More downtown businesses are getting help from from the community, according to an announcement Thursday.

Wilmington Downtown Incorporated (WDI) and the Longleaf Foundation awarded additional grants to local businesses through their Re-3 grant program.

In total, 30 downtown businesses have received $3,000 each through the Re-3 program, which stands for restock, reopen and recover from the COVID-19 downturn, according to a news release.

“This grant program has resonated with our community in a beautiful way,” said WDI Chair Dane Scalise in the release.

Since launching April 6, Re-3 has received over $90,000 in donations from local businesses and individuals and another $20,000 has been pledged, the release stated. Organizers anticipate that a third round of grants will be made next week as more donations and pledges are received.

The 10 newest recipients of the Re-3 grants are: Art in Bloom Gallery, The Black Cat Shoppe, Charlie Grainger's, Dock Street Oyster Bar, encore Magazine, The Hive, Luna Caffè, Occasions...Just Write, Savorez and Terra Sol Sanctuary.

These grants were fueled by community donations, including a generous one from financial technology company nCino, the release stated.

“This grant has come at an absolutely crucial time for my business,” said Peggy Mahan, owner of Occasions…Just Write, in the release.

Mahan temporarily closed the business March 24, according to the store's Facebook page.

“The Re-3 grant has provided a much needed lifeline and we are grateful," Mahan stated in the release.

“The hospitality sector has been hit hard by reductions in business and leisure travel,” said Robert Rosenberg, co-owner of The Hive boutique hotel, in the release. “The Re-3 grant will help sustain our hotel in the days ahead and we look forward to welcoming more guests in the near future."

WDI previously announced that the program attracted 148 applications before the April 17 deadline. The release stated that future grant awards will be made from the existing pool of applicants. 

WDI President Ed Wolverton stated in the release, “WDI is closely monitoring the benchmarks for the phased openings and is collaborating with local government and other organization to develop additional recovery measures.”

People can make a tax-deductible, online donation to WDI and earmark funds for the Re-3 grant program. A list of donors is also located on WDI’s website.