After he passed away in 2024, Wayland L. Jenkins Jr. left an extraordinary gift to his community.

The North Carolina Community Foundation has announced a gift of nearly $22 million to establish a permanent endowment that will support future grantmaking in Bertie and Hertford counties.

The endowment, made possible through an estate gift of Bertie County native and businessman Wayland L. Jenkins Jr., will establish one of the largest community-based grantmaking programs at NCCF.

The Wayland L. Jenkins Jr. Endowment and the resulting grantmaking program for Bertie and Hertford counties were announced at a June 24 community event in Ahoskie, NC.

“This extraordinary gift is a testament to Wayland Jenkins’ love of Bertie and Hertford counties,” said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, NCCF President & CEO. “As we develop the grantmaking program that will result from this gift, we are listening to and learning from local organizations and residents to understand how this fund can best support the community for decades to come.”

Grantmaking from the endowment will be advised by the Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation, an NCCF affiliate foundation that has an advisory board comprised of local community members from both counties. Jenkins was instrumental in the creation of the affiliate in 1999.

Grants are not expected to be awarded before 2026, as NCCF works to ensure the program is responsive, impactful, and built to serve the community for generations.

“We’re honored that Wayland Jenkins placed his trust in the Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation,” said Jordan Harrell, president of the BHCF advisory board. “We look forward to stewarding this gift and developing a grantmaking program that invests in the future of our community.”

Community encouraged to help shape future grantmaking
Two community listening sessions are planned to gather input on how the grants program can best meet community needs and opportunities.

• Bertie County: 4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 5, at the NC Cooperative Extension Community Room. 104 Lancaster Ave., Windsor, NC 27983
• Hertford County: 4-5:30 p.m., Aug. 19, at Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Student Services Building Multi-Purpose Room, 109 Community College Road, Ahoskie, NC  27910 (NOTE: LOCATION UPDATED 7/23/25)

The capacity for each session is limited. Visit nccommunityfoundation.org/Jenkins to register to attend the sessions, share feedback or sign up for updates.

About Wayland L. Jenkins Jr.

Wayland L. Jenkins Jr. was born in 1931 and graduated from Aulander High School in Bertie County and Wake Forest College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955.

After his discharge, he returned home to work in family businesses. When his father passed away, Jenkins and his brother took over several car dealerships and formed Jenkins Investments.

Jenkins was dedicated to generosity and community service. In addition to being a founder of NCCF’s Bertie-Hertford affiliate, Jenkins was active in the Bertie County Historical Association, Historic Murfreesboro, and the North Carolina Preservation Society. He was the first president of the Historic Hope Foundation and served on various committees, including the North Carolina Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee.

Jenkins passed away in 2024 at the age of 92. He believed in the impact that long-term philanthropy can have on a community and placed his trust in NCCF and its Bertie-Hertford affiliate to steward the endowment.

About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation brings together generous people and connects them to causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on inspiring lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities. 

With $460 million in assets, NCCF sustains over 1,300 endowments and partners with donors and a network of affiliates in 60 counties to strengthen our state. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, NCCF makes a powerful impact through a robust grants and scholarships program, awarding over $300 million since 1988.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos and B-roll from the June 24, 2025, announcement are available and free to use. Download via Google Drive.