Best Financial Assistance Grants in North Carolina

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, established in 1989, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in horticulture across 16 southeastern states. Administered by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, this scholarship honors the legacy of Sidney B. Meadows, a dedicated advocate for education in the horticultural industry. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing and residency, with preference given to those intending to work in the field after graduation.

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 Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation manages over 250,000 acres of iconic landscape across our state in our parks, recreation areas, and natural areas, with a mission dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

Our Mission: The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all through conservation, education, and recreation.

About Trail Grants

The Recreational Trails Program is a $1.5-million federal grant program designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.

RTP is a reimbursement grant program. Funds must be spent and then reimbursed upon completion of deliverables. Eligible applicants must be a state, federal or local government agencies or qualified nonprofit organization. All applications are reviewed by the North Carolina Trails Committee and recommendations are made to the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Secretary makes the final determination on grant awards. 

RTP Safety and Education Grants

Safety and Education grants may be awarded for trail-related safety and education instructor fees, speaker fees, displays, signage and other uses. Please contact your regional trails specialist for questions about the grant.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Harnett County Home Builders Association Scholarship Endowment

Graduating seniors from a Harnett County High School who will be attending a four-year university or a two-year technical school or community college. 

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety

Mission: Safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of North Carolina.

Vision: To proactively address today's challenges and remain vigilant for tomorrow's risks in the pursuit of a safe, resilient North Carolina.

Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grants (HMEP)

The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grants Program provides financial and technical assistance to enhance State, Territorial, Tribal, and local hazardous materials emergency planning and training. The HMEP Grant Program distributes funds to emergency responders for training to meet the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials through their jurisdictions and to Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) for related HAZMAT planning.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Cody Blue Pilkington Scholarship Fund honors a gifted student dedicated to education and community service. Available to North Carolina residents entering their Freshman or Sophomore year at NC State University pursuing engineering, science, or math, applicants must maintain a 2.8 GPA, be at least 18 years old, and participate in community service. This scholarship supports the legacy of Cody Pilkington, who tragically lost his life while studying engineering.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering a two-year funding opportunity to enhance access to child care for families experiencing homelessness. This initiative aims to provide essential training and technical assistance to child care providers, ensuring they can support these vulnerable families effectively. With a total funding limit of $700,000, the program seeks to address the complex needs of children and families facing homelessness, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Alice Zawadzki Land Conservation Fund, named in honor of a dedicated conservationist, supports the preservation of North Carolina's native plants and habitats. Annually, the fund provides grants of up to $3,000 for various land conservation projects, including purchases and surveys. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and land conservancies focused on conserving native plant habitats. This initiative continues Alice's legacy of promoting environmental stewardship through education and advocacy.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The North Carolina Arts Council's Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) connects students with local traditional artists through after-school programs. Since 1967, TAPS has aimed to preserve and celebrate diverse artistic traditions across North Carolina, providing funding for community organizations such as arts councils and schools. These programs foster cultural connections while ensuring that students receive quality instruction in traditional art forms, enriching their educational experience and community engagement.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Public Infrastructure Funds - State Rural Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce supports local governments in enhancing critical infrastructure. This funding aims to foster economic growth by facilitating projects that create full-time jobs, including upgrades to water systems, broadband installation, and road construction. Priority is given to counties ranked highest in distress, ensuring that the most in-need communities receive assistance to attract businesses and improve their competitive edge.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, established in 2001, has awarded over $17.5 million to combat hunger in its operating areas. This foundation focuses on supporting children at risk of hunger and enhancing the capacity of feeding agencies to provide nutritious meals. They also emphasize nutrition education to mitigate health risks associated with hunger. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 20 miles of a Food Lion store, with applications accepted annually.

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The North Carolina License to Give Trust Fund offers Fast Track Grants to non-profit organizations for projects under 12 months. Designed to enhance organ and tissue donation awareness and advance care planning, grants up to $10,000 support educational initiatives to improve donation rates in North Carolina. Eligible applicants include various non-profits, such as organ procurement organizations and educational institutions, providing crucial resources to address community health needs.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Carolina Youth Power Fund, a project of the Carolina Youth Partnership, offers grants of $500-$1,000 to support organizing projects led by youth aged 13-25 in North Carolina. Focused on empowering underrepresented groups, including Black, Muslim, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ youth, the fund prioritizes projects that engage young people in civic issues and community organizing, fostering leadership and skills development for sustainable change.