Best Cary Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

The Pets in the Classroom Grant Program provides financial support to educators in the US and Canada, enabling them to incorporate small animals into their classrooms. This initiative aims to enhance students' educational and personal development through direct interaction with pets. The program, established by the Pet Care Trust, invites applications from teachers, librarians, and other school staff who support student learning, fostering a nurturing environment for young learners.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation, established in 1994, supports public agencies and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to preserve historic environments. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, this highly competitive funding opportunity aims to foster appreciation for cultural heritage and enhance community livability. Eligible activities include planning, education, and preservation projects. Applicants must match the grant dollar-for-dollar and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the success of their initiatives.

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People Grant supports partnerships with economically disadvantaged groups in the U.S. It aims to empower these communities to take control of their lives and address systemic issues of poverty and oppression. This initiative encourages sustainable change through community-led programs that advocate for justice, human dignity, and economic equity, fostering a transformative impact on their local environments.

The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation Grant Program supports 501(c)3 non-profits dedicated to making real food accessible and fostering community growth. Established in 2011, this initiative aligns with Chipotle's mission to cultivate a better world. Eligible organizations can apply through an invitation-only process, focusing on those paving the way for a better future. The foundation also offers mentorship and resources to innovative ventures in the food industry.

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program supports early-career faculty in research and education, fostering academic leadership. It encourages proposals from diverse candidates, enhancing STEM equity. Awardees may be nominated for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), recognizing innovative research and community service. These awards underscore the importance of science and technology for the nation's future, aiming to connect fundamental research with national goals.

Shaw's Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being, focusing on hunger, youth education, and health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific regions like California and Hawaii. An employee sponsor is mandatory for applications in these areas. The grant review process typically takes about eight weeks, and the foundation prioritizes collaborations with local partners to maximize community impact.

The North Carolina Arts Council's Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) connects students with local traditional artists through after-school programs. Since 1967, TAPS has aimed to preserve and celebrate diverse artistic traditions across North Carolina, providing funding for community organizations such as arts councils and schools. These programs foster cultural connections while ensuring that students receive quality instruction in traditional art forms, enriching their educational experience and community engagement.

The Papé Family Foundation seeks to positively impact communities where its members reside, emphasizing family unity, service, and stewardship. It funds small capital projects, building improvements, equipment needs, and operational requests for new programs (under two years old) but does not cover salaries. Eligible organizations must be within 50 miles of trustee-residing cities, including locations in Arkansas, California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Mission

The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is a faith based charitable organization located in Bangor, Maine. Founded in 2007, our mission is to provide resources for many initiatives including, but not limited to, missions, education scholarships, ministries, medical research, and employment creation. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is primarily funded by the family. However, contributions from like minded individuals and organizations is appreciated. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine has a balanced strategy of making funds available for immediate needs, while also investing to build a perpetual earning endowment ensuring the Foundation's successful future.

Missions:

We support needs of missionary organizations including sponsorships for young people who wish to attend youth group sponsored mission trips. We ordinarily make one time contributions but on occasion have made up to a three year commitment. 

Education/Scholarships:

The Foundation makes scholarships available to Colleges, Universities, and other Schools for student enrollment and expenses. We also consider new construction, existing renovation, equipment, and support material contributions.

Independent Churches and Ministries:

We accept a wide variety of requests, including, but not limited to: materials, equipment, new construction, renovations, programs, and services. 

Medical Research:

We support medical research opportunities close to our hearts and organizations that our family and friends have experienced. 

Job Creation:

We Support organizations that fund entrepreneurs in impoverished areas to start small businesses providing services and employment to the community.

Requests are considered by the trustees the first week of each month. Foundation payments are made by paper check in US dollars and are reported to the appropriate tax agencies. While we certainly wish that we could contribute to all the applications that meet our funding criteria, there are times when when available funding is limited and we are not able to contribute to some very worthy causes. If we are not in a position to help in the timeline requested, we will keep the information on file for possible consideration in the future. 

