Endowment Projects $63 Million in 2027 Grants
The New Hanover Community Endowment is adding four staff members as it prepares for a larger grantmaking role.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy
The New Hanover Community Endowment expects to commit nearly $63 million in new grants in 2027. The organization, which holds approximately $1.8 billion in assets, is adding four employees to its Programs and Grants team this fall.
Why it matters
The Endowment's grantmaking supports health, education, safety and economic opportunity across New Hanover County. The added staff reflects preparation for a planned 2028 transition to private foundation status, which is expected to increase annual grantmaking.
The Endowment holds roughly $1.8 billion in assets and manages 215 active grant commitments totaling $308.6 million. Its 2027 budget for new grants is expected to reach nearly $63 million, though the final figure remains a projection.
The players
New Hanover Community Endowment
A Wilmington, North Carolina grantmaking organization that funds health, education, safety and economic opportunity programs in New Hanover County.
Veronica Creech
The new director of Programs and Grants, who previously served as chief economic development and external engagement officer at St. Augustine's University in Raleigh.
Dr. David Stegall
The Endowment's former director of Programs and Grants, who was promoted to vice president of Programs and Grants.
The details
Four employees, Veronica Creech, Elizabeth Naegle, Jamar Jenkins and Lauren Iammatteo, will join the Programs and Grants team this fall. Creech fills the director role vacated when Dr. David Stegall became vice president of Programs and Grants, and the additions follow a yearlong review of staffing needs.
Timeline
Jenkins has served on the Endowment's Community Advisory Council since 2024.
A yearlong review of staffing needs preceded the hiring announcement.
The four new employees join the team in fall 2026.
The Endowment's new grant budget is expected to reach nearly $63 million in 2027.
The Endowment is slated to transition to private foundation status in 2028.
Philanthropy Outlook
The Endowment's planned 2028 move to private foundation status marks a structural shift in how it operates. The projected 2027 grant budget and expanded staff position it for that change while its portfolio of 491 grants since inception continues to grow.
Nonprofits and community organizations in New Hanover County may see more grant opportunities as annual grantmaking grows. Residents benefit indirectly through expanded funding for health, education, safety and economic programs.
The takeaway
Organizations seeking funding should monitor the Endowment's grant opportunities for 2027 and 2028 as its giving capacity expands. Early engagement with program staff may help applicants prepare for the coming cycles.
What happens next
The Endowment expects to finalize its 2027 grant commitments and begin its transition to private foundation status in 2028.
Further reading
For broader context on local giving, explore Philanthropy coverage tied to Wilmington.
