Best Youth Sports Grants in North Carolina

The South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Project Grants offer funding for public, academic, and community college libraries in North Carolina to enhance services and programs. Grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on project duration, with an emphasis on community engagement, equitable access to information, and sustainable practices. Libraries can apply for multi-year grants, fostering partnerships to improve service delivery and address local needs as outlined in the LSTA Five Year Plan.

The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, empowers high school seniors from rural areas across ten southern states to pursue careers in music and the arts. This fund honors Josh Turner's journey in the music industry and aims to support students focusing on diverse opportunities within the music business, including performance, writing, and production, as well as various art disciplines.

The NCVMA Public and Private Animal Shelter Fund provides a one-time grant of up to $2500 to support public and private animal shelters in North Carolina. This initiative aims to enhance the health and welfare of animals by assisting shelters in making necessary repairs and ensuring compliance with state inspection guidelines. Eligible applicants include animal shelters defined by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, focusing on upgrades that benefit animal welfare.

The NCVMA High 5 Grant offers $25,000 annually to support organizations that enhance community service and welfare for people and animals in North Carolina. This initiative, led by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, aims to promote educational projects with veterinary involvement. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available to qualified applicants, with a preference for those demonstrating fiscal responsibility and past successes. This program reflects NCVMA's commitment to veterinary excellence and community advocacy.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) provides competitive grants to North Carolina libraries to enhance their services and address community needs. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, these grants promote inclusivity, equitable access to resources, and responsive organizational practices. Libraries can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support innovative projects that align with the state's strategic goals outlined in the 2023-2027 LSTA Five Year Plan.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: Tree Maintenance and Planting Project

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards meet tree maintenance (pruning and removal) and planting needs. This package includes assistance to complete a tree inventory to identify tree maintenance needs and planting sites, develop work plans and complete the tree maintenance and planting. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the two funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 20% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $5.6 million of assistance is available for award of all IRA funded RFAs.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

North Carolina Department of Commerce

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.

Building Reuse | Federal CDBG Economic Development

You can apply to renovate and up-fit vacant industrial and commercial buildings for economic development purposes with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The CDBG building reuse applications are designed to return vacant industrial/commercial buildings to economic use for new and/or expanding business and industry. The ultimate goal is to provide jobs for low and moderate-income persons (LMI).

The North Carolina Small Cities Community Development Block Program provides funds to local governments to develop viable communities “by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.” The program reflects purposes outlined by the U.S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Our department administers the program, which falls under the CDBG Economic Development (ED) category, through Commerce's Rural Economic Development Division (REDD). State rules related to the CDBG program are found in North Carolina Administrative Code 4 NCAC 19L and specific CDBG economic development rules are found at 4 NCAC 1K.

Grant Limits and Basic Requirements

Building Reuse funds may be applied for at any time during the year, however the Rural Infrastructure Authority which meets six times a year must approve the application.

A local government applicant must propose a project in conjunction with a private for profit business that proposes to restore a vacant building to economic use resulting in the creation of permanent, full-time jobs by the project company. A job is considered full-time if the employee works at least 1600 hours per year. To be eligible, documentation must be provided showing the building has been vacant thirty (30) consecutive days or more prior to the date of the pre-application conference. CDBG funds for this category are limited to a maximum of $750,000 per unit of government. The grant amount is calculated based on $20,000 per job for eligible businesses and $12,000 per job for all other businesses. To be eligible, a business must also meet all of the eligibility criteria specified in GS105-129.80. 

All applicants must also meet basic threshold and performance requirements for any prior CDBG grants awarded by the Rural Economic Development Division. 

The Donald Brady Scholarship, offered by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, supports undergraduate students in mechanical or architectural engineering. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and attend specific North Carolina universities. This one-year scholarship also provides recipients the chance to intern with Brady Trane Services, enhancing their professional development in the HVAC field. This initiative aligns with ASHRAE's mission to promote sustainability and well-being in built environments.

The Huffman-Cornwell Foundation, established in 1960, supports projects aimed at benefiting the people of Burke County, North Carolina. They prioritize initiatives in arts, education, children, the environment, historic preservation, and cultural and physical development. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations that align with these interests. The foundation is committed to enhancing community well-being through targeted grant-making.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The ASB Research Award (Professional), offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, honors outstanding research by professional members (not students) with a $1000 grant. Applicants must be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB annual meeting and must present their findings at the upcoming annual meeting. The awardee is recognized at the Closing Banquet, emphasizing the importance of attendance. This initiative promotes scientific advancement and networking among biology professionals.

