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Grants & Funding Opportunities

The Town of Leland actively seeks grants and other funding opportunities to fund various projects, procure specialty equipment, and provide funding for training. Grant funding allows the Town to go beyond the limits of our operational budget and provide a solution for evolving community problems. Thank you to the agencies for recognizing the needs of our Town.

Crosswalk
Community Challenge
AARP
Grant Application Submitted: 03/05/2025

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress in support of residents of all ages.

The Town of Leland seeks funding to install eight Audible Pedestrian Signals (APS). While pedestrian signal infrastructure is already in place, this grant would modernize those improvements by integrating APS technology, significantly enhancing accessibility and safety. Implementing APS will foster a more pedestrian-friendly community, promoting independence for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Research indicates that APS improves pedestrian response times, reduces unsafe crossings, and increase confidence in navigating intersections. These benefits are particularly valuable for older adults who may require additional time to cross, as well as parents managing strollers and young children.
 

Leland Streets and Grounds Planting a Tree
Community Tree Grant
Arbor Day Foundation
Grant Denial Notification: 07/31/2024

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest member nonprofit dedicated to planting trees. The strength of the Arbor Day Foundation is in network – a diverse group of individuals, municipalities, corporations, and planting organizations that enables the planting of trees around the world. The Arbor Day Foundation collaborates with partners who are deeply engaged in the areas they serve to plant the right trees in the right places to have the greatest impact.

The Town of Leland has applied for the Arbor Day Foundation Community Forest Opportunity. The Town of Leland, in collaboration with We Live Here - Leland, plan to plant trees along an area pathway. These trees will provide a shaded pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, making the area more inviting and comfortable for users. 

Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial
Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation Grants for Fire Departments
Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation
Grant Denial Notification: 06/28/2024

In January 2005, Joey DiBernardo responded to a tenement fire in the Bronx with Rescue 3. This day would come to be known as “Black Sunday” in FDNY history as three firefighters died that day in the line of duty. Joey DiBernardo and the other survivors initiated a campaign for the issuance of personal life safety ropes for all members of FDNY and, as result of this fire, FDNY did reissue ropes to all its members. The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation provides grants to fire departments in need of personal safety PSS systems.

The Town of Leland has applied for 46 bailout systems for all line members within the fire department.

Town of Leland Firefighters
Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant
Leary Firefighters Foundation
Grant Denial Notification: 05/08/2024

The Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of his cousin, a childhood friend, and four other brave firefighters. The Leary Firefighters Foundation considers grant requests for training, equipment, and technology for fire departments, both paid and volunteer, in the US.

Areas of Support

Training – the Foundation is pleased to fund training that enhances the professional development of departments. 

Equipment – the Foundation provides funding for departments to be outfitted with the best possible equipment for the health and safety of firefighters and in turn, the public they serve. 

Technology – the Foundation also makes technology grants.

Jackey's Creek
Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG)
North Carolina Department of Justice
Grant Denial Notification: 03/28/2024

Attorney General Josh Stein awards grants annually to projects that will help improve and protect North Carolina’s natural resources through the Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) program.

Since the EEG Program began, the Attorney General has awarded more than $41 million to 210 projects. These projects have resulted in the closure of 240 abandoned hog waste lagoons and the restoration or permanent conservation of more than 31,000 acres of land, wetland restoration, stormwater remediation, stream stabilization, as well as several environmental education and research initiatives.

In 2000, the Attorney General and Smithfield Foods entered into a 25-year agreement that, in part, provided $2 million per year for environmental projects across the state. This money was used to establish the EEG Program, which has awarded environmental grants since 2002.

The EEG Program offers reimbursement grants for projects that improve North Carolina’s air, water, and land quality by addressing the goals of the Smithfield Agreement.

The Town of Leland has applied for funding to clear fallen trees and debris to allow the water to flow freely, revitalizing the creek's stream flow. 

Street in Leland NC
Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
U.S. Department of Transportation
Grant Application Submitted: 01/30/2025

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program helps communities around the country carry out projects for surface transportation infrastructure with significant local or regional impact.

The Town of Leland has a priority to strengthen the connection between residents and the community through up-to-date streets.  Funding supports planning grants and capital construction grants, as well as technical assistance, to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities.