Local honors, grants, nonprofits, and community service efforts in Wilmington

Wilmington in 2026: Celebrating Community Achievements and Ongoing Support Initiatives

This year, Wilmington has demonstrated its commitment to recognizing community heroes, fostering vital programs, and strengthening its neighborhoods through significant donations, grants, and service efforts.

Recognitions, Major Donations, and Grants

One notable highlight is the recent honor bestowed upon a Wilmington-area resident by Attorney General Jeff Jackson, who awarded Roxann Lansdowne the prestigious Dogwood Award for her contributions to the community. Such recognitions underscore Wilmington’s recognition of local individuals making a difference.

In the realm of public safety and community development, New Hanover County dedicated a new Castle Hayne fire station, symbolizing ongoing investments in emergency services. This facility’s opening follows investigations into past health concerns, highlighting the county’s commitment to safety and community wellbeing.

Corporate and philanthropic support continues to bolster Wilmington’s initiatives. For instance, Duke Energy contributed $10,000 to the New Hanover County Community Justice Center, supporting programs focused on rehabilitation and community safety. Additionally, the Wilmington Police Department’s Citizens Academy has resumed, engaging residents directly with law enforcement efforts to promote transparency and trust.

Grants also play a crucial role in community upliftment. Kids Making It, a local youth entrepreneurship organization, received a $900,000 grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment, enabling expansion of programs that foster leadership, mental health, and workforce skills among Wilmington’s youth.

Ongoing Programs Supporting Justice, Youth, Housing, and Community Wellbeing

Wilmington’s nonprofit sector remains vital in addressing community needs. The Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s ‘Sharing the Journey’ campaign successfully raised over $15 million to expand hospice and palliative care services, ensuring dignity and equitable health access for residents facing end-of-life challenges.

Efforts to promote inclusivity and active living are evident through projects like ACCESS Wilmington, which is developing a fully accessible indoor recreation center. Supported by a significant grant, this initiative aims to provide recreational opportunities for residents of all abilities.

Environmental stewardship is also a priority. The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees launched a spring planting initiative, adding over 1,000 native trees to urban green spaces, enhancing air quality, biodiversity, and community aesthetics. An upcoming giveaway scheduled for March 7 aims to distribute saplings across Columbus County, encouraging residents to participate in fostering Wilmington’s natural environment.

Addressing housing concerns remains a challenge amid Wilmington’s rapid growth. While the city ranks second nationally for apartment growth since 2020, affordability and displacement issues persist. Local officials and nonprofits are exploring strategies such as incentivizing affordable developments and preserving existing housing to ensure sustainable growth.

Community Service and Support Efforts

Community service programs continue to serve Wilmington’s most vulnerable populations. The Warming Shelter ILM on Grace Street operates during cold nights, offering warmth and dignity to those experiencing homelessness. Similarly, organizations like Easterseals PORT Health face challenges — their autism and developmental services program recently ended, leaving 15 families seeking alternatives and highlighting ongoing gaps in accessible care.

In terms of public safety, recent incidents, including a shooting on Wilshire Boulevard and a suspicious death in Kure Beach, have prompted discussions on traffic safety and community violence prevention. The city is implementing additional signage and traffic-calming measures to enhance safety.

Looking Ahead

Despite remarkable progress, Wilmington faces ongoing challenges such as ensuring affordable housing, maintaining cybersecurity, and strengthening community resilience. The city’s strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, and nonprofit support reflect its dedication to inclusive and sustainable growth.

In summary, 2026 has been a year of recognition, renewal, and community support for Wilmington. Through major donations, dedicated programs, and community-led initiatives, Wilmington continues to build a resilient, inclusive city where everyone can thrive.