The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students, established by the 2011 North Carolina General Assembly, provides financial assistance to residents attending private colleges in North Carolina. Eligible students must be undergraduates enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA, and not hold a previous bachelor’s degree. This program aims to support those with a Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less, ensuring access to higher education.

The North Carolina Hispanic College Fund provides financial assistance to Hispanic students in North Carolina through scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500. Aimed at recent high school graduates of Hispanic/Latino descent, these scholarships help alleviate college tuition costs. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and participate in community service. Preference is given to foreign-born applicants or their children, supporting their pursuit of higher education.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in North Carolina support eligible communities in addressing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, managed by USDA Rural Development, provides funding for water transmission and source projects, helping communities recover from disasters like droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can cover construction, repairs, and maintenance, ensuring access to clean water and promoting environmental sustainability in rural areas.

ChildTrust Foundation provides Policy Grants aimed at supporting 501(c)3 organizations in North Carolina that focus on early childhood education and literacy. Their grantmaking emphasizes collaboration, networking, and capacity building to enhance the impact of advocacy efforts. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote equity for underserved children and families. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis without strict application deadlines, allowing for flexible funding opportunities throughout the year.

The James R. Bullock, Jr. Scholarship, offered by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers, is a one-year scholarship aimed at undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students in ASHRAE Region IV. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled in an accredited program or a school hosting an ASHRAE student branch. This scholarship promotes education in HVAC&R fields and supports future professionals.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation powers the vitality of the communities we serve by building vibrant economies; strengthening local resiliency; and promoting community opportunity.

More than $30 million in charitable grants each year drives impact and improvements in our communities. Additionally, Duke Energy volunteers donate nearly $4M worth of their time in nonprofit service.

Senior Economic Vibrancy

The Duke Energy Foundation seeks to support nonprofit organizations that strengthen stability for seniors, particularly families and individuals who are experiencing financial need in the communities we serve. The Foundation will invest $500,000 in organizations that help seniors age in place, maintain access to essential services and reduce financial strain through this grant opportunity.

Opportunity

Applications should demonstrate how investments will expand access to essential services for older adults and reduce financial strain associated with aging for families and individuals who are experiencing financial need in the communities served by Duke Energy. Examples of potential proposals include:

• Capacity to support critical home repair, safety modifications, or aging-in-place services.
• Strengthening organizations that help seniors access housing stability, food security, healthcare navigation, or benefits.
• Expanding organizational capacity to reach isolated older adults.
• Improving service coordination for seniors at risk of financial insecurity.

The Region IV Benny Bootle Memorial Scholarship offers a one-year financial award for undergraduate students in pre-engineering, engineering, or architecture within ASHRAE Region IV (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia). Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific eligibility criteria, including affiliation with an ASHRAE student branch or an ABET-accredited program. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in the HVAC&R industry, promoting sustainability and innovation in engineering.

The Rusty & Debbie Hoffman Family Scholarship supports aspiring undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students from ASHRAE Region IV. This one-year scholarship is available to those with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or in the top 30% of their class, studying at accredited institutions with recognized ASHRAE student branches. The scholarship aims to foster the next generation of professionals dedicated to sustainable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions in the built environment.

NC DEQ 319 Grant Program

Through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides states with funding to reduce nonpoint source pollution. North Carolina typically receives around $1 million for competitive funding of watershed restoration projects. Funds may be used to conduct watershed restoration projects such as stormwater and agricultural best management practices and restoration of impaired streams. Section 319 grant projects must be used to help restore waterbodies currently impaired by nonpoint source pollution in areas with approved watershed restoration plans. (map) (list)

State and local governments, interstate and intrastate agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions are all eligible to apply for 319 funding. An interagency workgroup reviews the proposals and selects those of merit to be funded. 

The NCAC Grassroots Arts Program Grants provide essential funding for arts initiatives in all 100 counties of North Carolina. These grants aim to enhance community access to the arts through partnerships with local arts councils and provisional county partners. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to quality arts programming. The program encourages diverse cultural representation and supports various arts-related projects, ensuring that all communities can experience the richness of local arts.

The Indian Education Formula Grants, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aim to support the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students. This program assists local educational agencies, tribes, and organizations in meeting state academic standards through various initiatives like after-school programs, tutoring, and enrichment activities. Eligible entities include certain local educational agencies, schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, and Indian organizations. Grants aim to supplement regular educational programs.