Best Durham County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Sammy and Shirley Church Scholarship supports students from Ashe County, NC, including those graduating from the NC School of Science and Math. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, physical vigor, and leadership in various activities. Financial need is considered but not the only criterion. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Ensure to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the donor for successful application.

The Reid Sasnett Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors from Pungo Christian Academy and Beaufort County high schools pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to aid students who exhibit strong character, leadership, and community service, especially those passionate about agriculture and wildlife. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference for volunteer firefighters and Pungo Academy alumni.

The Russell Glenwood Baldwin Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Brunswick County, NC, pursuing higher education in state. Ideal candidates are those from Leland, NC, and those focusing on natural health, nutrition, or organic farming. The scholarship considers character, academic dedication, and financial need. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Preference may be given to students from Pungo Christian Academy or those who have served as volunteer firefighters.

The Scottie W. Cox Memorial Scholarship of NCCCLA supports employees of learning resources centers in North Carolina pursuing advanced degrees in library and information studies. Eligible applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree and be enrolled in accredited programs. This scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026. It aims to enhance professional development in the library sector.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

Climb to Managing Community Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards complete practices and activities to meet the standards to achieve the NCFS U&CF Managing Community designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)

• No eligibility restrictions for municipalities or tribal governments.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 75% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 15% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $50,000 in assistance is available for award of all CPG funded RFAs.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Climb to Managing Community Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards complete practices and activities to meet the standards to achieve the NCFS U&CF Managing Community designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 20% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $5.6 million of assistance is available for award of all IRA funded RFAs.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: Tree Maintenance and Planting Project

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards meet tree maintenance (pruning and removal) and planting needs. This package includes assistance to complete a tree inventory to identify tree maintenance needs and planting sites, develop work plans and complete the tree maintenance and planting. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the two funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 20% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $5.6 million of assistance is available for award of all IRA funded RFAs.

Brian Thiele Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, established by family and friends in memory of Brian Thiele, provides financial assistance to students who exhibit characteristics similar to those for which Brian is so fondly remembered. This includes playing varsity and/or club soccer, achievement of personal and academic goals, overcoming obstacles to meet his goals, competitive spirit, leadership and a special caring for community. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Jecholiah Dinkins Hollar Legacy Scholarship, offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Yadkin County pursuing undergraduate degrees at private colleges in North Carolina. Preference is given to those attending Duke University. Selection is based on academic achievement, moral character, and community service. Established in honor of Jecholiah Dinkins Hollar, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of education and fostering a love of learning for future generations.

The CASL Scholarship Fund in Memory of Lane Meyer, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, awards scholarships to high school seniors actively participating in the Capital Area Soccer League at the Challenge Level or above. Applicants are evaluated on their academic excellence, soccer skills, sportsmanship, and community involvement, reflecting the values exemplified by Lane Meyer. This initiative not only honors Lane's legacy but also fosters leadership and teamwork among young athletes across North Carolina.

The Judy Moore Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports students in nursing programs in North Carolina, emphasizing Judy's commitment to education and community health. The scholarship prioritizes residents of Macon County and considers financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students attending accredited institutions across the state. This scholarship honors Judy's legacy of compassion and dedication to nursing.

The NC Alpha Delta Kappa Student Achievement Scholarship supports North Carolina high school seniors pursuing education degrees. Eligible applicants should have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 and SAT scores ranging from 900 to 1050. The selection committee considers academic performance, community service, integrity, and leadership potential. Applications will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026, providing a valuable opportunity for future educators to advance their studies.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package  (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Climb to Tree City USA Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have not met all the Tree City USA standards complete select urban forestry practices and community forestry activities that are foundational in the management of public trees and to achieve Tree City USA designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 20% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $5.6 million of assistance is available for award of all IRA funded RFAs.

The Computational Mathematics program supports research that integrates computation with mathematical analysis, encouraging innovative algorithm development and application. Proposals may range from individual projects to interdisciplinary teams, focusing on new computational techniques to address significant application challenges. The program also emphasizes training for junior mathematicians through hands-on research. Conference proposals must adhere to strict submission timelines to ensure review and funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within the mathematical sciences.

The Linguistics Program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes fundamental research in human language. It covers various areas including syntax, semantics, and phonetics, encouraging interdisciplinary projects that explore language production, comprehension, and social factors influencing language change. The program welcomes proposals from qualified scholars, including those focusing on endangered languages, while emphasizing the importance of basic research over applied methods. For more details, refer to the NSF's guidelines.

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) focuses on enhancing education and workforce development in food and agricultural sciences. It invites applications for various grants aimed at professional development, non-formal education for youth, community college training, and fellowships for both predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates. The program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, emphasizes the cultivation of skills necessary for the future workforce in agriculture, with multiple deadlines for submissions.

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides expedited funding to assist communities in addressing urgent social needs. This program offers one-time cost-reimbursable grants for service coordination and direct services, especially in response to emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. By streamlining the application process, the RRP empowers local leaders to efficiently support residents in HUD-assisted housing, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology to support innovative research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Sciences. These fellowships aim to cultivate expertise in both fields, enabling scientists to leverage AI for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-system design. The program encourages proposals that utilize existing biological data and infrastructure to enhance discovery and innovation, ultimately benefiting human lives and the U.S. economy.

The Peter S. Slomianyj Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to Subway employees and their children who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 500 work hours over the past year and a GPA of 2.0 in high school or 2.5 in college. Applications for this scholarship will be open from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. It is part of a broader initiative by the North Carolina Community Foundation to support students pursuing education at various institutions.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program invites applications for whole genome sequencing of pediatric cohorts. This initiative aims to explore the genetic basis of childhood cancers and congenital anomalies, enhancing our understanding of their etiology. Researchers are encouraged to propose sequencing methods, including whole genome and exome sequencing, to investigate genetic contributions and associations with cancer risk. The resulting data will be integrated into the Kids First Data Resource for broader research collaboration.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the NIH HEAL initiative to enhance research on joint health and pain. This initiative aims to refine the understanding of joint tissues and pain mechanisms, expand clinical phenotyping, and support preclinical testing of novel therapies. Collaborations among experts in neurobiology, pain science, and rheumatic diseases are encouraged to foster innovative solutions for joint pain management.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at enhancing genomic research through the development and distribution of high-value resources. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts in genomic resource development and the integration of data science in clinical applications. While applications are not currently being accepted, prospective applicants are urged to prepare meaningful collaborations and projects ahead of the formal solicitation.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) aims to cultivate skilled clinician-scientist leaders to meet the nation's biomedical research demands. It supports domestic organizations in developing dual-degree training that integrates clinical and research education, leading to both a clinical degree (e.g., M.D., D.O.) and a Ph.D. Through comprehensive mentoring and career development, MSTP prepares trainees for impactful careers in health-related research, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified scientists.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to either a graduating senior pursuing a post-secondary degree, or a currently matriculating student already so enrolled, who lives in Lackawanna or Wayne county and who is pursuing a degree or certificate in environmental science or a related field.