Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and public agencies working on K–12 financial literacy, driver education, or traffic safety can seek US $5,000 - US $15,000 for related programs. Focused on safety and financial education, Auto Club Group Foundation invites eligible organizations within its 14-state footprint to apply for impactful initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that advance economic and workforce development, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars, to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative literacy or other human services solutions can seek funding to address social problems; programs in North Carolina may be eligible. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new approaches to societal issues, including reading, writing, and related educational challenges, after holding 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for programs serving children and teens, including in North Carolina. The Dan Paul Foundation supports efforts such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and related workshops, conferences, and scholarships worldwide.

With a mission to support innovative social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides North Carolina literacy and education nonprofits and impact-first startups with up to US $300,000 over three years in early-stage funding and intensive capacity-building support. Organizations must be 2–10 years old, post-pilot, scalable, and serving underserved communities in priority geographies including the U.S.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to expand educational access, economic empowerment, or crisis response services for underserved communities in North Carolina can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help literacy and education-focused programs that are innovative, early-stage, and tech-enabled scale their social impact.

Focused on safety, education, and community development, State Farm Companies Foundation invites U.S. educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies to seek support for eligible initiatives. North Carolina organizations with literacy, STEM, academic performance, or college and career readiness programs may benefit, along with projects advancing community safety and neighborhood revitalization.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in North Carolina offering arts, science, or STEAM education programs, especially for youth, can seek large-scale support for program, capital, or limited general operating needs. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education that fills K–12 gaps, artist development and training, and impactful museum or performing arts initiatives serving broad U.S. audiences.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Farmers and growers in North Carolina seeking to repair or upgrade existing farm labor housing can receive matching grants up to US $7,500 for health- and safety-related improvements. With a mission to provide safe, affordable housing for farm workers, Alabama Non-Profit Housing supports projects like plumbing, kitchens, HVAC, structural repairs, and roofs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for early childhood education and community economic development programs benefiting low- and moderate-income families. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for early literacy, STEM and arts learning, teacher development, family engagement, and related community services in counties where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, literacy, or humanitarian services can access funding from Semnani Family Foundation, which supports marginalized communities worldwide. Grants prioritize health, education, and disaster relief across countries including the U.S.; North Carolina literacy and human services programs may be eligible if they serve vulnerable populations within this broader mission.

North Carolina literacy and education nonprofits can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable, California) law, with all awarded funds used within the U.S.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving North Carolina and other Southern states can seek funding for education, children and families, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and religious or spiritual programs. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established organizations with single-year projects that demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact and fiscal responsibility.

With a mission to strengthen charitable impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides North Carolina nonprofits with support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations working in these areas, including those whose programs incorporate literacy or education components, may be eligible to apply.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in North Carolina can apply for TJX Foundation grants to support basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Eligible literacy or education programs for at-risk youth may be considered after completing an eligibility questionnaire and, if qualified, submitting a letter of inquiry by invitation.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, including education and literacy-related services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits fund schools, youth and senior programs, cultural institutions, and environmental or health initiatives where modest awards can make a significant impact.

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.

North Carolina literacy and education nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental work. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for one year of project funding, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth hockey programs can apply for Carolina Hurricanes Foundation’s Future Canes Grants, with awards of US $10,000 - US $20,000 for program support. With a mission to strengthen youth health and education, this funding can help expand accessible, youth-focused hockey and related educational activities.

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 in North Carolina with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation's national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, so literacy-focused nonprofits with exemplary cross-sector partnerships may be competitive candidates.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing adult career navigation, workforce development, and AI literacy programs in North Carolina and other Truist footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, with grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to build economic mobility, Truist Foundation supports training, upskilling, and wraparound services that help workers access quality jobs.