Best Marine Grants 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social service programs may be eligible for funding to address societal issues, including work related to marine environments in North Carolina. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations that are starting out or pursuing new directions develop creative approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social problems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare in North Carolina can seek funding for programs such as child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, or environmental education. The Dan Paul Foundation offers up to US $15,000, and marine or water-focused youth initiatives may be eligible if they align with its mission and goals.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can apply for up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale proven solutions. With a mission to support transformative ventures, the foundation provides capital, intensive capacity-building, and community, which may benefit marine and ocean conservation efforts in North Carolina.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in North Carolina can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities and advancing workforce readiness, green jobs, or related economic and educational opportunities may be eligible; applications are accepted year-round via an LOI process.

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, culture, or science programming, especially for youth, can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs or capital needs that create lasting impact. The Hearst Foundation supports U.S. organizations such as museums, performing arts groups, and arts schools, including STEAM initiatives that may complement marine or environmental education efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health and welfare, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants supporting food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programs, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. North Carolina groups with marine-related education, community, or health programs may be eligible if their projects fit these priorities.

North Carolina organizations and social enterprises serving urban children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible applicants must request more than US $50,000 and operate within the foundation’s focus areas in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

North Carolina marinas and other boat-docking facilities in coastal counties can receive funding to install or upgrade marine sewage pumpout and dump stations, supporting cleaner boating waters. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality provides North Carolina marine and conservation organizations with up to US $20,000 per grant to expand convenient, environmentally responsible waste-disposal services for boaters.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in North Carolina communities where PNC operates can seek funding for programs and services. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for initiatives like preschool education, workforce readiness, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization that primarily serve low- and moderate-income residents.

North Carolina environmental and community-focused charities can access funding through Roche for humanitarian, social development, science education, community resilience, and contemporary arts projects. Organizations whose marine or coastal work intersects with environmental education, conservation, disaster relief, or public spaces may be eligible, provided projects are managed by accredited charities and coordinated with local Roche affiliates.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce training, arts, environment, or inclusion can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants are awarded at the foundation’s discretion to support housing, jobs, hunger, and other initiatives that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities, which may include marine-related community efforts.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in North Carolina communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, or environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in these areas, which may include marine or coastal community initiatives where relevant.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can apply for TJX Foundation grants supporting basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. North Carolina groups with marine-related youth or community programs near TJX locations may be eligible if they meet mission and policy requirements.

Environmental and human services 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in North Carolina can seek unrestricted program or operating support for conservation and related work. Focused on broad environmental and community causes, the Lawrence Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants that may benefit marine and ocean conservation efforts among eligible organizations.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina working on community-based programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife protection can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits, including those with marine or ocean conservation components, where modest funding can have a significant impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Focused on community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens basic needs, community development, and cultural enrichment, including in North Carolina. Eligible organizations must align with one of three focus areas and demonstrate measurable outcomes, financial stability, and, ideally, active Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

U.S. 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can seek more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight their environmental and conservation impact. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports compelling narratives that may benefit North Carolina groups working on marine or ocean conservation within its broader conservation priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in North Carolina can seek project, operating, or capital support for economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to local, non-discriminatory charities in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community-focused projects. North Carolina groups with marine or coastal education, community gardens, or environmental initiatives that fit these categories may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those providing humanitarian aid or social services, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants; awards US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused interventions. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and similar entities in countries such as the U.S. may include North Carolina groups whose marine-related work addresses poverty, disability, or disaster relief impacts.