Best Grants for Preschools in North Carolina

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, and health and human services can apply for monetary program support that benefits communities where Costco operates. Focused on measurable outcomes and community collaboration, the Costco Foundation considers requests with strong evidence-based impact, which may include preschool-related educational initiatives serving local children and families.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Preschools and youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for programs that support children’s health, education, development, and welfare. The Dan Paul Foundation offers grants up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, environmental education, and refugee enrichment for youth.

With a mission to support early-stage social impact innovation, this funder provides North Carolina and global organizations with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital. Eligible applicants include young nonprofit or impact-first for-profit entities tackling major social or environmental challenges with scalable, data-driven models that benefit underserved communities.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for education, crisis response, or economic empowerment in North Carolina can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation. Grants up to Up to US $100,000 support innovative, tech-enabled programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, which may include preschool-focused initiatives that expand educational access and equity.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in North Carolina offering arts or science programs for broad audiences can apply for more than US $100,000 to support program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science programs that measurably benefit young people and underserved communities in the U.S.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

North Carolina preschool and early education organizations can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support or scale programs serving urban children and youth in poverty. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, governments, and social enterprises in education, health, or family economic stability, with requests of more than US $50,000 and strong impact measurement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing early childhood education or community development programs in North Carolina can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides funding for birth-to-five learning, educator development, family engagement, affordable housing, small business support, arts, and services for low- and moderate-income families in its service areas.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek funding to support marginalized communities, including work that benefits preschool-aged children in North Carolina. Semnani Family Foundation provides global grants for health care access, child welfare, literacy, and disaster relief, and U.S.-based programs that fit these priorities may be eligible.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants may benefit preschools and early childhood organizations that contribute to neighborhood vitality, address hunger or housing, or provide workforce and cultural programming for families.

Preschools, Pre-K–12 schools, city or county units, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can seek funding to host nonprofessional youth sports events and tournaments. With a mission to expand youth sports opportunities, North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission provides up to US $25,000 for bid fees, equipment, venues, administration, structures, and marketing.

Preschools and other Pre-K–12 schools, city or county agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can receive up to US $5,000 to cover travel costs for nonprofessional youth sports teams and events. With a mission to expand youth sports opportunities, North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission provides flexible funding for transportation and lodging to in-state or out-of-state competitions.

Preschools and early childhood education nonprofits in North Carolina seeking support to tell impactful stories about their work can apply for the Storytelling Grant, which awards more than US $50,000 for communications projects. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports organizations aligned with its preservation, education, or wellness pillars, including early childhood and 21st-century education programs.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, families, education, or poverty relief can seek support for single-year programs and services. Grants from Robinson Foundation help Southern-region nonprofits, active for more than three years, address hardships through work in areas like youth services, medical assistance, disaster relief, animal welfare, and religious or spiritual endeavors.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking community services support or event sponsorships can apply for funding, provided they engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where employees live and work. Insperity provides philanthropic grants and fundraising event sponsorships once per year per organization, which may benefit preschool-related programs meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding may be eligible for funding that can support preschool-related initiatives in North Carolina. With a mission to empower positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible support for charitable projects that respect people, life, and the environment.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants to support basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety. Preschools and early childhood programs housed in eligible nonprofits may benefit if their work aligns with these priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) preschools and early education nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation to support education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs. Eligible U.S. organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project-based support within the October 1–March 1 grant cycle.

Organizations of any type operating in Buncombe County that provide early childhood education and care can apply for Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Education and Development Fund, with awards up to Up to US $4,054,185. Focus areas include preschool and pre-kindergarten, workforce development, maintaining and increasing slots, improving quality, supporting families, and strengthening the local early learning system in North Carolina.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs improving life for underserved children and families. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation prioritizes early childhood development, literacy, health and social services, economic stability, workforce development, and disaster relief initiatives.

U.S. nonprofit organizations, including those operating preschools in North Carolina, can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize exemplary, replicable cross-sector collaborations addressing significant social issues. Six partnerships are honored annually, highlighting models that measurably improve lives, work across multiple communities, or demonstrate strong potential to scale their social impact.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused intervention and humanitarian relief. U.S. 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, including those operating programs that may serve preschool-aged children in North Carolina, India, Mexico, and other listed countries, may be eligible.