Search Through Environmental Education Grants in North Carolina in the U.S.

Cannon Foundation Grant

The Cannon Foundation was established in 1943 by Charles A. Cannon, President and CEO of Cannon Mills Company. The Foundation continues his philanthropic legacy by funding capital and equipment projects for organizations across Mr. Cannon’s home state of North Carolina.

Areas of Focus

• Healthcare
  • Non-profit hospitals serving rural areas, hospices, federally qualified health centers and free clinics can be considered. Organizations serving special needs populations as well as mental health and substance use disorders in North Carolina can also be considered. Projects can range from medical equipment to construction or renovation of buildings or building infrastructure.
• Higher Education
  • The Foundation supports private colleges, community colleges serving Tier 1 or 2 counties and small public colleges across North Carolina. Projects that construct or renovate buildings or building infrastructure are considered as well as training equipment. Rural public libraries with capital needs may also apply.
• Human Services
  • Organizations that meet basic needs or help individuals escape the cycle of violence or poverty may apply for their capital or equipment needs, especially if they help in underserved parts of North Carolina. Projects can range from new roofs or HVAC systems to construction or renovation of buildings. 
• Community
  • A smaller number of grants are made for capital or equipment projects for organizations serving veterans, promoting the arts and providing historic or environmental preservation services in North Carolina. 

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

Local Impact Grants

The Duke Energy Foundation is focused on strengthening and uplifting communities throughout North Carolina with grant funding. We accept grant applications for $20,000 and less throughout the year on a rolling basis for the focus areas describe below.

Vibrant Economies

• Workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy economy, with a focus on underrepresented populations
• Community revitalization and local economic development efforts
• Economic recovery for customers and communities facing unprecedented challenges
• Energy and engineering education for K-12 students and teachers

Climate Resiliency

• Environmental projects supporting land conservation; clean water; and biodiversity of plant and animal species
• Environmental resiliency projects that prepare communities for and mitigate against the effects of climate change
• Natural disaster preparedness and response
• Projects strengthening thriving natural environments, including access to green space, in historically underserved communities.

Opportunity and Inclusion

• Programs supporting a just transition for communities moving toward cleaner energy infrastructure
• Initiatives supporting upward mobility for families and individuals in the communities we serve
• Programs reducing structural barriers and promoting access to opportunity for underserved communities

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

Who We Are

The Block Foundation is a small family foundation established in 2001 to honor the memories of Harris & Frances Block and their daughter Carol Block Maurer. We are a small, family operated foundation whose ideological makeup reflects our family values.

Mission

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation seeks equitable solutions to social and environmental problems, working with small and emerging organizations to improve our communities and impact the world.

Values

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation holds as values:

Community: Where change begins and grows to scale.

Justice: Both social and environmental.

Equality: Aspiring towards a society that honors the potential of all humans.

Access: Equitable access to systems, resources, and opportunities.

Sustainability: Both social and environmental.

What We Fund

The Block Foundation supports small grassroots not-for-profit organizations with grants that work to foster just and sustainable communities.

Environmental Issues

• Environmental Education
• Environmental Justice

Food and Farm Initiatives

• Farm and Garden Programs
• Farmworker’s Rights
• Food Justice

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Vision

The Educational Foundation of America is a family foundation that envisions a society in which every person has a meaningful voice in an inclusive democracy, with unrestricted access to full reproductive freedom, and lives in creative, thriving communities on a healthy, regenerative planet. 

Mission

The Educational Foundation of America advances progressive change through support for creative initiatives working toward sustainability, justice, and equity. 

Values

The Educational Foundation of America believes in strategic grantmaking and impact investing that:

• Collaborate with communities and causes seeking structural change
• Support innovative ideas and talented leaders
• Take risks to achieve results 
• Invest in people, places, and organizations underserved by philanthropy

Our Approach

The Educational Foundation of America is working to fulfill its mission using a two-pronged approach:

Effective Grantmaking

Philanthropy is our primary tool for driving positive change. EFA funds innovative nonprofit groups working nationally, regionally, and locally. We also serve as a partner in advocacy, policy work, and community engagement for our grantees. 

