Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Grant

Cape Fear Memorial Foundation is a private, non-operating foundation based in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a mission focused on enhancing the health and wellness of communities in southeastern North Carolina. The foundation provides grant support exclusively to not-for-profit organizations operating within approximately a 50-mile radius of Wilmington. Its charitable giving primarily targets initiatives that bolster community health and welfare, as reflected in its consistent support for local health clinics, social services, educational programs, and health-related infrastructure. To be eligible for funding, organizations must be classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and cannot be private, non-operating foundations as defined in Section 509(a). Additionally, public instrumentalities that deliver services to improve community health and welfare within the geographical service area are also eligible. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funding from the Foundation. Cape Fear Memorial Foundation operates two annual grant cycles: a Spring Cycle and a Fall Cycle. Each cycle includes two stages. For the Spring 2025 cycle, the Stage 1 deadline (formerly known as the Letter of Inquiry) is December 16, 2024, and the Stage 2 (Full Application) deadline is January 15, 2025. For the Fall 2025 cycle, the Stage 1 deadline is June 16, 2025, and the Stage 2 deadline is July 15, 2025. Final grant reports are required one month and one year after the grant disbursement date. The application process requires an initial submission through a request portal. Applicants proceed through two stages of review, beginning with a preliminary inquiry followed by a detailed application. The Foundation has not published the specific list of application questions but does require detailed information aligned with the objectives of supporting health and wellness in the region. The evaluation criteria are not explicitly listed but can be inferred to prioritize alignment with the foundation’s mission, regional relevance, and organizational capacity to deliver community impact. Cape Fear Memorial Foundation maintains transparency by publishing information on previous grant recipients, which include local health departments, educational institutions, and social service organizations. Grant amounts vary widely based on need and project scope, with awards ranging from $2,000 to over $400,000. Multi-year grants are also provided in some cases. The Foundation’s office is located at 240 Racine Drive, Suite 201, Wilmington, NC 28403. Contact can be made by phone at (910) 452-0611 or via email at [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.