Best Scouting Organization Grants in North Carolina

Youth-serving organizations and schools in North Carolina can seek funding for outdoor education field trips and related experiences, including visits to parks, recreation areas, and historical sites. North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission offers up to US $5,000 to support youth development and leadership through environmental education and outdoor recreation activities.

North Carolina youth-led civic engagement and leadership projects can access funding through the Carolina Youth Power Fund, a project of Southern Vision Alliance. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support nonpartisan organizing efforts led by directly impacted young people ages 13–25, especially Black, Muslim, immigrant, disabled, and LGBTQ+ youth building skills to address critical local issues.

Focused on youth development and grassroots organizing, Southern Partners Fund invites rural North Carolina 501(c)(3) community organizations and fiscally sponsored projects to seek general or project support for justice-focused work. Rural scouting and youth-serving groups that use community organizing strategies and are led by community members may be eligible.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative arts or human services projects, including youth development and leadership, can apply for the Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant Funds for US $20,000 - US $100,000 in project-specific support. With a mission to foster innovation, John William Pope Foundation provides funding for capital improvements, programs, equipment, and technology.

High school seniors involved in youth leadership or athletics who attend designated central Minnesota schools and plan to enroll full-time at a four-year college outside Minnesota and neighboring states can seek this scholarship. CommunityGiving’s Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship awards US $5,000 to support higher education for students studying outside the five-state region, including colleges in North Carolina.

North Carolina K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for the Go Outside (GO) visiting programs grants, offering up to US $2,500 for outdoor, on-campus youth education experiences. Programs must include outdoor learning activities and may benefit scouting groups served through schools or nonprofits, with a focus on underserved youth ages 4–18.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can seek funding for children’s health, education, or youth hockey programs through the Game Changer Grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $15,000. Grants from Carolina Hurricanes Foundation help scouting and other youth development organizations strengthen services for underserved children and provide impactful, grassroots programming.

North Carolina K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $15,000 to build on-campus outdoor learning structures such as classrooms, greenhouses, and educational gardens. North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission provides this funding to expand outdoor education and recreation, with priority for underserved youth ages 4–18 who lack outdoor opportunities; scouting-focused programs may be eligible.

North Carolina youth development and basic needs nonprofits can access funding through the Sundt Foundation for specific programs serving local communities. 501(c)(3) organizations focused on youth development, hunger and nutrition, social services, or military and veterans may be eligible for US $2,500 - US $25,000, which can support scouting-related initiatives that meet these priorities.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can use this funding for youth development, leadership, arts, and community programs that advance economic opportunity, housing, or community connections. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation support organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for groups led by people of color and those addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for youth development, leadership, and job-readiness programs that build skills and expand opportunities. RBC Foundation USA provides support in communities where it has a wealth management presence, including initiatives advancing inclusive prosperity and environmental sustainability alongside youth-focused work.

Female high school seniors active in Girl Scouts and graduating from a Smith County, Texas public, private, or homeschool program can receive US $1,000 for college expenses through this one-year scholarship. East Texas Communities Foundation supports youth development and leadership; North Carolina scouting organizations may note its focus when exploring similar opportunities for their members.

Youth development and leadership organizations in North Carolina can access funding to support civic engagement and youth-led community projects through the Bezos Scholars Program. Bezos Family Foundation supports high school juniors at eligible public schools in the U.S. and Africa with leadership training, college advising, an Aspen Ideas Festival experience, and project grants of more than US $1,000.

Youth-focused organizations in North Carolina that work with Native or Indigenous teens and young adults may be eligible to support participants in the Champions for Change leadership initiative. The Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth develops Indigenous leaders ages 14–24 across the U.S., which can benefit scouting and similar youth development programs.

Nonprofit organizations running youth-focused programs and projects, especially those serving large numbers of young people, may be eligible for funding, with priority given to Whatcom County. Chuckanut Health Foundation’s Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation supports initiatives emphasizing youth development and leadership, and encourages projects with volunteer involvement and diverse funding sources, including scouting-related efforts.

Young people ages 13 to 19 pursuing arts-focused summer enrichment can receive US $200 - US $800 for tuition, supplies, or related expenses through the Simple Gifts Fund, including youth in North Carolina scouting-style leadership programs. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation pays vendors directly to support meaningful artistic apprenticeships, internships, and new creative explorations.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies can receive US $2,000 in scholarship support, including those from North Carolina. CommunityGiving provides funding for youth leadership and public safety education at U.S.-based two- or four-year colleges, helping future police, fire, and EMT professionals advance their training.

The Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, provided by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, honors Dave Mueller's passion for outdoor adventure. It offers a unique summer trip for Big Sky students in grades 9-11 who demonstrate leadership and a love for the outdoors. Supported by Adventures Cross Country, this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in enriching experiences while giving back to the community. Notably, it is not based on financial need.

Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship

The Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was created to honor their lives and appreciation for their hometown, Forks, WA. The scholarship was established to help community students pursue their higher education dreams.

Award Information

Awards begin at $2,000 and are at the discretion of the committee.

Sports Matter Mission

We believe that sports change lives. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, sports have the power to change our perspectives, our character and our communities for the better. This core belief has guided DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation since the beginning – but not everyone has the same access to play. Through grants and other support, The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter Program helps under-resourced 501c3 organizations, schools and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports.

Why It Counts

• Low-Income Kids Play at Half the Rate of Wealthier Peers
• Participation in Team Sports has Declined 4% Since 2017
• One in Three Kids Can't Participate in the Sports They Want 
• Number of Kids Playing Multiple Sports Has Declined

Sports Matter Program

We Believe Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play

The Sports Matter Program focuses on supporting youth sports in under-resourced communities.

All grant applications are made subject to review of the applying organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. 

North Carolina youth-focused nonprofits can access funding through AFL Global to support STEM education, youth development, and adult job-readiness programs. Scouting organizations with programs that build healthy, engaged young people or offer STEM learning may be eligible under AFL Community Grants’ education, youth, and life enrichment priorities across the U.S.

The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program awards up to thirteen $25,000 scholarships annually to students demonstrating academic excellence, community service, and financial need. In addition to financial support, recipients participate in a year-long mentoring and leadership development program. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who are committed to serving their communities, while also alleviating educational costs associated with attending accredited colleges or vocational schools.

The Ecolab U.S. Regional NPO Grant Program supports 501(c)(3) organizations in specific geographic areas, focusing on youth education, community development, environmental conservation, and arts initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to enhance their services and impact in underserved communities. Notably, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainable practices, aiming to foster a healthier environment and society. Organizations must align with Ecolab's mission of promoting sustainability and improving quality of life.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

Karma for Cara Microgrants empowers students aged 18 and under to bring their service project ideas to life with funding up to $1,000. Founded in honor of Cara Becker, who inspired community service during her own health journey, the program supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local communities across the U.S. Students are encouraged to demonstrate creativity and community involvement, with grants awarded quarterly to fuel their impactful projects.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.