Best Durham County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion, in partnership with Pentair, aims to support schools in enhancing their engineering curriculum for the 2026-2027 academic year. This grant, totaling $15,000, is designated for expanding existing PLTW Engineering courses, training additional educators, or introducing new courses. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions located in key areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Milwaukee, ensuring broader access to quality engineering education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dick and Betty Cawein, who established the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In nearly 48 years of marriage, Dick and Betty Cawein had 28 different addresses but they found their way back to the place they really loved, their hometown of Muskegon. After a career in the Navy, Dick was a shop teacher at Mona Shores. Betty was involved with St. Jean?s Church and the Muskegon Garden Club, but they both felt very strongly about education. Dick passed away in 1993 and Betty in 2015, but their love for Muskegon and their passion for education lives on in the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund, created with a bequest from Betty?s trust. It will help support students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree who are doing two years at MCC and then going on to one of Michigan's public colleges/universities or Notre Dame or Duke.

Purpose of the Fund

This fund provides timely assistance to residents and nonprofits in Orange, Durham, Johnston, and Wake counties when a crisis interrupts everyday life. Grounded in our Invest–Convene–Amplify approach, it strengthens the region’s ability to respond quickly and ensures families and community partners get the help they need without delay. Because it is fueled entirely by donor support, every contribution goes directly to stabilizing neighbors and helping them move forward.

Individuals Experiencing Financial Hardship

Residents in any of the four counties can apply directly.

Eligible support may include housing stability, food access, transportation, or other essential needs created by a crisis.

Award Amount:

Up to $1,000 per approved application.



At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Raymond and Teresa Cioe Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Raymond and Teresa Cioe, who established the Raymond and Teresa Cioe Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Ray and his sisters, Teresa and Angela, lived together and were known as frugal, saving every cent they could. Angela passed away many years ago, Teresa worked for Muskegon Federal Savings and Loan and Ray worked for years at Continental Motors. 'Though never married, the Cioes loved children and had a life-long vision of helping students who chose to receive a faith-based education. Ray left Continental Motors to pursue a degree that would allow him to teach. In 1954, he began teaching at Catholic Central, also serving as the School's business manager, business teacher, athletic director, football, basketball and golf coach. Recognizing Ray's dedicated service to Catholic Central athletics, in 1993 he received the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award. At Teresa's death, the Cioe's estate plan directed that a portion go to the Community Foundation to establish the Raymond and Teresa Cioe Fund which will present scholarships to Muskegon Area students who wish to attend independent colleges such as Notre Dame, Aquinas or Albion.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

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 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.

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.

The NC Sheriffs Association Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarship provides $2,000 annually to North Carolina residents pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Eligible students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and express interest in law enforcement careers. Recipients are prioritized based on their familial connections to law enforcement. This scholarship is administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority for UNC System students and by NC Independent Colleges and Universities for private institutions.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

The Zurn Foundation Grant supports community well-being through financial contributions and volunteer efforts. With a focus on Basic Needs, Education, and Environment, the Foundation aims to enhance quality of life by providing essentials, promoting STEM education, and protecting natural resources. Organizations applying for this grant should align with these pillars to foster positive community impact. Applications must be submitted by May 1 for the July meeting or by November 1 for the January meeting.

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.

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.

The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) offers funding for projects focused on community engagement and stewardship aimed at enhancing environmental literacy and volunteerism in the Albemarle-Pamlico region. Grants typically range from $40,000 to $80,000, supporting initiatives that foster stewardship, promote outdoor experiences, and address environmental inequities, ensuring diverse community involvement in protecting local ecosystems.

The Seaboard Foundation Grant aims to enhance education, ensure food security, and foster animal welfare in communities where Seaboard operates. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a U.S. Federal Tax ID. The Foundation's mission is broad, allowing for flexibility in focus and grant-making activities as determined by its Board of Directors. Applications are encouraged to be submitted early, adhering to the specified deadlines for consideration.

Responsive Grantmaking

We anticipate awarding 20-30 nonprofits the opportunity to participate in scenario planning in partnership with Community Wealth Partners, a trusted consultant. Building on 20+ years of experience supporting nonprofit leaders through complex challenges, Community Wealth Partners designed this program to meet nonprofits where they are, accounting for shifting conditions, limited capacity, and the need for practical tools that build long-term resilience.

Scenario planning supports nonprofits by helping manage uncertainty, envisioning new opportunities, identifying unexpected threats, and building organizational resilience.

Program Goals

• Support established Triangle nonprofits to maintain their capacity through a period of organizational change so they can continue providing core services and strategize how to best remain agile, innovative, and responsive to community needs moving forward. 
• Understand and promote promising tools and practices to support nonprofits through a period of significant organizational change. 

Scenario Planning Activities: (Anticipated to occur over a +/- 3-month period)

• Virtual Workshops: Three 90-minute sessions guiding participants through a five-step process, with real-time application to their organization’s challenges and space to complete their own scenario plan.
• Coaching: Up to 3 hours of individualized coaching support to help leaders work through the steps of the scenario planning process with hands-on guidance in decision-making.

Grantmaking

• Opportunities for a general operating grant up to $10,000 will be based on participation in the scenario planning cohort.
• The Foundation hopes funding to support participation and/or activities to implement scenario plans.

This initiative is designed to foster long-term financial resilience and sustainability. By going “beyond the grant,” the Foundation aims to provide comprehensive support and invest in strong, resilient, sustainable nonprofits.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in implementing PLTW Launch modules, fostering equitable opportunities for students. With a commitment to enroll at least 50% of students from the Free and Reduced Lunch program, the program focuses on real-world skills development to prepare youth for future challenges. The goal is to empower one million students by 2030.

The National Humanities Center offers fellowships designed to support scholars engaged in advanced humanities research. These fellowships are open to applicants from various academic backgrounds, including the natural and social sciences, who have a doctorate or equivalent credentials. The Center provides resources for both year- and semester-long projects, aiming to generate new knowledge and understanding of cultural expression and human thought. Fluency in English and a strong scholarly record are essential for eligibility.

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 PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The Fidelity Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that aim for high impact in areas like Arts, Education, and Health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with operating budgets over $1 million and project budgets of at least $100,000. The foundation seeks transformative projects that enhance efficiency and sustainability. However, it does not fund start-up organizations, capital campaigns without prior support, or emergency funding, ensuring a focus on long-term effectiveness.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. By 2030, they intend to assist 1 million youth through inclusive educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW Gateway units, promoting real-world skill development. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate need and ensure student enrollment in these programs, fostering a strong foundation for future success.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, in partnership with Pentair, supports schools in implementing the PLTW Computer Science program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course and report on their progress for one year. The total award amount is $20,000, aimed at covering fees for participation, training, and necessary equipment, ensuring that students gain essential skills in the field of computer science.