Best Youth Sports Grants in North Carolina

The Duke Endowment's Rural Church Grants aim to empower rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina to effectively respond to changing community demographics. By providing resources and fostering collaboration among church leaders, the program enhances congregational capacity and community engagement. Key strategies include supporting pastoral leaders, reimagining church real estate for community use, and implementing impactful programs, especially for children. This initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities across diverse rural populations.

The AFFA Small Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia that address the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Grants range from $500 to $4,000 and prioritize projects promoting long-term social change and emotional health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate a commitment to social justice. Projects can include training events, community workshops, and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.

ChildTrust Foundation provides Policy Grants aimed at supporting 501(c)3 organizations in North Carolina that focus on early childhood education and literacy. Their grantmaking emphasizes collaboration, networking, and capacity building to enhance the impact of advocacy efforts. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote equity for underserved children and families. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis without strict application deadlines, allowing for flexible funding opportunities throughout the year.

The ChildTrust Foundation offers program grants aimed at enhancing early education and literacy in North Carolina. Focused on supporting organizations that serve young children and their families, the foundation prioritizes equity for historically underserved communities. By fostering collaboration and building capacity within the sector, it seeks to amplify the impact of its funding. Grants are directed towards 501(c)3 organizations, emphasizing inclusive practices in early childhood education.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

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 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 North Carolina Arts Council offers Grassroots Arts Program Grants to support local arts councils across the state. These grants provide essential funding for arts programming, ensuring communities have access to diverse cultural experiences. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support their arts initiatives, while funds must be allocated to reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of North Carolina's population. This program aims to enhance community engagement through the arts.

The NCAC Grassroots Arts Program Grants provide essential funding for arts initiatives in all 100 counties of North Carolina. These grants aim to enhance community access to the arts through partnerships with local arts councils and provisional county partners. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to quality arts programming. The program encourages diverse cultural representation and supports various arts-related projects, ensuring that all communities can experience the richness of local arts.

The NCAC: Statewide Service Organizations Grant Program, established by the North Carolina Arts Council, aims to enhance arts services statewide. It provides funding (ranging from $5,000 to $30,000) to eligible nonprofit organizations for programs that support the arts community through newsletters, workshops, and more. This initiative promotes transparency and accessibility, ensuring diverse artistic resources are available across all 100 counties in North Carolina. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult with staff for eligibility guidance.

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 N.C. Dental Society Foundation announces the Dental Public Health Award, offering $1,500 to deserving organizations at the Fall 2023 Education Conference. Eligible nominees include tax-exempt nonprofits or government agencies committed to improving oral health outcomes, access to dental services, and public education on preventative practices. Self-nominations are encouraged. Note that past recipients from 2022 must wait until 2024 to apply.

The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation is launching its Endowment Grant Program to support oral health initiatives across North Carolina. Up to four qualifying nonprofit organizations will receive $5,000 each to enhance dental care accessibility and improve health outcomes for both children and adults. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies dedicated to fostering oral health education and services.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

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 Synod of the Mid-Atlantic's Thanksgiving Offering Fund supports child and youth care agencies through grants funded by the generous contributions of Presbyterians. Established in 2001, this initiative allows individuals, groups, and congregations to donate, ensuring continued support for vital services. Contributions can be made through direct donations, bequests, or gifts of various assets. Funds are allocated based on designations and a formula for undesignated contributions, promoting community welfare.

The Presbytery Initiative Grants, funded by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, support mission projects endorsed by two presbyteries. These grants are made possible through generous donations from Presbyterians, emphasizing community contributions to sustain funding. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on February 1st and August 1st. Individuals and congregations can contribute through various means, including estate bequests and donations, to assist in fulfilling the mission objectives.

The Mid-Atlantic Older Adult Ministries Endowment Fund, supported by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, provides essential funding for programs aimed at older adults. This endowment, maintained by the Presbyterian Foundation, ensures that the income generated will directly benefit ministries catering to the needs of older adults within the community. Contributions are vital for sustaining these efforts, and various donation methods are welcomed to support this important cause.

The Carl E. and Florence L. Berger Fund provides financial support for Christian higher education in North Carolina, prioritizing Presbyterian colleges. Established through a pooled income fund and bequest, it aims to continue the legacy of generous contributions from Presbyterians. Donations can be made through individual or congregational giving, bequests, or other means. The fund is managed by the Presbyterian Foundation, ensuring that income is allocated to support educational initiatives at institutions like Warren Wilson College.

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic offers the New and Small Church Grant Fund to support new and small churches in their mission projects. Funded through generous donations from Presbyterians, these grants help churches implement priorities in education, evangelism, and social justice. Eligible applicants include PCUSA churches within the Synod's bounds. Interested parties can find brochures and applications on the Synod's website or by contacting the Synod Office.

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic's Visionary Fund supports innovative and inclusive programs addressing education, evangelism, and social justice. These grants, funded by generous donations from Presbyterians, aim to foster community growth and development. Contributions are vital for continuing this mission, with options available for individual, group, or congregational donations, as well as estate bequests and gifts of securities or real estate. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Christopher W. Lapsley Aviation Scholarship

To support student seeking to earn a private pilot license. Candidate must be 16 to 18 years of age. Student must be U.S. Citizen, speak fluent English, reside and attend school within Henderson County, NC. Student must be accepted into an accredited pilot licensing program located in Western North Carolina. 

The Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF) Grant offers support for innovative projects that enhance community resources in rural areas. Funded by The Conservation Fund, the program has awarded over $6.8 million since 2001, fostering eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and more. Grants, averaging between $8,000 and $12,000, focus on engaging local communities, particularly marginalized groups, and addressing root causes of challenges like poverty and environmental issues. Applicants must consult with Resourceful Communities before applying.

The Margo T. Petrie Spaying and Neutering Foundation Grant aims to combat pet overpopulation in North Carolina by providing funding to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations offering spaying and neutering services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $50,000 and can be single or multi-year. Priority is given to projects with specific goals that directly promote spaying and neutering, enhancing companion animal welfare and reducing euthanasia rates.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Economic Catalyst Grant Program, administered by The Golden LEAF Foundation, supports economic development projects aimed at job creation in tobacco-dependent and economically distressed areas. Grants are available to eligible governmental entities and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that can show job creation is at risk without funding. Competitive applications must demonstrate urgency and secure local support, with funding allocated for training, infrastructure, and job-related equipment, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.