Best Grants for Capital Funding in North Carolina

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. 

Dr. Bob Townsend Scholarship Endowment

Hoke County resident who is a high school graduate and has been accepted to an accredited college or university and plans to study medicine. 

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 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. 

Carolyn Grantham Ennis Scholarship Endowment

A graduating senior from a Johnston County public high school who plans to attend Shaw University. Renewable for up to three additional years based on the student demonstrating that they remain enrolled at their educational institution.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Project Grants offer funding for public, academic, and community college libraries in North Carolina to enhance services and programs. Grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on project duration, with an emphasis on community engagement, equitable access to information, and sustainable practices. Libraries can apply for multi-year grants, fostering partnerships to improve service delivery and address local needs as outlined in the LSTA Five Year Plan.

Quality Improvement Grant Request for Proposals

Optimizing Maternal RSV Immunization Delivery: A Systems-Based Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Uptake, Equity, and Newborn Outcomes

Pfizer, in collaboration with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity to support independent Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives focused on advancing maternal immunization, with a specific emphasis on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination during pregnancy.

This initiative builds upon insights generated from the Maternal Immunization Needs Assessment (MINA) project, a multi-stakeholder collaboration that identified persistent clinical, behavioral, and system-level gaps in the delivery and uptake of maternal vaccines.

We seek to fund projects that implement measurable, evidence-based interventions to improve real-world delivery of maternal RSV immunization across healthcare systems and care settings. Proposed initiatives should aim to optimize access, strengthen provider–patient communication training and tools, enhance care coordination, and address structural and behavioral barriers impacting vaccine uptake and equity.

Pfizer Global Medical Grants (GMG) supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies. Pfizer’s GMG competitive grant program involves a publicly posted Request for Proposal (RFP) that provides detail regarding a specific area of interest, sets timelines for review and approval, and uses an expert review panel (ERP) to make final grant decisions. Organizations are invited to submit an application addressing the specific gaps in clinical practice or care as outlined in the specific RFP.

For all QI grants, the applicant (and ultimately the grantee) will be solely responsible for the design, implementation, and conduct of the proposed initiative. Pfizer will have no involvement in project development, execution, or outcomes.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) provides competitive grants to North Carolina libraries to enhance their services and address community needs. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, these grants promote inclusivity, equitable access to resources, and responsive organizational practices. Libraries can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support innovative projects that align with the state's strategic goals outlined in the 2023-2027 LSTA Five Year Plan.

The N.C. Dental Society Foundation announces the Dental Public Health Award, offering $1,500 to deserving organizations at the Fall 2023 Education Conference. Eligible nominees include tax-exempt nonprofits or government agencies committed to improving oral health outcomes, access to dental services, and public education on preventative practices. Self-nominations are encouraged. Note that past recipients from 2022 must wait until 2024 to apply.

The Smiles for Kids Grant Program, funded by the Delta Dental Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in North Carolina by providing grants focused on children's oral health education initiatives, particularly in underserved areas. Since 2010, over $510,000 has been awarded, benefiting more than 330,000 children and their families. Grants are capped at $5,000 and are limited to one proposal per organization annually, ensuring targeted support for meritorious programs.

The Doris Betts Fiction Prize, administered by the North Carolina Writers’ Network, fosters literary talent by awarding a $250 prize and publication in the North Carolina Literary Review. Open to legal residents of North Carolina and members of the Network, it encourages previously unpublished short stories up to 6,000 words. Finalists also receive consideration for publication and monetary awards ranging from $50 to $150. This initiative highlights the importance of writing in nurturing community and civic discourse.

The Paul Green Foundation, established in 1982, continues the legacy of playwright Paul Green by supporting North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations. It funds dramatic productions and projects that promote human rights, racial equality, and the arts. The foundation encourages proposals that creatively intertwine these themes, reflecting Green's commitment to social change through literature and performance. Notably, Green's works, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "In Abraham's Bosom," highlight the struggles for education and justice faced by marginalized communities.

The Artist Creative Practice Grant by South Arts supports individual artists in various disciplines by funding professional development opportunities. This grant ensures that artists can access vital experiences that enhance their careers, covering up to 2/3 of the total costs with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. By promoting artistic growth, South Arts aims to elevate the cultural landscape of the Southern United States and foster meaningful connections within communities.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5424 - Adaptive Control Frameworks to Unlock Full-Scale BNR Potential

Grant Information

• Identify and categorize the dominant failure modes of current aeration and process control implementations under real-world operating conditions.
• Develop guidance on data and instrumentation requirements for utilities to support adaptive control, including the characterization of existing sensor infrastructure and the use of soft sensors where hard sensors are limited.
• Develop practical adaptive control frameworks and implementation guidance that utilities can deploy without dependence on proprietary black-box tools or specialized data science expertise, including hybrid approaches that augment conventional controls with data-driven models (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), digital twins) for variable flow and concentration conditions.
• Benchmark control performance against biological capacity indicators across multiple full-scale facilities to quantify the gap between achievable and realized biological nutrient removal (BNR) performance.

The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation is launching its Endowment Grant Program to support oral health initiatives across North Carolina. Up to four qualifying nonprofit organizations will receive $5,000 each to enhance dental care accessibility and improve health outcomes for both children and adults. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies dedicated to fostering oral health education and services.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

Betty Taylor Memorial Award

The Betty Taylor Memorial Award is designed to award funds to support advancement in the applicants career as an emerging artist in the field of visual arts and crafts through education, advanced projects, marketing and/or other related pursuits. The relationship of the project to the career advancement of the applicant must be clearly defined in the “Narrative” section of the application. Conducting deeper study is a key element to the Taylor Award, and the applicant will need to elaborate on study method, mentoring, apprenticeships, etc.

Purpose 

To promote emerging artists who are in need of financial support for continued education in the field of visual arts and crafts.

The Betty Taylor Memorial Award is funded by The Ellen (Betty) Taylor Memorial Fund at Community Foundation of Henderson County (CFHC) and administrated in partnership with the Arts Council of Henderson County. 

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Hendersonville Woman's Club Scholarship

The scholarship is to be awarded to a student who has financial need; is a Henderson County resident and graduate of a Henderson County school; plans to attend a four-year accredited school in North Carolina; is of good moral character; and has an acceptable grade point average.

This is a renewable scholarship.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Southern Equality Research Grant, offered by the Campaign for Southern Equality, aims to empower students and early career researchers to conduct crucial studies on LGBTQ+ issues in the South. With over a third of LGBTQ+ Americans residing in this region, there is a significant need for research to address legal protections and social inequities. This initiative seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ Southerners, fostering a deeper understanding of the policies affecting their lives.

The Southern SARE: On-Farm Research Grant supports agricultural professionals in collaborating with farmers to conduct innovative on-farm research projects focused on sustainable agriculture. This initiative emphasizes building strong relationships between researchers and farmers while addressing agricultural production challenges. By fostering new practices in production and marketing, it aims to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector, thereby benefiting local communities and the environment.

The Southern SARE: Professional Development Grants support educational initiatives for agricultural professionals, enhancing outreach and training efforts directly benefiting farmers and ranchers. These grants fund diverse training activities, including workshops and farm tours, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture through effective participatory methods. Projects are encouraged to involve multi-disciplinary partnerships and the participation of land-grant institutions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to agricultural education. Priority is given to projects with budgets under $80,000, fostering a broad array of impactful initiatives.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.