Artis offers exhibition grants to support contemporary artists from Israel, aiming to promote critical dialogue and cultural exchange in international settings. These grants facilitate presentations at renowned organizations globally, focusing on innovative and impactful projects that engage with pressing social and environmental issues. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate curatorial ambition and artistic experimentation, fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines. Artis is committed to shaping a sustainable art world while addressing urgent global challenges through artistic practice.

The Les Paul Foundation Grant supports innovative music education and medical research related to hearing loss. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based public charities under 501(c)(3) and avoid religious, political, labor, or business affiliations. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance music production, performance, and STEM/STEAM initiatives, particularly those benefiting individuals in challenging situations. Proposals must detail how they will share Les Paul's legacy in their work.

The AHA Quest for Quality Prize recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate exceptional leadership in improving care quality and advancing health. Applicants should showcase innovative models of care and effective partnerships with community organizations. One winner and two finalists will be honored at the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit in Denver. This award aims to inspire hospitals to commit to patient-centered care and address healthcare disparities, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports outdoor enthusiasts and promotes responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Its mission includes educating the public on land use and wildlife conservation while protecting access to public lands. Applications are accepted quarterly from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on land stewardship and access improvements, ensuring a safe and sustainable outdoor experience for all.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) aims to enhance patient engagement in healthcare decisions through comparative clinical effectiveness research. Since 2010, PCORI has funded over $3 billion for nearly 2,000 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes by providing actionable information. The initiative emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement, ensuring that results are accessible to both patients and clinicians, ultimately fostering informed healthcare choices.

The Engagement Award: Convening Support fosters meaningful collaboration among patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders in research. Initiated by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), this program aims to enhance patient engagement throughout the research process. By providing tools and resources, the award supports initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, ensuring that patient perspectives are integral to research efforts.

The Cold Noses Foundation Grant aims to support organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, including domestic pets, wildlife, and farm animals. Grants are available to U.S. non-profits and selected international equivalents with an annual income of $200,000 or less. The foundation emphasizes accountability, requiring detailed financial reporting and adherence to ethical standards. Deadlines for applications vary by region, ensuring timely funding for impactful animal welfare projects.

The IDNR: State Duck Stamp Funding program supports the development of waterfowl propagation areas in the Mississippi Flyway. Funded by sales of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps, it focuses on projects in Canada and the U.S. that enhance waterfowl populations. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations aiming to implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This initiative not only fosters wildlife conservation but also strengthens ecological sustainability in the region.

The InterLinc Family Foundation Grant focuses on improving community quality of life through strategic investments. It supports 501(c)(3) non-profits with proven effectiveness and sound financial management. Grants aim to address specific community needs, avoiding service duplication. Eligible projects should align with the Foundation's interests and demonstrate broad financial support. Applications are accepted year-round, fostering impactful initiatives that resonate with the Foundation's mission of community enhancement.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation aims to enhance the lives of children and young adults in the U.S. by providing financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on arts, education, health, and welfare. Grants, capped at $10,000, must be utilized within one year and are not automatically renewable. The foundation seeks to support smaller charities that may not receive broad public backing, thus creating a more significant impact on individual communities.

The Petit Family Foundation offers General Project Support Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to support local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate programmatic capacity and leadership. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and sustainability, focusing on projects that have a clear impact. Preference is given to local New England-based non-profits, while ineligible requests include funding for individuals, endowments, and political organizations. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and community alignment.

The Heistand Family Foundation Grant aims to empower children in poverty through impactful programs and partnerships. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance human health, community well-being, and education, focusing on practical applications. Nonprofit organizations and governmental entities are encouraged to apply, particularly those located in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area or western Iowa. This grant supports initiatives that foster job skills and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation focuses on enriching lives and making a positive impact in local communities. They prioritize funding for tax-exempt organizations that enhance education, health care, and support the under-served. The Foundation seeks to partner with those who demonstrate accountability and effective resource management, aligning with their mission for community enrichment and leadership development.