Best Youth Sports Grants in North Carolina

The Graduate Diversity Enrichment Program (GDEP), funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to enhance diversity in science by providing $5,000 over two years to PhD students enrolled in North Carolina institutions. This initiative supports travel to conferences, research-related expenses, and promotes participation in peer networks. GDEP is designed for second to fifth-year PhD candidates in STEM fields who have demonstrated a commitment to equal access and opportunity in their academic and personal experiences.

The Aging and Adult Services: Emergency Solutions Grant Program aims to support non-profits and local government agencies in providing services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in North Carolina. Funded by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, this program focuses on crisis response and housing solutions to ensure homelessness is rare and brief. Activities include improving emergency shelters and offering essential services to those in need.

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.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The APNEP Science Communication and Outreach Internship offers an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in communication strategies that promote the mission of the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership. Interns will create outreach content, develop skills in various media formats, and gain experience in environmental communication. This 10-week internship is based in Raleigh, NC, and includes travel within the estuary area, fostering a deeper understanding of ecological issues and state government operations.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is offering grants for historic preservation projects through the State Historic Preservation Office. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, support local governments and organizations in efforts such as architectural surveys and restoration of National Register-listed properties. An estimated total of $120,000 to $130,000 is available for eligible projects, emphasizing community engagement and preservation planning.

The On Farm Housing Grant Program, managed by Alabama Non-Profit Housing, Inc., offers financial assistance to farmers and growers for upgrading existing labor housing. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provides matching grants up to $7,500, ensuring safe and sanitary living conditions for farm workers. Eligible participants must own housing in need of repairs that directly impact worker safety and health, with a commitment to match funds dollar-for-dollar.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

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.

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 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 Chapel of the Cross Seed Fund aims to foster innovative community initiatives that may not have been possible without this support. By providing funding for new programs, the Seed Fund encourages parishioners and the broader community to engage in meaningful service. Each year, one grant is awarded, with applications opening in spring and recipients announced in fall. This initiative seeks to create a lasting impact and inspire further community involvement.

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 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.

The SPC Cares Foundation

The SPC Cares Foundation was established in 2024 as a way for SPC Credit Union to strategically support four key development issues identified within our community: Hunger, Housing, Employment, & Education. The Foundation supports our local communities through monetary donations, in-kind donation drives, and volunteerism.

General Fund Scholarships

These funds are provided by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. Scholarships are available to Members of any credit union in North and South Carolina. Both academic and need-based scholarships for all levels of higher education are awarded, including technical and community college scholarships.

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

Vizo Financial Empowerment Grant

Through the generosity of Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union, credit unions of all asset sizes can apply for grants that will fund financial education projects or programs to empower members to reach financial goals and establish a better quality of life. Up to $50,000 annually will be allocated to each of the state’s Foundations each year. 

Credit unions are encouraged to submit grant applications to implement programs or undertake projects in collaboration with other credit unions and/or community organizations, enriching financial literacy offerings for members and the communities credit unions serve. Greater consideration will be applied to grant applications when budget limitations act as a barrier to community outreach initiatives. Grants can be requested for up to a maximum of $10,000.

The Foundation will review grant requests for credit union initiatives that offer:

• Affordable options to costly financial products and services
• Lesser dependency on predatory financial providers
• Expanded financial education and literacy
• Enhanced personal financial management and planning for the future
• Increased individual savings and wealth-building
• Strengthened credit worthiness
• Improved financial wellbeing of local people and communities

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 Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations and governmental units in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It particularly emphasizes education in medical science, scholarships for employees of Davis Regional Medical Center, agriculture, conservation, and wildlife preservation. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank and are available through a year-round application process, focusing on enhancing local medical practice and community well-being.

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Sharma Family Scholarship Fund

Criteria

Recipients must be a graduating high school senior from a Tier 1 county in North Carolina as defined by the State of North Carolina, or Wake, Durham, or Chatham counties in North Carolina, plan to attend North Carolina State University and pursue a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math major.

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 Regional Child Care Health Consultative Services RFA aims to establish a statewide network of Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC) to enhance the safety and health of child care environments across North Carolina. With a funding cycle of two years and up to $1.5 million available, the initiative seeks qualified applicants who can demonstrate expertise in managing state grants and providing technical assistance in early childhood education. The focus is on creating culturally inclusive practices and ensuring optimal health care for children.