initiative, Tidal Tots Childcare Center, which will provide year-round, safe, reliable childcare for Hatteras families.
To strengthen its ability to serve and be visible within the community, OBX Room In The Inn was awarded a grant to assist with website updates, branding, and new signage.
A grant to Cross Roads OBX will help provide emergency lodging for those awaiting entry or returning from recovery programs.
“Cross Roads is deeply grateful to the Outer Banks Community Foundation for their generous grant and for its commitment to neighbors facing housing challenges related to behavioral health issues,” said Randy Hamilton from Cross Roads OBX. “This support will help us provide timely, practical assistance to individuals needing short-term housing while awaiting treatment or upon return from treatment, assistance in securing longer-term recovery residence, and help with rent to prevent individuals from becoming unhoused.”
MANE & TAILL Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy received a grant for the purchase of a van to transport small animals to the locations of at-risk and juvenile-justice-involved youth who participate in the nonprofit’s therapy services.
A grant to North Carolina Coastal Land Trust will provide nature-based shoreline protection and restoration at Springer’s Point Preserve on Ocracoke Island.
“Springer’s Point Nature Preserve is among the most visited and enjoyed examples of a publicly accessible Preserve that is managed by North Carolina Coastal Land Trust,” said Northeast Region Director of Coastal Land Trust Brian Rubino. “We are truly grateful for the support of the Outer Banks Community Foundation.”
The Beaufort County Arts Council was awarded a grant for the production of a 30-minute television documentary that will educate the public on the history of Jockey’s Ridge and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
The Outer Banks SPCA received a grant to make upgrades to its facility that will help with feline health and disease prevention.
A grant to the Alternative Newsweekly Foundation will support independent journalism in Northeastern North Carolina through a partnership with Outer Banks Insider.
To continue the restoration of the 1874 Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, the Chicamacomico Historical Association, Inc. was awarded a grant that will help fund complete replenishment of all windows, frames, sills, and glass in this historic building.
These Community Enrichment Grants are made possible by the Bob Parker Memorial Fund, Christina Nicole Jones Memorial Fund for Substance Abuse Education, Counseling, Prevention, and Treatment, Cookie Jar for Good Deeds, David Aycock Loy Memorial Fund, Dr. David Rostetter Memorial Fund for Self-Advocacy and Inclusion, Franklin Y. Hundley Education Fund, Hatteras Fund, Ocracoke Fund, Outer Banks Road to Recovery Fund, Pauline Wright Endowment for Dare County Individuals with Special Needs, Pauline Wright Endowment for Educational and Developmental Needs in Currituck, and Thomas and Annie Baum Memorial Fund.
The Outer Banks Community Foundation’s next grant application deadline is Friday, October 30, for Impact Grants, which are open to all types of projects with no restrictions on scope or focus, with funding requests exceeding $10,000. Nonprofits are encouraged to visit the Community Foundation’s website for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the application portal. 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.
