Approved by the Hyde County Board of Commissioners in May, the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board has granted 15 Ocracoke nonprofits $826,935 for fiscal year 2026 to 2027.
That amount was more than half of what more than 18 organizations asked for, which was $1.6 million.
“That was almost twice of what we had available,” said Bob Chestnut, Occupancy Tax Board (OTB) chair. “They were all really good projects. We probably would have liked to have funded everything, but there’s just not enough money.”
He said the panel judged things based on current need and some projects can still move forward a bit and even if they didn’t receive a grant, they can go back next year with more details.
He said the board likes to maintain a reserve of about $500,000 in case of a Hurricane Dorian-level emergency.
The total awarded this year was up from last year’s total of $819,638.
The money for these projects comes from a 3% tax levied on all short-term lodging on Ocracoke. By law, the OTB on Ocracoke can grant money for “any legal purpose,” and the appropriations have to be approved by the Hyde County Board of Commissioners. Hyde County takes 10% for administrative costs.
The following organizations received grants:
Ocracoke Preservation Society: $137,610 for the Island Inn mortgage, the British Cemetery event, start-up funds for the gardens and operational funding for the renovated building when it’s done.
Ocracoke School: $14,000 for arts week and to subsidize breakfast.
Ocracats: $7,500 for TNR and medical expenses.
Ocracoke Fire Protection Association (umbrella company for the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department): $70,000 for equipment, the truck reserve and insurance.
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association: $149,725 for the public restrooms, Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree, July 4 events, 2027 fireworks, holiday lights replacement, WWII presentation in 2027 and Island-Wide Yard Sale expenses.
Ocracoke Health Center: $102,000 towards a new generator.
Ocracoke Friends of the Library: $3,190 for book service subscription, summer reading program, StoryWalk maintenance and summer janitorial services.
Ocracoke Seafood Company: $14,535 for pallet jacks and signage.
Mended With Theatre Company: $16,000 for the Fig Festival.
Ocracoke Running Club: $1,600 for the Turkey Trot race.
Ocracoke Alive: $20,000 for programming.
Ocracoke School FBLA: $2,475 for startup funding to produce a cookbook.
Hyde County: $200,000 for tram replacement, operations and maintenance.
Ocracoke Community Center: $48,000 for operations and improvements.
Ocracoke Access Alliance: $40,000 for lobbying.