Best Transportation Grants in North Carolina

Public agencies, local governments, tribes, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in eligible Appalachian counties in North Carolina can seek transportation and related infrastructure funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Grants support critical infrastructure such as transportation networks and broadband, plus business and workforce development that may benefit public transportation and mass transit systems in the region.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of status and innovative approaches to social problems can seek funding for human services and related programs, including in North Carolina. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations piloting new solutions in areas like health, community development, safety, or literacy that may intersect with transportation and access.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in North Carolina can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support community, military, or first responder initiatives. Support includes intermodal transportation services across the CSX rail network and, when available, donated railroad equipment and materials to reduce or eliminate freight and logistics costs.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in North Carolina, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health, education, or community initiatives. Funding may benefit transportation-related programs that expand healthcare access, food distribution, or STEM education. Typical projects include food pantries, patient services for underserved groups, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

North Carolina transportation-focused nonprofits and social enterprises serving urban children in poverty can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for education, health, or family economic stability projects. Eligible organizations must request more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling and operate in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Arts councils, schools, and community centers in North Carolina can receive support for after-school programs that connect local students with traditional artists, including indigenous, immigrant, and regional art forms. With a mission to sustain and grow the arts, North Carolina Arts Council provides funding for instructors, instruments, art materials, transportation, entrance fees, and administration for these TAPS programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in North Carolina can seek project support through the PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides funding for programs like preschool learning, workforce readiness, affordable housing, and small business support that may benefit transportation-access projects.

North Carolina nonprofit arts organizations and government or tribal arts units seeking professional development support can apply for up to US $1,000 to build staff and board capacity. Focused on organizational training and first-time opportunities, South Arts funding can cover travel, registration, consultants, and other learning costs that may strengthen arts-related transportation or access initiatives.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

North Carolina arts-focused 501(c)(3)s, government units, and tribal entities can access funding through South Arts to make arts programs more accessible for people with disabilities. Grants of US $500 - US $2,500 may cover accessibility services, staff training, transportation, or modest facility enhancements, and may benefit organizations improving transportation or access for disabled artists and audiences.

State, federal, and local government agencies and qualified nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can receive reimbursement grants for trail-related safety and education initiatives, including instructor and speaker fees, displays, and signage. The Recreational Trails Program, administered by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, supports safer recreational trail use that may benefit transportation-related trail projects.

The GSK IMPACT Awards in North Carolina honor outstanding nonprofit organizations making a significant impact on community health. This annual program, in partnership with the Triangle Community Foundation, recognizes up to ten organizations for their exemplary contributions to health and wellness. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving community health through innovative and effective programs. Eligible organizations must operate in the Triangle area and meet specific criteria regarding revenue and community impact.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in North Carolina and nationwide can apply for recoverable grants from the Impact Fund, typically ranging from US $10,000 - US $50,000, to cover out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Funding supports economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases, which may include challenges to transportation-related harms or policies.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Universities, extension programs, commodity associations, nonprofits, and private businesses in North Carolina can receive funding for research on agricultural and forestry-based bioenergy feedstocks, including crop and harvest management, new species, and innovative biomass uses. North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services provides up to US $100,000 per project, which may benefit transportation-related biofuels and biomass initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing adult workforce development, career navigation, or AI-related upskilling programs in North Carolina and other Truist-footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, offering US $10,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to build economic mobility, Truist Foundation provides growth-stage nonprofits with funding for training, AI literacy, and wraparound services that may benefit transportation-related workers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants, which support programs like hunger relief, shelter, workforce readiness, and arts access. North Carolina groups involved in economic development or community revitalization, including efforts that improve transportation access or neighborhood infrastructure, may be eligible if they meet the focus and volunteer criteria.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina provides North Carolina organizations serving women and girls with funding to help economically disadvantaged women become more self-sufficient. 501(c)(3)s and government entities in eligible Western North Carolina counties can request up to US $35,000 for programs such as transportation access, workforce training, housing, childcare, or related direct services and advocacy.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit or governmental arts presenting organizations in North Carolina and the broader South Arts region can receive up to US $1,000 for staff and guest artist travel and professional development. South Arts supports conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual training, and planning visits that strengthen film, visual, performing, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts programming.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hickory, North Carolina can seek support for education, health, human services, religious, and public benefit programs that strengthen the local community. Grants from Underdown Family Foundation help North Carolina organizations whose work, including transportation-related services, advances these priority areas and addresses community needs.

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, which may include transportation or transit-focused initiatives that measurably improve lives and communities.