The Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Board of Advisors recently took the first step in distributing $140,000 in private funding to departments and projects across the hospital.
This marked “Round 1” of a new grant-making process, which began with an open invitation for proposals throughout the hospital. Departments were encouraged to submit ideas, creating new opportunities for funding while continuing support for proven programs.
During this first round, Advisory Board members reviewed past initiatives supported by the Foundation and explored ways to expand their impact. At the same time, new proposals from departments that had not previously received funding were introduced.
“We asked department leaders to think outside the box and not limit themselves to how things were done in the past,” said Thomas Giffin, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We were very pleased with the number of first-time opportunities that surfaced in this initial year of the new grant-making process.”
This updated approach reflects the Foundation’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. By involving the full Board in the distribution process, the Foundation aims to create a system that is both accessible and impactful for donors, staff, and the broader community.
“A wide-open process that can distribute $140,000 across both new and traditional programs allows donors and team members to clearly see the impact the Foundation can make within the hospital,” Giffin added.
The response to the new process has already generated strong interest and enthusiasm within the hospital, with expectations that even more funding requests will follow in the future.
In addition to the grant process, the Board of Advisors is taking steps to strengthen the Foundation’s structure and long-term growth. This includes developing clear policies and procedures, expanding partnerships within Onslow County, and building relationships with local businesses to support future fundraising efforts.
“The Board is focused on becoming a more structured organization that can attract new supporters and pursue larger gift opportunities,” Giffin said.
Round 2 of the grant process will involve gathering additional details on the proposed projects and addressing any questions from Board members. Final funding decisions for the 2026–2027 fiscal year will be announced at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting in July.