Best Macon County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The NRA Foundation: North Carolina – West NCW Grants provide funding to support charitable purposes as defined by the IRS under section 501(c)(3). Eligible applicants include recognized nonprofits, government entities, and organizations that can demonstrate a public benefit. The grants aim to promote firearms safety, educate the public about firearms, and support competitive shooting activities. Ineligible organizations include labor groups and private businesses, and the funding cannot be used for deficit financing or administrative costs.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

The CFHC: Perry N. Rudnick Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Henderson County, promoting collaboration and enhancing community impact. Established in 2001, the fund has awarded over $4.3 million in grants to more than 125 organizations. The foundation encourages proposals that address community needs, focus on prevention, and demonstrate sustainability. With assets exceeding $6.3 million, the Perry N. Rudnick Endowment remains committed to empowering nonprofits to fulfill their missions effectively.

The North Carolina Appalachian Regional Commission Funds support economic development across 13 states, focusing on infrastructure, workforce, and community resilience. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the program prioritizes projects that enhance local economies, particularly in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Funding caps are set at $700,000 for construction and $300,000 for non-construction projects, with special considerations for distressed counties and workforce development initiatives.

About Us

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.

Marketing North Carolina as a business and visitor destination is another function of the Department, and to handle this work we contract services from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), a public-private organization established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2014.

North Carolina Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - Demolition Program

Local governments can apply for funding to support demolition projects that result in industrial or commercial sites, using grant funds under the Community Development Block Grant program's Economic Development (ED) category.

Our department holds administrative responsibility for the CDBG program in North Carolina. Our Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) administers the CDBG-ED funds. State rules related to the CDBG program can be found in the North Carolina Administrative Code 4 NCAC 19L and specific ED rules are found at 4 NCAC 1K. Federal funds are made available annually through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Purpose

Under the authority of Title I of the U. S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended), the CDBG demolition program in North Carolina is designed to demolish vacant dilapidated industrial buildings and properties under the elimination of slums and blight national objective. The demolition activity is expected to create a site at which it can reasonably be expected new jobs and private sector investment will locate. Since the demolition activity is qualified under the slums and blight national objective, new job creation with a private employer does not require a legally binding contract. Jobs creation during the demolition phase of the grant should be collected for CDBG reporting purposes.

The Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) was established by Governor Josh Stein’s Executive Order No. 3, to oversee the rebuilding of homes destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Helene and to coordinate and lead efforts to revitalize the economy of western North Carolina.

Commercial District Revitalization Program

The Renew NC Commercial District Revitalization Program is for eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations to revitalize designated commercial districts damaged by Hurricane Helene. Encouraging economic opportunities, while supporting the recovery of commercial areas, is essential to ensuring that commercial tenants, customers, and jobs are restored. By facilitating the return of commercial districts and businesses to profitability, jobs will be created or retained within the community and residents will continue to have access to the products and services they need within their local community. Priority is initially given to projects located within HUD-identified MID areas. 

The Rural Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to foster collaboration among rural communities in areas like economic development and education. Emphasizing community involvement, it encourages diverse participation and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Grants of up to $25,000 for implementation or $5,000 for planning are available, targeting nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states. This initiative seeks to empower communities to achieve positive change through active engagement and support.

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.

The George and Bonnie Siek Memorial Scholarship Endowment, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports graduates from Macon County high schools, particularly from the Town of Highlands, who wish to pursue higher education. Selection criteria include academic performance and extracurricular activities, with a focus on students studying English, Linguistics, or Education. This scholarship may be renewed for up to four years for undergraduates maintaining a 2.8 GPA, honoring the Sieks' commitment to education and community enrichment.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.

The WNC Regional Scholarships, established by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, provide vital financial assistance to graduating seniors from public high schools and registered home schools across 18 counties in Western North Carolina. With a focus on supporting students facing the rising costs of higher education, these scholarships are designed to empower local youth to pursue their academic goals and reach their full potential. Various funds within this initiative cater to distinct community needs.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Creating a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all – no exceptions.

The best ideas for dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of the region come from the people who live and work in our local communities. 

Dogwood invests in aligned organizations that advance efforts in our four strategic priorities of housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness. 

From 2025-2030, Dogwood’s grantmaking will focus on: 

• Capacity
• Collaboration
• Connections
• Capital Attraction

Stronger Organizations Grants

Supporting Organizational Operations, Infrastructure and Stability.

This grant opportunity offers flexible support for strategically aligned organizations that play a meaningful role in the region’s ecosystem through work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness; and that are positioned to sustain and grow their impact over time. Organizations determine how best to use the funds and grant reporting is simplified. Most often, these grants are in the form of general operating support.

Grants typically range from $50,000 to $350,000 per year for up to two years. For two-year grants, the total award may range up to a maximum of $700,000.

The Evergreen Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations in Western North Carolina that provide essential services for individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Established in 1977, the Foundation allocates funding through a competitive grant process, typically issuing 25 to 30 grants annually. Eligible applicants include agencies serving these populations and those with 501(c)(3) status. Priorities include infrastructure support, education, and advocacy, ensuring vital services reach the communities in need.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides Local Impact Grants to strengthen communities in North Carolina, offering up to $20,000 for various initiatives. These include workforce development, climate resiliency projects, and promoting inclusivity. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, serve Duke Energy communities, and demonstrate measurable impacts. The Foundation prioritizes grants that support economic recovery, environmental conservation, and equitable access to opportunities, thus fostering sustainable growth and resilience across the state.

