Cape Fear Memorial Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,168,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-5 months
• Grant Range: $800 - $275,000
• Geographic Focus: Five-county region in Southeastern North Carolina

Contact Details

Website: www.cfmfdn.org
Phone: 910-452-0611
Email: info@cfmfdn.org
Application Portal: GrantRequest.com (accessible via foundation website)

Overview

Cape Fear Memorial Foundation was established in 1996 following the sale of Cape Fear Memorial Hospital to Columbia/HCA after 40 years of community service. The foundation is an independent, private non-operating foundation with assets of approximately $69.3 million, dedicated to funding the health and medical needs of people in Southeastern North Carolina. With an annual giving budget of over $3 million distributed through approximately 57 grants annually, the foundation focuses exclusively on supporting not-for-profit organizations that promote health education, disease prevention, and direct medical and health services within a 50-mile radius of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Spring Cycle

• Letter of Inquiry Deadline: December 15
• Full Application Deadline: January 16
• Awards: $800 - $275,000 (median $45,000)

Fall Cycle

• Letter of Inquiry Deadline: June 15
• Full Application Deadline: July 15
• Awards: $800 - $275,000 (median $45,000)

Priority Areas

• Direct medical and health services
• Mental health and behavioral health programs
• Health education and disease prevention
• Medical equipment and infrastructure
• Support services related to health

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• For-profit organizations
• Private, non-operating foundations
• Organizations outside the five-county service area (Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, Pender, and New Hanover counties)

Governance and Leadership

Chairman: James D. Hundley, M.D.
President and Treasurer: Anna Erwin

Anna Erwin has emphasized the foundation's commitment to community support, stating: "The Directors of Cape Fear Memorial Foundation are pleased to support you as you serve our community and wish you continued success."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Two-stage application process through GrantRequest.com:

1. Complete eligibility quiz on foundation website
2. Submit Letter of Inquiry by cycle deadline
3. If invited, submit full application approximately one month later

Decision Timeline

• LOI Review: 2-4 weeks after deadline
• Full Application Review: 2-3 months
• Total Timeline: 3-5 months from initial submission to decision

Success Rates

57 grants awarded in 2024, 47 grants in 2023. Application-to-award ratios not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly available. Contact foundation directly at info@cfmfdn.org or 910-452-0611 for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant awards, successful applications demonstrate:

• Clear health focus: Direct connection to health outcomes required
• Geographic alignment: Must serve the five-county area within 50 miles of Wilmington
• Vulnerable populations: Strong track record supporting underserved communities
• Flexible funding approaches: Both operating support and program-specific requests welcome
• Evidence-based programs: Preference for proven interventions
• Collaborative partnerships: Value placed on community collaboration

Recent notable grants include $220,000 for Cape Fear Clinic general operating support, $150,000 for Cape Fear Community College dental clinic equipment, and $143,000 for Duplin County Health Department's diabetes prevention program.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Health mission is paramount: Every application must explicitly demonstrate health and wellness impact
• Two-stage process requires strong LOI: Invest significant effort in the Letter of Inquiry as it determines invitation to full application
• Geographic eligibility is strict: Must serve Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, Pender, or New Hanover counties
• Operating support available: Don't limit to program-specific requests; general operating and capital grants are viable
• Multi-year funding possible: Recent awards include two-year commitments for strong partners
• Median grant is $45,000: Budget appropriately to organizational size and project scope
• Community support matters: Demonstrate local partnerships and sustainable impact beyond grant period

References

• Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Official Website. Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.cfmfdn.org/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Cape Fear Memorial Foundation - EIN 56-1974747." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/561974747
• Candid Foundation Directory. "Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Profile."
• WECT News. "Cape Fear Community College gets $150,000 grant to expand dental clinic." October 8, 2024
• Foundation grant recipient announcements and award listings (2023-2024)