Impact Investing

Our second tool allows us to scale our social and environmental impact. We are a proud leader in the impact investing movement. In the early 90s, EFA was one of the first private foundations to begin screening its investments using Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria to guarantee those investments aligned with our core values. Building on our commitment to ensure that our portfolio supports, rather than dilutes, our grantmaking goals, our investments became 100% fossil-fuel free in 2015. That year EFA was also one of the original signatories to the Divest-Invest Movement, actively avoiding fossil fuel investments and instead seeking out forward-thinking companies leading the clean energy revolution. Our assets have grown as a result of this strategic shift. (To learn more, read this report by the Croatan Institute, which features EFA as a case study.)  Furthermore, we are engaged shareholders. By owning shares in public companies, EFA is able to raise environmental, social, and corporate governance issues with management. We do this through productive dialogue or by filing shareholder resolutions.

Making Democracy Work

EFA’s Make Democracy Work Program endeavors to repair and protect the pillars of a free, fair, and transparent democratic system with a focus on protecting and expanding voting access. Two examples of early grantmaking were providing support to the fight for fair districts in North Carolina and the work to re-enfranchise returning citizens in Florida.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Mission

We are a public foundation created to serve southern communities and organizations seeking social, economic, and environmental justice by providing them with financial resources, opportunities for technical assistance and training, and access to systems of information and power. 

Purpose

Develop and nurture grassroots community-based leaders and organizers. Build the capacity of their organizations. Strengthen rural communities and people. Develop equitable peer relationships, which support real transformation toward a just society.

Our Values

Using a grassroots perspective, we believe that culture is the essence of its people and should be valued, shared and preserved in the process. 

We must build our strength and unity by incorporating standards of integrity, respect, love, diversity, quality and interconnectedness.

Please note over the next four years SPF will focus on three primary issue areas in its grantmaking: Education Reform; Immigration Rights; and Voter Engagement

The Discretionary Fund

Existing grantee partners as well as organizations new to SPF may apply for funding. All applicants should fall within the scope of the SPF mission and guidelines: grassroots community organizing for economic, social and environmental justice, in rural communities in the South.

Discretionary support includes (not limited to) grants for capacity building, community organizing events and/or activities, and voter engagement activities. There are three primary funding areas within discretionary

• General Discretionary: community organizing activities or small projects that aim to create change in SPF’s 12-state region.
• Technical Assistance: capacity building, strategic planning, organizational development, trainings and technology upgrades.
• Travel Assistance: conference travel and participation or civic engagement activities.

Discretionary fund resources are limited. Organizations may submit a maximum of two requests per year for a total reward of $3,500 per year.  

Our Vision

For more than 25 years, the Dakota Foundation has sought to combine business discipline and charitable intentions to solve social problems. With grants and program-related investments (PRIs) we take an investment approach: we want the total social return of our investments to be higher than the cost.

In doing so, we hope to foster organizations and activities that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. We help people invest in themselves to improve their economic condition and those of their families and communities. This mission stems from our values: self-reliance, personal responsibility, human dignity, equal opportunity, and the preservation of life and beauty on our earth.

General Rules of Thumb

The Dakota Foundation generally makes PRIs with non-profit groups whose programs empower people and increase their control over their own economic destinies. For more information about our PRIs, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .

The Dakota Foundation opposes unlawful or unfair discrimination in all its activities, and our resources are available to organizations that serve their constituencies without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or national origin. 

We support organizations that collaborate with other community groups to create bottoms up solutions to common issues. It is important to us that a project or program is sustainable, scalable, and that benchmarks and indicators are in place to ensure meaningful and measurable results. 

Requests We Encourage

While not limited to the list below, we offer the following suggestions of partnerships we have supported in the past and hope to support again in the future. This list is not exhaustive, but is provided to be representative of the spirit of the requests we are likely to consider:

• Entrepreneurial endeavors with high social impact
• Programs that develop education or specific job training that empowers individuals to become more economically self-sufficient
• Programs supporting improved employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged members of the community

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Research & Education Grant

Southern SARE is requesting pre-proposals for either Systems Research Projects or for Education Projects and Activities that address issues of sustainable agriculture of current and potential importance to the region and the nation.

Maximum funding amount for Systems Research Projects is $400,000, and maximum funding amount for Education Projects and Activities is $50,000. Pre-proposals with smaller funding requests are welcomed and encouraged.

Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Proposed projects must focus on Southern SARE’s program objectives in developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing farming systems toward sustainability, as defined by the Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. Under that law, “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

• Satisfy human food and fiber needs;
• Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
• Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and
• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

Glass Foundation Grant

The Glass Foundation is a private family foundation based in Asheville, NC and was created in 2000 by Kenneth E. and Nancy J. Glass. The Foundation believes in helping the Western North Carolina region thrive as a whole community educationally, environmentally, and culturally and offer a distinctive quality of life.

The overall vision of the Foundation is to enable Western North Carolina to realize a vision of itself as a premier place to both live and work by making the region a center of high quality educational opportunity; helping to preserve a diverse array of natural resources; and by maintaining a rich cultural and historical heritage.

The Foundation also provides philanthropic support on behalf of the TECT Family of Businesses owned by Kenneth E. Glass and family. 

What We Will Fund

• Capital Campaigns (Requests up to $200,000)
• Construction and Renovation Expenses (Requests up to $100,000)
• Program Supplies or Equipment (Requests up to $50,000)

Only projects in the Western North Carolina region of the United States are considered. Charlotte and the surrounding counties are not considered Western North Carolina.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Our Mission

The Clabough Foundation aims to promote and improve the conservancy and stewardship of natural resources, and to promote and foster regional arts and cultural offerings, by aiding public and private organizations involved in such activities specifically in the areas of North Carolina and Oregon described below.

Areas of Focus:

We like to fund projects and groups who create positive change that encompass the broadest public benefit within their communities in these areas:

• Social Services
• Community-based Programs
• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Environmental Stewardship

The Clabough Foundation is a private foundation that distributes grants in support of nonprofit organizations whose activities promote the mission of the Foundation. The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting recreational and educational endeavors with a cultural, environmental or other similar focus.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Our History

Andy has spent a lifetime developing and building sustainable communities. He has expertise in regulatory guidelines, leveraging money, and visionary leadership. His integrity and work ethic have produced communities that continue to thrive on their own beyond his personal or business involvement, both economically and aesthetically. His patience and appreciation for nature come from years of working with recreational athletic teams and hunting in remote areas.

Jan has spent a lifetime in community service with a focus on responsible, fiducially sound leadership practices. Her consensus-building leadership style has developed through involvement in educational cultural arts initiatives, public park and environmental endeavors, and church leadership. Her creative vision coupled with her ability to appreciate and empower volunteers has helped reshape the groups and organizations she has been a part of.

Together, Andy and Jan have raised three children in the Wake County Public School System, always conscious of building community through consistent involvement in Parent-Teacher Associations, church, youth sports leagues, the local business community, and civic organizations. They are North Carolina natives with a global perspective drawn from extensive travel, both nationally and internationally.

Jandy is based on the biblical foundation where two come together to make one. The name is a visual representation of how they have partnered their life for their children and how they would like to partner with groups in the future. They believe in hard work, personal responsibility, integrity to the project and process, avoiding missed opportunities, and doing their absolute best with the resources they’ve been given.

They’ve now created a family Foundation, blending their talents together, to build a Foundation that inspires emulation based on the best of Jandy – Andy’s vision to leave lasting community assets and Jan’s creativity in bringing volunteers together. They intend to provide resources for like-minded Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) public charities that will share in their mission and help further creative visionary volunteer groups with their capital projects.

Mission and Focus

Jan and Andy Ammons established The Jandy Ammons Foundation in November 2012. The foundation’s mission is to improve local communities through innovative, project-driven endeavors that will enhance wildlife habitats, park settings, educational surroundings, artistic installations, or Christian church mission projects.

Grant Focus

The foundation focuses on specific “shovel ready” standalone projects, including the following:

• Wildlife/conservation/hunting projects
• Educational projects
• Artistic installations
• Christian church mission endeavors
• Park settings/community areas
• Other organizations and projects uniquely within the scope of the Foundation’s mission

Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

Grants from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation are distributed in four focus areas (human needs, environmental stewardship, education, community vitality) and are limited to organizations defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

Grant applications will be accepted online during two annual grant cycles, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Funding

Most grant awards range from $1,000 to $15,000, while higher amounts may be awarded when a program is an exceptional fit. We often receive funding requests far in excess of our Foundation budget. Regrettably we must often decline support for otherwise worthy proposals. Such a response does not reflect on Dominion Energy's view of the value of the organization or its services.

