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Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding for their projects, programs, infrastructure and other needs, through the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s Community Enrichment Grants Program. Online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 30. More information and a link to apply can be found at obcf.org/grants/how-to-apply-for-grants/.

The Community Enrichment Grants Program is the foundation’s largest and broadest funding opportunity. Last year the Outer Banks Community Foundation awarded over $130,000 in Community Enrichment Grants to 13 local nonprofits – a reduction from recent years, due to nearly $300,000 in COVID Rapid Response grants in 2020. In 2021, more than $200,000 in Community Enrichment grants will be awarded.

So far in 2021, more than $92,000 has been awarded to 13 local nonprofits, including financial aid for the YMCA’s Camp Seaside, underwriting for spay/neuter and other pet care with three animal groups, support for three separate programs that enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities, underwriting a program addressing summer food insecurity for low-income children through Food for Thought and underwriting the Early Childhood Essentials program at Children and Youth Partnership.

Community Enrichment Grants are offered on a competitive basis for any kind of charitable project that benefits Dare County, Ocracoke and/or the Currituck beaches. Areas of interest include arts and culture, animal welfare, children and youth, education, the environment, disaster relief and prevention, health and wellness, historic interpretation and preservation and other human services.

Community Enrichment Grants are usually awarded to support the direct costs of a charitable project or program, such as art supplies, medical equipment, educational materials, vehicles and program staff. These grants are paid on a reimbursement basis for actual costs incurred.

Scholarship grants to nonprofits, to enable organizations to offer need-based program scholarships (such as program fee subsidies) to individuals or families with financial or other hardship, are also periodically awarded. The scholarships/subsidies should offset or reduce the participation fees that the nonprofit would normally charge for an enrichment program such as a day camp, educational offering and/or after-school program.

Community Enrichment Grants are also awarded to build the capacity of charitable organizations serving the Outer Banks, with a goal of helping them fulfill their mission by enhancing their long-term effectiveness, financial stability and/or program quality. Examples might include grants for computer systems, strategic planning and/or purchase of facility space.

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