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Search Through Durham County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Tony Robbins Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals and organizations to improve the lives of marginalized communities, including youth, seniors, and the homeless. By providing financial support to aligned nonprofits, the foundation seeks to create impactful changes globally. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or recognized international entities, with a mission statement that resonates with the foundation's goals. The foundation does not fund personal projects or startups.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Fox Family Foundation Grants support local nonprofits in the Durham area, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership and collaboration. The foundation provides multi-year grants for general operating support, capacity projects, and practical needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and located in Durham, Orange, or Wake Counties. Special projects outside primary interests may also receive consideration. The foundation prefers supporting initiatives that benefit the community and foster joint efforts among nonprofits.

The GSK IMPACT Awards in North Carolina honor outstanding nonprofit organizations making a significant impact on community health. This annual program, in partnership with the Triangle Community Foundation, recognizes up to ten organizations for their exemplary contributions to health and wellness. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving community health through innovative and effective programs. Eligible organizations must operate in the Triangle area and meet specific criteria regarding revenue and community impact.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Wake County Community Foundation, part of the North Carolina Community Foundation's grantmaking program, supports charitable organizations across 67 counties. It provides grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 to eligible nonprofits with annual budgets under $500,000, including 501(c)(3) public charities and local government units. The foundation emphasizes community support, education, and assistance for veterans and military families, fostering philanthropy and local engagement.

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.

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.

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.

The Send A Kid To Camp Grant, offered by Triangle Community Foundation, aims to support K-12 students in North Carolina's Triangle region by addressing unfinished academic learning due to pandemic-related disruptions. With grants of $10,000 per year for two years, this initiative focuses on collaborating with local nonprofits to enhance educational opportunities for students facing significant barriers. The program is designed to engage families and provide necessary resources to ensure students meet grade-level expectations.

The Triangle Community Foundation's Education & Youth Grants aim to empower youth aged 5-24 through nonprofit support. Grants of $40,000 over two years will focus on youth-led initiatives, increasing educational completion rates, and facilitating access to post-secondary education. The Foundation seeks to fund up to 15 organizations, emphasizing the importance of youth leadership and community development. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's commitment to fostering future leaders in the Triangle area.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

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.

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.

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.