CWMTF receives a direct appropriation from the General Assembly in order to issue grants to local governments, state agencies and conservation non-profits to help finance projects that specifically address water pollution problems. The nine-member CWMTF Board of Trustees has responsibility over the allocation of moneys from the Fund.

To carry out the mandate set by legislation, CWMTF provides grant funds for the following purposes:

• enhance or restore degraded waters
• protect unpolluted waters
• contribute toward a network of riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational benefits
• provide buffers around military bases
• acquire land that represents the ecological diversity of North Carolina
• acquire land that contributes to the development of a balanced State program of historic properties

It is clear that in order to maintain the level of water quality, ecological diversity, and historical values that North Carolinians deserve and expect, we must accomplish more than we would be able to do with traditional programs alone. The potential for this initiative is immense; but -- if North Carolina is to truly capitalize on the opportunity -- it ultimately depends upon local communities and organizations to develop creative proposals which will protect and restore our resources.

Type of Projects 

Land Acquisition

The Land Acquisition Program includes the acquisition of land in fee or conservation easements for the following purposes:

• protecting and conserving riparian buffers for the purpose of providing environmental protection for surface waters and urban drinking water supplies and establishing a network of riparian greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational uses
• protecting and conserving surface waters and enhancing drinking water supplies, including the development of water supply reservoirs
• providing buffers around military bases or for State matching funds for the REPI
• conserving land that represents the ecological diversity of NC
• preserving land that contributes to the development of a balanced State program of historic properties

Stream Restoration Projects

CWMTF funds restoration projects to enhance or restore degraded waters and to protect downstream natural resources such as drinking water supplies, fisheries and recreation opportunities. The intent is to restore previously degraded lands to re-establish their ability to protect water quality. To date, the majority of eligible applications have taken the form of stream restoration projects, particularly natural channel designs. However, other approaches to restoring impaired waters include riparian wetland enhancement, floodplain and streambank enhancements, and estuarine shoreline erosion control.

Innovative Stormwater Projects

CWMTF can consider funding innovative stormwater projects that demonstrate a novel and untried method to water quality at the project site and how it would contribute to achieving CWMTF’s goal of advancing stormwater-management practices for water quality. Any proposed innovative stormwater project application should contain a clear description of the methods to be tested and discuss how results from such a pilot test can be successfully transferred to other North Carolina sites with similar water issues or problems.

Planning Projects

CWMTF may fund planning efforts that develop potential projects that: 

• enhance or restore degraded waters,
• protect unpolluted waters, 
• contribute toward a network of riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational benefits,
• provide buffers around military bases to protect the military mission,
• acquire land that represents the ecological diversity of North Carolina,
• acquire land that contributes to the development of a balanced State program of historic properties, or
• facilitate innovative efforts to improve stormwater treatment.

Any proposed planning application should contain a clear outline and vision of the plan to be produced and clearly define the purpose and goals for any work that would be implemented following the planning project. 

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) is accepting project proposals for environmental projects that increase citizen stewardship, volunteerism, and environmental literacy within the Albemarle-Pamlico region. Up to a total of $40,000 in funds may be awarded to two or more projects, not to exceed $20,000 each. Projects will be funded for one year and may be funded for up to three years, contingent on availability of APNEP funds and current program priorities.

Goal:

Through targeted education, engagement, and communications efforts, APNEP and its partners will encourage citizens to reduce their environmental impacts and provide meaningful opportunities to protect and restore the ecosystem. APNEP is committed to educating both children and adults about the rich resources found throughout the Albemarle-Pamlico region, with the purpose of increasing knowledge about the ecosystem and equipping the region’s citizens with the skills to effectively approach environmental issues. The Partnership is committed to addressing environmental inequities by viewing our funding processes through the lens of increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the region.

State-Level Systemic Change Strategy

For decades, ZSR has supported positive changes to state-level systems and structures to ensure that North Carolina is a place where all people can thrive. This commitment is rooted in and driven by our mission and our core values. Over the years, our grantees have made significant gains for all North Carolinians, but we still have much to do together. Therefore, we remain committed to state-level systemic change. We desire for ALL North Carolinians to have access to high-quality public education, to benefit from a healthy and sustainable environment, to enjoy economic opportunity under just and fair rules and to be able to engage fully in civic life.

