WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A big blow to several area nonprofit organizations. That’s what some local leaders are calling the reduction in funding to 50 nonprofits in New Hanover County.

It comes down to a high-stakes game of give and take. Funding levels will remain the same as last year, but more non-profits will receive money, leaving an influx of organizations vying for a piece of the pie.

“When you see a reduction in direct services with the people who know it best and are closest to it, then it will disrupt the quality of life,” said Meade Van Pelt, the executive director of The Harrelson Center.

The Harrelson Center is where several local nonprofits are housed.

Many of those organizations are now taking a hit when it comes to funding from New Hanover County.

Commissioners voted 3 to 2 to increase the number of non-profits receiving funding, but to maintain the same funding levels as last year. That means 50 nonprofits from last year will have to reduce their funding levels, to help cover 19 new non-profits. A loss of nearly 35% for previous recipients.

But it didn’t have to be like that. County staff suggested raising funding to nearly $2.5 Million to pay for the influx of applicants.

“For me, a 2.5 million dollar ask is, in total with all the nonprofits, not a heavy lift at all. Resources are there. It’s just that you have to have the will to want to help,” said New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield.

Commissioner Rob Zapple agrees.

“Three of our commissioners decided that that was not a priority to them,” said Zapple. “The majority of the commission chose not to fund for those things that will have a direct impact on the quality of life here in New Hanover County.”

However Republican commissioner LeAnn Pierce says it’s difficult to budget for nonprofit support when the number of applicants changes each year.

She believes the community endowment should be funding the organizations.

Van Pelt says ultimately, whenever you’re cutting funding from a nonprofit, it’s going to have real impacts.

“For example, if you’re working with domestic violence, and that’s a group that applied for funding, and they will get reduced funding, then you’re affecting really the people who are the victims of domestic violence,” said Van Pelt.

Area nonprofits say larger recipients in the county won’t feel the pinch, but the smallest organizations, those relying on last year’s funding amount, will have to brace for impact.

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.