Grants will strengthen community services and nonprofit infrastructure

The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted tonight to invest more than $7 million in Community Capital Grants in local nonprofits to expand critical services and improve facilities that meet the community’s most pressing needs. The grants include funding for 16 nonprofit projects across the county that will address important areas ranging from affordable housing and behavioral health to food security and youth development.

“Wake County is proud to partner with nonprofits that are on the front lines addressing issues that impact our residents’ quality of life,” said Susan Evans, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “These investments strengthen the safety net that supports families, improves access to transitional housing and health care, and builds a more resilient community.”

Established in 2002, the Community Capital Grant Program supports nonprofit-led capital projects that address countywide needs in sustainable and collaborative ways. The program is funded primarily through revenues from the Wake County ABC Board and operates on a two-year competitive cycle.

This year’s process attracted requests totaling more than $14.8 million from 24 nonprofit organizations. Staff recommended funding 16 of those projects, including:

• Families Together: $1,072,200 to rebuild and expand its non-congregate emergency family shelter destroyed by fire.
• The Carying Place: $970,000 to expand transitional housing and program space in Cary.
• Healing Transitions: $825,000 for new recovery housing for women and their families.
• Christian Community Action (Dorcas): $750,000 to expand its headquarters and food pantry in Cary.
• SouthLight Healthcare: $750,000 to build a Rapid Access Center for behavioral health services.
• StepUp Ministry: $550,000 to replace their existing facility and help individuals rise out of poverty.
• Lucy Daniels Center: $450,000 to construct a new clinic providing pediatric mental health treatment.
• Tammy Lynn Center: $400,000 to renovate supportive housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Family Promise of the Triangle: $300,000 for the construction of four townhouse-style duplex units as bridge housing for families.
• Advance Community Health: $200,000 to upgrade equipment and infrastructure at its Southeast Raleigh clinic.
• Methodist Home for Children: $281,300 to replace aging HVAC systems at its child enrichment center.
• Artspace: $154,900 for roof repairs to sustain arts programming and studio space.
• Transitions LifeCare: $145,900 to replace hospital beds and equipment serving palliative care patients.
• El Centro Hispano: $76,200 to support a long-term lease for its Raleigh office, providing bilingual services.
• Special Olympics North Carolina: $49,500 to purchase vans to transport athletes to events.
• WakeEd Partnership: $25,000 to renovate its facility used to distribute classroom supplies to teachers.
   

“Demand for capital funding continues to grow as nonprofits work to expand capacity and respond to complex community challenges,” said Jason Horton, Wake County’s Strategic Initiatives Director. “These grants help build long-term sustainability while ensuring County dollars leverage broader community investment.”

Wake County’s funding can support up to 40% of total project costs, with remaining funds provided by each organization through donations, grants and other sources.

Following the Board’s vote, County staff will work with each selected nonprofit to finalize funding agreements that define project requirements and timelines before funds are disbursed.

About the Community Capital Grant Program

The Community Capital Grant Program supports capital investments that address countywide needs through partnerships among public, nonprofit and private entities. Projects must demonstrate financial sustainability, measurable community impact, and alignment with County priorities such as housing, behavioral health and access to care.