Our Vision

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation believes that all of North Carolina benefits when every North Carolinian has the resources and opportunities to achieve their full potential and when each person’s worth and dignity is affirmed. Therefore, we desire for ALL North Carolinians to have access to high-quality education, to benefit from a healthy and sustainable environment, to enjoy economic opportunity under just and fair rules and to be able to engage fully in civic life.

Our Strategy

We recognize that there are systemic and structural barriers in place, particularly regarding race, that disadvantage some North Carolinians from realizing this vision, even as they advantage others. Therefore, the Foundation, consistent with our core values, seeks to partner with others to help change state-level systems in ways that overcome those barriers and thereby help improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians. In particular, we believe that working together across issues, approaches and populations is necessary to create systemic change.*

• *By “state-level systemic change,” we mean something different than reform or piecemeal policy change. Rather, we seek to support efforts aimed at making “fundamental change in policies, processes, relationships and power structures, as well as values and norms” that impair the quality of life for North Carolinians.

We will support grantees using one or more approaches, including, but not limited to:

• Advocacy 
• Applied Research 
• Communications/Digital Media 
• Leadership Development 
• Legal/Litigation 
• Organizing/Mobilizing 
• Training/Education 

We will give particular emphasis to work targeted at improving opportunities and outcomes for populations who have been historically marginalized, subjected to systemic discrimination, or excluded from full participation in society, including, but not limited to:

• Immigrants 
• People who are LGBTQIA+
• Individuals with low income
• People of Color
• Women 
• Young People 

The Foundation seeks to help build the capacity of its grantees in this strategy to work better together in service of the above-stated vision.

ZSR'S Four Priority Areas

As part of ZSR's State-Level Systemic Change Strategy, we focus on four priority areas that are integral to achieving this state-level vision. We recognize that each of these four areas intersect in multiple ways, and look for approaches that not only strengthen each, but also work holistically within and across them.​

Advancing Public Education

Consistent with the Foundation’s mission and core values, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation believes that children in North Carolina should have equitable, universal access to high quality public education that develops the full potential of each child. Access to high quality early childhood education and k-12 public education is a foundation block of democracy and is essential for the future economic sustainability, prosperity and ongoing vitality of our state and its communities. The Foundation further believes that children are best prepared to live, work and lead in our increasingly diverse state if schools are racially, ethnically and economically diverse and if schools value the individual experiences and contributions of each student.

Consequently, the Foundation supports efforts that:

• build the public will to support and strengthen North Carolina’s public systems of education, including early childhood education through high school*;
• build the capacity of these systems for continuous improvement; and
• advance educational equity. 

Through this grantmaking strategy, the Foundation funds work that is focused on state-level systemic change.

Fostering a Healthy and Sustainable Environment

The Foundation believes that lasting state-level systemic change is most likely to be achieved and sustained through the combined efforts of networks of local, regional and statewide organizations working with different constituencies; using multiple strategies and approaches; and working together towards common or aligned goals. One of the priority areas for the SLSC Strategy is Fostering a Healthy and Sustainable Environment, which, with the exception of a couple modifications, has been described as follows since 2018:

• Consistent with the Foundation’s mission and core values, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation seeks to improve the lives of all North Carolinians by preventing harm to, ensuring access to, and enhancing the resilience of the natural systems that sustain life.
  • The Foundation believes healthy natural systems are deeply connected to human health, economic security, and community resilience. In addition, because low-income communities and communities of color shoulder a disproportionate share of environmental hazards, the Foundation places a special emphasis on promoting solutions that address ongoing injustice.
• Consequently, the Foundation supports local, regional and/or statewide efforts that:
  • prevent and mitigate the impacts of climate change;
  • ensure healthy air and water quality and water quantity;
  • promote access to the green economy;
  • address the impact of environmental hazards on human health; and
  • protect significant ecosystems while meeting the growth demands of the state in environmentally sound ways.
• Through this grantmaking strategy, the Foundation funds work that is focused on state-level systemic change. For a healthy environment across the state, the Foundation recognizes that some of its environmental investments may need to focus locally and/or regionally within the state.

