Best Transportation Grants in North Carolina

Public agencies, local governments, tribes, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in eligible Appalachian counties in North Carolina can seek transportation and related infrastructure funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Grants support critical infrastructure such as transportation networks and broadband, plus business and workforce development that may benefit public transportation and mass transit systems in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of status and innovative approaches to social problems can seek funding for human services and related programs, including in North Carolina. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations piloting new solutions in areas like health, community development, safety, or literacy that may intersect with transportation and access.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in North Carolina can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support community, military, or first responder initiatives. Support includes intermodal transportation services across the CSX rail network and, when available, donated railroad equipment and materials to reduce or eliminate freight and logistics costs.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in North Carolina can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Initiatives serving predominantly economically underserved communities, including those improving access to jobs and services, may be eligible year-round via a brief LOI.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in North Carolina can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on these areas, State Farm Companies Foundation invites applicants supporting auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, transportation, and related community programs to apply.

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.

North Carolina transportation-focused nonprofits and social enterprises serving urban children in poverty can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for education, health, or family economic stability projects. Eligible organizations must request more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling and operate in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Arts councils, schools, and community centers in North Carolina can receive support for after-school programs that connect local students with traditional artists, including indigenous, immigrant, and regional art forms. With a mission to sustain and grow the arts, North Carolina Arts Council provides funding for instructors, instruments, art materials, transportation, entrance fees, and administration for these TAPS programs.

North Carolina nonprofit arts organizations and government or tribal arts units seeking professional development support can apply for up to US $1,000 to build staff and board capacity. Focused on organizational training and first-time opportunities, South Arts funding can cover travel, registration, consultants, and other learning costs that may strengthen arts-related transportation or access initiatives.

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The GSK IMPACT Awards in North Carolina honor outstanding nonprofit organizations making a significant impact on community health. This annual program, in partnership with the Triangle Community Foundation, recognizes up to ten organizations for their exemplary contributions to health and wellness. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving community health through innovative and effective programs. Eligible organizations must operate in the Triangle area and meet specific criteria regarding revenue and community impact.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in North Carolina and nationwide can apply for recoverable grants from the Impact Fund, typically ranging from US $10,000 - US $50,000, to cover out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Funding supports economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases, which may include challenges to transportation-related harms or policies.

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.

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.

Universities, extension programs, commodity associations, nonprofits, and private businesses in North Carolina can receive funding for research on agricultural and forestry-based bioenergy feedstocks, including crop and harvest management, new species, and innovative biomass uses. North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services provides up to US $100,000 per project, which may benefit transportation-related biofuels and biomass initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants, which support programs like hunger relief, shelter, workforce readiness, and arts access. North Carolina groups involved in economic development or community revitalization, including efforts that improve transportation access or neighborhood infrastructure, may be eligible if they meet the focus and volunteer criteria.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina provides North Carolina organizations serving women and girls with funding to help economically disadvantaged women become more self-sufficient. 501(c)(3)s and government entities in eligible Western North Carolina counties can request up to US $35,000 for programs such as transportation access, workforce training, housing, childcare, or related direct services and advocacy.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit or governmental arts presenting organizations in North Carolina and the broader South Arts region can receive up to US $1,000 for staff and guest artist travel and professional development. South Arts supports conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual training, and planning visits that strengthen film, visual, performing, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts programming.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hickory, North Carolina can seek support for education, health, human services, religious, and public benefit programs that strengthen the local community. Grants from Underdown Family Foundation help North Carolina organizations whose work, including transportation-related services, advances these priority areas and addresses community needs.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which may include transportation or transit-focused initiatives that measurably improve lives and communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing adult workforce development, career navigation, or AI-related upskilling programs in North Carolina and other Truist-footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, offering US $10,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to build economic mobility, Truist Foundation provides growth-stage nonprofits with funding for training, AI literacy, and wraparound services that may benefit transportation-related workers.

State, federal, and local government agencies and qualified nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can receive reimbursement grants for trail-related safety and education initiatives, including instructor and speaker fees, displays, and signage. The Recreational Trails Program, administered by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, supports safer recreational trail use that may benefit transportation-related trail projects.