Best Financial Assistance Grants in North Carolina

The AAA-ICDR Foundation offers Diversity Scholarship Grants aimed at fostering inclusion within Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). These grants provide financial support of up to $2,000 for individuals pursuing education or training in ADR, targeting diverse candidates including women and underrepresented groups. Additionally, scholarships are available for law students at HBCUs, with annual awards of $50,000 to support their studies in dispute resolution. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

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 North Carolina Emergency Watershed Program (EWP) aids communities in recovering from natural disasters by providing financial and technical assistance. Administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, it covers up to 75% of emergency construction costs. Eligible local sponsors can include cities and counties, while projects focus on flood mitigation and restoration of natural resources. EWP is crucial for protecting lives and property from future environmental hazards and funding is contingent on Congressional approval.

The On Farm Housing Grant Program, managed by Alabama Non-Profit Housing, Inc., offers financial assistance to farmers and growers for upgrading existing labor housing. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provides matching grants up to $7,500, ensuring safe and sanitary living conditions for farm workers. Eligible participants must own housing in need of repairs that directly impact worker safety and health, with a commitment to match funds dollar-for-dollar.

The Roberts-Miller Children's Fund, administered by the Gaston Community Foundation, is dedicated to providing financial assistance to children under 18 in North Carolina facing serious medical, dental, or related needs. This fund aims to support those who lack access to necessary services due to financial constraints. Additionally, it extends support to organizations aiding these children, ensuring that essential care and equipment are accessible to those most in need.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Womack Foundation Grant, established in 1963 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Womack, Sr., aims to enhance educational and recreational opportunities for residents of Caswell County, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. The foundation provides non-interest bearing loans for post-secondary education and grants to organizations that improve access to programs for youth in financial need. Proposals are evaluated biannually in spring and fall, encouraging early submissions for funding consideration.

The Presnell Foundation Grant supports North Carolina public and private schools, providing funding for educational programs and extracurricular activities. Additionally, it offers grants to religious institutions for building projects and ministries. The foundation prioritizes emergency funding for nonprofit agencies facing critical human needs that could disrupt services. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, ensuring that funds significantly impact their clients and support ongoing programs.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation offers the Ribbon of Hope Grant, providing one-time funding of $25,000 for innovative projects that enhance science, health, and education in local communities. This initiative aims to address critical community needs while promoting sustainability. Eligible applicants include North Carolina-based nonprofit organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation prioritizes proposals that align with local agency goals and demonstrate long-term viability beyond the grant period.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Hughes Memorial Foundation, established by John Edward Hughes, focuses on aiding children and youth in Virginia and North Carolina. Originally created as an orphanage, it now awards grants and scholarships to support projects that benefit children in need. Since 2000, it has distributed over $5.1 million to nonprofit organizations, emphasizing prudent stewardship and a commitment to helping those "most in harm's way". The Foundation also encourages matching funds from organizations to amplify their impact.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

The Aquatic Weed Control Program in North Carolina aims to assist local governments and residents in managing noxious aquatic weed infestations. By promoting education and partnerships, the program seeks to mitigate economic and environmental impacts from these invasive species. It offers resources for both public and private lands, including technical assistance and financial support for effective management strategies. Through these efforts, the program strives to enhance the health of North Carolina's waterways.

The Firefighters Relief Fund, managed by the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association, assists firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty. Compliance with eligibility requirements, including membership and timely submission of financial statements, is crucial for departments to access these funds. Recent legislative changes streamline certification processes, enhancing support for local fire departments and ensuring financial accountability for the fund's original purpose.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR))

The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program seeks to award two, two-year grants to an organization(s) (grantee) to manage and complete select urban forestry services (Climb to Tree City USA package) for municipalities awarded assistance (subrecipient) through our Financial Assistance Program (FAP) request for applications (RFAs) process. 

Funding Programs

There are two federal funding programs that will fund this work:

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties. 
• Indirect administration – 15% of services billed.
• $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all HHR funded work.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program seeks to award two, two-year grants to an organization(s) (grantee) to manage and complete select urban forestry services (Climb to Tree City USA package) for municipalities awarded assistance (subrecipient) through our Financial Assistance Program (FAP) request for applications (RFAs) process. 

Funding Programs

There are two federal funding programs that will fund this work:

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Indirect administration – 20% of services billed.
• $5.6 million in assistance is available for award of all IRA funded work.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant aims to support tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina. Established to assist farmers and businesses affected by the Master Settlement Agreement, the Commission focuses on economic development, increasing farm profitability, and promoting agricultural diversity. Grants are available for organizations that deliver services to impacted populations, with priority given to projects that foster community stability and resource development. The Commission's funding is managed by the State Treasurer and requires strategic project proposals.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is launching the NC ROOTS initiative to enhance rural health in North Carolina. This program empowers regional organizations to implement community-driven strategies aimed at improving healthcare access and quality. Eligible entities must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and demonstrate at least three years of operational experience in the state. Funding will support initiatives such as expanding primary care, integrating behavioral health services, and enhancing the healthcare workforce.

The Kids 'N Community Foundation offers Future Canes Grants to support youth hockey programs in North Carolina. With a commitment of at least $60,000 annually, these grants aim to enhance accessibility and growth in youth hockey. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, demonstrating effective program delivery and a focus on health or education. The Foundation emphasizes impactful service, ensuring funds directly benefit children in need, while also outlining specific ineligible activities.

The Cherokee and Clay County Trust Grant, established in 1973 by W.J. “Dub” Martin, aims to enhance the well-being of residents in Cherokee and Clay Counties, North Carolina. With an average grant size of $1,000 to $5,000 and approximately 15 grants awarded annually, the trust focuses on areas such as education, health, arts, and human services. It prioritizes organizations that assist young people, support churches, and provide essential services to those in need.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The North Carolina Department of Administration offers State Grants for Domestic Violence Programs aimed at supporting agencies that provide prevention and services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and family violence. These grants facilitate compliance monitoring and provide technical assistance, ensuring effective program delivery. The initiative is part of the North Carolina Council for Women & Youth Involvement's commitment to enhance safety and emotional well-being for victims, while also establishing administrative and fiscal guidelines for grant recipients.

The State Grants for the Sexual Assault Program, administered by the North Carolina Council for Women & Youth Involvement, offer vital funding to eligible NC agencies dedicated to combating domestic violence and sexual assault. These grants are supported by various state and federal funds, ensuring that organizations can provide crucial services to those affected. The program aims to enhance support systems and foster community resilience against violence, thereby promoting safety and well-being for all.

The Dewey Wells Citizenship Fund, established by Judge Dewey Wells at the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to promote good citizenship and character among the youth of Avery County. This Endowment supports organizations that instill values such as honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local governments, with a focus on providing programs for youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and community benefit.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.