Best Grants for Children in North Carolina

North Carolina K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $15,000 to build on-campus outdoor learning structures such as classrooms, greenhouses, and educational gardens. North Carolina youth-serving programs, especially those reaching underserved children and teens, can access funding through the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission to expand outdoor education and recreation opportunities.

Department of Health and Human Services 

The Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health and human related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. The department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen.

Community Services Block Grant

The Community Services Block Grant is the sole source of federal funding for North Carolina’s Community Action Agencies that provide a wide range of services and programs to assist needy families with children. CSBG funding supports projects that:  

• Decrease poverty in communities.
• Address the needs of low-income individuals, including the homeless, migrants and the elderly.
• Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health.

The CSBG State Plan is required for North Carolina to receive CSBG block grant funds, and it describes major program provisions, eligible entities, training and technical assistance, and program benefits.

Organizations in North Carolina serving children under 18 with serious medical, dental, or mental health needs can access funding through the Roberts-Miller Children's Fund. Grants from Gaston Community Foundation support disadvantaged children lacking public or family resources, including help with special equipment, critical orthodontic care, and programs assisting groups of children in these circumstances.

Not-for-profit organizations in North Carolina serving children and youth can apply for Huffman-Cornwell Foundation grants to support projects in arts, education, environment, and community development. Programs benefiting young people in Burke County and across the state, including child welfare, youth services, and cultural or physical development, may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth in selected North Carolina counties can seek funding for special projects and capital improvements that benefit children in need. Hughes Memorial Foundation supports youth services and child welfare programs in North Carolina, with eligibility in Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell, and Person counties and their cities.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) public charities planning capital projects for youth, families, or community spaces can seek funding for shovel-ready initiatives such as educational facilities, park and community areas, artistic installations, wildlife habitats, or Christian church mission projects. The Jandy Ammons Foundation supports innovative, project-driven endeavors that create lasting local assets benefiting children and broader communities.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) public charities running short-term or non-recurring projects can access funding through the John Wesley Hanes and Anna Hodgin Hanes Foundation for arts, education, health and human services, environment, religion, and more. Organizations serving children and youth, especially in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, may be strong candidates.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can apply for recoverable grants from US $10,000 - US $50,000 from the Impact Fund. North Carolina youth-serving organizations involved in systemic justice cases affecting children may be eligible for support with out-of-pocket litigation expenses.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families through education, health, human services, or arts programs can seek project or capital funding from the Philip L Van Every Foundation, with awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000. Focused on strengthening communities, the foundation invites established nonprofits to apply once every 12 months.

Reynolds American Foundation provides North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies with support for community, education, and wellbeing programs. Funding targets local initiatives and capital campaigns that improve wellbeing, educational, and socioeconomic outcomes, especially for at-risk and economically disadvantaged children in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and surrounding areas where company employees live and work.

Tax-exempt education, health care, and social service organizations in North Carolina can apply for Sisters of Mercy grants to support operating, program, or project costs that improve life for economically poor women, children, and elders. Youth-serving groups in Charlotte-Metrolina and Western North Carolina that reach underserved populations may be especially competitive.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth through educational or environmental programs can access funding through the Glass Foundation for capital campaigns, construction or renovation, and program supplies or equipment. Grants up to US $200,000 support projects in eligible Western North Carolina counties that enhance youth development, education, and environmental stewardship.

Nonprofit child- and family-serving agencies in North Carolina can seek funding to implement and sustain evidence-based programs that prevent or treat child abuse and neglect. Grants from The Duke Endowment help organizations serving children, youth, and families enhance child and family well-being through implementation support, innovation, and systems-improvement efforts; a pre-application is required.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial grants supporting hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development across the U.S., including North Carolina. Youth-serving programs that provide food access, housing support, arts education, or life-skills training for children and families may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, youth, and families through education, housing, or wellbeing programs in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina may be eligible for support; the Merancas Foundation focuses on crisis response, self-sufficiency, and helping children reach their potential. Merancas Foundation supports youth services in North Carolina by investing in local community-based programs.

Nonprofits, local government units, and eligible fire and rescue departments serving children and families in Cary, North Carolina can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 to support programs or operations. With a mission to strengthen communities, North Carolina Community Foundation provides youth-focused organizations with grants prioritizing projects that benefit women and children in Chatham and Wake counties.

The Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations in education, healthcare, and housing initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects in Eastern North Carolina, Long Island, NY, and Central Maine. The foundation has awarded over 300 grants since its inception, reflecting its commitment to impactful community partnerships and ongoing evaluation of funded projects.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children’s health or education needs can use these grants for grassroots programs, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $15,000. With a mission to support underserved youth and strengthen youth hockey, Carolina Hurricanes Foundation funds organizations operating at least three years that directly serve children in the state.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Cherokee or Clay County, North Carolina can apply for the Dub and Murray Martin Cherokee and Clay County Trust’s US $1,000 - US $5,000 grants to improve residents’ well-being. Funding can support education, children’s homes or orphanages, health and human services, and care for children affected by disease or domestic violence.

The New Hanover County Community Foundation Grants aim to support local nonprofit organizations within New Hanover County. With a focus on various endowments, including those for children and food-related services, the foundation encourages proposals that address community needs. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve without discrimination. Grants typically range from $500 to $2500, fostering collaboration and impactful initiatives for the betterment of the community.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits running family mental well-being programs can receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 for specific program costs and related staffing. With a mission to strengthen families in underserved communities, Charlie's Heart Foundation provides annual grants that may benefit organizations supporting children and youth through holistic family-focused services.

North Carolina youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits with three-plus years of operations can access funding through AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation for one-year, project-specific work addressing adverse childhood experiences and promoting protective experiences. Awards of US $100,000 - US $150,000 support community-led programs focused on healing behaviors, health care access, empowering families, and reaching communities with many Medicaid enrollees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in rural North Carolina communities can use this grant for general operating support to expand children’s and adults’ access to literary, visual, music, and performing arts. Laura Jane Musser Fund prioritizes small-budget groups that engage their communities, increase access through scholarships and hands-on activities, and can seek up to US $12,000 annually for up to three years.

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.

North Carolina youth-serving nonprofits, 501(c)(3) charities, local government units, public schools, and fire and rescue departments in Camden, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties can seek project support through the Northern Albemarle Community Foundation Grant Program. Grants from North Carolina Community Foundation typically range from US $1,000 - US $5,000 and may also benefit programs for women and children.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, colleges, universities, religious entities, and government units working on state-level systemic change in North Carolina can access funding through Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, with awards from US $30,000 - US $100,000. Efforts advancing public education, social and economic justice, environmental justice, or strengthening democracy that benefit children and youth may be eligible.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible local government entities serving Caswell County, NC can apply for the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region’s competitive grants to support a wide range of community services. Programs benefiting youth and children in the Dan River Region of North Carolina and neighboring Virginia localities may be supported through Community Impact, field of interest, and donor-advised funds.