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities across North Carolina continue to be significantly impacted by the layered effects of climate change, polluting industries and systemic racism. To ensure our environmental grantmaking is more inclusive, balanced and equitable, the Foundation will seek to target more organizations that center communities that are most directly impacted by environmental injustices. This will include allocating a portion of funding to these types of organizations.

We will work to build trusting relationships particularly with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) led and centered organizations, listening and engaging with communities and BIPOC-led organizations, and shifting power and resources to directly impacted communities. These are organizations that have been doing the work for decades, yet philanthropy has under-funded or not funded them at all.

At the same time, we will continue supporting environmental partners that play unique and critical roles in systems change and continue seeking to center racial justice and be equitable partners with directly impacted communities. This will include funding these types of organizations. We believe that supporting these organizations, as well as supporting new grantee partners that center communities that are most directly impacted by environmental injustices, will contribute to a vibrant and aligned systemic change infrastructure by transforming power structures and sharing resources to build equitable networks, collaborations, alliances and coalitions.

As we embark in this new direction for our environmental grantmaking, we will continue to operationalize a racial equity lens in ZSR’s work, including, but not limited to, building relationships; closing access gaps to resources, power and infrastructure; modifying language; and strengthening grassroots BIPOC infrastructure. Further, while we will continue to support efforts in the Fostering a Healthy and Sustainable Environment priority area, our new direction includes greater focus on:

• Organizations and networks strengthening the ability of directly impacted communities to shape the decisions and systems that affect their lives.
• Funding Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) led and centered organizations.
• Funding organizations already working at the intersection of issues, including climate, environmental and energy justice, and democracy issues. (We define “democracy” here as strengthening the ability of people to shape the systems that affect their lives).
• Supporting ground-up, decentralized, and interconnected networks.
• Strengthening the capacity of organizations and networks.
• Supporting work that promotes shifting control of energy, land and labor to communities, such as increasing community-owned energy and green economic development, and community control, ownership and stewardship of land.

Promoting Social and Economic Justice

Consistent with the Foundation’s mission and core values, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation believes it is critical to help change systems and structures that have often made it harder for populations who have been historically marginalized, subjected to discrimination, or excluded from full participation in society to thrive. Structural oppression is pervasive across all kinds of systems, sometimes in ways that are explicit and overt, but more often in ways that are implicit and less conscious. The Foundation also recognizes that North Carolinians are impacted by multiple intersecting systems simultaneously, not just one system or issue at a time. 

Consequently, the Foundation anticipates supporting efforts that aim to remove structural barriers to North Carolinians being able to create a better life for themselves and their families. While this work can take many forms, the Foundation is especially interested in work that seeks to:

• address the economic impacts and racial disparities of the criminal justice system;
• embrace and expand the contributions of and opportunities for immigrants;
• advance reproductive justice*; and
• ensure that all North Carolinians have the chance to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The Foundation will consider applications for other social and economic justice work, as well, but special emphasis will be placed on the above-mentioned areas and their intersections. 

Through this grantmaking strategy, the Foundation funds work that is focused on state-level systemic change. 

Strengthening Democracy

Consistent with the Foundation’s mission and core values, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation believes the quality of life of the people of North Carolina depends, in large part, on an informed and involved populace that is able to exercise its individual rights and come together for a common purpose. The Foundation aims to strengthen democracy by ensuring that public institutions and processes are effective, transparent, accountable, accessible and inclusive. The Foundation is especially interested in removing barriers that prevent civic participation among populations who have been historically marginalized, subjected to discrimination, or excluded from full participation in society. Furthermore, the Foundation recognizes that our government institutions only work well if people have enough credible information on which to base decisions, know how to make their voices heard, and if there are diverse leaders willing to serve the public good. 

Consequently, the Foundation supports efforts that:

• inform the populace about government policies, practices and issues;
• improve the public’s ability to analyze media;
• protect and promote just and fair elections;
• strengthen voters’ rights and increase participation in government; and
• reduce barriers that limit historically marginalized citizens from serving in office or other public decision-making bodies. 

Through this grantmaking strategy, the Foundation funds work that is focused on state-level systemic change. 

Fall Grant Cycle

Grants made in the Fall are primarily for multi-year, general operating support grants. While there will be exceptions, the standard term for these grants will be three years. Any eligible organization working on state-level systemic change work that is aligned with ZSR’s core values and vision may apply for a grant in the Fall grant cycle. 

