Best Chatham County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Nonprofits, government, and religious entities in rural Chatham County, North Carolina can seek short-term funding to advance community-improving ideas, projects, or organizational capacity. Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation’s Community Progress Fund offers US $20,000 - US $60,000 for community-driven efforts that build on existing momentum and can begin implementation immediately in rural North Carolina counties.

Public, private, and charter schools expanding PLTW Launch STEM programs in Chatham County, North Carolina can access funding from Project Lead The Way, supported by the John Deere Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 may cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel and lodging costs.

Public, private, and charter middle schools expanding an existing PLTW Gateway STEM program in Chatham County, North Carolina can apply for Project Lead The Way’s John Deere–supported grants, with awards of US $10,000 for program expansion. Funds may cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities in Chatham County, North Carolina can seek up to US $20,000 for workforce development, K–12 energy education, climate resiliency, and community revitalization projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Duke Energy Foundation provides rolling, program-specific funding for initiatives that promote opportunity, inclusion, and measurable community impact in its service areas.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks by providing federal funding for security enhancements. Administered by the North Carolina Emergency Management, this competitive grant allows eligible organizations to apply for up to $150,000 per site, focusing on target hardening, planning, and training. The program aims to integrate nonprofit preparedness with local efforts, enhancing community safety and resilience against threats.

Chatham County, North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the poor, needy, or ill through health and human services programs can access funding through Cameron Charitable Trust, with awards ranging from US $125,000 - US $175,000. Organizations with efficient operations and projects where a grant would make a real difference are prioritized.

Nursing students in Chatham County, North Carolina attending or admitted to public associate or baccalaureate nursing programs with financial need can receive support for pre-licensure education. Triangle Community Foundation, in partnership with the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing, offers the Carol Ann Beerstecher Nursing Scholarship awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 over two years.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on organizational development in Chatham County, North Carolina can access funding via Triangle Community Foundation’s Responsive Grantmaking program. Participants join a three‑month scenario‑planning cohort with virtual workshops, individualized coaching, and may receive up to US $10,000 in general operating support tied to their scenario‑planning participation and implementation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Chatham County, North Carolina can seek funding for early childhood education and community economic development programs that serve low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides support for initiatives like preschool education, workforce readiness, affordable housing, small business development, arts, and neighborhood revitalization where PNC has a significant presence.

The NRA Foundation: North Carolina – East NCE Grants provides funding to support charitable purposes as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3). Eligible organizations must possess a Federal Employer Identification Number and can include IRS-recognized entities or state-recognized nonprofits. The Foundation aims to promote firearms safety, educate the public about firearms, and support related activities. Ineligible organizations include labor groups and private businesses. Grant requests must demonstrate public benefit and align with the Foundation's mission.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Arts Grant Program, funded by the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, aims to support arts nonprofits and educational organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. This program offers one-year grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to eligible organizations that have not received funding in the past five years. The initiative emphasizes the importance of arts in community building, cultural preservation, and personal enrichment, fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.

Nonprofit organizations with projects in water access, water quality, swim safety, or STEM education may be eligible for funding that includes work in Chatham County, North Carolina. Focused on water, education, and community programs, Pentair Foundation invites initiatives that reduce water stress, improve drinking water, or expand engineering and manufacturing career pathways for youth and young adults.

Chatham County, North Carolina public and charter schools with existing PLTW computer science programs can access funding through Project Lead the Way to expand courses, sections, or teacher training. This US $10,000 grant covers PLTW participation fees, core training and related travel, required computers or tablets, and program-required equipment and supplies for the 2026–2027 school year.

Public and charter schools in Chatham County, North Carolina can use this grant to launch a PLTW Engineering course, covering participation fees, core training, required devices, and program equipment. Project Lead the Way offers US $30,000 for the 2026–2027 school year, with one year of grant reporting required.

Public and charter schools in Chatham County, North Carolina can use this grant to expand existing PLTW Engineering programs, including new courses, added class periods, or additional teacher training. Project Lead the Way provides US $15,000 for participation fees, core training, required computers or tablets, and program-required equipment and supplies for 2026–2027.

Public and charter schools implementing PLTW computer science programs in Chatham County, North Carolina can receive US $20,000 to cover PLTW participation fees, core training, required devices, and program equipment. Grants from Project Lead the Way help selected schools launch at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2026–2027 academic year, with one year of grant reporting required.

The Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations in education, healthcare, and housing initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects in Eastern North Carolina, Long Island, NY, and Central Maine. The foundation has awarded over 300 grants since its inception, reflecting its commitment to impactful community partnerships and ongoing evaluation of funded projects.

The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund supports North Carolina counties in addressing critical public school building needs through grants funded by the NC Education Lottery. With over $258 million available for FY2025-26, counties can apply for significant funding to construct new schools and renovate existing facilities. Eligible counties must have a market value of taxable real property under $40 billion and are required to provide local matching funds. This initiative aims to enhance educational infrastructure across the state.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

Student Academic Success

What We Fund

As detailed in Our Approach, MDBF's goal for its grantmaking is to support nonprofits to strengthen their effectiveness as organizations in ways that lead to long-term sustainability. We strongly encourage you to read Our Grantmaking Approach for essential information regarding how we make funding decisions and to prepare you for the information we ask for in the application.

