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The Outer Banks Community Foundation is now accepting applications from nonprofits for an eighth round of COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants. OBCF is especially encouraging grant proposals from groups addressing childcare and educational needs while remote learning continues in Dare County through March.

To be eligible for a COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant, programs must be urgent in nature and must be related to the coronavirus crisis, either directly (e.g., programs to stop the spread) or indirectly (e.g., assistance to workers without childcare).

COVID Rapid Response Grants have an expedited application process and a fast-track decision timeframe. This cycle, COVID-related requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 21 via a one- or two-page letter, plus attached budget. In addition, for this cycle, all applicants are required to submit a signed statement of actual revenue and expenses for their organization for the 2020 calendar year (January 1 through December 31).

Funding decisions for Rapid Response Grants will be made within one week of the deadline.

“Outer Banks families continue to face unprecedented challenges through the COVID crisis,” said Lorelei Costa, OBCF executive director. “Last year we were able to help hundreds of local families during remote learning, with grants for childcare, home wi-fi access, tutoring and more.”

She said, “We are determined to continue to help families with financial hardship, students with special learning needs and parents that must work during the school day.”

Before applying for a Rapid Response Grant, nonprofits should first review the grant guidelines published online at www.obcf.org and then call OBCF at 252-261-8839 to discuss their project and funding needs.

In addition to COVID-related projects, OBCF is also accepting applications for any charitable project benefiting the Outer Banks through the Community Enrichment Grants Program. Community Enrichment Grants are offered on a competitive basis for any kind of nonprofit program, including: arts and culture; animal welfare; children and youth; education; the environment; disaster relief and mitigation; health; historic interpretation and preservation; and other human services.

While applications for COVID Rapid Response Grants are due by January 21 and may be submitted in letter format, applications for Community Enrichment Grants are due by January 29 and must be submitted via the Community Foundation’s online system. Community Enrichment Grants will be awarded on March 11. All applicants for any grant program are urged to call the Community Foundation at 252-261-8839 before starting an application. More information can be found at www.obcf.org.  

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