Register for 2nd Annual Non-Profit Knowledge Series Workshop - September 27

The Outer Banks Community Foundation and Outer Banks Visitors Bureau invite you to attend the 2nd Annual Non-Profit Knowledge Series Workshop on Friday, September 27 from 9:30am to 4:30pm at College of The Albemarle's Dare Campus in Manteo. Sound Choice Consulting's Deborah Breen will provide insight into how non-profit professionals, board members and fundraisers can elevate their fundraising programs for success. Participants will:

· Explore the local nonprofit landscape, uncovering shared challenges and successes.

· Learn to shift fundraising from transactions to transformations with a comprehensive plan.

· Discover how aligning mission, vision, and core values enhances communication with donors.

· Gain techniques for cultivating donor interests, tailoring solicitations, and nurturing relationships through impactful communication.

Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee

Meeting Recap - August 14

Agenda | Community Engagement Report | Recap

The Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) recently held its August meeting at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island. Updates and topics covered include:

• A NCDOT presentation with updates on road resurfacing projects, bridge construction and repairs, transportation studies, ADA ramp installations, pedestrian safety initiatives and funding.
• A recap of a recent meeting of local sports teams and recreation leaders, convened by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Dare County Parks and Recreation, to gain a better understanding of athletic facility needs and to share various state and local grant opportunities.
• The Outer Banks Promise marketing, communications and activation plan.
• Recent progress of the Dare Community Housing Task Force.
• 2023 North Carolina Visitor Spending report.
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse restoration and multi-use pathway projects.
• Retrofitting of Wildlife Friendly Lighting at Jennette’s Pier.
• The Blue Zones Ignite Outer Banks initiative, led by Outer Banks Health and Dare County Health and Human Services, focused on the long-term health and well-being of all county residents.

The next Special Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at 9:00am at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island. Meetings are open to the public to attend, although seating is limited.

Tourism Impact Grant Applications Accepted September 1-30

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau will be accepting Tourism Impact Grant (TIG) applications from September 1-30. Only Dare County non-profit organizations and government units are eligible to apply.

TIGs are designed to help Governmental Units and Nonprofit organizations located in Dare County with programs or services needed due to the impact of tourism. Projects may include, but are not limited to, beach accesses, walkways and multi-use paths and attraction capital projects. All TIG grants are disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Awards over $50,000 require a match.

All TIG applicants must contact the Grant Administrator, Diane Bognich, prior to submitting an application to describe the project and determine eligibility.

Outer Banks Featured in Outdoor NC Trail Town Guide

The Outer Banks is one of 15 destinations featured in the new Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide. The guide celebrates towns across the state who are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their destination while fostering a strong sense of place. The areas featured in this guide are championing stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our towns and trails for future generations.

OBX

Pridefest

OBX Pride

September 11-15

Surfalorus Film Festival

Dare Arts &

NC Aquariums

September 16-18

Concert for Chicamacomico

Chicamacomico

Life-Saving Station

September 19

OBX Jeep Invasion

Dare County Special Olympics

& Wounded Warriors in Action

September 20-22

CYP 30th Birthday Celebration

Children & Youth Partnership

for Dare County

September 21

Throwdown Surf Classic

Throwdown

Youth Foundation

September 21

Deadline for the Great Trails State Program Grant Applications Extended to November 12

The Great Trails State Program provides funding for new trail development and extension of existing trails anywhere in the state of North Carolina. This includes paved trails or greenways, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and any other type of trail recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. There will be one grant cycle distributing the full $25 million dollars in non-recurring funding. The deadline to apply for this funding has been extended to November 12.

Public Survey: Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Currituck and Dare Counties and incorporated communities are updating the Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is required for all communities to maintain eligibility for pre- and post-disaster mitigation funding from FEMA. This effort will also help the counties and communities to identify hazard risks, understand vulnerability and develop ways to proactively mitigate risk. Public input is vital to understanding local risks and mitigation opportunities. Surveys must be submitted by August 30.

Input Needed: 2024 NC Marine Debris Action Plan Assessment Survey

The 2024 NC Marine Debris Action Plan Assessment Survey expands upon work that began in 2017 to inform the creation of the first Action Plan (2020-2024). Since that plan was launched, more than 76% of items outlined have been accomplished, with an additional 14% in progress or ongoing, thanks to the involvement of many marine debris stakeholders along the N.C. coast. The current survey will help Action Plan partners to update the plan for 2025-2029. We need your input to help prioritize marine debris strategies, assess coastal community needs, identify barriers and continue creating a coast that is free of marine debris. This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and will remain open until August 31.

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is proud to support the vital work of non-profits in our community. In addition to meaningful collaboration and grant opportunities, we are also connecting visitors with these organizations. By making visitors more aware of, and connected to, the causes of the Outer Banks, we can encourage thoughtful visitation while also providing non-profits with more resources. We look forward to sharing news and updates related to these initiatives and welcome any thoughts you may have about how our community partnerships can continue to grow and flourish.

Contact:

Jeff Schwartzenberg

Community Engagement Manager

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

email: schwartzenberg@outerbanks.org

office: 252-473-2158