Best Mental Health Grants in North Carolina

The Cannon Foundation Grants support capital and equipment projects in North Carolina, focusing on healthcare, higher education, human services, and community initiatives. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes established organizations and encourages collaboration with other funding sources. Grants are not available for operational expenses or start-up funding, and applicants must demonstrate a clear funding plan for ongoing operations. This foundation seeks to empower communities while avoiding dependency on funding.

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 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.

The Roberts-Miller Children's Fund, administered by the Gaston Community Foundation, is dedicated to providing financial assistance to children under 18 in North Carolina facing serious medical, dental, or related needs. This fund aims to support those who lack access to necessary services due to financial constraints. Additionally, it extends support to organizations aiding these children, ensuring that essential care and equipment are accessible to those most in need.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

Funding Opportunity:

Partnerships Supporting Parent/Caregiver Mental Health & Well-being

Across North Carolina, parents and caregivers of young children (prenatal to age five) are experiencing high levels of stress, isolation, and difficulty accessing support. One in three parents report feeling lonely, and more than a quarter report having no one to turn to for support.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (Blue Cross NC Foundation) recognizes that caregiver mental health and well-being are foundational to the healthy development and long-term health and well-being outcomes of young children.

While a range of mental health and well-being services exist, these supports are often fragmented and difficult to navigate. At the same time, caregivers vary in the types of support they trust and use, underscoring the need for approaches that are connected, community-rooted, and responsive to family preferences.

We see an opportunity to strengthen and better connect existing supports to improve caregiver well-being, increase social connection, and build stronger pathways to mental health care. By working upstream with families during a critical developmental period, we can promote good mental health and resilience, set the next generation up for success, and prevent the crisis we are seeing in today’s youth.

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation Unrestricted Endowment provides essential funding for local nonprofit organizations in Bertie and Hertford counties, enabling them to meet community needs effectively. Established in 1999, this program supports a variety of initiatives with grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to enhance the quality of life and respond to changing community dynamics. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the local area to apply for funding.

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Change Grants

Community Change Grants are expected to be $50,000 or more and are designed to support multi-organization partnerships, and/or systems-level or cross-sector initiatives.

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants are expected to range from $15,000 to $50,000 and are designed to support organizations and/or programs with demonstrated or promising impact, or projects addressing county-wide or multi-community needs.   

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

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.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering grants for community-based services targeting substance use disorders. This initiative aims to expand access to essential services while addressing gaps in care across the state. Eligible organizations can apply for project budgets up to $500,000 annually, with at least 12 contracts expected to be awarded. The funding supports prevention, treatment, and support services to enhance the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians.

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 Evergreen Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations in Western North Carolina that provide essential services for individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Established in 1977, the Foundation allocates funding through a competitive grant process, typically issuing 25 to 30 grants annually. Eligible applicants include agencies serving these populations and those with 501(c)(3) status. Priorities include infrastructure support, education, and advocacy, ensuring vital services reach the communities in need.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program provides vital federal funding to support criminal justice initiatives in North Carolina. It addresses law enforcement, courts, and community programs, promoting equitable public safety solutions. Established by the Governor's Crime Commission, the program adapts to evolving needs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to enhance safety for over 10 million residents. This initiative empowers local agencies to implement innovative strategies in law enforcement, mental health, and crisis intervention.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Camber Foundation Grant supports community-driven initiatives in Eastern North Carolina, focusing on health, education, and economic development. It encourages nonprofits to apply for funding to enhance services without discrimination. Priorities include access to healthcare, mental health programs, and youth development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities based in the region, ensuring that all residents can thrive. The foundation aims to uplift communities through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.

The Burke Youth Organized Philanthropists Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Burke County, aims to empower youth by supporting programs that impact children aged 0-18 in Burke County. Grants typically range up to $1,000 and prioritize initiatives addressing mental health challenges. Eligible recipients include tax-exempt organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families. This grant encourages diverse and innovative projects that avoid duplicating existing services, fostering sustainable community development.

The Iredell County Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance the community by supporting local initiatives in areas such as education, human services, and workforce development. The foundation prioritizes one-time funding for projects that demonstrate collaboration and sustainability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and institutions serving Iredell County residents. Ineligible projects include capital campaigns and direct support for individuals. This grant fosters community growth and engagement through philanthropy.

The Unifour Foundation Endowment Fund, established in 1998, supports qualified charitable organizations in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. With over $3 million awarded since 1991, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The fund prioritizes projects addressing early childhood education, mental health, and community needs like housing and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units, with applications open to those serving the designated areas.

The Lincoln County Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance local initiatives by funding projects in key areas such as child services, education, food insecurity, housing, mental health, and utility assistance. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Lincoln County residents. The foundation prioritizes measurable results and effective use of funds, while ineligible projects include capital campaigns and direct support of individuals. This grant cycle reflects a commitment to community improvement and innovative solutions.

The Universal Leaf Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations primarily in areas where Universal Leaf Tobacco Company operates. Focus areas include education for at-risk individuals, higher education, civic/community arts, and environmental initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes good corporate citizenship and community engagement through financial support and employee volunteerism. Organizations must operate within designated geographic areas and cannot be involved in political advocacy or restrict services based on demographics. Grants aim to enhance community well-being and educational opportunities.

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.

The Louise Oriole Burevitch Endowment Grant, offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, health, and human services in eastern North Carolina. This competitive grant aims to enhance community well-being by funding programs that address basic human needs, promote health outcomes, and support educational initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, with preferences for projects benefiting women, children, and the elderly in the southeastern region.