Boys & Girls Clubs Awarded $5,000 Grant To Expand Youth Programs

Funding will enhance services in Selma and Smithfield

JOHNSTON COUNTY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County has received a $5,000 grant from the 2025 Johnston County Community Foundation, aimed at strengthening youth programming in the Selma and Smithfield areas.

The grant is made possible through two local endowment funds: the Johnston County Unrestricted Endowment Fund and the Cara Lee Powell Priest Endowment for Johnston County, both managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF).

The funding will support the organization’s initiative, Empowering Johnston County Youth Through Expanded Year-Round Programs, which focuses on increasing access to academic support, leadership development, and enrichment activities—particularly during out-of-school time. The expansion is expected to provide safe, structured, and high-quality opportunities for youth in both Selma and Smithfield.

“These funds will power meaningful growth in our offerings across both Selma and Smithfield,” said Kelly Blanchard, Director of Resource Development & Community Engagement for the Boys & Girls Clubs. “We’re deeply grateful to the Johnston County Community Foundation and NCCF for their commitment to youth development in our communities.”

The Johnston County Unrestricted Endowment Fund provides annual grants to help nonprofits address evolving community needs. The Cara Lee Powell Priest Endowment specifically supports charitable organizations serving Johnston County residents.

The Johnston County Community Foundation is one of more than 50 local affiliates of the North Carolina Community Foundation, which works to build permanent charitable assets and support community priorities across the state.