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            • Work on Wilmington

            • Since 2006, Work On Wilmington (WOW) has been an annual community service initiative created and led by the Leadership Wilmington class of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, hundreds of volunteers will come together to complete dozens of projects in just four hours, making it New Hanover County’s largest single-day volunteer service event.

              WOW brings lasting impact to our community by tackling projects that nonprofits and schools often lack the resources to complete on their own. Examples of past efforts include landscaping, painting, playground maintenance, and facility upgrades, all made possible through teamwork, fundraising, and community support.

              For 2026, our goals are to:

              • Raise $120,000 from area businesses and sponsors to fund supplies and materials.
              • Recruit 1,000 local volunteers to give four hours of service that day.

               

              The current Leadership Wilmington class manages every aspect of the event, including:

              • Projects – Selecting and coordinating with organizations
              • Fundraising – Securing donations and sponsorships to cover costs
              • Volunteers – Recruiting and organizing community participants
              • Logistics – Coordinating supplies, tools, and schedules
              • Marketing – Promoting the event and engaging the community
              • Celebrations – Recognizing volunteers and celebrating the impact

               

              Work On Wilmington is more than a service project. It is a community-wide movement that shows the power of people working together to build a stronger, better Wilmington.

            • About Work on Wilmington

            • For Nonprofits & Community Organizations - Project Application For Nonprofits & Community Organizations - Project Application

              If your organization has a project that could benefit from an infusion of volunteers, resources, and energy, we invite you to apply for Work On Wilmington (WOW) 2026. Each year, Leadership Wilmington participants partner with nonprofits, schools, and local government organizations to complete projects that make a lasting difference. Past projects have included playground builds, landscaping, painting, and facility upgrades.

              Project Guidelines

              Work On Wilmington seeks projects that:

              • Address a specific need and provide tangible benefits to the Wilmington community.
              • Can be completed in four hours and leave a visible impact.
              • Are unlikely to happen without volunteer support.
              • Can involve large numbers of volunteers.

               

              Please note: Projects requiring potentially dangerous work (such as roofing, scaffolding, use of extension ladders, heavy power tools, or excavation) are not eligible.

              Application Details

              • Application Window: July 1, 2025 – October 10, 2025
              • Who Can Apply: Area nonprofits, public schools, and local government organizations located in New Hanover County
              • Apply Online: Submit your application here

               

              Work On Wilmington is an opportunity to transform your project idea into reality with the help of 1,000 local volunteers in just four hours. Don’t miss the chance to be part of New Hanover County’s largest day of community service.

            • Support Work on Wilmington - Sponsorship Information Support Work on Wilmington - Sponsorship Information

              Support Work On Wilmington

              Your sponsorship or donation directly funds projects for local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations during Work On Wilmington (WOW) — a four-hour day of service on April 18, 2026. Every dollar raised goes toward the betterment of our community, and all contributions are 100% tax-deductible.

              Thank you in advance for your support whether through financial investment, in-kind contributions, or time spent volunteering.

              Sponsorship Levels

              Platinum Sponsor — $10,000

              • Company logo featured on the WOW event page (Wilmington Chamber website)

              • Logo included in all WOW digital and print media promotions

              • Social media recognition on WOW Facebook and Wilmington Chamber channels

              • Logo on volunteer t-shirt and sippy cup (distributed to 1,000+ volunteers)

              • Logo on event banner at WOW Celebration

              • Opportunity to provide remarks at WOW Celebration (~500 attendees expected)

              • Prestigious plaque presented at WOW Celebration for display at your business

              • Sponsored WOW project for your employees

              Gold Sponsor — $7,500

              • Company logo featured on WOW event page (Wilmington Chamber website)

              • Logo included in all WOW digital and print media promotions

              • Social media recognition on WOW Facebook and Wilmington Chamber channels

              • Logo on volunteer t-shirt and sippy cup (1,000+ volunteers)

              • Logo on event banner at WOW Celebration

              • Sponsored WOW project for your employees

              Silver Sponsor — $5,000

              • Company logo featured on WOW event page (Wilmington Chamber website)

              • Social media recognition on WOW Facebook page

              • Logo on volunteer t-shirt (1,000+ volunteers)

              • Logo on event banner at WOW Celebration

              Bronze Sponsor — $2,500

              • Social media recognition on WOW Facebook page

              • Logo on volunteer t-shirt (1,000+ volunteers)

              • Logo on event banner at WOW Celebration

              Community Partner — $1,500

              • Name on volunteer t-shirt (1,000+ volunteers)

              • Logo on event banner at WOW Celebration

              Supporter — $500

              • Logo on event banner at WOW Celebration

              Donor — $5–$499

              • Make a contribution of any size to support Work On Wilmington and help make our community a better place to live.

              In-Kind Sponsorships

              We also welcome in-kind contributions, including:

              • Media and advertising

              • Event space rental

              • Project materials and supplies

              • Food and beverages

              Custom sponsorship packages may be created upon request.

              For more information, please contact Laura Brogdon-Primavera, Vice President of Leadership Development, at primavera@wilmingtonchamber.org or 910-762-2611 x200.

               

              Make a financial contribution to Work on Wilmington 2026!

            • Volunteer for Work On Wilmington 2026 Volunteer for Work On Wilmington 2026

              Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Work On Wilmington (WOW) on Saturday, April 18, 2026! Each year, hundreds of community members roll up their sleeves to complete dozens of projects in just four hours, making WOW the largest single day of volunteer service in New Hanover County.

              What You Need to Know

              • No special skills are required — just bring your energy and a willingness to help.

              • Ages 12 and up are welcome. Volunteers ages 12–17 must be accompanied by an adult.

              • Projects are completed in one morning (about four hours), and all supplies are provided.

              • Volunteers will receive a commemorative WOW t-shirt. To guarantee your preferred size, please register by February 20, 2026.

              Get Involved

              Gather your friends, co-workers, faith groups, or neighbors and join us in improving schools, parks, museums, and nonprofits across our community. Together, we’ll make Wilmington a better place to live, work, and play.

              👉 [Click here to complete the Volunteer Application Form]

              For questions, please contact this year’s Leadership Wilmington class at wow@wilmingtonchamber.org. 

               

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              Thank you to our Sponsors

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