Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in North Carolina

The Link Foundation offers a prestigious Energy Fellowship aimed at supporting Ph.D. candidates focused on energy innovation. Each fellowship provides $35,000 per year for two years, totaling $70,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian institution and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. The second-year funding requires an endorsement from the research advisor. This opportunity is ideal for those with a clear thesis direction who need additional support to complete their doctoral studies.

The Colcom Foundation Grant: National Giving (Carrying Capacity) aims to support projects that address the impacts of human population growth on the environment. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in family planning and sustainable immigration practices to stabilize and gradually decrease the US population by 2040. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for these funds, which seek to foster a sustainable environment and ensure a quality life for all Americans.

The Montgomery County Fund Grant, established in 1992, supports local nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County through competitive grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, it addresses community needs via annual funding opportunities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local government units. Grants are intended for specific projects or general operating support, promoting inclusive programs that benefit the community without discrimination.

The Burkburnett Legacy Foundation aims to enhance philanthropy and provide charitable opportunities to support nonprofits in Burkburnett, TX. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities, with grants awarded for charitable purposes. The foundation promotes the well-being of all, irrespective of race or gender. However, certain ineligibilities apply, such as restrictions on grants to political candidates or individuals. Organizations can apply annually to benefit from this foundation's support.

The Law School Admission Council, Inc. (“LSAC”) is committed to promoting access in legal education and the legal profession. The LSAC Pathway Grant (the “Grant”) program makes awards to nonprofit institutions for programming focused on one or more of the following strategic goals:

• Goal 1: Early Access/Outreach - Introducing the law and careers in law to students, particularly students facing access and opportunity barriers to information and education, before high school graduation
• Goal 2: Supporting Admissions - Ensuring all applicants, including applicants facing access and opportunity barriers to information, education, and other supports/resources, have access, opportunity, and support in the law school admission process
• Goal 3: 1L Retention - Reducing attrition rates and increasing persistence for law students after the first year of law school, particularly students facing access and opportunity barriers to information, education, and other supports/resources

The Royal B. Kinder Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in Wichita Falls by promoting charitable giving. Nonprofits in Archer County are eligible to apply for grants, which are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable projects. The fund encourages initiatives that benefit the community without discrimination. However, restrictions apply to fundraising, scholarships, and grants to individuals or political entities. Eligible organizations can apply annually to support various charitable purposes.

The Clinton Presidential Research Fellowship, offered by the Clinton Presidential Library and the Clinton Foundation, supports graduate students and early career academics in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship enables research into President Clinton's administration and its legacy. Annual funding ranges from $1,250 to $5,000 USD, encouraging students and scholars to delve into American history and presidential legacies. Applications are invited from current graduate students or those who have earned a PhD within the last eight years.

The Randolph County Community Foundation offers the Unrestricted Endowment Fund Grant to support local nonprofits. Established in 1991, this fund addresses changing community needs through annual grants, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000. Organizations eligible to apply must be 501(c)(3) charities or local government units, with a focus on enhancing community life in Randolph County. The foundation prioritizes diverse, inclusive programs that serve the broader community.

The Yadkin County Community Foundation's Legacy Fund supports local nonprofit organizations through annual grants ranging from $750 to $2,000. Established in 1998, it aims to enhance community life by responding to evolving local needs. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt public charities and local government units, while providing programs without discrimination. This fund plays a vital role in fostering philanthropy and community development in Yadkin County, ensuring that diverse local needs are met effectively.

The Mellon Mays Graduate Assistance Program (GAP) supports alumni of the Mellon Mays initiative in their journey to graduate school. By providing resources like structured gap year activities, media resources, and mentoring, the program aims to bridge the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. It has successfully placed over 90 scholars in advanced programs, fostering diverse perspectives in academia. GAP addresses challenges faced during the gap year, ensuring participants remain engaged and prepared for their academic careers.

The SBB Research Group Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing unmet needs through sustainable strategies. Winners are selected monthly, receiving $5,000, while other finalists are awarded $1,000. The foundation collaborates with various partners and has a strong commitment to community service. Organizations are encouraged to apply early, as prior applicants can be reconsidered in subsequent months. This initiative aims to empower impactful initiatives across diverse sectors.

The John W. Newman Memorial Scholarship is aimed at Hamilton County high school alumni who are in their second or third year of law school, pursuing a full-time juris doctorate at an accredited institution in the U.S. Selection is based on academic performance, ambition, societal contributions, and financial need, ensuring that deserving students receive support in their legal education.

The Haywood County Community Foundation offers an Unrestricted Endowment fund to support local nonprofit organizations. Established in 1994, this fund enables responsive grantmaking to meet community needs, with grants ranging from $500 to $1,500, totaling no more than $4,500 annually. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities or local government entities, focusing on projects that benefit the community while ensuring non-discrimination in services provided. The program emphasizes flexibility in funding to adapt to evolving local challenges.

