Best Financial Assistance Grants in North Carolina

The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program offers financial support to enhance collaboration among local communities and partners, focusing on improving wildfire resilience and forest health. Grants range from $10,001 to $75,000, with a 20% cash or in-kind match requirement. The program aims to foster long-term stewardship outcomes for National Forest System lands, ensuring benefits to both forests and local economies through collaborative efforts.

The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program offers financial awards to enhance collaboration among communities, tribes, and the Forest Service. Aimed at improving wildfire resilience and forest health, these grants support efforts that lead to long-term stewardship outcomes. Funding ranges from $10,001 to $75,000, with a 20% match required. The program seeks to empower local partners to develop strategic plans and strengthen collaborative initiatives, ultimately benefiting National Forest System lands.

The PCA J.P. Gleason Research Fellowship Program, offered by the Portland Cement Association, supports graduate students in engineering and physical sciences. The program aims to enhance public understanding of cement and concrete uses while addressing urgent sustainability challenges. Each fellowship provides a $35,000 grant to cover educational expenses, fostering research that optimizes cement manufacturing and promotes environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of climate change.

The NIDCD invites R01 grant applications aimed at independent research projects related to the mission of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. This opportunity promotes workforce development by supporting Early Stage and New Investigators, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in health sciences. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days before the proposal deadline, allowing diverse researchers to collaborate and contribute to vital health-related studies.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., aims to support philanthropic organizations in the U.S. that are tax-exempt. While primarily offering one-time grants, the Foundation evaluates proposals based on organizational structure, community impact, and management capacity. The Foundation complements public institutions and does not guarantee future funding based on past contributions. Grantees must operate with equal opportunity objectives, and past recipients must submit new applications each year.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., supports charitable organizations across the U.S. with a focus on philanthropic efforts. These one-time grants do not guarantee future funding, emphasizing a need for organizations to demonstrate sound management and community impact. Each year, past recipients must reapply under the standard application process, ensuring that support aligns with equal opportunity objectives and the Foundation's mission to complement public funding.

Scientific & Regulatory Consultants, Inc. Scholarship

Science plays a vital role in our daily lives and includes a wide range of fields such as physician or veterinary services, nursing, microbiology, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, psychology, music, etc. This scholarship views “scientific” very broadly and invites you to be creative.

Your application will be reviewed based upon the quality, not quantity, of the response to each question.

Applicants may apply every year.

The Richard L. Blinder Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes architects and professionals in historic preservation for innovative proposals that advance architectural preservation in the U.S. The award encourages originality, whether through real projects or polemical exercises. With a funding limit of $15,000, recipients must demonstrate a need for their study and a realistic dissemination plan within 24 months, contributing to the preservation community.

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

HFW Strategic Grants

Healthcare Foundation of Wilson seeks ideas from organizations located in Wilson, NC with a desire to provide programming and services related to our focus areas.

• Access to Healthcare
• Active Living / Healthy Eating
• Alcohol / Substance Misuse
• Behavioral / Mental Health

Request Range

• The amount of the grant can vary but needs to support the development of the program.
• The board of directors prefer to be a partner in a project and not the funder of the entire project.

Funding Priorities

The foundation prioritizes:

• Innovative ideas that support the development or expansion of one or more of our four focus areas.
• Programs focused on youth through age 29.
• Eligible organizations who implement or have a desire to start evidence-based program models identified as having significant outcomes in one or more of the four focus areas.

The Tickets for Kids Grant Program, offered by the Tickets For Kids Foundation, aims to support low-income, at-risk children and youth by providing access to ticketed experiences at no cost. Organizations eligible for partnership include nonprofit agencies, schools serving primarily low-income students, and government agencies. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with responses expected within five business days after review. This initiative enriches existing programming through valuable experiences.

Growing Justice Fund Program

The Fund for Equitable Good Food Procurement is a multi-donor pooled fund driven by the wisdom and experience of funders, farmers and other workers in the food value chain with shared values and vision.

Awards Nearly $5M to 38 Community-Led Initiatives Supporting Values-Based Good Food Purchasing.

While community-serving institutions–such as schools, hospitals, and senior centers–spend billions annually on food purchasing, the benefits of these contracts have been largely bypassed by small- and mid-size producers, especially Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant producers. 

For the 2025 grant cycle, the Growing Justice Fund awarded a mix of Planning Grants and Implementation Grants, with grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. These investments support projects that strengthen engagement with community-serving anchor institutions—including schools, hospitals, and elder care facilities—that hold significant purchasing power and can drive meaningful economic and social benefits for historically marginalized communities.

Priority Areas

Infrastructure:

Building and strengthening systems that enable equitable food purchasing, including support for historically disadvantaged producers, food hubs, and institutional partnerships.

Policy and Organizing:

Supporting grassroots organizing, educational policy advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that align institutional food purchasing practices with community-defined priorities.

