Best Buncombe County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Economics program by the National Science Foundation supports research to enhance understanding of the U.S. economy and global systems. It prioritizes interdisciplinary studies and encourages diverse proposals, including those from junior faculty and underrepresented groups. Funding opportunities range from individual projects to doctoral dissertation improvement grants, emphasizing rigorous economic analysis and data collection. The program aims to strengthen links between economics and other disciplines, fostering innovative research in various economic subfields.

The SCI Research on the Translational Spectrum (SCIRTS) portfolio aims to promote innovative research that enhances function and alleviates complications following spinal cord injuries. It encourages studies that involve individuals with SCI, emphasizing translational significance in research designs. SCIRTS grants support diverse research areas, including mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical studies, to develop effective interventions. Funding categories include Postdoctoral Fellowships, Pilot Research Grants, and Senior Research Grants, targeting early-career and senior investigators to advance spinal cord injury research.

The Yass Prize & STOP Awards Initiative aims to revolutionize education by recognizing and supporting exceptional education providers focused on Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education. Established in 2021, the initiative awards funds to organizations serving Pre-K to 12th grade students across the United States, fostering impactful partnerships and innovative practices. With a commitment to transforming educational experiences, the initiative celebrates the vital work of educators in response to contemporary challenges.

Request for Proposals

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

The 1954 Project - Luminary Award seeks visionary nonprofit leaders dedicated to advancing educational equity for Black students. Awardees receive $1 million in funding, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The selection prioritizes leaders demonstrating strategic vision, community commitment, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. Applicants must align with one of three impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Diversity in Education, or Pathways to Economic Mobility, ensuring their initiatives foster systemic change and uplift marginalized communities.

The CDC's grant aims to enhance global public health emergency responses by engaging partners to improve rapid detection and intervention strategies. It seeks to build sustainable programs that strengthen resilience in communities affected by humanitarian crises. With periodic openings for applications, this initiative ensures a diverse roster of partners ready to tackle emerging public health threats effectively. The program underscores the importance of federal support in managing complex health emergencies worldwide.

The AHRQ Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to foster a diverse pool of skilled health services researchers. This funding opportunity supports career development for individuals pursuing research that aligns with AHRQ's mission and priorities. Eligible applicants will receive mentorship to enhance their research skills and contributions to the field. Overall, this initiative is crucial for addressing pressing healthcare research needs.

Agility Grants, initiated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, aim to minimize gambling-related harm through funding nonprofit organizations for innovative prevention programs. These grants focus on addressing gaps in services and enhancing existing initiatives. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to projects targeting at-risk populations. The program emphasizes community impact and requires evaluations to assess effectiveness, fostering collaboration and awareness within diverse communities affected by gambling.

The Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards support nonprofits by providing them with essential software, grants, and pro bono assistance to enhance their impact on vulnerable populations. The program aims to foster community connections, promote resilience during crises, and create career pathways in technology. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to utilizing technology in their services, enhancing their ability to support beneficiaries effectively. This initiative empowers nonprofits to leverage technology for greater social good.

The Progressive Multiplier Grants support U.S. based nonprofits and subsidiaries focused on generating independent revenue through innovative projects. These grants aim to empower organizations working towards democracy, justice, and environmental restoration, fostering civic engagement and equality. By funding campaigns and civic mobilization, the program seeks to build sustained progressive power, avoiding direct service or public education initiatives. Interested parties can submit letters of inquiry on a rolling basis when funding aligns with grant criteria.

The Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awards honor excellence in family engagement by recognizing PTAs that achieve top rankings through the National PTA School of Excellence program. These awards celebrate PTAs that effectively engage families in student success and school improvement initiatives. By participating, PTAs can develop best practices, create inclusive communities, attract action-oriented members, and gain national recognition as leaders in building strong family-school partnerships.

The Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund, launched by American Humane, addresses the urgent needs of animal shelters struggling during the pandemic. With many animals abandoned and facilities facing shortages, this fund aims to provide essential resources for food and supplies. American Humane, a leader in animal welfare for over a century, seeks to support shelters and rescue organizations fighting to maintain operations amid the crisis, ensuring the safety and care of vulnerable animals across the nation.

