NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Community Foundation has awarded $575,000 in grants across eastern North Carolina from the Louise Oriole Burevitch Endowment, marking the eighth annual application-based cycle supporting vital community programs throughout the region.

Supporting Education, Health, and Human Services

The endowment provides funding to nonprofit programs focusing on education, health, and human services across 41 eastern North Carolina counties. This year’s grants range from nearly $13,000 to $50,000, benefiting 14 organizations working to strengthen their communities.

2025 Grant Recipients

The diverse group of recipients represents a wide range of critical community services:

Brunswick County Computers 4 Kids received $15,000 for operations and new project funding. Since its founding in 2006, the organization has reconditioned donated computers and provided them to Brunswick County students and families, bridging the digital divide in the community.

Casa Azul De Wilson was awarded $50,000 for education equity programs serving Latinx youth in eastern North Carolina. The organization provides bilingual college advising, mentorship, and postsecondary support across 18 counties, building community and creating generational impact.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh received $38,627 for their Nourishing our Neighbors program, which alleviates food insecurity in underserved urban, rural, and remote communities throughout the Cape Fear region.

Center for Family Violence Prevention was granted $39,000 for direct services to domestic violence survivors. The Greenville-based organization serves survivors in Pitt, Martin, and Washington counties through crisis intervention and education.

Communities in Schools of Robeson County received $40,000 for their CIS: Colleges Inspire Students program, which helps families and students complete federal student aid forms through community-based workshops, training, and information sessions.

Crystal Coast Cancer Rehab Center was awarded $12,873 for cancer rehabilitation equipment and technology expansion. The center improves quality of life for cancer patients and survivors through specialized exercise and activity, regardless of ability to pay.

Diversity Nurtures Achievement Community Youth Center received $50,000 for their Surviving to Thrive program. Based in Warsaw, DNA Community Youth Center will use the grant to support mobile learning classroom facilities, STEAM education, and mental health training.

Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries was granted $50,000 for crisis services addressing food insecurity, safety, utility assistance, and other essential daily services. Founded in 2005, the organization serves people in crisis throughout Duplin County.

The Foundation for Farmworkers received $50,000 for emergency assistance supporting farmworker families served by the East Coast Migrant Head Start Program. The all-volunteer organization helps migrant families recover from financial distress and pursue educational goals.

Going Beyond the Pink was awarded $50,000 for Pink Squad, a health literacy and survivorship support group for women with breast cancer. The Wilmington-based organization empowers breast cancer patients and survivors with knowledge and support.

NC Center for Nonprofits received $35,000 for their Association Health Plan, which offers support and stability for nonprofit organizations navigating health insurance benefits for employees.

NourishNC was granted $50,000 for operating support. The organization mobilizes volunteers and resources to provide supplemental food assistance to the one in six children in New Hanover County who struggle with hunger.

Wayne Initiative for School Health received $50,000 for general operating support. WISH operates seven health centers ensuring youth in Wayne County receive quality health care to support physical well-being and academic success.

Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry, Inc. was awarded $44,500 for safe homes in rural communities. WARM NC serves low-income homeowners across Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties.

Creating Generational Change

“Casa Azul de Wilson has impacted the lives of hundreds of students across NC, but the true impact of our work, measured in generational change, is unquantifiable,” said Flor Herrera-Picasso, executive director and co-founder of Casa Azul de Wilson. “These young Latinos will become professionals and leaders in their community, lifting their entire families with them. Casa Azul is preparing and building infrastructure for the future of North Carolina.”

Herrera-Picasso co-founded Casa Azul with her sister Iza Herrera to provide the resources they needed while growing up in Wilson. The sisters consider Casa Azul de Wilson a love letter to the Latino community of eastern North Carolina.

A Legacy of Generosity

The Louise Oriole Burevitch Endowment was established at the North Carolina Community Foundation in 2015. Since its inception, the endowment has awarded more than $10 million through annual grants to nonprofits designated by Burevitch during her lifetime and through competitive grants programs.

“Mrs. B,” as Burevitch was known to friends, was a Wilmington native whose generosity was well-known in southeastern North Carolina and beyond. She passed away in September 2014, leaving behind a fortune that few knew she possessed. Her charitable giving was motivated by her generous nature and concern for the welfare of people and animals.

“Louise Oriole Burevitch exemplifies how generosity can create a lasting impact,” said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, President and CEO of the North Carolina Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support these organizations advancing causes in a region that meant so much to her and continuing her legacy of care and commitment.”

About the North Carolina Community Foundation

The North Carolina Community Foundation transforms the collective generosity of donors into a permanent source of community support, with a focus on the state’s rural areas. NCCF partners with donors and a network of affiliates to sustain over 1,300 endowments totaling nearly $570 million in assets. More than $338 million has been awarded as grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students, creating stronger communities for generations to come.

For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.