The New Hanover Community Endowment announced new grant awards Thursday.

The more than $1 billion endowment, which was created with funds from the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health, "will invest more than $6.5 million in nine grants to improve workforce pathways, increase disaster preparedness and support arts, healthcare, and education programs," according to a news release.

The largest grant – $3 million – supports The Forward Fund (TFF) and addresses gaps in the area's workforce pathways through short-term loans for students in high-yield training programs in the skilled trades, technology and healthcare, the release stated.

The majority of the TFF grant, $2.5 million out of $3 million, will go directly to students to pay for enrollment, tuition and program fees, along with life expenses, the release stated. The remaining $500,000 will provide operating support.

Lakesha McDay, executive vice president of programs and operations at NHCE, stated in the release, “Finances are a major challenge for many seeking continued education. This program will reduce financial barriers and give all students the opportunity to pursue fulfilling, high-wage careers.”

NHCE is also investing nearly $2.5 million over three years in the Red Cross to establish the first North Carolina-based American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP), according to the release.

Red Cross CAP teams work with local partners in areas with higher disaster risk and chronic social issues to expand access to nutritious food, healthcare and affordable housing, the release stated.

"The remaining grants provide emergency radios for New Hanover County residents, fund grassroots nonprofit arts organizations, and support education programs ranging from preserving Wilmington’s history to helping pregnant and parenting teens," the release stated.

Additional grants as described in the release:

• The Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC, $200,000: This grant will provide critical funding to 15-20 grassroots nonprofit arts organizations in New Hanover County through subgrants administered by the Arts Council. New Hanover County’s nonprofit arts sector creates employment opportunities, generates revenue and is a vital part of cultivating an inclusive community and economy.
• The Carousel Center, $200,000: This grant provides the Carousel Center with core operating support for the two New Hanover County locations. The Carousel Center fosters resilience in children victimized by physical or sexual abuse. This grant supports the mission to end child abuse in our community. 
• Pine Forest Education & Learning Center, $131,000: This grant will enable Pine Forest Education & Learning Center to foster educational programs, enhance accessibility to public spaces and promote civic engagement. The grant cultivates an inclusive community while preserving Wilmington's history.
• Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, $200,000 over two years: This core operating grant supports the Adolescent Parenting Program (APP). The APP uses home visits, evidence-based sex education and access to medical care to help pregnant and parenting teens delay having a second child until completing high school. The program also provides pathways to resources, including transportation, job interviews and more.
• Retake, $4,000: This grant provides general operating support, including program costs, staffing and supplies. This unique service assists families as they heal from the trauma of fleeing conflicts or surviving natural disasters by giving new keepsakes in the form of family portraits.
• St. Mary’s Health Center, $60,000: This grant will increase the capacity and capability, including supplies and hiring a part-time assistant, which will enable them to continue to provide emergency oral surgery and services to those who otherwise would not be able to access this essential care.
• WHQR Public Media, $34,973: This grant will purchase emergency radios for those most vulnerable community members. These efforts will improve the community’s resilience and safety during emergencies and allow for quicker recovery in the event of a disaster.