Best Chatham County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Chatham County, North Carolina can seek up to US $20,000 for workforce development, climate resiliency, environmental projects, and inclusion initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, Duke Energy Foundation provides rolling Local Impact Grants for programs serving communities in its North Carolina service area.

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.

The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation offers grants to PreK-12 education organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. Committed to addressing educational inequities, the foundation supports initiatives that close academic gaps and enhance access to quality arts instruction. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the organization's needs and grant type. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with funding available for both multi-year and one-year projects.

The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation's Arts Grant Program provides multiyear funding to arts nonprofits and PreK-12 education organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 annually, the program focuses on supporting developing and established organizations, emphasizing artistic excellence and community engagement. Eligibility includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This initiative aims to strengthen the cultural sector, foster growth, and enhance the overall well-being of communities through arts programming.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

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.

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.

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.

About Us

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.

Marketing North Carolina as a business and visitor destination is another function of the Department, and to handle this work we contract services from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), a public-private organization established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2014.

North Carolina Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - Demolition Program

Local governments can apply for funding to support demolition projects that result in industrial or commercial sites, using grant funds under the Community Development Block Grant program's Economic Development (ED) category.

Our department holds administrative responsibility for the CDBG program in North Carolina. Our Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) administers the CDBG-ED funds. State rules related to the CDBG program can be found in the North Carolina Administrative Code 4 NCAC 19L and specific ED rules are found at 4 NCAC 1K. Federal funds are made available annually through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Purpose

Under the authority of Title I of the U. S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended), the CDBG demolition program in North Carolina is designed to demolish vacant dilapidated industrial buildings and properties under the elimination of slums and blight national objective. The demolition activity is expected to create a site at which it can reasonably be expected new jobs and private sector investment will locate. Since the demolition activity is qualified under the slums and blight national objective, new job creation with a private employer does not require a legally binding contract. Jobs creation during the demolition phase of the grant should be collected for CDBG reporting purposes.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

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.

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 Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

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 First Horizon Foundation, established by First Horizon National Corp., supports communities in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Since 1993, it has donated over $90 million to enhance lives through grants focused on arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health services. Eligible nonprofits in various cities can apply, while individuals and certain organizations, such as K-12 schools and political groups, are excluded from funding. This foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the regions it serves.

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.

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Luck Companies Foundation Grants aim to foster long-term positive impact in communities through values-based leadership and environmental stewardship. Established to support community growth, the foundation matches donations from associates and provides grants to purpose-driven organizations. It collaborates with local leaders and institutions to turn visions into reality, ensuring that their contributions benefit communities for decades. By reviewing requests quarterly, they prioritize initiatives that align with their mission and emphasize sustainable community development.

The Cary Community Foundation (CCF) offers grants to support economically disadvantaged families in Cary, North Carolina. Established in 2006, CCF operates through the NC Community Foundation and prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $500,000. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,250 and aim to improve local lives by funding specific programs or projects. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt charities and local government units, while ensuring non-discrimination in service provision.