Traditional Food Pathways:

Advancing food sovereignty within Tribal Nations by supporting traditional foodways, local food economies, and community-led approaches to Native food systems.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Food as Medicine Initiative

The Food as Medicine Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to address food insecurity as a critical driver of health outcomes for uninsured and medically underserved patients. Research continues to demonstrate the strong connection between food insecurity and poor health, including increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics to implement or expand food insecurity screening and patient-centered interventions that improve access to healthy food and nutrition education as measured by the US Household Food Security Module or Hunger Vital Signs and patient education focused on food as medicine for eligible patients in order to increase the percentage of patients with improved food security scores within one year of project implementation.

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

• Working to engage individuals in their communities 
• Helping people realize their full potential
• Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The James Marston Fitch Mid-Career Fellowship offers research grants up to $15,000 for mid-career professionals in fields like historic preservation, architecture, and urban design. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to innovative research and a clear dissemination plan. The fellowship encourages impactful projects that contribute significantly to the field, ensuring that only qualified individuals can apply, as it does not fund organizational projects or dissertation research.

CAREs Flexible Funding

Healthcare Foundation of Wilson (HFW) CAREs about our nonprofit partners that provide CARE (Compassion, Assistance, Responsiveness, and Engagement) for our community. As a response to support the work done by these organizations, the HFW seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations located in Wilson, NC, for an unrestricted funds grant. Funds may be used for general operating support.

Request Range:

• Up to $15,000

As a partner organization, it is essential to note that maintaining compliance with the public support test is the nonprofit’s own responsibility. Please review the information provided on the IRS website. If you are unsure of your public support status, please contact an accounting professional. 

Purpose:

Nonprofits can utilize these funds to support any operating needs within the organization. These funds are not intended for past, present, or future programming needs.

Award Distribution:

Awards will be issued quarterly through a competitive grant process. Up to $50,000 will be issued each quarter.

The nonprofit’s mission and/or vision must align with at least one of our four focus areas.

• Access to Healthcare
• Active Living / Healthy Eating
• Alcohol / Substance Misuse
• Behavioral / Mental Health

The Rocket Community Fund Grant, initiated by Rocket Mortgage, aims to enhance community welfare by addressing homelessness, preventing displacement, and promoting equitable homeownership. By investing in innovative programs, the Fund seeks to create stable housing solutions and bridge the digital divide, fostering economic opportunities in Detroit and beyond. Its mission emphasizes simplifying complex systems to ensure all Americans have access to healthy homes, reflecting a commitment to social impact and community engagement.

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.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The Cooperative Agreement to Support Activities Related to Analgesics, Anesthetics, and Addiction (U01) aims to enhance research in Anesthesia, Addiction Medicine, and Pain Medicine. It focuses on critical areas such as clinical trial endpoints for chronic pain, outcome measures in stimulant use disorders, and neurodevelopmental assessments in pediatric patients. The initiative encourages applicants to propose comprehensive, evidence-based plans to improve the prescribing of analgesic and anesthetic drug products, with multiple awards available.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection, funding vital research grants and fellowships across the U.S. Its mission is to empower individuals to combat cancer, aiming to reduce cancer deaths by 40% by 2035. The grants provide up to $100,000 over two years to innovative projects that enhance cancer prevention and early detection efforts, supporting a future where cancer is preventable and manageable for everyone.

The Cemala Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Greensboro by supporting strategic investments in community projects. With an emphasis on early childhood development, transformational spaces, and workforce training, the foundation aims to build a thriving community. Organizations promoting Continuous Quality Improvement are encouraged to apply for funding. This grant is vital for initiatives that address the evolving needs of Greensboro residents and foster sustainable growth.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) offers 24/7 crisis counseling to individuals in the U.S. and its territories facing emotional distress from disasters. Managed by SAMHSA, the helpline aims to enhance and strengthen access to crucial support services year-round, ensuring that those affected by natural or human-caused disasters receive the help they need to mitigate behavioral health impacts.

The John C. Bock Foundation supports the preservation and enhancement of natural land areas, particularly those near Lake Mendota, Wisconsin. It aims to educate builders and developers on the importance of conserving mature woodlands and old-growth forests. The Foundation funds educational activities and research while supporting qualified conservation organizations committed to protecting these valuable landscapes. Its mission is centered on public education and the custodianship of natural resources.

About The Lawson Charitable Foundation

The Lawson Charitable Foundation, created in 2021 by Cathy and Tom Lawson, helps those that are working hard to help themselves and others.

For Grant Seekers

The Lawson Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in our communities. While our primary geographic focus is New England, we welcome applications from organizations, doing extraordinary work beyond the region as well.

We are happy to offer two types of grants to support nonprofit organizations making a difference: Impact Grants and Amplify Grants.

Impact Grant

Impact Grants provide funding for programs and initiatives that closely align with our mission of helping those who are working hard to help themselves and others. These grants are designed to support opportunities that create positive change within our focus areas, ensuring resources are directed toward impactful and mission-driven efforts.