Brunswick Electric Community Grants (2027)
Grants Up to $2,500 for Community Organizations in Southeastern North Carolina
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) provides annual Community Grants to nonprofit organizations and community groups working to improve quality of life for people in its southeastern North Carolina service area.
Eligible organizations may receive grants of up to $2,500 for projects focused on family services, civic and community programs, arts and culture, emergency services, and economic development.
The next application cycle opens December 1, 2026, with applications due by February 15, 2027.
Organization: Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC)
Support Type: Community project grants
Geographic Focus: Brunswick and Columbus counties and portions of Bladen and Robeson counties, North Carolina
Funding Amount: Up to $2,500
Deadline: February 15, 2027
About the Funder
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned electric cooperative serving southeastern North Carolina.
BEMC established its Community Grants Program in 2003 to support organizations and community service agencies benefiting people within the cooperative’s service area. Funding for the program comes from proceeds generated by the equipment auction held during BEMC’s Annual Meeting.
Since the program began, more than $1 million has been given back to the community through the Community Grants Program.
What This Program Supports
Projects must fall within one of five key funding areas:
Family Services
Programs benefiting families, children, older adults, and other community members who need assistance.
Civic & Community Programs
Projects that strengthen local communities, including recreational, historic, educational, environmental, and technology programs, as well as special events serving the public.
Cultural & Arts Programs
Projects that expand access to arts, cultural activities, and other community enrichment opportunities.
Emergency Services
Programs and projects supporting emergency response organizations and services within the BEMC service area.
Economic Development
Initiatives that contribute to economic development and improve the long-term vitality of local communities.
Eligible Support Types
Community Grants are intended to support specific projects undertaken by eligible organizations and community service agencies.
Projects should provide a tangible benefit to people living within Brunswick Electric’s service area and contribute to improved quality of life.
Eligibility & Preferences
Community Grants are awarded to agencies and programs rather than individuals.
Applicants should serve people within the BEMC service area, which includes:
- Brunswick County
- Columbus County
- Portions of Bladen County
- Portions of Robeson County
Eligible organizations and community groups should propose projects that align with at least one of BEMC’s five funding areas.
Ineligible Requests
BEMC Community Grants are not awarded directly to individuals.
Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Organizations should review BEMC’s current grant guidelines before applying to confirm that their proposed project and expenses meet program requirements.
Funding Amounts
Eligible organizations may request up to:
$2,500 per year
Funding is intended for projects that make a positive difference in the lives of Brunswick Electric members and residents of the cooperative’s service area.
Timeline & Review
📅 Applications Open: December 1, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: February 15, 2027 at midnight
📅 Grant Awards: April 2027
💰 Maximum Grant: $2,500
Applicants are notified by mail and/or email regarding whether their request has been approved.
Application / Request Process
Applications must be submitted through BEMC’s online Community Grant application.
BEMC recommends downloading and completing its Community Grant Worksheet before beginning the online application.
This is particularly important because the online application must be completed and submitted in one session. Applicants cannot save an incomplete application and return to it later.
All required fields must be completed. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.bemc.org/community-grants/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Serve Brunswick or Columbus counties or eligible portions of Bladen and Robeson counties
- Need a small grant for a specific community project
- Provide services to families, children, or older adults
- Operate civic, educational, recreational, environmental, or technology programs
- Support local arts and cultural activities
- Provide emergency services
- Work on local economic development initiatives
- Can demonstrate a direct benefit to people within the BEMC service area
With broad funding categories and grants of up to $2,500, the Community Grants Program can be especially useful for smaller community organizations seeking support for practical, locally focused projects.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Applications Open: December 1, 2026
Deadline: February 15, 2027 at midnight
Funding Amount: Up to $2,500
Awards Announced: April 2027
Geographic Focus: Brunswick and Columbus counties and portions of Bladen and Robeson counties, North Carolina
Best Suited For: Local nonprofits, community groups, and service agencies with specific projects benefiting BEMC communities
Important: The online application must be completed in one session and cannot be saved for later.
