14 Nov 2025

New Hanover County ABC 2026 Grants: How Nonprofits Can Support Community Health & Wellness

Why Community Health & Wellness Funding Matters in 2026

In 2026, the New Hanover County ABC Board is inviting eligible nonprofits to apply for the Community Health & Wellness Grant Program. This initiative provides funding for programs that address alcohol and substance misuse across the county.

Through this program, the ABC Board aims to reduce substance misuse, strengthen community wellness, and fund evidence-based programs that create lasting, measurable impact. Projects may focus on education, prevention, treatment, and research to improve residents' health.

New Hanover County ABC 2026 Grants

Breaking Down the NHC ABC 2026 Grant Program

Who Can Apply

The Community Health & Wellness Grants are open to nonprofits that meet all of the following criteria:

  • Located in and serving residents of New Hanover County.
  • Nonprofit or charitable organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Maintain an active Solicitation License with proof via a 501(c)(3) Determination Letter.
  • Demonstrate at least three consecutive years of organizational strength in leadership, track record, and sustainability.

Financial documentation:

  • Requests over $25,000 : independent audit completed by a licensed CPA within the last two fiscal years.
  • Requests $25,000 or under : review or audit completed by a licensed CPA within the last two fiscal years.

Priority Focus Areas

Projects must focus on at least one of the following areas:

  1. Education – Programs educating residents about alcohol and substance misuse.
  2. Prevention – Initiatives aimed at reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors.
  3. Treatment – Support for clinical or community-based substance use treatment programs.
  4. Research – Studies and evaluations to inform policy, best practices, and program improvements.

The ABC Board prioritizes projects that create long-term, systemic change rather than short-term interventions.

Grant Size & Duration

  • Funding Available: Varies by program; proposals are reviewed based on project scope and community impact.
  • Grant Period: Flexible project duration; expected to deliver measurable outcomes.
  • Future Consideration: Projects demonstrating measurable impact may be considered for continued or future funding.

Important Dates for 2026 Grant Cycle

  • February 1, 2026 : LOI form opens at 9:00 a.m. in the Foundant portal.
  • February 15, 2026 : LOI submission deadline by 11:59 p.m. Approved LOIs unlock the complete grant application.
  • February 28, 2026 : Full grant application due by 11:59 p.m. in Foundant.

Tip :  Submit your LOI early to allow ample time for completing the whole application.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide:

  • Most recent 501(c)(3) IRS Determination Letter / Letter of Proof
  • Most recent independent audit or review within the last two fiscal years
  • List of project/program personnel and qualifications
  • Current Board of Directors roster

Evaluation & Site Visits

Applications are scored by a team appointed by the ABC Board:

  • Scoring : Out of 100 points using a standardized rubric.
  • Site Visits : Organizations scoring 80+ points may be invited for a one-hour site visit in late April.
  • Focus Areas : Evaluators consider program impact, organizational capacity, sustainability, and alignment with grant priorities.

How to Apply for the 2026 ABC Grant

  1. Access the Foundant Portal – LOI form opens February 1, 2026.
  2. Submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) – Include:
    • Project overview and intended outcomes
    • Target community and residents served
    • Key personnel and board information
    • Supporting documentation (501(c)(3), audit/review)
  4. Submit Full Application – After LOI approval, complete the full grant application by February 28, 2026.

For official instructions, deadlines, and portal access, please visit the New Hanover County ABC Board Grants page.

Tips for a Competitive 2026 ABC Grant Application

1. Demonstrate Clear Community Impact

Show how your project addresses alcohol and substance misuse and promotes long-term wellness in New Hanover County.

2. Highlight Organizational Capacity

Demonstrate strong leadership, financial stability, and a proven track record in managing programs.

3. Provide Evidence-Based Approaches

Include research, data, or best practices that support your project’s strategy and expected outcomes.

4. Engage Stakeholders

Include local partners, community members, or residents in project planning and decision-making to show broad support.

5. Plan for Sustainability

Explain how the program will continue beyond the grant period through partnerships, funding, or infrastructure.

Pro Tip: :  Early preparation and collaboration with key project personnel strengthen your application.

Where Tools & Resources Can Help

Using project management and data-tracking tools, like GridSocial by SocialRoots.ai, can help nonprofits:

  • Track progress and community impact in real time
  • Simplify reporting to meet funder standards.
  • Coordinate activities across multiple teams or organizations.
  • Present clear, data-driven dashboards showing collective progress

A shared system ensures alignment, accountability, and measurable outcomes for the ABC Board.

Conclusion: Turning Grants Into Community Health Impact

The 2026 New Hanover County ABC Community Health & Wellness Grant Program provides a critical opportunity for nonprofits to expand programs that address substance misuse, promote wellness, and strengthen communities. By preparing a strong LOI and full application, organizations can secure funding to deliver lasting, measurable impact across New Hanover County.

Pro Tip :  Start your LOI early, engage project partners from the outset, and focus on projects with sustainable, long-term outcomes.

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