The Gene and Lee Meyer Scholarship, founded in 1993, aims to support deserving students from Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain counties, and the Qualla Boundary in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship provides essential financial assistance to well-rounded students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership potential. It prioritizes those in need and those transitioning out of foster care, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations.

The Harry W. Clarke Award honors the legacy of Harry Wilson Clarke, a pivotal figure in educational advancement in Western North Carolina. Established in 1987, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from 29 counties, including the Qualla Boundary, who aspire to attend a four-year college in North Carolina. With a commitment to fostering local talent, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has awarded over $456 million in scholarships, reflecting its dedication to educational opportunities in the region.

The Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs, established by friends to honor Harry Clarke's commitment to education, offers renewable scholarships for graduating seniors from public high schools in 29 westernmost counties of North Carolina. This initiative promotes access to accredited two-year community colleges for students, including those from specific academies and home schools. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, established in 1978, manages substantial assets to support educational opportunities and charitable endeavors in the region.

The Heffington Scholarship is a memorial fund honoring Nina Weintraub Heffington, established by her family and friends to support students from Cashiers and Highlands. This scholarship aims to empower local high school graduates and seniors who plan to pursue further education at accredited institutions. Nina's legacy of kindness and dedication to youth education lives on through this initiative, encouraging community engagement and academic achievement among the next generation.

About

What are Artist Support Grants?

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

Application Information

• Macon County Heritage Center
• Primary Contact: Laura Brooks
• Phone: 828-371-1754
• Email: maconheritagecenter@gmail.com
• Web: https://www.coweeschool.org/

The Harold T. Southern Family Foundation Grant, established in 2014, honors Harold and Mildred Southern, promoting education and environmental conservation in North and South Carolina. The foundation supports tennis youth programs and protects natural resources in Western North Carolina. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Applications focus on environmental initiatives, ensuring a healthier lifestyle for future generations while fostering a love for nature and community engagement through sports.

grantmaking

Creating a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all – no exceptions.

The best ideas for dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of the region come from the people who live and work in our local communities. 

Dogwood invests in aligned organizations that advance efforts in our four strategic priorities of housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness.

Digital Opportunities

Sustaining Momentum for Digital Opportunities

Launched in 2025, Dogwood’s Digital Opportunities Initiative focuses on making high-speed internet more available, affordable and useful for everyone in Western North Carolina.

This funding opportunity will support programs, projects and skill development that help organizations and communities: 

• Gain access to resources and tools that reduce the “digital divide”
• Distribute devices and other technology for using affordable internet 
• Offer digital skills training and technical support that helps people connect to resources for their day-to-day needs (health, education, employment, housing, etc.)
• Develop supportive digital applications and content that expands access to health, education, economic and housing resources 
• Increase access to affordable internet

Program grants ranging from $20,000 to $500,000 (minimum of $20,000 per year; maximum of $250,000 per year) for 1-2 years will support projects and programs that sustain or expand digital opportunities in Western North Carolina. Grantees will participate in the WNC Digital Navigator Network, which includes events and training designed to equip organizations with practical strategies to help clients overcome barriers to internet access and meaningful use. Due to anticipated demand, this pathway will utilize a two-stage application process. Organizations will first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). From there, a smaller group of applicants will then be invited to submit a full application.  

The NCAC: Folklife Apprenticeship Program offers 12-month apprenticeships in folk and traditional arts within North Carolina's Appalachian communities. Designed to preserve endangered folklife traditions, this program supports mentor-apprentice pairs, fostering the transmission of cultural practices. Eligible applicants must be 18 and reside within designated ARC counties. Funding includes $7,000 for mentors and $3,000 for apprentices, encouraging community engagement through public presentations of learned skills. This initiative strengthens cultural identity and heritage in the region.

The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund supports North Carolina counties in addressing critical public school building needs through grants funded by the NC Education Lottery. With over $258 million available for FY2025-26, counties can apply for significant funding to construct new schools and renovate existing facilities. Eligible counties must have a market value of taxable real property under $40 billion and are required to provide local matching funds. This initiative aims to enhance educational infrastructure across the state.

The Armando "Frank" Quaglia Veteran's Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time graduate or upper-level undergraduate students from Kent or Ionia County pursuing healthcare or engineering degrees. With a minimum 3.0 GPA, preference is given to veterans and their families. This scholarship aims to eliminate barriers to education, fostering academic success and connecting students to opportunities in West Michigan's inclusive community.

The Altrusa International of Grand Rapids Scholarship, supported by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, aims to empower students from Allegan, Kent, Ionia, Muskegon, Montcalm, and Ottawa Counties. This scholarship is intended for individuals returning to college or entering after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing inclusivity and support for those with financial need. Recipients can benefit from awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, which are directly applied to educational costs, enhancing opportunities for academic and career advancement.

The Institutional Impact Grants by Wake Forest University aim to support U.S. colleges and universities in fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their community members. In 2026, these grants will empower institutions committed to character development for faculty, staff, and students, promoting a holistic educational environment. This initiative underscores the importance of character in education, aligning with the university's mission to cultivate ethical leaders.