Tyson Foods invites sponsorship proposals that reflect its core values and contribute to community welfare, particularly in Springdale, Arkansas, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Proposals should demonstrate clear community benefits, visibility of the event, and outline how funds will be utilized effectively. Organizations are encouraged to apply if they align with Tyson's mission of integrity and stewardship, ensuring that funding can support primary objectives while considering tax-deductible options.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Truth Initiative Tobacco/Vape-Free College Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to U.S. colleges and universities aiming to implement 100% tobacco/vape-free policies. Additionally, grants of up to $10,000 are available for schools looking to enhance existing smoke-free policies to include e-cigarettes. This initiative seeks to engage students and create support from faculty and staff, ultimately fostering healthier campus environments.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF) offers a Cultural Awareness Grant aimed at revitalizing the cultural and spiritual values related to Indian land. This initiative supports American Indian nations in enhancing their ties to the land, which is vital for traditional practices and beliefs. Eligible entities include tribal governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Ineligible activities encompass advocacy efforts, land purchases, and direct funding to individuals, ensuring resources focus on community-centered cultural preservation.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Economic Opportunity Grant aims to empower American Indian nations by enhancing their control over reservation lands. This initiative addresses historical challenges in land ownership and economic development, providing essential resources and tools for communities to manage land effectively. By focusing on land acquisition and productive land use, the Foundation supports sustainable growth and cultural preservation, ultimately fostering economic self-sufficiency among Indigenous populations.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Legal Reform Grant Program aims to empower American Indian nations by addressing systemic barriers to land ownership and control. This initiative promotes collaboration on projects like estate planning, land policy reform, and engaging government leaders in discussions about tribal sovereignty. By focusing on legal reforms, the program seeks to rectify longstanding inequities and enhance the ability of tribes to manage their land effectively.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Solidarity Fund Grant, part of the Black Feminist Fund, aims to empower Black feminist movements by providing essential resources. Acknowledging the historical underfunding of these movements, the fund supports groups led by Black women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals. It focuses on solidarity efforts that foster collaboration and joint campaigns, enabling activists to drive social change. This initiative is crucial for advancing justice, self-determination, and equity within communities, ensuring that Black feminist visions are amplified and sustained.

The ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grants support projects that enhance equity and justice in digital scholarship, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Funded by The Mellon Foundation, these grants foster innovative methodologies and resource sharing across disciplines. By promoting inclusivity in digital humanities, the program empowers scholars to engage with under-studied materials and develop sustainable practices, ensuring broader access to digital tools and expertise for impactful research initiatives.

The ACLS Digital Justice Development Grants, funded by The Mellon Foundation, aim to enhance justice and equity in digital scholarly practice. These grants support projects that engage with historically marginalized communities, including people of color and those with disabilities. By providing resources and coaching for sustainable project development, the program promotes inclusion in the digital humanities, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping digital knowledge and cultural heritage.

The Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund, established in September 2021 by Herman and LaDonna Meinders, aims to support the floral industry by providing grants for reduced or free registration fees to industry events. With an initial contribution exceeding $500,000, the fund promotes educational initiatives that attract young talent and address industry challenges. Managed by the AFE Education Committee, it is expected to distribute over $10,000 in its first year, ensuring sustainable support for vital educational programs.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The Communities Outreach Programme by the Islamic Development Bank aims to enhance the socio-economic development of Muslim minority communities in non-member countries. Established in 1981, it focuses on education, health, and capacity building to empower these communities. The programme supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and youth development, ensuring inclusive growth. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, it strives to improve living conditions and promote productivity, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in diverse regions.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges to foster green spaces and community forests. By meeting five essential standards, campuses can achieve national recognition, enhancing their environmental impact and providing mental health benefits for students. Participation promotes sustainability, energy efficiency, and student involvement in environmental stewardship. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also builds pride among students and the wider community, making it a valuable program for educational institutions.