Best Grants for Preschools in North Carolina

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting early childhood development, youth development, or arts and culture for young children can apply for Community Possible grants to strengthen local families and communities. Focused on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by a person of color.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, and health and human services can apply for monetary program support that benefits communities where Costco operates. Focused on measurable outcomes and community collaboration, the Costco Foundation considers requests with strong evidence-based impact, which may include preschool-related educational initiatives serving local children and families.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Preschools and youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for programs that support children’s health, education, development, and welfare. The Dan Paul Foundation offers grants up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, environmental education, and refugee enrichment for youth.

With a mission to support early-stage social impact innovation, this funder provides North Carolina and global organizations with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital. Eligible applicants include young nonprofit or impact-first for-profit entities tackling major social or environmental challenges with scalable, data-driven models that benefit underserved communities.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for education, crisis response, or economic empowerment in North Carolina can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation. Grants up to Up to US $100,000 support innovative, tech-enabled programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, which may include preschool-focused initiatives that expand educational access and equity.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

North Carolina preschool and early education organizations can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support or scale programs serving urban children and youth in poverty. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, governments, and social enterprises in education, health, or family economic stability, with requests of more than US $50,000 and strong impact measurement.

North Carolina preschools and early childhood programs managed by accredited charities can access funding through Roche for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts and culture projects. Local Roche affiliates support organizations and programs based and operating in the same country, so eligible preschool initiatives may benefit when aligned with these focus areas.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek funding to support marginalized communities, including work that benefits preschool-aged children in North Carolina. Semnani Family Foundation provides global grants for health care access, child welfare, literacy, and disaster relief, and U.S.-based programs that fit these priorities may be eligible.

North Carolina preschools and other 501(c)(3) educational organizations can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible tax-exempt nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S., and projects should demonstrate strong management, broad impact, and meaningful benefits to their target populations.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants may benefit preschools and early childhood organizations that contribute to neighborhood vitality, address hunger or housing, or provide workforce and cultural programming for families.

Preschools, Pre-K–12 schools, city or county units, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can seek funding to host nonprofessional youth sports events and tournaments. With a mission to expand youth sports opportunities, North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission provides up to US $25,000 for bid fees, equipment, venues, administration, structures, and marketing.

Preschools and other Pre-K–12 schools, city or county agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can receive up to US $5,000 to cover travel costs for nonprofessional youth sports teams and events. With a mission to expand youth sports opportunities, North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission provides flexible funding for transportation and lodging to in-state or out-of-state competitions.

Preschools and early childhood education nonprofits in North Carolina seeking support to tell impactful stories about their work can apply for the Storytelling Grant, which awards more than US $50,000 for communications projects. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports organizations aligned with its preservation, education, or wellness pillars, including early childhood and 21st-century education programs.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, families, education, or poverty relief can seek support for single-year programs and services. Grants from Robinson Foundation help Southern-region nonprofits, active for more than three years, address hardships through work in areas like youth services, medical assistance, disaster relief, animal welfare, and religious or spiritual endeavors.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking community services support or event sponsorships can apply for funding, provided they engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where employees live and work. Insperity provides philanthropic grants and fundraising event sponsorships once per year per organization, which may benefit preschool-related programs meeting these criteria.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants to support basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety. Preschools and early childhood programs housed in eligible nonprofits may benefit if their work aligns with these priorities.

Preschools and early childhood programs in North Carolina that are 501(c)(3) public charities or public schools can seek funding for environmental or human services projects. Focused on community services and environmental conservation, Lawrence Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 unrestricted grants for program or operating needs, including reasonable indirect costs.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Organizations of any type operating in Buncombe County that provide early childhood education and care can apply for Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Education and Development Fund, with awards up to Up to US $4,054,185. Focus areas include preschool and pre-kindergarten, workforce development, maintaining and increasing slots, improving quality, supporting families, and strengthening the local early learning system in North Carolina.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs improving life for underserved children and families. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation prioritizes early childhood development, literacy, health and social services, economic stability, workforce development, and disaster relief initiatives.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused intervention and humanitarian relief. U.S. 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, including those operating programs that may serve preschool-aged children in North Carolina, India, Mexico, and other listed countries, may be eligible.