Now Accepting Applications For Aviation Education Grants

The Outer Banks Community Foundation is now accepting applications from nonprofits for the Aviation Education Grant Program. Applications are due on Friday, April 29, and prospective applicants should contact the Community Foundation before applying.

The Aviation Education Fund was established by Phil and Mary Woodruff in 2007 to support charitable projects focusing on aviation education. The fund is structured as a perpetual endowment; as such, the principal of the fund remains invested for growth, while a portion is available for grants each year.

The fund has just over $350 to award in 2016, but excellent projects that meet certain criteria may be eligible for matching dollars from other Community Foundation grant funds.

“We invite any organization working in aviation education to apply for this award,” said Lorelei Costa, the Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “Because it is a smaller grant, organizations can apply with a simple, one-page letter that explains their aviation education project and how they would spend the grant money.”

Nonprofits should also attach a copy of their IRS letter verifying their 501c3 status.

“If an organization has a larger project in mind, they can apply for matching funds through our online application,” said Costa. Any larger request should meet the Community Foundation’s Community Enrichment Grants Criteria (click here).

In years past, the Aviation Education Fund has supported projects like the December 17 Aviation Flyby, the acquisition of an educational replica of the Wright brothers’ aircraft, and the procurement of David McCullough’s Wright Brothers biography for the Dare County Library.

The application deadline for Aviation Education Grants is Friday, April 29. Before submitting an application, prospective applicants should first contact Lorelei Costa at the Community Foundation at 252-261-8839.