Early Learning Programs: We support PreK organizations whose primary purpose is kindergarten readiness. Evidence-based programs are a plus.

Academic Achievement: We support organizations whose primary purpose is to support K-12 students' academic achievement. These include organizations that build academic skills through structured academic learning opportunities and/or structured tutoring and professional training for teachers and tutors that align with the standard NC curriculum. Evidence-based programs are a plus.

MDBF's multiyear grant application will open January 16 with a February 15 deadline, and the one-year application will open in August 2026. For more information, including application timeline and eligibility requirements, please visit our Multiyear Grantmaking Guidelines webpage.

Student Academic Success: Multiyear Grant

Organizations that focus on academic achievement AND have received funding from MDBF in the previous 5 years are eligible to apply for a 3-year grant.

Each year, we will award 5-7 general operating support grants to nonprofit organizations that further our grantmaking goals. Grant amounts range from $15,000 - $50,000 a year for each organization. MDBF has a finite budget and may not be able to fund the full amount requested. If your application moves forward, MDBF staff will work with your organization to determine the actual requested amount. Please know that there is no penalty for requesting the maximum amount at the LOI stage.

Both developing nonprofits and established organizations are eligible for these grants. All organizations must have a primary focus on the Student Academic Success. Organizations must be located in and main programming must take place in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and/or Wake Counties, NC.

Student Academic Success

What We Fund

As detailed in Our Approach, MDBF's goal for its grantmaking is to support nonprofits to strengthen their effectiveness as organizations in ways that lead to long-term sustainability. We strongly encourage you to read Our Grantmaking Approach for essential information regarding how we make funding decisions and to prepare you for the information we ask for in the application.

Early Learning Programs: We support PreK organizations whose primary purpose is kindergarten readiness. Evidence-based programs are a plus.

Academic Achievement: We support organizations whose primary purpose is to support K-12 students' academic achievement. These include organizations that build academic skills through structured academic learning opportunities and/or structured tutoring and professional training for teachers and tutors that align with the standard NC curriculum. Evidence-based programs are a plus.

MDBF's multiyear grant application will open January 16 with a February 15 deadline, and the one-year application will open in August 2026. For more information, including application timeline and eligibility requirements, please visit our One-Year Grantmaking Guidelines webpage.

Student Academic Success: One-Year Grant

Both developing nonprofits and established organizations are eligible for these grants. All organizations must have a primary focus on the Student Academic Success. Organizations must be located in and main programming must take place in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and/or Wake Counties, NC.

One-year general operating support grants are available to organizations that have not received a MDBF grant in the past five years or that are new to the foundation. Each year, MDBF will typically award 5 general operating support grants to nonprofit organizations that further our grantmaking goals.

Grants amounts range from $5,000 - $10,000 a year for each organization. MDBF has a finite budget and may not be able to fund the full amount requested. If your application moves forward, MDBF staff will work with your organization to determine the actual requested amount. Please know there is no penalty for requesting the maximum amount at the LOI stage.

North Carolina Community Foundation provides Chatham County, North Carolina nonprofits and local government units with US $1,000 - US $5,000 for general operating or project support, prioritizing programs for women, children, and families. 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible fire and rescue departments serving Cary-area communities in Chatham and Wake counties may be considered.

Arts Education

Participating in the arts confers numerous benefits, from providing captivation and pleasure, to providing a vehicle for self-expression, to promoting cognitive growth and the capacity for empathy. Arts education can also provide the means for sharing ideas and images, cultural and political knowledge, and insights about humanity across generations. By nurturing creative thinking, collaboration, and other competencies, arts education can play a vital role in preparing students for fulfilling and successful lives and careers.

The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation supports organizations whose primary purpose is to provide high-quality, participatory arts education experiences for PreK-12 students. These organizations work with students who lack access to such programming because of economic conditions, race or ethnic background, geography, or different abilities.

MDBF's multiyear grant application will open January 16 with a February 15 deadline, and the one-year application will open in August 2026. For more information, including application timeline and eligibility requirements, please visit our One-Year Grantmaking Guidelines webpage.

One-Year Grants

Organizations that focus on PreK-12 arts education AND have not received funding from MDBF in the previous 5 years or have never received a grant from us are eligible to apply for a 1-year grant.

One-year general operating support grants are available to organizations that have not received a MDBF grant in the past five years or that are new to the foundation. Each year, MDBF will typically award 5 general operating support grants to nonprofit organizations that further our grantmaking goals. Both developing nonprofits and established organizations are eligible for these grants. All organizations must have a primary focus on the Arts Education.

Grants amounts range from $5,000 - $10,000 a year for each organization. MDBF has a finite budget and may not be able to fund the full amount requested. If your application moves forward, MDBF staff will work with your organization to determine the actual requested amount. Please know there is no penalty for requesting the maximum amount at the LOI stage.

Nonprofit and community organizations near Enbridge operations can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for projects that enhance safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Focused on community safety, youth development, social services, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous initiatives, Enbridge invites eligible groups in Chatham County, North Carolina to apply for donations, sponsorships, or in-kind support.