North Carolina awards $2.4 million to 58 science museums statewide
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - 58 institutions across North Carolina have received a total of $2.4 million in grants through the North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program.
The program represents one of the state’s investments in sustaining and advancing what officials describe as one of the most diverse and widespread networks of science museums in the country. Grants were awarded based on criteria aligned with state government priorities, with the primary goal of enhancing STEM education opportunities for the public, particularly in low-resource communities.
The awards ranged from $11,338.50 to $75,000 and were applied to the institutions’ 2025-26 fiscal year budgets.
In New Hanover County, three institutions received funding: Airlie Gardens received $18,151.63, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science received $30,967.21 and Children’s Museum of Wilmington received $21,045.77.
Brunswick County institutions also received grants, with Bald Head Island Conservancy receiving $25,546.83, Ingram Planetarium receiving $25,055.87 and Museum of Coastal Carolina receiving $32,110.14.
“The North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program helps fund critical science education in all parts of our state,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “These grants will increase access to STEM experiences no matter where you live in North Carolina,” she said.
Comments