Best Grants for International Development in North Carolina

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The John William Pope Foundation offers annual grants to enhance the well-being of North Carolinians through public policy, education, human services, and the arts. It prioritizes organizations that promote free-market principles and intellectual diversity, focusing on projects that directly impact the community. With a commitment to fostering critical thinking and personal responsibility, the Foundation accepts proposals year-round, issuing grants biannually in spring and fall. The Foundation aims to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

The Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors (CFJS) enhances the lives of Jewish seniors in the Carolinas by funding organizations that provide essential services and programs. In 2022, it supported 50 initiatives across 19 nonprofits, addressing health, wellness, and community engagement. CFJS prioritizes collaboration, measurable outcomes, and innovative solutions to combat social isolation among Jewish seniors, making it a unique and dedicated resource for improving their quality of life.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in North Carolina support eligible communities in addressing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, managed by USDA Rural Development, provides funding for water transmission and source projects, helping communities recover from disasters like droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can cover construction, repairs, and maintenance, ensuring access to clean water and promoting environmental sustainability in rural areas.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Watson-Brown Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the South. It offers various types of grants, including for educational programming and historic preservation, with a focus on southern studies. Eligible recipients include public charities in the southeastern United States. The Foundation's Junior Board of Trustees also awards grants to preservation projects in east central Georgia, emphasizing youth engagement in cultural heritage.

The Governor's Crime Commission Grants, under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA-STOP), aim to enhance the support and protection for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, these grants foster community partnerships and effective responses to such crimes, thereby promoting a safer environment for all. The initiative aligns with the Office on Violence Against Women's goals to address these critical issues comprehensively.

The Golden LEAF Grant Programs - Site Program - Development aims to support rural and economically distressed communities by providing funding for the identification, due diligence, and development of industrial sites. With a focus on areas that have been persistently economically distressed, the program helps communities attract new businesses and facilitate the expansion of existing ones. By enabling the necessary infrastructure development, this program helps ensure these communities are prepared for industrial growth.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering a two-year funding opportunity to enhance access to child care for families experiencing homelessness. This initiative aims to provide essential training and technical assistance to child care providers, ensuring they can support these vulnerable families effectively. With a total funding limit of $700,000, the program seeks to address the complex needs of children and families facing homelessness, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The Regional Child Care Health Consultative Services RFA aims to establish a statewide network of Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC) to enhance the safety and health of child care environments across North Carolina. With a funding cycle of two years and up to $1.5 million available, the initiative seeks qualified applicants who can demonstrate expertise in managing state grants and providing technical assistance in early childhood education. The focus is on creating culturally inclusive practices and ensuring optimal health care for children.

The Recycling Business Development Grants aim to reduce solid waste in North Carolina by encouraging sustainable recovery of materials. This program invites proposals from recycling businesses looking to enhance their operations or start new projects. Funding is primarily for investments in equipment and facilities that improve recycling capacity, helping to divert more materials from landfills into productive use. Eligible projects include collection, processing, and end use of materials in the waste stream.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality offers funding through low-interest loans, Principal Forgiveness, and grants for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. These financial resources support the construction of infrastructure to improve water quality and address emerging contaminants. Eligible applicants include municipalities and public authorities. The program emphasizes sustainability, with additional funding for green initiatives and studies addressing PFAS contamination. This initiative promotes community health and environmental protection through enhanced water management.

The Food Waste Reduction Grant aims to assist local governments, non-profits, and businesses in minimizing food waste sent to landfills. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, this program encourages proposals that enhance food donation networks or composting operations. Funds are to be allocated towards developing infrastructure for food waste reduction, ensuring excess food is redirected to those in need through food banks and composting facilities.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program provides vital federal funding to support criminal justice initiatives in North Carolina. It addresses law enforcement, courts, and community programs, promoting equitable public safety solutions. Established by the Governor's Crime Commission, the program adapts to evolving needs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to enhance safety for over 10 million residents. This initiative empowers local agencies to implement innovative strategies in law enforcement, mental health, and crisis intervention.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

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.

State Designated Rural Health Centers Support Grant

Purpose: These grant funds, supported through the North Carolina General Assembly, allow ORH to partner with local communities to provide funding to improve their ability to serve underserved populations who would otherwise be unable to access needed primary care services due to geographic, economic, or other barriers. State Designated Rural Health Centers have become an integral part of the health care safety net for North Carolina’s rural and underserved residents.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation powers the vitality of the communities we serve by building vibrant economies; strengthening local resiliency; and promoting community opportunity.

More than $30 million in charitable grants each year drives impact and improvements in our communities. Additionally, Duke Energy volunteers donate nearly $4M worth of their time in nonprofit service.

