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.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment programs in North Carolina can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities and focus on innovative, early-stage solutions that improve reach and efficiency of services, which may include social justice and human rights efforts.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can apply for Semnani Family Foundation support, including groups serving marginalized communities in North Carolina and worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation provides global social and human services organizations with flexible funding that prioritizes vulnerable populations, including women, children, and people facing violence, hunger, or limited healthcare access.

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.

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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants. North Carolina groups advancing social justice and human rights for vulnerable families and children may be eligible if they meet the mission, distance, and nondiscrimination requirements.

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 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 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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, hunger relief, or environmental programs in North Carolina can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community projects. Social justice and human rights initiatives that fit these categories may be competitive.

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 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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

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.