Community partnerships & public service

Working alongside communities to address real-world needs, expand opportunity and create lasting social impact.

230-Plus years of public service

All across campus, students, faculty and the programs they champion are working to serve the community, ensuring the work being done in Chapel Hill reaches all areas of the state, nation and globe. From medical practitioners working to fill healthcare gaps in rural areas to the Carolina Center for Public Service coordinating Hurricane Helene relief efforts, Carolina is committed to elevating the communities it serves.

Two men stand in front of Mobile Dental Services bus

Serving communities across all 100 counties

Since its founding, Carolina has been committed to serving all North Carolinians. From expanding access to healthcare and education to sparking curiosity through science and research, UNC-Chapel Hill meets communities where they are and addresses real needs.

Read About Carolina's Work Across the State

Your support in action

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Person in military uniform kneels down in field to handle drone equipment.

Community Partnerships & Service

3 min read

Military grad student up for promotion

Through the Army’s Green to Gold program at Carolina, LeBon Hobayan can earn a graduate degree and become a commissioned officer.

RJ and Rameses point at the camera in a campus food pantry, with jars of peanut butter in the foreground.

Student Life & Well-Being

4 min read

When competition feeds a cause

Fifth annual UNC-NC State Pantry Bowl raises money to combat campus hunger.

Jason Mihalik, Denise Singleton and Shawn Kane pose at the inaugural Knott Family Bridging Ceremony. Denise is holding a THRIVE plaque.

Community Partnerships & Service

4 min read

Family gift honors veterans' journey through recovery

Knott Family Foundation provides vital support to UNC-Chapel Hill's THRIVE Program.

Support community partnerships and public service

Carolina is for all, including our community counterparts. By supporting our service-facing initiatives, you’re helping give back to communities across the state and world, not just those in Chapel Hill.

See Related Funds

Lead for North Carolina

Recruits, trains and places emerging leaders in local governments — building a stronger pipeline of public servants for communities across the state.

Community Service Scholarship Program Expendable Fund

Provides support for tuition assistance and programming to select, service-oriented undergraduates to advance their commitment, knowledge and skills related to service. Community Service Scholars receive training, mentorship and individualized support of specific public service interests.

Pro Bono Discretionary Fund

Funds experiential pro bono opportunities that allow Carolina Law students to serve individuals and communities in need while building essential skills for practice.

APPLES Service-Learning Seed Fund

Provides support for APPLES Service-Learning, which is celebrating a legacy of 35 years as a student-led program that connects academic learning and public service. APPLES engages students, faculty and community in sustained and mutually beneficial partnerships for transformational educational experiences for students and for positive outcomes in communities.

Contact us

Have questions or want to explore how your giving can make the greatest impact? We welcome the opportunity to connect and learn more about what inspires you. Reach out to start a conversation about your philanthropic goals and how you can support community, partnerships and public service.

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