Best Grants for K-12 Schools in North Carolina

K-12 school districts and education-focused nonprofits in North Carolina can seek funding for traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy initiatives serving students. Focused on education, Auto Club Group Foundation invites eligible organizations within its 14-state footprint to apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support programs, scholarships, and related needs.

With a mission to support scalable social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides North Carolina education-focused organizations with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital plus intensive capacity-building support. Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits serving underserved communities and ready to scale may be competitive applicants.

K-12 school districts and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can apply for Duke Energy Foundation’s Local Impact Grants; awards up to US $20,000 for education, workforce development, climate resiliency, and inclusion projects. Programs may include STEM and energy education, environmental projects, disaster preparedness, and initiatives expanding opportunity for underserved students and communities.

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.

North Carolina K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $15,000 to build on-campus outdoor learning structures such as classrooms, greenhouses, and educational gardens. North Carolina education organizations can access funding through the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission to expand outdoor education and recreation opportunities, with priority for underserved youth aged 4–18.

North Carolina K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $2,500 for outdoor on-campus visiting programs that provide hands-on environmental and outdoor education for youth. With a mission to expand outdoor learning, the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission supports programs such as visits from aquariums, zoos, museums, gardening, and STEM organizations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations supporting health, education, or community programs can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants, including work in North Carolina. Funding may support K–12 STEM education, food pantries, meal programs, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, or initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles through research and screening.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and agencies supporting K–12 students’ unfinished academic learning in Chatham, Durham, Orange, or Wake counties can apply for Triangle Community Foundation’s Send A Kid To Camp grants. With a mission to build a stronger Triangle, the foundation provides North Carolina K–12 education programs with US $20,000 over two years for summer and school-year academic support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in North Carolina may be eligible for funding to support their programs. With a mission to foster positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible support that K-12 schools and education partners can leverage for related community and environmental initiatives.

North Carolina K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) education-focused nonprofits near a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects within 30 miles of its facilities that strengthen local well-being and sustainability, including initiatives benefiting students and school communities.

K–12 schools and education-focused nonprofits in North Carolina can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support school programs, youth education, skills training, and related services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations where relatively small awards can significantly benefit students and community-based educational 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.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

North Carolina K-12 education organizations with 501(c)(3) status can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation to support projects in education and related community services, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Eligible nonprofits may also incorporate social service, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental components into their school-focused programs.

Higher education institutions and student development programs in the Carolinas, especially North Carolina’s Triangle, can apply for John William Pope Foundation grants of up to US $212,000 to support intellectually diverse, freedom-focused learning. K-12 schools or related organizations in North Carolina with initiatives that connect students to higher education or student development may be eligible.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities and regional economies, North Carolina Department of Commerce provides North Carolina K-12 schools, local governments, colleges, tribes, and nonprofits with Appalachian Regional Commission funding. Eligible projects in designated western counties may receive up to US $1,000,000 for infrastructure, workforce development, business support, tourism, or community capacity-building initiatives, including efforts responding to Hurricane Helene.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 youth with education, youth development, housing, food security, or environmental programs in North Carolina can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Schools partnering with eligible nonprofits on academic enrichment, leadership, or hunger and housing initiatives may benefit.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina offering hands-on, inquiry-based STEM programs for K-12 students can apply for Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Student STEM Enrichment Program, with awards up to US $180,000 over three years. Grants from Burroughs Wellcome Fund help North Carolina K-12 education programs provide structured, out-of-school STEM enrichment, especially for underserved and rural students.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations, colleges, universities, religious entities, and government units can access funding for state-level systemic change efforts through the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, with awards from US $30,000 - US $100,000. K-12 education-focused groups working on public education policy and systems, not direct school services, may be eligible under its public education priority area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving K-12 students and school success, health, or basic human needs in eastern North Carolina can apply for competitive grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000. Grants from North Carolina Community Foundation’s Louise Oriole Burevitch Endowment support education, health, and human services, with preferences for women, youth, the elderly, and southeastern North Carolina communities.

With a mission to strengthen human services and education, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina provides North Carolina K-12 and education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities with up to US $25,000 for programs in Western North Carolina. Eligible projects serve economically disadvantaged residents or advance early childhood, K-12, or adult education in listed mountain counties.

Mission Statement

The Belk Foundation believes that education is a basis for successful society and that a quality education is the right of all children and youth. Our mission is to invest in schools and organizations that work aggressively to ensure all students graduate from high school and continue on an intentional path toward college, career and life.

Belk Foundation Grant

The Belk Foundation has two areas that it is interested in supporting:

• K-3 Achievement: Increasing the number of children in grades K-3 who achieve on or above grade level in core subjects
• Quality Teaching and Leading: Increasing quality teaching and leading in K-12 public schools

We support non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 status as well as direct grants to public school systems and institutes of higher education. We dedicate our resources to K-3 Achievement and Teaching and Leadership locally in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and at the state level in North Carolina.

In order to assess your fit as a potential partner, we encourage you to read the following:

• Our approach
• Our guidelines
• Outcomes sought
• Past grantees