Best Social Justice 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.

Focused on children, education, and health and human services, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can seek monetary support from Costco Foundation. Organizations serving children, including those with disabilities or mental health needs, and providing human and social services may be eligible, including groups advancing social justice and human rights in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative human and social services programs, including those advancing social justice and human rights in North Carolina, may be eligible for this grant. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new approaches to persistent or emerging social problems after holding 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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

With a mission to support innovative social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides early-stage social enterprises in North Carolina and globally with up to US $300,000 over three years in capital and intensive capacity-building. Eligible independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits must serve underserved communities and offer scalable, systems-focused solutions that can reach at least 10,000 people.

Focused on safety, education, and community development, State Farm Companies Foundation invites U.S. educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies to seek support for eligible initiatives. North Carolina organizations working on disaster preparedness, community revitalization, financial literacy, STEM, or related programs may be eligible for these Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt grassroots organizations working on environmental justice, food justice, or related social and environmental issues in North Carolina can seek project support; awards are up to US $35,000. With a mission to pursue equitable solutions, Harris and Frances Block Foundation prioritizes small and emerging groups building just, sustainable communities.

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

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventive health initiatives. North Carolina groups focused on social justice and human rights through improved health access or education may be eligible.

North Carolina organizations supporting education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other entities requesting more than US $50,000 and working within the foundation’s U.S. focus areas.

North Carolina charities managing humanitarian, educational, community, or arts projects can access funding through Roche for innovative, high-quality initiatives. Accredited charities with programs in areas like social development, youth education, disaster response, or contemporary arts may be eligible when projects engage Roche expertise, local partners, and employees and operate within a country where a Roche affiliate is present.

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.

Rural, grassroots community groups in North Carolina and the broader Southeast using community organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can apply for Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund, with awards up to US $3,500. Grants support organizing projects, capacity-building and technical assistance, travel for conferences, and voter engagement, especially around education reform and immigration rights.

Youth-led gender justice groups in North Carolina working on rapid response organizing, mutual aid, healing justice, legal or bail fees, or direct actions can seek support through the Mobilize Power Fund. With a mission to back youth gender justice activism, Third Wave Fund provides up to US $20,000 for urgent, unanticipated movement needs across the U.S. and territories.

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 legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs. North Carolina social justice and human rights cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression may be especially strong candidates for Impact Fund support.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental initiatives may be eligible for this national grant opportunity. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations whose social justice or human rights work fits within these community-based priorities.

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.

North Carolina social justice nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ youth can access funding through the Alliance for Full Acceptance to support programming, organization building, and youth-focused services. Grants of US $500 - US $4,000 are available to 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups based in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia working for long-term, intersectional social change.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project funding for education, health care, social services, civic, cultural, environmental, or community programs can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, primarily to U.S. applicants, for one year of support rather than general operating or debt relief.

Congregations and church-related groups developing racially inclusive education, evangelism, or social justice programs in North Carolina may be eligible for this Visionary Fund. With a mission to support creative, priority-driven ministry, Synod of the Mid-Atlantic provides funding to launch or expand innovative initiatives that advance its educational, evangelistic, and justice-focused goals.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can seek general or project support through this grant cycle. Grants from Southern Partners Fund help small-budget groups build leadership, strengthen rural communities, and advance justice-focused campaigns rather than direct services or capital projects.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize impactful collaborative work. North Carolina groups advancing social justice or human rights through cross-sector partnerships may be especially competitive, with multiple awards honoring measurable, scalable social impact in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, colleges, universities, religious entities, and government units in North Carolina can access funding through the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for state-level systemic change work. Grants of US $30,000 - US $100,000 support efforts in social and economic justice, education equity, environmental justice, and strengthening democracy, especially for historically marginalized communities.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina working on social justice, human rights, women’s rights, grassroots advocacy, or related issues can apply for Bydale Foundation’s Bydale Foundation Grant. This funding also supports environmental and performing arts programs, and may benefit North Carolina groups with broader advocacy or environmental initiatives within the foundation’s stated interests.