Best Grants for Capital Funding in North Carolina

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Career Award for STEM Teachers honors exceptional educators in North Carolina public schools. Offering $175,000 over five years, this award supports teachers with proven success in STEM education and encourages professional development. Special consideration is given to those in challenging classrooms and efforts to integrate climate change into curricula. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education across the state by empowering teachers as leaders and change agents.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

Golden LEAF Foundation

Golden LEAF’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has provided lasting impact to tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural areas of the state.

SITE Program

Golden LEAF recognizes that rural and economically distressed communities must have industrial sites and shell buildings available for development to attract new businesses and create opportunities for existing businesses to expand. To address this need, Golden LEAF created the SITE Program. Through this program, Golden LEAF provides support to communities to identify potential industrial sites for economic development, enable completion of due diligence on industrial sites already identified, extend public utilities to or conduct grading and clearing of industrial sites for which due diligence has been completed, and to construct industrial shell buildings. Golden LEAF accepts applications from organizations in all counties but prioritizes awards within counties that have been persistently economically distressed (as demonstrated by County Tier status determined by the N.C. Department of Commerce) and in economically distressed, rural, and tobacco-dependent communities. Funding in the SITE Program is limited and the application process is expected to be competitive.

The SITE Program consists of four phases: SITE Program – Identification; SITE Program – Due Diligence; SITE Program – Development; and SITE Program – Shell Building.

Communities are able to participate in the program in any of the four phases, and a site may progress from Identification through Due Diligence, Development, and Shell Building over time.

Golden LEAF intends for the SITE Program to complement other site readiness and site development programs existing in North Carolina and has coordinated its program requirements with those other programs. See the SITE Program Resources page for information on other site readiness programs.

SITE Program – Shell Building

SITE Program – Shell Building provides funding for clearing and grading, site preparation, and construction of industrial shell buildings on publicly owned sites. May be combined with SITE Program – Development funding in a single project.

Golden LEAF offers an opportunity to seek funding for construction of industrial shell building as part of the SITE Program. This funding complements other funding available in the SITE Program, including for SITE Identification, SITE Due Diligence, and SITE Development. Funding available in the SITE Shell Building phase is in addition to funding available in other phases of the SITE Program.

Use of Funds

Grantees will use Golden LEAF funds to hire third-party professionals to complete eligible site development and building construction activities. The building and site must be owned by a governmental entity or 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Golden LEAF funds can be used for:

• Extension of public utilities (typically water and sewer) to the site
• Remediation of environmental conditions to enable industrial development
• Grading, clearing, and other site preparation activities
• Due diligence, planning, design, engineering, pre-construction, and construction activities for a shell building and required utilities

The grantee will procure the contractors for the project. 

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The J. Smith Howell Foundation Scholarship offers financial assistance to deserving students, facilitated by the Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, current college students, or graduates residing in Cherokee, Graham, or Clay Counties, North Carolina. The scholarship amount varies annually, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. Finalists may also be invited for an interview, enhancing their chances for selection.

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Sharma Family Scholarship Fund

Criteria

Recipients must be a graduating high school senior from a Tier 1 county in North Carolina as defined by the State of North Carolina, or Wake, Durham, or Chatham counties in North Carolina, plan to attend North Carolina State University and pursue a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math major.

The Presbytery Initiative Grants, funded by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, support mission projects endorsed by two presbyteries. These grants are made possible through generous donations from Presbyterians, emphasizing community contributions to sustain funding. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on February 1st and August 1st. Individuals and congregations can contribute through various means, including estate bequests and donations, to assist in fulfilling the mission objectives.

The Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation Grant, established in 2000, aims to enhance the quality of life in Mitchell County, NC, by supporting charitable organizations. The foundation emphasizes education, health, arts, and human services, prioritizing measurable impacts in the local community. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and align with the foundation's mission. Note that the foundation does not fund individual grants or operating expenses. Applications are accepted year-round, with annual reviews occurring after June 30.

The Chapel of the Cross Seed Fund aims to foster innovative community initiatives that may not have been possible without this support. By providing funding for new programs, the Seed Fund encourages parishioners and the broader community to engage in meaningful service. Each year, one grant is awarded, with applications opening in spring and recipients announced in fall. This initiative seeks to create a lasting impact and inspire further community involvement.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

Sea to Stars Fellowship

The joint North Carolina Space Grant – North Carolina Sea Grant Graduate Research Fellowship Program invites interdisciplinary proposals from across the state based on four broad focus areas.