About the Foundation

The Harold T. Southern Family Foundation was established in 2014 by the children of Harold Turner Southern and Mildred Formyduval Southern (both deceased), in honor of their parents.

The late Mr. and Mrs. Southern loved the outdoors and spent many hours of their days playing tennis, walking, and gardening. The parents instilled in their children the passion for helping others and giving back to the world we live in. Their hope was to leave the world in a better place for the benefit of future generations.

Mission

To support specific educational institutions through endowments and trust funds in North Carolina and South Carolina. To help grow the game of tennis through youth programming for all in North Carolina and the Southern section. To help protect lands, parks, forests, and waters in western North Carolina on which all life depends in order to promote a healthier lifestyle for future generations.

Grant Guidelines

While the foundation supports multiple program areas, applications are limited to environmental conservation efforts of organizations primarily located in Western North Carolina.

Overview:

Each year, WCMA members complete a survey of funding priorities to guide the WCMA Board in allocating available grant funds, which are raised through membership dues and donations to WCMA’s annual fundraising event. Applications submitted by the deadline and meeting all eligibility requirements are given in-depth review by a committee of WCMA members, carefully considering the application’s measurable impact on WNC residents. Available funding varies each year, and the award process is competitive.

Focus Areas

Social or healthcare services:

Programs that offer food, clothing, shelter or basic needs to underserved individuals or that provide services or support to those in need. Grant requests in this category will provide programs or services to help address the health care, food or shelter needs of low-income individuals. 

Education:

Programs that enhance the educational success and academic achievement of students. Grant requests in this category will address youth education and development or family and parental support services such as after-school programs. Educational programs including summer camps or outdoor/environmental education should be multi-week with defined activities or curriculum and measurable objectives. Programs that are short term “experiences” for the participants, will be afforded less weight in terms of funding.

Natural or Cultural Resources or Animal Welfare:

Programs that support the region’s rich environmental or cultural resources. Animal welfare programs that assist low-income households with costly veterinary expenses such as spay/neuter or similar type programs. Grant requests in this category will address animal welfare, arts and cultural development and enrichment, or developing/enhancing outdoor recreational resources. 

Grant requests may not exceed $25K per organization. Focus area funding caps for 2025:

• Social and Healthcare Services - $25K
• Education - $15K
• Natural or Cultural Resources of Animal Welfare - $10K

Aquatic Weed Control Program

Purpose

The purpose of the Aquatic Weed Control Program is to provide units of local government and residents of North Carolina with resources that will promote the prevention and management of noxious aquatic weed infestations. The philosophy is that by offering assistance and developing partnerships, aquatic weeds will be more efficiently managed across the state.

The two primary objectives are:

• Respond to localized infestations to mitigate the long-term economic and environmental impacts that noxious aquatic weeds impose.
• Reduce the frequency of aquatic weed introductions through education and public awareness.

The philosophy of the program applies to aquatic weed infestations of all sizes. Large-scale projects can be complex and challenging. They may span jurisdictions and require the development of partnerships. Aquatic weed control projects may involve federal, state and local governments as well as non-government organizations and private landowners. The program often serves as a major contributor of funding and provides leadership on large-scale projects. Benefits are realized by offering assistance for small-scale projects as well. Allowing aquatic weeds to persist and spread throughout our waterways only exacerbates the problem.

Women's Impact Fund Grant

Our grantmaking process has two purposes. First, to make high-impact grants to local nonprofit organizations. Second, to train our members as thoughtful philanthropists. We continue to lean into trust-based philanthropy principles and aim to conduct a fair, transparent grantmaking experience.

Program Areas

Women’s Impact Fund makes annual grants in five program areas. Nonprofits must choose in which program area to apply.

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Human Services

Funding Principles

• Builds resilience and/or demonstrates the ability to adapt to changing societal and environmental circumstances
• Reduces disparities in our community
• Increases accessibility
• Responsive to, or aware of, root causes
• Considers racial and/or gender equity
• Serves populations that are underserved or not reached through other resources or organizations

Funding

Grant applications, member vote, and the grant pool size determine recipients and grant amounts. Grants for can range from $10,000 to $100,000. Unlike prior years, WIF is not asking applicants to request a specific funding amount.