Best Grants for Capital Funding in North Carolina

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations focused on education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 in single-year support from McGraw Foundation. While grants generally benefit the greater Chicago area, North Carolina nonprofits seeking similar program, operating, or occasional capital funding may find this opportunity informative.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance work that delivers actionable outcomes for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites applicants, including those studying or residing in North Carolina, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Nonprofits and community groups in North Carolina seeking support for rural, community-driven projects can apply for the Creating New Economies Fund, which offers US $8,000 - US $12,000 for initiatives building local wealth and resilience. Legacy Philanthropy Works supports efforts like sustainable agriculture, youth leadership, eco-tourism, and related economic and environmental projects.

North Carolina agricultural and forest producers seeking support to enhance conservation practices on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This five-year Conservation Stewardship Program provides technical and financial assistance for soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate-resilient practices, which may help with long-term land and infrastructure stewardship needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina’s Chatham, Durham, Orange, or Wake counties can apply for GlaxoSmithKline’s GSK IMPACT Awards, offering US $50,000 for exemplary community health work. Eligible groups address factors like health promotion, housing, environment, education, income, or safety, and may use awards for capital or program needs while demonstrating measurable impact and racial equity leadership.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this program. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for leaders of color and projects advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including capital needs within these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities with over $500,000 in private revenue operating in North Carolina can seek funding for education, healthcare, human services, and Jewish values programs. With a mission to foster self-sufficiency and lasting change, Leon Levine Foundation provides Carolinas organizations with support for strong, sustainable initiatives that benefit local communities.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides North Carolina nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs advancing decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools must primarily benefit communities near Honda operations, including through infrastructure or equipment projects that reduce environmental impact.

Agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners in North Carolina can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of North Carolina help fund projects addressing livestock, source water protection, wildlife, and support for socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers through EQIP contracts lasting up to ten years.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations, colleges, universities, religious entities, and government units working on state-level systemic change can access funding through the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation; awards range from US $30,000 - US $100,000 for multi-year, primarily general operating support. Efforts may address education, environment, social and economic justice, or strengthening democracy, especially for historically marginalized communities.

Nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in North Carolina can seek funding for community programs, not ongoing capital campaigns. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local initiatives in areas like affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion, with awards of more than US $1,000.

Nonprofits serving women, children, and families with self-sufficiency, education, or humanitarian programs in North Carolina can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. Grants support adult readiness, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, microfinance, and related services, and may help organizations expand facilities or infrastructure tied to these programs, with awards up to US $750,000.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public charities, universities, and eligible religious organizations can access funding and in-kind support for community programs through The Caesars Foundation. Grants may support education, workforce development, social and economic equity, climate and environmental sustainability, food security, or responsible play and mental health initiatives in U.S. communities where Caesars operates.

North Carolina Sea Grant

Under executive director Susan White, North Carolina Sea Grant works with local, state, and national policymakers and scientists to co-produce critical projects in four focus areas: healthy coastal ecosystems, resilient communities and economies, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and environmental literacy and workforce development. 

With significant returns on investment for coastal North Carolina, we forge partnerships and support research, education, and outreach. Funding opportunities include grants for established scientists and specialists, fellowships to develop the next generation of researchers and policymakers, and special collaborations that fuse community and academic expertise.

North Carolina Team Competition for Resilience Research

This funding opportunity, supported by North Carolina Sea Grant, provides awards to teams of North Carolina-based graduate and undergraduate students led by a PhD student. Winning teams will conduct hypothesis-based research projects that contribute to more resilient habitats and communities across North Carolina.

Research Focus Areas

Proposals must address at least one core aspect of resilience in North Carolina:

• Ecosystem Resilience
• Community Resilience
• Economic Resilience

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in North Carolina conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000 for institutions with limited prior NIH funding to strengthen their research environment.

North Carolina nonprofits planning innovative arts or human services capital projects, equipment, technology, or program development can apply for the Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant Funds, with awards from US $20,000 - US $100,000. With a mission to foster innovation, John William Pope Foundation supports project-specific work that delivers measurable benefits within the granting year.

Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits deliver education, environmental, and healthy community programs in areas where the company operates. Eligible projects include STEM and workforce preparation, land and water restoration, greening and beautification, health and wellness, and community development initiatives that strengthen local neighborhoods.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which offers approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help North Carolina partners collaborating with LMIC-based investigators advance global health research capacity over three to five years.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for approximately US $140,000 from the National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored health research and career development. North Carolina-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on capital or research infrastructure may benefit through these long-term projects.

Focused on education and youth programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina may be eligible for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust to expand or enhance programs, often including capital needs like ADA access or facility improvements. Awards range from US $5,000 - US $20,000, with preference for new, short-term, or matching projects.

Organizations planning medical congresses, scientific events, or disease-focused initiatives in North Carolina can seek corporate sponsorship that provides tangible benefits like exhibit space or marketing opportunities. Biogen Foundation considers requests across areas such as neurology, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, lupus, ALS, and related conditions, with decisions based on alignment, event details, and location.

The NC Biotechnology Center Fund Event and Meeting Grant provides vital financial support for events and meetings that enhance networking and information sharing within North Carolina's life sciences community. The grants include up to $3,000 for Biotechnology Event Sponsorships and up to $10,000 for Biotechnology Meeting Grants, catering to both local and international gatherings. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration among researchers and companies, ultimately driving growth in the biotechnology sector.

The University Technology Development Funding: Innovation Impact Grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center supports the acquisition of shared use research equipment for core facilities at academic and nonprofit institutions. This funding aims to enhance the life sciences ecosystem in North Carolina by facilitating significant scientific advancements. Proposals with a strong impact on both the institution and the broader research community will be prioritized. A cash match is required, with funding requests up to $150,000.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Cabarrus County Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance local initiatives through competitive grantmaking. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs in areas such as Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Health, and Housing. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions serving Cabarrus County residents. Note that applications for specific food-related programs will not be accepted this year, as the focus is on sustainable food options and nutrition.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.