Best Clay County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Evergreen Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations in Western North Carolina that provide essential services for individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Established in 1977, the Foundation allocates funding through a competitive grant process, typically issuing 25 to 30 grants annually. Eligible applicants include agencies serving these populations and those with 501(c)(3) status. Priorities include infrastructure support, education, and advocacy, ensuring vital services reach the communities in need.

Graduating high school seniors in Clay County, North Carolina and other western counties can apply for The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s regional scholarships, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for college costs. Eligible students must attend a qualifying WNC public high school or registered home school, or select statewide residential schools.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Clay County, North Carolina can seek $10,000 - $25,000 for social and healthcare services, education, or natural resources, cultural, and animal welfare programs. With a mission to support Western North Carolina residents, Walnut Cove Members Association provides competitive project funding for program costs, staff, scholarships, and essential equipment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Clay County, North Carolina can seek up to US $20,000 for workforce development, K-12 energy education, climate resiliency, and economic mobility projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Duke Energy Foundation provides rolling, program-specific funding that requires measurable outcomes and serves areas within Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas service territories.

Graduating high school seniors in Clay County, North Carolina seeking academic scholarships to attend a four-year NC college or university can access funding through the Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina offers the renewable Harry W. Clarke Award, providing US $2,000 and potential support for up to four years of study.

N.C. Forest Service - Timber Loss Relief Program

Program Overview

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture block grant to support Hurricane Helene recovery. Part of these disaster recovery funds will be administered by the N.C. Forest Service through a new Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP). TLRP funds will be used to partially compensate eligible woodland owners for the value of timber loss as a result of Hurricane Helene. 

Nonprofit organizations working on housing, education, economic opportunity, or health and wellness in Western North Carolina, including Clay County, can seek flexible operating and capacity-building support through the Stronger Organizations Grants. With a mission to strengthen regional wellbeing, Dogwood Health Trust provides aligned organizations with US $50,000 - US $700,000 to support operations, infrastructure, and long-term stability.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing study at an accredited North Carolina two-year community college in Clay County and the wider 29-county Western North Carolina region can receive US $1,000 in renewable scholarship support. Grants from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina help fund the Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs – William A. Hart Award.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Clay County, North Carolina at high risk of terrorist or extremist attack can seek up to US $200,000 for physical security enhancements and related preparedness activities. North Carolina Emergency Management administers this DHS/FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding for target hardening, planning, equipment, training, and exercises.

The Joanna Cornerstone Ministries Scholarship Fund, established by Joanna Cornerstone Ministries, focuses on supporting high school seniors from Cherokee, Clay, or Graham counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must be legal residents planning to attend an accredited college or vocational school full-time. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. This initiative is part of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's broader commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the region.

The Women's Fund of North Carolina, a program of the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of women and girls across the state through grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. This fund prioritizes organizations that address diverse needs and challenges faced by women, especially those led by marginalized populations. Grant decisions are made by a committee, and applicants are notified within 90 days after the application deadline.

The Rural Arts Initiative Grant Program, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities. The program encourages access to the arts through scholarships, community engagement, and innovative activities. Priority is given to organizations located in areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that artistic opportunities are available to both adults and children. Applications are accepted for one year of funding, with potential for up to three consecutive years.

Clay County, North Carolina public school districts needing capital funding for K–12 facilities can access funding through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; awards range from US $30,000,000 - US $50,000,000 for major projects. Eligible lower-wealth counties can use grants for new school construction, additions, repairs, and renovations, with required local matching funds and priority for projects addressing critical facility deficiencies.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - North Carolina

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofits, government, and religious entities in rural Clay County, North Carolina can seek short-term funding to advance community-improving ideas, projects, or organizational growth. Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation’s Community Progress Fund offers US $20,000 - US $60,000 to build on existing momentum, test new approaches, or expand promising, community-led efforts in North Carolina’s rural counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, local government units, public schools, and eligible fire and rescue departments in Clay County, North Carolina can apply for North Carolina Community Foundation’s competitive community grants, awarding US $500 - US $1,000 for general operating or program/project support. Funds must be used within one year and cannot support individuals, capital campaigns, or political activities.

Nonprofits, government units, tribal governments, schools, and qualifying organizations in Clay County, North Carolina can seek funding to launch, grow, or scale youth and young adult well-being programs. Nantahala Health Foundation provides up to US $50,000 for collaborative projects improving education access, healthcare access, and career pathways for underserved youth.

Professional artists in any discipline in Clay County, North Carolina can seek funding for artist training and development projects, including new work, equipment, travel, and professional development. Focused on artist growth, North Carolina Arts Council invites eligible artists in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties to apply for US $500 - US $1,000 in support.

Clay County, North Carolina nonprofits improving technology access and digital literacy can access funding through Dogwood Health Trust to expand high-speed internet use and skills. Grants of US $20,000 - US $500,000 support device distribution, digital skills training, supportive applications, and affordable internet access, with participation in the WNC Digital Navigator Network.

The CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black Appalachian storytelling. This fellowship honors those who embody the history and culture of African Americans in the region. Each year, fellows are recognized at the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, receiving awards crafted by Dr. Dena Jennings. The program fosters a deeper understanding of these traditions and invites fellows to share their stories at future events.

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 Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) was established by Governor Josh Stein’s Executive Order No. 3, to oversee the rebuilding of homes destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Helene and to coordinate and lead efforts to revitalize the economy of western North Carolina.

Commercial District Revitalization Program

The Renew NC Commercial District Revitalization Program is for eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations to revitalize designated commercial districts damaged by Hurricane Helene. Encouraging economic opportunities, while supporting the recovery of commercial areas, is essential to ensuring that commercial tenants, customers, and jobs are restored. By facilitating the return of commercial districts and businesses to profitability, jobs will be created or retained within the community and residents will continue to have access to the products and services they need within their local community. Priority is initially given to projects located within HUD-identified MID areas. 

The Women for Women Grant aims to enhance the lives of women and girls in Western North Carolina through collective giving. With over $5 million invested since 2006, the grant supports programs focused on self-sufficiency for economically disadvantaged women, including workforce training, mentorship, and childcare access. Organizations can receive funding ranging from $15,000 to $125,000 based on project needs, fostering equity and dismantling discriminatory systems in the community.

The CFHC: Perry N. Rudnick Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Henderson County, promoting collaboration and enhancing community impact. Established in 2001, the fund has awarded over $4.3 million in grants to more than 125 organizations. The foundation encourages proposals that address community needs, focus on prevention, and demonstrate sustainability. With assets exceeding $6.3 million, the Perry N. Rudnick Endowment remains committed to empowering nonprofits to fulfill their missions effectively.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Human Services and Education Grant, offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, provides up to $25,000 to support programs addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and educational initiatives. Grants aim to enhance early childhood development, K-12 education, and adult learning opportunities. Eligible organizations must serve specific WNC counties and demonstrate sustainability. However, the fund does not cover general operating expenses or support for capital projects. This grant cycle encourages impactful community-focused projects.