Best Fisheries Grants in North Carolina

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek support through the U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible program. Focused on equitable, high-impact partnerships, it prioritizes 501(c)(3)s, especially those led by people of color, including groups whose fisheries work intersects with jobs, housing, or community spaces.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina that support children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding, not capital or equipment. Focused on community impact, Costco Foundation invites applicants to demonstrate clear local need and measurable outcomes, which could include youth or family services connected to fisheries or coastal communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social service programs can seek funding to address current social problems, including in North Carolina. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new approaches to societal issues, and fisheries-focused groups may be eligible if their work advances human services or community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for direct-service programs, including those in North Carolina. The DanPaul Foundation supports initiatives such as child welfare, homelessness and poverty services, clean air and water education, refugee enrichment, and youth development, which may benefit fisheries-related communities and families.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health and welfare, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support programs like healthcare access, food pantries, STEM education, and preventative health. North Carolina groups with fisheries-related community, health, or education initiatives may be eligible if their projects fit these priorities.

North Carolina organizations and social enterprises improving education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children may be eligible for project or scaling support. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation offers grants over More than US $50,000 within its global portfolio, which includes U.S. initiatives serving children and youth in need.

North Carolina charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects can access funding through Roche for innovative, sustainable community initiatives. Eligible projects are run by accredited charities, engage Roche employees, and may support youth education, health, environmental conservation, disaster relief, or cultural programs; local Roche affiliates handle country-specific giving within this global framework.

Semnani Family Foundation provides North Carolina nonprofits and NGOs working globally on health, education, and disaster relief with flexible humanitarian funding. Organizations serving marginalized communities, including in the U.S. and internationally, may be eligible for support that advances healthcare access, child and women’s health, literacy, and emergency response initiatives.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, science, health, or other charitable programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for projects carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, and focus on broad, effective services that advance general welfare.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, housing, jobs, community development, or related programs can seek sponsorship support through Bank of America Foundation. Funding may benefit fisheries or coastal communities when projects address hunger, workforce development, environmental stewardship, or neighborhood preservation within low- and moderate-income areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving North Carolina and the broader Southern region can seek support for conservation, education, humanitarian aid, and related programs. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced charities address needs like nature and wildlife conservation, poverty relief, disaster response, and services for children, families, and veterans through single-year, high-impact projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that provide basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can apply for The TJX Foundation’s grants. North Carolina groups working within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and meeting mission and nondiscrimination criteria may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work, including fisheries-related conservation in North Carolina, may be eligible for unrestricted funding. Focused on environment and human services, Lawrence Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 program or operating grants to U.S.-headquartered organizations working in the U.S. or abroad.

Grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help North Carolina nonprofits fund community-based programs, facilities, and services. IRS-qualified U.S. organizations working on education, youth and senior services, disability support, cultural institutions, environmental or wildlife protection, and similar initiatives may be eligible for US $1,000 - US $20,000 awards that can strengthen or expand their work.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for support for hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development programs. North Carolina organizations working on fisheries-related community or economic initiatives may be eligible if they align with these focus areas and can demonstrate measurable results and strong volunteer engagement.

State agencies, local governments, and conservation nonprofits in North Carolina can seek $25,000 - $5,000,000 to acquire land, restore streams, and improve water quality and habitat. With a mission to protect natural and cultural resources, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources supports projects that enhance waters, conserve riparian buffers, and may benefit fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.

Wildlife conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can seek the Storytelling Grant to showcase their impact through compelling media and narratives. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds organizations advancing preservation, education, or wellness, with awards of More than US $50,000 that help amplify real-world conservation and community stories.

Nonprofit organizations improving economic stability, health, literacy, workforce readiness, or disaster relief in North Carolina communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s with flexible funding to enhance local quality of life, which may include fisheries-related community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs serving children and families may be eligible, including education, hunger relief, community services, and related environmental projects.

Full-time undergraduate or graduate students in North Carolina studying fisheries, wildlife, forestry, conservation, or environmental fields can apply for North Carolina Wildlife Federation scholarships, with awards from US $1,500 - US $2,500. Enrolled students at accredited North Carolina colleges or universities, including two-year programs, may receive support to advance their fisheries-related education.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

North Carolina Sea Grant

Under executive director Susan White, North Carolina Sea Grant works with local, state, and national policymakers and scientists to co-produce critical projects in four focus areas: healthy coastal ecosystems, resilient communities and economies, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and environmental literacy and workforce development. 

With significant returns on investment for coastal North Carolina, we forge partnerships and support research, education, and outreach. Funding opportunities include grants for established scientists and specialists, fellowships to develop the next generation of researchers and policymakers, and special collaborations that fuse community and academic expertise.

North Carolina Team Competition for Resilience Research

This funding opportunity, supported by North Carolina Sea Grant, provides awards to teams of North Carolina-based graduate and undergraduate students led by a PhD student. Winning teams will conduct hypothesis-based research projects that contribute to more resilient habitats and communities across North Carolina.

Research Focus Areas

Proposals must address at least one core aspect of resilience in North Carolina:

• Ecosystem Resilience
• Community Resilience
• Economic Resilience