Civic Foundation awards $75,000 in community grants to equity-focused nonprofits

Civic Foundation proudly announces the selection of three nonprofit organizations as recipients of $25,000 community grants, totaling $75,000 in funding to advance equity, access, and wellness across North Carolina. The grants reflect the Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations that are early in their development and deeply rooted in the communities they serve. 

The recipients are: 

• Black Nurses Rock-Wilson/Raleigh Chapter
• L’Arche North Carolina
• National Emergency Child Care Network, Inc. 

These nonprofits were selected from a competitive pool of 24 applicants. Each met the Foundation’s revised eligibility criteria — specifically, operating for 10 years or fewer and with annual budgets under $1 million. The updated guidelines are part of the Foundation’s strategic shift to be more intentional and equity-focused in its funding practices, in alignment with the mission and values of Civic Credit Union.

“These organizations embody the kind of innovation, resilience, and community-centered vision that our Foundation seeks to uplift,” said Ken Noland, Vice Chair of the Civic Foundation Board. “We are honored to be able to support their efforts in our communities.” 

As a condition of funding, all recipients will complete a professional development course through the NC Community College System’s Small Business Center and engage with local municipal or county leadership to further strengthen their community ties.

Grant recipient highlights:

Black Nurses Rock Wilson-Raleigh Chapter (BNR-WRC)

Founded in 2023, the Wilson/Raleigh Chapter of Black Nurses Rock envisions a healthier and more equitable future for vulnerable communities by eliminating health disparities and promoting wellness. Serving five counties — Wilson, Nash, Edgecombe, Pitt, and Wake — BNR-WRC will use its grant to launch five community-based health empowerment workshops and distribute 500 culturally tailored health literacy toolkits. Plans also include two youth-focused wellness summits designed to promote self-care, career exploration in health care, and positive decision-making.

L’Arche North Carolina

Since 2016, L’Arche North Carolina has fostered inclusive communities where individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live and grow together. The organization, based in Durham, opened its first residential home in January 2025 to provide affordable housing and 24/7 care for four adults with IDD. Grant funds will help cover essential costs such as housing, food, utilities, and home maintenance.

National Emergency Child Care Network, Inc. (NECCN)

Founded in May 2024, NECCN provides vital emergency child care for families in crisis, including natural disasters. Headquartered in Durham, NECCN also serves Buncombe, Henderson, and Wake counties and has operations in both North Carolina and California. The grant will fund volunteer background checks, program materials, salaries, and liability insurance. NECCN aims to provide 300 to 500 hours of free emergency child care to 25 to 50 families and build new partnerships with human services and disaster response networks. 

During Hurricane Helene, NECCN’s rapid deployment team provided 551 hours of free child care to 76 children from 45 families, including a Civic Credit Union employee.

About the Civic Foundation

Civic Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Civic Credit Union. It exists to support thriving communities through investments in equity, education, financial well-being, and disaster resilience.

Are you a North Carolina nonprofit working to create lasting, local impact? Apply for a Civic Foundation grant and join a growing network of change-makers building stronger, more equitable communities in our state.