Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina seeking program or project support for diversity, equity, and inclusion, basic human needs, education, environment, or community vitality can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation offers two online grant cycles each year.

Individuals, credit unions, business partners, and community nonprofits in South Carolina and North Carolina can be nominated for Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s Advancing Equity Award, honoring leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion. This recognition highlights proactive efforts that foster belonging through equitable policies, products, programs, and initiatives benefiting employees, members, and communities.

South Carolina NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices can access funding through National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administrative internships. Grants provide US $30,000 for salary plus professional development support, helping expand ethnic minority and women’s representation in roles involving planning, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

South Carolina NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to expand ethnic minority and women’s representation in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time mid- to senior-level roles focused on strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare as part of a five-year commitment.

With a mission to expand diverse coaching opportunities, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides South Carolina NCAA Division II member schools with US $48,000 over three years to fund newly created assistant coaching positions. Eligible institutions committed to increasing ethnic minority and gender representation in any NCAA-sponsored sport may apply to support salary, wages, and benefits.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.

Federally recognized Historically Black Colleges and Universities developing or expanding aquatic programming can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support competitive swimming or youth learn-to-swim costs. With a mission to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in swimming, USA Swimming Foundation provides HBCUs nationwide, including those in South Carolina, with funding for youth water safety lessons and university-based swim clubs.

Swim lesson programs in South Carolina that are approved members of the Swim Lesson Provider Network can receive more than US $1,000 from USA Swimming Foundation to expand youth learn-to-swim access. Funding supports free or reduced-cost lessons and transportation for under-served children under 19, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in swimming participation.

South Carolina diversity, equity, and inclusion researchers can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support health-related research and DEIA activities. Eligible investigators must be conducting biomedical research aligned with participating NIH Institutes and Centers and be contributing significantly to DEIA in the U.S. research enterprise without current NIH research project grant funding.

Late-stage biomedical PhD students from diverse backgrounds in South Carolina can apply for the NIH Advancing Research Careers (ARC) F99/K00 award to support their transition from doctoral research to mentored postdoctoral training. This two-phase fellowship funds dissertation completion, postdoctoral research, and cohort-based mentoring, networking, and professional development in NIH mission areas.

South Carolina graduate students conducting aging and aging-related health research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support their doctoral dissertations and help diversify the scientific workforce. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opportunity offers up to US $142,312 for projects aligned with the National Institute on Aging’s strategic priorities, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

South Carolina research institutions and affiliated nonprofits focused on health-related science and workforce diversity can apply for R01 grants supporting independent research projects; clinical trials are optional. The National Institutes of Health funds New and At-Risk Investigators from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds across the U.S., which may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in biomedical and health research careers.

The Advancing Equity Through Oral Health Funds, initiated by CareQuest Institute, seeks to transform oral health systems by supporting projects that dismantle disparities faced by marginalized communities. The program encourages organizations to propose innovative solutions that enhance access to dental care, engage community voices, and promote policies that ensure equitable health outcomes for all. This initiative aims to create a more integrated and accessible healthcare system, particularly for historically underserved populations.

The ACS Award for Encouraging Women Into Careers in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals who promote women's interests in chemistry, fostering their professional development. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, a certificate, and a $10,000 grant to an academic institution designated by the recipient. Additionally, up to $1,500 for travel expenses to the award presentation will be reimbursed. This initiative highlights the importance of diversity in the chemical sciences and supports women's career advancement.

Postdoctoral research scientists from nationally underrepresented backgrounds conducting cancer-related biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science work in the U.S. can receive career development support to transition into independent faculty roles. The National Institutes of Health provides three years of salary and research support, which may benefit South Carolina institutions advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer research careers.

Local Data for Equitable Communities CFP

This call for proposals (CFP) invites eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to apply for a grant to collect, analyze, and use data to address inequities in the physical, economic, and social conditions of a place. Improving these conditions is key to achieving health equity where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Structural racism is one of the leading barriers that results in inequities in conditions within and across communities. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) expects to award up to 30 grants of $50,000 each, with a period of performance of nine months. The Urban Institute, as the national coordinating center for this program, is collaborating with RWJF on program design, grantee support, and communications.

Local data can be valuable tools to make progress on building places that offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible. Community organizations and residents can use data to understand challenges, set priorities, advocate for what is important to them, and hold others accountable for promised changes.

The goals of the Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program are to:

• Inform public policy and improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of places
• Build local capacity to use data for action
• Strengthen the use of equitable data practices
• Document successful practices for more communities to learn from and adapt

Funding

• Type of Award: Awards funded under this opportunity will be structured as grants.
• Number of Awards: Up to 30 awards will be funded.
• Amount of Award: Each award will be up to and including $50,000.
• Award Duration: Awards will be nine months.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

South Carolina clinical and translational science researchers affiliated with NCATS CTSA Program institutions can access funding via the National Institutes of Health to advance independent academic careers. Awards up to US $100,000 support pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analyses, small research projects, and development of research methods or technologies, including work by diversity supplement recipients.

Early Stage and New Investigators conducting independent research on deafness, hearing, or communication disorders in the U.S. and territories can apply for NIH R01 awards up to Up to US $2,500,000. Grants from US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health support projects that also advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce.

Nurses in the U.S. pursuing advanced degrees to become or advance as nurse educators can receive $8,000 for tuition, books, and research expenses through this annual scholarship. Focused on nursing and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the National League For Nursing opportunity may benefit South Carolina-based nurses working toward educator roles.

Nurses from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced nursing degrees and educator careers, including those in South Carolina, can receive US $8,000 for tuition, books, and research expenses. Focused on nursing education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the National League for Nursing supports first-generation college students preparing to become academic or clinical nurse educators.

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs to enhance equitable learning environments. Grants of up to $500,000 will support projects addressing systemic barriers, promoting effective practices, and ensuring seamless transitions from MSIs to advanced degrees in various STEM fields. The initiative seeks to create lasting impacts on student access and success in graduate education.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.

The NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) K99/R00 program promotes diversity by supporting new independent investigators from underrepresented backgrounds in AD/ADRD research. This award facilitates a transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles, providing essential NIH research support. Applicants must propose research that does not involve leading a clinical trial but may include participation in trials led by mentors. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The NINDS Faculty Development Award aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience research by supporting junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential research cost support, protected research time, and mentorship for individuals holding doctoral degrees within their first three years on a faculty tenure track. It specifically encourages research proposals that do not involve independent clinical trials, while allowing participation in trials led by mentors. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in the research workforce by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative includes a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement to foster mentoring, networking, and professional development. With multiple application deadlines from 2024 to 2027, MOSAIC is dedicated to facilitating successful transitions into tenure-track or equivalent research-intensive faculty roles.