The Rockingham County Community Foundation manages an unrestricted endowment to support local nonprofit organizations through annual grants ranging from $500 to $1,000. Established in 1995, the foundation is driven by a volunteer advisory board dedicated to meeting community needs in Rockingham County. This fund enables versatile responses to changing conditions and enhances the quality of life in the area, allowing various charitable organizations to thrive and contribute positively to the community.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Engineering programs by introducing new courses, additional class periods, and teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Preference is given to schools with a high-need student population, ensuring that those eligible for free or reduced lunch programs are prioritized for funding. This partnership fosters workforce readiness and empowers future innovators.

The Mount Airy/Surry County Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofit organizations in Surry County by addressing community needs through annual grants. Established in 1999, this foundation encourages philanthropy by allowing individuals to create endowments or contribute to existing funds. Grants up to $1,500 are available, prioritizing organizations that are tax-exempt and serve the local community without discrimination. The grant program emphasizes collaboration with local advisory board members to effectively leverage resources and meet diverse community challenges.

The SBB Research Group Grant offers $5,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations with a focus on addressing unmet needs through sustainable strategies. The application process is streamlined, consisting of just ten questions. The evaluation includes a review by the Philanthropy Committee, which selects nominees for interviews and finalists for presentations. Winners receive funding and further opportunities, while all finalists receive $1,000. This grant aims to empower organizations with 5 to 49 full-time employees.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education in underserved communities. Grants of $30,000 will help schools launch and expand these programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer at least two different PLTW Engineering courses over two years. Preference will be given to institutions with high-need student populations as determined by free and reduced lunch eligibility.

The Wilson County Community Foundation's Unrestricted Endowment supports local nonprofit organizations by providing annual grants that respond to community needs. Established in 1997, this fund enables flexible funding for various causes, promoting philanthropy in Wilson County. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500, and applicants must be tax-exempt public charities or local government units. The program fosters community improvement through a competitive grants process, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to meet local demands.

The A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grants, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, support innovative research projects. Applications are accepted through the ASLMS Research Grant application process. Interested applicants should fill out either the Standard Pre-Application or the Student Application to be considered for funding. This grant aims to foster research excellence and advance knowledge in relevant fields.

The Oris W. Dunham, Jr. and Sylvia M. Dunham Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, supports college students enrolled in aviation-related programs in the U.S. and Canada. Up to five non-renewable scholarships valued at $1,500 each will be awarded based on academic achievements, financial need, and community involvement. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry by providing financial assistance to deserving candidates.

The Macon County Community Foundation's Unrestricted Endowment Fund supports local nonprofit organizations by providing annual grants ranging from $500 to $2,500, with a total grantmaking cap of $15,000. Established in 1991, the foundation focuses on meeting evolving community needs and enhancing quality of life in Macon County. Qualified organizations, including 501(c)(3) public charities and local government units, are encouraged to apply for funding to further their charitable missions.

The High Point Community Foundation's Annual Grants Program supports initiatives that address unmet needs in the High Point community. With a funding maximum of $50,000, it encourages projects that benefit entire schools and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. The program emphasizes capacity building, urging applicants to anticipate future challenges. While the foundation is committed to impactful grants, it does not support requests for costs already incurred or political purposes, ensuring funds directly benefit the local community.

Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies

Established in 1948, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) – a nonprofit, non-political, scholarly society – is the leading international organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe in regional and global contexts.  

ASEEES Next Generation Dissertation Research Fellowship Program

Established in 2025, the ASEEES Next Generation Dissertation Research Fellowship Program provides a maximum stipend of $28,000 for doctoral students at US universities, regardless of citizenship, to conduct dissertation research in Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies. The program is open to students in any discipline whose dissertation topics are within Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies.

Fellowship Project Scope

• The dissertation topic must be in Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian studies
• Most of the proposed research should be conducted in Eastern Europe and/or Eurasia but the fellowship can be used to conduct research for a briefer period in secondary site(s) such as the U.S.; in cases of equally qualified applications, some preference may be given to research entirely in the region

The stipend can be spent on expenses incurred while conducting research, including living expenses, research expenses, international airfare, visa expenses, and evacuation and health insurance.

The Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics, offered by the Simons Foundation, supports exceptional Ph.D. students in their final years of study. This fellowship, honoring co-founder Jim Simons, provides $19,200 annually for research support and departmental funds, commencing September 1, 2025. Eligible candidates must be full-time Ph.D. students in a U.S. mathematics department, entering their third year. The program emphasizes research quality, significance, and potential impact.

The AMS Young Scholars Grant Program, offered by the American Mathematical Society, provides grants of up to $15,000 to support summer mathematics programs for talented high school students. Designed to aid established programs, funding should be allocated equally between student scholarships and program expenses. Programs must exist for at least a year, involve a minimum of 20 students, and focus on problem solving or research in mathematics, fostering the next generation of mathematicians.

The Computational Mathematics program supports research that integrates computation with mathematical analysis, encouraging innovative algorithm development and application. Proposals may range from individual projects to interdisciplinary teams, focusing on new computational techniques to address significant application challenges. The program also emphasizes training for junior mathematicians through hands-on research. Conference proposals must adhere to strict submission timelines to ensure review and funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within the mathematical sciences.