Best Grants for Cybersecurity in North Carolina

Graduate-level U.S. students in cybersecurity and related STEM fields seeking tuition and course expense support may be eligible for this scholarship while studying in North Carolina or elsewhere in the U.S. AFCEA provides $3,000 Shrader Graduate Scholarships for full-time students in qualifying majors that support its communications, electronics, and security-focused mission.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) institutions working on cybersecurity and related global challenges can access funding through the Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. U.S.-based nonprofits collaborate with Japanese partners on policy-oriented research, dialogue, and exchange projects addressing issues like cyber security, AI, digital transformation, and other modern societal and technological concerns.

North Carolina cybersecurity and other real-time 3D creators with impact-driven projects can access funding through Unity Technologies’ Unity for Humanity Grant, which offers up to US $500,000 plus technical and marketing support. Eligible legal entities must use RT3D tools and address UN Sustainable Development Goals such as education, health, environment, or social and humanitarian issues.

Nonprofit organizations running cybersecurity or AI workforce programs for underrepresented learners, including those serving North Carolina, can seek funding to expand skills training and job placement. With a mission to power human progress, Kyndryl Charitable Foundation supports tech-enabled education and inclusive economic opportunities across its core countries for data-informed, community-led initiatives.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM doctoral programs can seek US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 to build research capacity and graduate more research doctoral students, including in cybersecurity, through this national CREST-RISE opportunity. Focused on advanced STEM fields, the National Science Foundation invites eligible U.S. MSIs, including those in North Carolina, to strengthen graduate programs, research infrastructure, and equipment.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity and related emerging technologies can receive up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, living, and research costs through the American Australian Association’s AUKUS Scholarships. Focused on security, technology, and diplomacy, this program supports U.S.–Australia study, which may benefit North Carolina applicants working in advanced cyber fields.

North Carolina and other U.S. or Australian graduate-level researchers in defence, space, or cyber security can access funding through the American Australian Association for PhD or post-doctoral research exchanges between the two countries. Awards up to US $40,000 support tuition, travel, living expenses, and other research costs tied to South Australian or American institutions.

Graduate-level students and researchers focused on cybersecurity and related emerging technologies can receive up to US $40,000 to study between Australia and the U.S., including North Carolina, for tuition, travel, and living costs. With a mission to support advanced security, technology, and diplomacy study, American Australian Association provides AUKUS Scholarships for eligible U.S. and Australian citizens or permanent residents.

With a mission to strengthen open-source security, National Science Foundation provides North Carolina cybersecurity and computer science organizations with funding to improve safety, security, and privacy in open-source ecosystems. Eligible open-source ecosystems across the U.S. can request up to US $1,500,000 to address technical and socio-technical vulnerabilities and enhance risk management capabilities.

Nonprofits, individuals, and institutions working on cybersecurity and AI-related existential risk projects, including in North Carolina, can apply for US $1,000 - US $500,000 from the Long-Term Future Fund. With a mission to support long-term future projects, Centre for Effective Altruism provides flexible grants for research, field-building, seed funding, and movement-building efforts.

North Carolina cybersecurity and AI research teams can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy for projects that accelerate scientific discovery and R&D workflows with novel AI models. Awards of US $500,000 - US $16,000,000 support interdisciplinary work in areas like energy, critical materials, semiconductors, and related computer science fields, including cybersecurity, across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing cybersecurity, accounting, emergency services, or skilled trades for college or trade school can apply for the Eugene Curfman Foundation Scholarship, including students from North Carolina–based home school programs. Administered by the Community Foundation of Carroll County, awards are paid directly to the institution and may be renewed for up to three additional years.

The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation, fosters innovative research in multi-agent systems, resource allocation, and machine learning. It focuses on applications in energy, transportation, and robotics, while emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into power systems. EPCN also explores advanced power electronics, cybersecurity for grids, and the development of adaptive systems. This program encourages groundbreaking advancements in energy-efficient technologies and promotes collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

Universities, research institutions, and similar organizations working on secure open-source software, hardware, and data ecosystems can seek US $300,000 - US $1,500,000 to strengthen cybersecurity and privacy. Focused on engineering and computer science, the National Science Foundation invites North Carolina cybersecurity teams to plan, establish, or improve open-source ecosystems that address national and societal challenges.

Free and charitable clinics and pharmacies that are NAFC members in North Carolina can seek US $20,000 - US $30,000 to strengthen cybersecurity-related health IT, such as EHR systems, data tools, and telehealth platforms. Focused on clinic capacity, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics supports technology upgrades, workflow improvements, and staff training for medically underserved patient care.