Giving Tuesday is the perfect moment to shine a light on the organizations that strengthen, support, and uplift our Wilmington community all year long. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, these nonprofits are doing incredible work right here in the Cape Fear region.
Here is a curated list of Wilmington-area 501(c)(3) organizations, along with what they bring to our community.
Maternal & Family Support
4th Trimester Mission
Provides postpartum support, education, and resources for new mothers, ensuring they feel supported mentally and physically during the critical months after birth.
Diaper Bank of NC (Lower Cape Fear Branch)
Distributes diapers, period products, and essential hygiene items to families in need—because no parent should have to choose between diapers and food.
Foster Pantry
Creates a welcoming system of care for foster families by providing clothing, supplies, comfort items, and ongoing support.
Youth, Education & Mentorship
Assistance League of the Cape Fear Area
Runs volunteer-led programs that supply clothing, school essentials, and enrichment tools to local children and families.
A Bike for Every Child
Repairs, collects, and donates bicycles to children who may not otherwise have access—promoting independence, health, and joy.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC
Offers after-school programs, mentorship, and safe spaces for youth to learn, grow, and build bright futures.
Cape Fear Literacy Council
Helps adults improve reading, writing, and English skills—opening doors to better jobs and fuller participation in the community.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Engages young minds with hands-on educational exhibits that inspire creativity and learning through play.
Coastal BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome)
Supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families with advocacy, education, and inclusive programming.
Communities in Schools of Cape Fear
Provides integrated student support inside public schools to help children stay engaged, on track, and less vulnerable to dropout.
DREAMS of Wilmington
Offers free arts programming to youth in high-risk situations, giving them creative outlets, mentorship, and skills for success.
First Tee – Coastal Carolinas
Uses golf to teach kids life skills, confidence, and character-building values in a fun and supportive environment.
Kids Making It Woodworking
Empowers at-risk youth with woodworking instruction, entrepreneurship opportunities, and lifelong skills.
NSEA Swim
Provides swim lessons, water safety skills, and competitive training opportunities for local youth, helping reduce drowning risks.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Wilmington Chapter)
Builds and delivers beds to children who don’t have one—because “no kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
Health, Wellness & Crisis Support
A Safe Place
Supports victims of domestic sex trafficking with a safe drop-in center, residential program, and long-term recovery services.
CUE Center for Missing Persons
Assists law enforcement and families with search, advocacy, and support for missing persons cases across the country.
Domestic Violence Shelter and Services (DVSS)
Provides emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic abuse, helping them rebuild their lives safely.
Going Beyond the Pink
Educates and supports women navigating breast cancer through classes, resources, and survivorship programs.
Live Fearlessly Foundation
Offers emotional and financial support to individuals and families battling cancer, helping lighten the burden during treatment.
Operation Pretty Things
Provides beauty and care packages to survivors of domestic violence and trafficking to restore dignity, hope, and joy.
Paws4People Foundation
Trains and places highly skilled assistance dogs with veterans, children, and individuals with disabilities.
The Carousel Center
Provides trauma-informed evaluation and therapy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Homelessness, Hunger & Community Support
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
Builds affordable homes and helps families achieve long-term housing stability through community partnerships and volunteerism.
Cape Fear Volunteer Center
Connects volunteers with meaningful service opportunities throughout the region, strengthening the community through service.
Eden Village of Wilmington
A planned tiny-home community that provides permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals.
Feast Down East
Strengthens the local food system by connecting small farmers with markets, food distributors, and underserved communities.
First Fruit Ministries
Offers housing, outreach, meals, and case management to individuals facing homelessness and human trafficking.
Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC (Wilmington Branch)
Distributes food to hundreds of partner nonprofits to help families experiencing hunger across multiple counties.
Good Shepherd Center
The largest provider of services for people who are homeless in the region—offering shelter, meals, medical respite, and housing solutions.
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard
A volunteer-powered food pantry providing emergency groceries to anyone in need.
NourishNC
Ensures that children facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals year-round, including weekends and school breaks.
PORCH Wilmington
A neighborhood-based hunger relief network that collects and distributes food to local pantries and families in need.
Rescue Mission of Cape Fear
Offers residential recovery, shelter, meals, and spiritual support to individuals recovering from addiction and homelessness.
United Way of the Cape Fear Area
Invests in local nonprofits and community programs addressing health, education, and financial stability for families.
Vigilant Hope
Provides outreach and community-building programs with individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness.
W.A.R.M. NC (Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry)
Makes safety-related home repairs for low-income homeowners, helping elderly and disabled residents stay safely in their homes.
Weekend Meals on Wheels
Delivers meals to homebound seniors on weekends and holidays, filling the gap left by weekday services.
Welcome Home Angel
Renovates and remodels bedrooms and living spaces for children with life-altering illnesses or injuries, bringing joy and comfort to families.
Environment, Animals & Community Impact
Canines for Service
Trains service dogs for veterans and individuals with disabilities, improving independence and quality of life.
Plastic Ocean Project
Conducts research, education, and cleanup programs dedicated to eliminating plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways.
The Harrelson Center
A nonprofit campus that supports dozens of local humanitarian organizations through affordable office space, resources, collaboration, and shared services.
Know a nonprofit that’s missing? Send me an email and I’ll happily add.
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