2026 RFP Focus Areas:

• Sediment Budgets
• Erosion
• Habitat transformations and the resultant impact on biota
• Management Response as it relates to developing mechanisms, methods and/or tools to help natural resource managers make optimal decisions

The fellowship requires the use of data from vast archives and remote-sensing capabilities available through the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of the research process. Successful proposals must adeptly utilize relevant measurement instruments and/or remote-sensing data sources from NASA, NOAA, or other sources that can include, but are not limited to, radiometers, spectroradiometers, satellite sensors, LIDAR, aerial imagery, and other data collected from airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, and/or unpiloted submersibles in the execution of the proposed work.

Research Topic

Sediment budgets, erosion, habitat transformations, management response. Research process must include the use of NASA/NOAA data, measurement instruments, or remote-sensing capabilities

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Building and Site Fund Grants - Demolition Grants by the North Carolina Department of Commerce aim to assist local governments in demolishing old, unsuitable buildings on promising industrial sites. This program focuses on Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, particularly benefiting communities with populations under 5,000. By removing these structures, the grants facilitate site rehabilitation and enhance availability for future economic development, paving the way for a more prosperous community.

NCHSAA Foundation: Education-Based Grant Program

The education-based grant program is coordinated through the NCHSAA Foundation, Inc. Only NCHSAA member schools are eligible to apply and must meet the established criteria. Areas of focus include student-centric initiatives/programs, coach/athletic administrator education, health, safety, & wellness initiatives, and small equipment.

The Education-based Grant Program is funded with endowment funds to ultimately support and enhance student-athletes’ physical wellness, psychosocial well-being, mental wellness, and life-skill development. 

Grant funding comes solely from interest earnings on the principal investments. Funds earmarked towards grants will vary year-to-year based on market volatility and interest returns.

Focus Areas

School administrators must identify an unmet need facing student-athletes and/or coaches and school athletic administrators that relates to one of the following focus areas:

Student-Athlete focused Program Supplementation

• Mental Wellness Initiatives
• Sportsmanship Initiatives
• Character Development
• Career Exploration and Post-Graduation Preparation

Coach & Athletic Administrator Education

• Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
• NFHS Learn or NIAAA Courses, Training, and Clinics

Health, Safety, and Wellness Initiatives

• Physical Wellness
• Social and Emotional Learning (Mental Wellness Initiative)
• Cultivating Healthy Relationships
• Health and lifesaving equipment (i.e. AED unit, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature device, cooling tub)

Equipment

• Examples are game ball, net/netting systems, goal, and scoreboard
• Weights/weight machine/cardio machine

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

Who We Are

For nearly 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Individual Achievement Award

Honors one professional or one volunteer for their innovative concepts and/or accomplishments in the past three to five years that continue to contribute to the credit union community.

The Clancy & Theys 1949 Fund, managed by the Triangle Community Foundation, supports nonprofits in Central Florida, North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and Virginia. This donor-advised fund prioritizes initiatives in education, workforce development, youth programming, and community well-being, focusing on measurable impacts. The Foundation seeks to strengthen community ties and enhance quality of life by connecting donors with local organizations that address pressing needs. Both established partners and new applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics (PRISM) Award, funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, supports North Carolina K-12 educators by providing up to $3,000 for materials and equipment that enhance STEM education. An additional $1,500 can be requested for professional development. Eligible applicants include licensed teachers from public, charter, and magnet schools. This initiative aims to foster engaging, hands-on learning experiences in science and math for students.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

Who We Are

For nearly 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Honors one professional or one volunteer who has dedicated their life to promoting the credit union philosophy, created innovative concepts and exhibited leadership that has made a significant and lasting impact in the credit union movement on a local, national and/or international stage. This is traditionally awarded to an individual who has retired or has announced their retirement.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The North Carolina Bar Foundation's Endowment Grant Program offers funding exceeding $3,000 to organizations in North Carolina that promote access to justice, civic education, and diversity. This initiative supports legal services for underserved communities, pro bono programs, and civic engagement projects. By fostering professionalism and addressing disparities in legal services, the program aims to enhance community welfare and strengthen the legal profession's role in society.