Community members across Alamance County are bringing new ideas to life through the latest round of Community Forward Grants, supporting grassroots projects designed to strengthen neighborhoods, improve well-being, and increase connection across the community.
The Community Forward Grant program supports Alamance County residents who have a vision for their community and are ready to create meaningful change. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 are awarded to projects addressing the social drivers of health — the everyday conditions that shape how people live, grow, and thrive. Community Forward Grants may support one-time events, short-term initiatives, pilot projects, or recurring activities that help foster healthier, more connected communities.
This year, 10 resident-led projects received a total of $89,500 in funding to support neighborhood revitalization, youth mentorship, arts and beautification, wellness and physical activity, family support initiatives, and efforts to strengthen connection and belonging across Alamance County. Funded projects include:
- The BRIDGE Project, led by community members Donna Vanhook, James Jenkins, and Johna Savage, is a community-driven initiative focused on strengthening neighborhood conditions and building resilience in areas impacted by gun violence.
- The Community Herbal Garden & Wellness Initiative, led by Sandra Snipes, expands access to herbal education, wellness resources, and community gardening opportunities.
- Got Braille, led by Bertha Graciano and Roberto Luna, is a bilingual Braille literacy and disability education program serving Latino and immigrant communities.
- Healing in Community, led by Shatrell Mack, offers free wellness circles focused on stress reduction, emotional well-being, and community connection.
- The Indispensability Project, led by Paula Carrico, creates safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ adults through shared meals, storytelling, and community-building activities.
- Next-Gen Stewardship, led by Sumbal Zaman, is a youth-led initiative that combines community meals, fitness programming, and a youth-designed community garden.
- Pathways to Promise, led by Lacy Flintall Jr., connects middle school students with mentorship, career exposure, financial literacy, and family-centered support.
- The Sacred Space Collective – Rooted to Rise, led by Teresa Wiley, provides supportive spaces for women and children impacted by the justice system.
- ARTeris of Burlington, led by Julie Budd, transforms public spaces through community-created murals that encourage connection, walking, and neighborhood pride.
- United on the Spectrum, led by Chanaquah Spencer, is a caregiver support initiative that creates connection, shared resources, and community for families of children on the autism spectrum.
“Community Forward Grants are rooted in the belief that residents are closest to the opportunities and challenges within their communities,” said Jewel White, Impact Alamance Program Director. “These projects reflect the creativity, leadership, and commitment of community members who are working to make Alamance County healthier, stronger, and more connected.”
For more information about the Community Forward Grant program, visit impactalamance.org or contact Jewel White, Program Director at jewel.white@conehealth.com.
