Community partnerships & public service

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

four students gardening

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.

Your support in action

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

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.

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.

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.

Director Development Initiative

Provides support for UNC School of Law to prepare and connect aspiring leaders with nonprofit and corporate board service opportunities.

Fellows for Inclusive Excellence

Provides support for recruiting future educators and incentivizes working in Title I schools in North Carolina.

UNC Sustainability Fund

Supports Sustainable Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill’s central hub for advancing sustainability by connecting campus operations, academics, and research, tracking progress, and engaging the community in hands-on efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote long-term well-being.

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.