Nonprofit organizations serving New Hanover County, with projects that will deliver strong results and solid impact in the area of Education, are encouraged to apply for a 2026 grant. WIN's 2026 Application is available from January 9th, 2026 until 11:59pm on February 13th, 2026. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) are available and will answer most questions about our process and priorities. WIN will hold two information sessions, one on January 13th (in-person) and one on January 15th (on Zoom). These sessions are optional for those who are interested.
WIN grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000. Projects or programs requesting funding at the higher end of this scale are expected to demonstrate greater measurable impact and a strong commitment to building organizational capacity for the future. WIN also values collaborative proposals with other area nonprofits, as these often benefit a wider, more diverse population.
GRANTS PROCESS
The Basics:
Every year, WIN makes several grants to nonprofits in New Hanover County for projects focused on a specific Area of Giving. WIN’s Area of Giving topics rotate in a four-year cycle among:
Education (2026)
Health & Wellness (2027)
Environment (2028)
Arts & Culture (2029)
The Grants Committee narrows the applicants down to a few finalists with the strongest submissions. They interview each finalist to gain more information about their proposals and how they will impact New Hanover County. The Grants Committee then a final slate of recommended grantees to the WIN membership. The WIN membership votes to approve or reject the slate.
KEY DATES FOR THE 2026 GRANTS CYCLE:
- January 9, 2026: Online application available on WIN website
- January 13, 2026: Information Session in-person (optional)
- January 15th, 2026: Information Session online via Zoom(optional)
- February 13, 2026: Online Applications close at 11:59pm
- March 2026: Grants Committee reviews all applications
- April 2026: All applicants notified of status. Finalists scheduled for interviews
- May 1, 2026: Grants committee presents final slate of recommended grantees
- May 1-7, 2026: WIN membership votes on recommended slate of grantees
- May 8, 2026: 2026 Grant recipients are notified
- May 14, 2026: Annual Grantee Celebration
- November 2026: Mid-Year Review and Grantee Presentation to WIN members
- TBD: Grantee Final Report due to WIN
Questions? Contact Grants Committee Chair: Mary Makley
Read about WIN's Previous Grant Recipients