Best New Hanover County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Resilient Coastal Communities Program : Phase 3 (Engineering & Design)

The Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) was developed through the 2020 North Carolina Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan. The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM) administers the RCCP with funding from the NC State Legislature and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Key program partners include the NC State Resilience Office (NC SRO), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and NC Sea Grant (NCSG).

RCCP Phase 3 Objective:

The primary objective Phase 3 is to provide funding to assist coastal communities with the engineering and design of a prioritized nature-based solution (NBS) project identified through Phases 1 and 2 of the RCCP (outlined in the RCCP Planning Handbook). Alternatively, a NBS project may be identified from a different planning effort that meets the resiliency criteria and deliverables outlined in Phases 1 and 2 of the RCCP Planning Handbook. Any alternatively identified project applications will be considered at DCM discretion.

Anticipated Contract Period: April 2027 – October 2028 (18 months)

Award Amounts:

• $2.5 million total is available for Phase 3 and Phase 4 projects, combined
• Anticipated award range is approximately $25,000 – $750,000 per project
• No formal maximum on funding requests, however, requestslarger than the anticipated range will be difficult to accommodate
• Applicants may apply for multiple projects by submitting a separate application for each and clearly ranking each application in priority funding order

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

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 Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Piedmont Natural Gas Company Grant Program, part of the Duke Energy Foundation, supports community vitality through grants of $20,000 or less. Focus areas include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and promoting opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes measurable community impact and does not fund certain entities, including for-profits and religious organizations. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

New Hanover County offers financial assistance through its Non-County Agency Funding program to support nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic objectives outlined in the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. This annual funding, with a maximum allotment of $50,000, focuses on key areas such as economic development, community safety, and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status and governmental entities, fostering transparency and accountability in the funding process.

The Economic Development Agency Funding program, offered by New Hanover County, aims to foster equitable access to education and skilled employment for residents. It promotes a business-friendly environment and resilient infrastructure, ensuring community support for health and safety. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding natural areas and cultural amenities, thus enhancing the overall quality of life while driving economic growth and job creation.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Cape Fear River Assembly Scholarship

Any high school or college student accepted/enrolled in a college in the Cape Fear River Basin. 

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Dr. Lu, Sylvia & Daniel Kiang Scholarship for Chinese Students

Must be of Chinese descent, at least one parent must be from China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.

Artist Support Grants

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.

Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.

Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender Counties

Grant Range:

• $500 - $1,000

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

GRANT PERIOD AN

North Carolina Department of Commerce

Our mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians.

To do that, the North Carolina Department of Commerce works closely with local, regional, national and international organizations to propel economic, community and workforce development for the state.

Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Program (CDBG-NR)

The Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Program (CDBG-NR) will offer a non-entitlement municipality or county the opportunity to tailor a project to meet the housing and community development needs specific and most critical to their locality. The CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Program incorporates several previous Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs and activities such as Scattered Site Housing and Supportive Housing.

The CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Program will support the three livability principles that help guide sustainability and resiliency throughout areas that receive funding. Regardless of the program activity or activities local governments pursue, CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Program projects must incorporate at least one of the following three livability principles as an area of focus:

NC Neighborhood Revitalization 3 Livability Principles

• Promote equitable, affordable housing. Expand location and energy-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities to increase mobility and lower the combined cost of housing and transportation.

• Support existing communities. Target federal funding toward existing communities - through strategies like transit-oriented, mixed-use development, and land recycling - to increase community revitalization and the efficiency of public works investments and safeguard rural landscapes.

• Value communities and neighborhoods. Enhance the unique characteristics of all communities by investing in healthy, safe, and walkable neighborhoods - rural, urban, or suburban.

The Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

The New Hanover County Community Foundation Grants aim to support local nonprofit organizations within New Hanover County. With a focus on various endowments, including those for children and food-related services, the foundation encourages proposals that address community needs. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve without discrimination. Grants typically range from $500 to $2500, fostering collaboration and impactful initiatives for the betterment of the community.

The Women's Fund of North Carolina, a program of the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of women and girls across the state through grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. This fund prioritizes organizations that address diverse needs and challenges faced by women, especially those led by marginalized populations. Grant decisions are made by a committee, and applicants are notified within 90 days after the application deadline.

The Louise Oriole Burevitch Endowment Grant, offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, health, and human services in eastern North Carolina. This competitive grant aims to enhance community well-being by funding programs that address basic human needs, promote health outcomes, and support educational initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, with preferences for projects benefiting women, children, and the elderly in the southeastern region.

The Chowan Community Funds Foundation offers the Unrestricted Endowment Grant Program to support local causes in Chowan County. Established in 2006, this foundation enables nonprofits to address changing community needs through grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt charities and local government units. Notably, the program prioritizes initiatives that enhance community life, promote social equity, and support diverse populations without discrimination.

The Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Grant supports health and wellness initiatives in southeastern North Carolina. This private, non-operating foundation prioritizes funding for not-for-profit organizations that promote health education, disease prevention, and provide essential medical services. Eligible organizations must operate in Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, Pender, or New Hanover counties. Notably, grants are not awarded to individuals or for-profit entities, ensuring resources are directed towards community health improvement.

The NRA Foundation: North Carolina – East NCE Grants provides funding to support charitable purposes as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3). Eligible organizations must possess a Federal Employer Identification Number and can include IRS-recognized entities or state-recognized nonprofits. The Foundation aims to promote firearms safety, educate the public about firearms, and support related activities. Ineligible organizations include labor groups and private businesses. Grant requests must demonstrate public benefit and align with the Foundation's mission.

The NC Pumpout Program, managed by the Division of Coastal Management, aims to protect North Carolina's waters by ensuring easy access to sewage pumpout services for boaters. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, the program provides grants up to $20,000 to marinas and docking facilities for installing and upgrading pumpout stations. This initiative enhances public health and environmental safety by promoting responsible sewage disposal among boat users.

The Andrew Stephen Hendrix Scholarship Endowment, established by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from New Hanover County who are pursuing higher education. This scholarship honors Andrew Hendrix's legacy by seeking applicants who exhibit strong character traits such as leadership, dedication, and compassion. Special consideration is given to those with experience in the restaurant industry. Candidates must submit an essay and two letters of recommendation, reflecting their alignment with Andrew's values.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks by providing federal funding for security enhancements. Administered by the North Carolina Emergency Management, this competitive grant allows eligible organizations to apply for up to $150,000 per site, focusing on target hardening, planning, and training. The program aims to integrate nonprofit preparedness with local efforts, enhancing community safety and resilience against threats.