Best Grants for BIPOC in North Carolina

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture projects. Focused on community development, U.S. Bank Foundation prioritizes groups based in designated U.S. Bank communities, led by people of color, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across multiple “work, home, and play” pillars.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina that support children, youth, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding. Focused on community well-being, Costco Foundation invites groups serving BIPOC communities to request monetary support for evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes and a broad base of financial backing.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs, including those serving BIPOC communities in North Carolina, may be eligible for this opportunity. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year pursue new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs in North Carolina can seek up to US $15,000 for direct services and enrichment. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, and refugee enrichment, and BIPOC-focused youth programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in North Carolina can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Programs must primarily serve economically underserved communities, focus on innovative early-stage solutions, and may particularly benefit BIPOC-focused initiatives meeting these criteria.

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.

Nonprofit cultural institutions offering arts or science programs in North Carolina can seek more than US $100,000 to support program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, STEAM initiatives, and artist development that engage young people and demonstrate measurable, lasting impact for large U.S. communities, including BIPOC populations.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for early childhood education or community economic development initiatives that primarily serve low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for programs like early learning, workforce development, affordable housing, small business support, arts, and neighborhood revitalization in its service areas.

Nonpartisan 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations advancing voting rights and democracy access in North Carolina can receive unrestricted operational support for voter engagement and protection work. Public Wise grants fund efforts like expanding ballot access, helping voters make voting plans, litigating voter suppression, and building power in BIPOC communities, with a focus on priority states including North Carolina.

North Carolina nonprofits and accredited charities working in humanitarian aid, youth services, education, health, environment, or contemporary arts can access funding through Roche for innovative, high-quality community projects. Organizations serving BIPOC communities may be eligible if their programs align with Roche’s global focus areas and allow active collaboration with local Roche affiliates and partners.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs serving people in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and may use support to expand well-managed services that significantly benefit their communities, including BIPOC populations.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, workforce development, housing, or community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants may benefit BIPOC-focused organizations addressing hunger, emergency shelter, neighborhood preservation, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, or diversity and inclusion in low- and moderate-income communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in North Carolina may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. With a mission to uplift diverse communities, the foundation provides funding that could help BIPOC-focused programs advance their work and impact.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help North Carolina nonprofits fund community-based programs, education, arts, health facilities, and environmental or wildlife initiatives, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. IRS-qualified organizations serving BIPOC communities in the U.S. may be especially strong candidates when smaller grants can create significant impact.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits working in preservation, education, or wellness, including those serving BIPOC communities in North Carolina, can seek support for storytelling projects that highlight their impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000 to help grantees share transformational work across its three program pillars.

Nonprofit organizations improving economic stability, health, literacy, workforce readiness, or disaster relief in North Carolina can seek project, general operating, or capital support. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations in its business footprint, which may include groups serving BIPOC residents.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in North Carolina can use this grant to fund staff and guest artists’ travel and fees for professional development and artistic planning. South Arts supports film, visual, performing, traditional, literary, and multidisciplinary arts groups in its nine-state Southern region with up to US $1,000 for these opportunities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. This national recognition honors collaborations tackling significant social issues. North Carolina groups, including those led by or serving BIPOC communities, may be competitive if their partnerships measurably improve lives and communities.

North Carolina 501(c)(3)s, colleges, universities, religious entities, and government units pursuing state-level systemic change can apply for US $30,000 - US $100,000 to support multi-year, general operating work. Grants from Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation help organizations advancing education, environmental justice, social and economic justice, and democracy, with emphasis on historically marginalized and BIPOC communities across the state.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including BIPOC communities in North Carolina, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for direct service and humanitarian programs. Eligible applicants are typically 501(c)(3) or qualifying foreign entities with annual revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 and non-sectarian operations.

LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC-led grassroots groups in North Carolina and the broader Southeast can seek up to US $5,000 for queer and trans liberation organizing and community-building projects. With a mission to strengthen queer and trans BIPOC power, Southern Vision Alliance’s Queer Mobilization Fund supports small-budget, community-led efforts, including groups without formal nonprofit status.

Nonprofit organizations in eligible Central Appalachian counties of North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee can apply for South Arts’ In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants, awarding US $30,000 for organizational tools and systems. Funding supports non-programming needs like professional development, equipment, software, travel, marketing, or strategic planning for folk and traditional arts, with priority for BIPOC-led and rural communities.