The 2026 Education and Lifelong Learning Grant application is now live until February 13, 2026, 11:59pm.
Click on the application link below to fill out the form. We have also provided a link to download a text document of the full application. We recommend using the text document to write your grant before clicking on the link to fill out the application.
Text documents:
Click below to complete your application:
2026 Education and Lifelong Learning Grant Application
Once submitted, you should receive a confirmation email. If you do not, please contact grants@winofnhc.org immediately to confirm your submission was successful. We cannot accept applications after the closing date for any reason, please plan accordingly.
Want to learn more? Register for one of the two information sessions:
In-Person Session: January 13th, 2026 from 5:30-7:00pm
Virtual Session: January 15th, 2026 from 4:00-5:30pm
Click here to register for one of the two information sessions.
WIN harnesses the power of collective giving to positively impact the quality of life in New Hanover County. In our grantmaking, we seek projects and programs that both improve capacity and knowledge and address clearly defined needs and measurable outcomes within target populations of the organizations we support. Project sites must be located in New Hanover County and grant applicants must be a qualified nonprofit organization or operate under a fiscal sponsor that is a qualified nonprofit.
BACKGROUND:
On an annual basis, WIN makes grants to nonprofits in New Hanover County for projects focused on a specific Area of Giving which rotates in a four-year cycle. Since 2011, WIN has awarded grants totaling $599,000 to 39 nonprofits across four areas: Education & Lifelong Learning, Health & Wellness, Environment and Arts & Culture.
Nonprofit organizations serving New Hanover County, with projects that will deliver strong results and solid impact in the area of Education & Lifelong Learning, are encouraged to apply for a 2026 grant.
WIN grants typically range in amount up 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 values collaborative proposals that include other area nonprofits, as these often benefit a wider, more diverse population and minimize duplication of effort within the community.
GRANTS PROCESS:
Applications are submitted online only on WIN's website. WIN's Grants Committee reviews all applications and narrows the applicant pool to finalists with the strongest submissions. Those finalists are interviewed in order to provide more information about their proposals and how their work will impact New Hanover County. The Grants Committee then recommends and presents a final slate of grantees to WIN membership which 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