On behalf of The Community Foundation of NC East, we are delighted to say that 2026 is off to an exciting and empowering start. We believe that reflecting and celebrating our successes, as well as significant milestones, is an important part of our story and our impact.
As we do just that, we are reminded that 2025 represented significant successes, as we celebrated our 25th Anniversary, and the years of impact and empowerment that our philanthropic efforts have meant to hundreds of charitable organizations across the eastern North Carolina region, as well as throughout the U.S. While continuing our efforts of providing high impact support through our grant making efforts, we also take great pride in our efforts to continue our meaningful partnerships with the cities, communities and region that we greatly enjoy serving, with nothing more important to us than our relationships with our donors and donor families and the people who we bring together for the betterment of all communities.
(Submitted by Melissa Spain)
With the new year brings a renewed sense of commitment, passion and vision. For more than 25 years we have been incredibly honored to stand beside our donor families to enable them to fulfill all of their charitable intent through our efforts in partnerships to bring high impact change to the charities and organizations, colleges and universities that make our lives and those around us a better place to live, work and raise our families.
The scope of the philanthropic sector is broad, and while we work tirelessly to reach as many areas of the sector as possible, we take great pride in knowing that our focus on the families, organizations and pressing needs of the residents of eastern North Carolina will continue to be our priority. Identifying needs, finding solutions and bringing expertise to the table are the ultimate goals that we strive to achieve every year.
(Submitted by Melissa Spain)
As communities change over time, needs and opportunities change, as well as the capacity to rise to the challenges we encounter to find solutions. The Community Foundation of NC East has been that steadfast entity, the North Star of the eastern region of North Carolina, and we take pride in knowing that we have enabled powerful philanthropy to inspire, empower and promote change and bring lasting results and sustainability to nonprofits across the region.
We also remain committed – more than ever – to living our mission of Promoting, Enabling & Celebrating Philanthropy in Eastern North Carolina, For Good, For Ever! Our beginning to the 2026 season, has once again proven that there is power in philanthropy, and the continued dedication and commitment to making our cities and communities the best they can be is once again on full display. From our continued partnership and support of The North Carolina Azalea Festival, to hosting our Women, Wealth, Wisdom & Wine Luncheon, we are honored to partner with such incredibly amazing organizations and our financial and wealth advisor partners. In addition, our commitment to education and support of The Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington and Beacon Education continues.
Thank you to all of our outstanding CF of NC East Families, donors and regional partners. We could not do the life changing work that we do without you, and we are honored to walk this journey beside you.
With Deepest Appreciation,
Melissa Q. Spain
Chief Executive Officer
Community Foundation of NC East
1908 Eastwood Road,
Lumina Station II, Suite 324
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-679-8640 Office
252-413-7584 Cell