Senior Economic Vibrancy

The Duke Energy Foundation seeks to support nonprofit organizations that strengthen stability for seniors, particularly families and individuals who are experiencing financial need in the communities we serve. The Foundation will invest $500,000 in organizations that help seniors age in place, maintain access to essential services and reduce financial strain through this grant opportunity.

Opportunity

Applications should demonstrate how investments will expand access to essential services for older adults and reduce financial strain associated with aging for families and individuals who are experiencing financial need in the communities served by Duke Energy. Examples of potential proposals include:

• Capacity to support critical home repair, safety modifications, or aging-in-place services.
• Strengthening organizations that help seniors access housing stability, food security, healthcare navigation, or benefits.
• Expanding organizational capacity to reach isolated older adults.
• Improving service coordination for seniors at risk of financial insecurity.

Funding Opportunity:

Partnerships Supporting Parent/Caregiver Mental Health & Well-being

Across North Carolina, parents and caregivers of young children (prenatal to age five) are experiencing high levels of stress, isolation, and difficulty accessing support. One in three parents report feeling lonely, and more than a quarter report having no one to turn to for support.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (Blue Cross NC Foundation) recognizes that caregiver mental health and well-being are foundational to the healthy development and long-term health and well-being outcomes of young children.

While a range of mental health and well-being services exist, these supports are often fragmented and difficult to navigate. At the same time, caregivers vary in the types of support they trust and use, underscoring the need for approaches that are connected, community-rooted, and responsive to family preferences.

We see an opportunity to strengthen and better connect existing supports to improve caregiver well-being, increase social connection, and build stronger pathways to mental health care. By working upstream with families during a critical developmental period, we can promote good mental health and resilience, set the next generation up for success, and prevent the crisis we are seeing in today’s youth.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant, administered by the North Carolina State Parks, supports trail-related projects across the state. Funded through federal gas taxes, this initiative aims to enhance public access to safe and managed recreational trails. Eligible applicants include governmental and non-profit organizations, with a minimum match requirement of 25%. Projects must provide public access and remain open for at least ten years. The RTP promotes sustainable economic development through natural resource tourism.

The Margo T. Petrie Spaying and Neutering Foundation Grant aims to combat pet overpopulation in North Carolina by providing funding to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations offering spaying and neutering services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $50,000 and can be single or multi-year. Priority is given to projects with specific goals that directly promote spaying and neutering, enhancing companion animal welfare and reducing euthanasia rates.

The Economic Catalyst Grant Program, administered by The Golden LEAF Foundation, supports economic development projects aimed at job creation in tobacco-dependent and economically distressed areas. Grants are available to eligible governmental entities and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that can show job creation is at risk without funding. Competitive applications must demonstrate urgency and secure local support, with funding allocated for training, infrastructure, and job-related equipment, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering grants for community-based services targeting substance use disorders. This initiative aims to expand access to essential services while addressing gaps in care across the state. Eligible organizations can apply for project budgets up to $500,000 annually, with at least 12 contracts expected to be awarded. The funding supports prevention, treatment, and support services to enhance the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians.

The North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) has been a cornerstone in conserving the state's natural resources since 1996, protecting over half a million acres and 3,000 miles of waterways. The Donation Mini-Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for stewardship and management costs of donated properties, emphasizing ecological preservation and public access. This initiative highlights NCLWF's commitment to enhancing North Carolina's water quality and cultural heritage, ensuring these vital resources are safeguarded for future generations.

The Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant Funds aim to promote innovative projects across North Carolina's arts and human services sectors. With awards of up to $100,000, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance community engagement and foster self-empowerment among citizens. Projects must be completed by the end of the granting year, and eligibility is limited to nonprofits in North Carolina. Notably, the grants exclude medical research and direct aid to individuals, focusing instead on sustainable community improvements.

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in North and South Carolina, focusing on education, healthcare, human services, and the arts. With a commitment to strengthen communities and support fiscal responsibility, the foundation aims to enhance lives through meaningful projects. Organizations must demonstrate a track record of success to be eligible for funding, which is generally awarded for special projects and capital needs.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program seeks to award two, two-year grants to an organization(s) (grantee) to manage and complete select urban forestry services (Climb to Tree City USA package) for municipalities awarded assistance (subrecipient) through our Financial Assistance Program (FAP) request for applications (RFAs) process. 

Funding Programs

There are two federal funding programs that will fund this work:

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• 100% of the Tribal government or municipality’s incorporated lands fall within the boundaries of NCFS U&CF Financial Assistance Program Inflation Reduction Act project areas.
• Indirect administration – 20% of services billed.
• $5.6 million in assistance is available for award of all IRA funded work.