Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in North Carolina

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving adults with workforce development, job readiness, or small business support programs in North Carolina can apply for Truist Foundation grants of more than US $15,000. Funding supports career pathways to economic mobility, reskilling and upskilling, and strengthening networks that assist diverse and women-owned small businesses, which may include mentoring components.

Nonprofit schools and education programs in North Carolina seeking support for traditional or out-of-school learning may be eligible for funding that advances tutoring, mentoring, and academic success. With a mission to recognize and advance individual potential, Andrus Family Foundation supports initiatives in education and workforce preparation, including mentoring-focused efforts that empower children and adults.

State education affiliates in North Carolina and nationwide supporting K–12 public education and mentoring or tutoring programs can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s ARP Implementation Network Grant, with awards up to US $100,000. Funding reimburses compensation to hire or backfill a coordinator to implement American Rescue Plan and related federal recovery initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations, school districts, public agencies, and higher education institutions in North Carolina expanding K-12 tutoring or mentoring supports can apply for the Community Collaboration Challenge, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000. Offered by the National Partnership for Student Success, it backs communities piloting evidence-based tutoring, mentoring, coaching, and wraparound student support collaborations.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, schools, and qualifying organizations in western North Carolina can access funding to launch, grow, or scale youth and young adult well-being programs through Nantahala Health Foundation; awards up to US $50,000 support education, healthcare access, and career pathways. North Carolina mentoring and tutoring programs serving disadvantaged youth may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs in North Carolina that provide ongoing academic or life-skills mentoring for low-income youth can receive US $300 - US $500 in Ross gift cards to buy school or professional clothing. Grants from Ross Stores Foundation help mentoring and tutoring programs serving socioeconomically disadvantaged youth near Ross or dd’s DISCOUNTS locations.

Undergraduate and recently graduated college students in North Carolina interested in public health and healthcare careers can access a full-time, 10-week summer mentoring internship through John Muir Health. Focused on tutoring and mentoring, this program prioritizes underrepresented, first-generation, low-income, and underserved students seeking real-world experience, networking, and support in health-related fields.

High school, undergraduate, and medical students in North Carolina interested in healthcare careers can apply for John Muir Health’s CLIMB Near Peer Mentorship Program, a year-long, multi-level mentoring experience. This virtual program focuses on tutoring and mentoring, connecting participants with medical students and opportunities to mentor high school students exploring medicine.

Focused on film music creation, New Music USA invites developing composers in North Carolina and across the U.S. to seek support for original scores. Eligible individual composers on independently financed feature-length films in production or post can receive approximately US $20,000 for scoring costs, including composer fees, musicians, equipment, studio time, and engineering.

North Carolina students interested in legal careers and mentoring-focused development can access the Josh Dubin Fellowship, a seven-week paid professional and educational experience. Offered by the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund, it supports current SCF scholars nationwide with legal research, case analysis, site visits, mentorship, and additional scholarship aid for undergraduate educational expenses.

Students and early-career researchers pursuing computer science, data science, or AI mentoring and research experience can apply for the Ai2 Predoctoral Young Investigators Program, open to candidates in the U.S., including North Carolina. Grants from Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence help participants gain intensive research mentoring, co-author publications, and prepare for top PhD programs over 1–3 years.

High school seniors pursuing business or engineering with strong character and interest in mentorship can access funding and one-on-one mentoring support through Bradley Family Foundation in North Carolina. This renewable scholarship supports U.S. citizens planning full-time bachelor’s study and may benefit students involved in school- or community-based mentoring programs.

Undergraduate, master’s, and medical students interested in pediatric oncology research in North Carolina and beyond can receive up to US $5,000 for a mentored summer research internship. With a mission to change the lives of children with cancer, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation provides hands-on training that may complement tutoring and mentoring-focused programs.

High school seniors seeking undergraduate education funding and mentorship can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 scholarships through Rotary Club of Milwaukee, including structured mentoring support. With a mission to support higher education, Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Tr provides need-based awards that may benefit students involved in tutoring and mentoring programs, including those similar to North Carolina initiatives.

North Carolina mentoring and tutoring leaders developing youth-focused mentoring systems can access funding through the Bergel Institute’s FE3 Fellowship to spend a year designing a credentialed mentoring profession in the U.S. This $30,000, mostly virtual fellowship supports intensive research and project development, including training, certification, licensing frameworks, and a pilot site launch.

Early-career live entertainment production managers in North Carolina and across the U.S. can apply for the Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program, which offers US $2,000 for conference-related expenses and intensive one-on-one mentoring. Eligible applicants must be current USITT members and able to participate in virtual prep and the Annual Conference.

Faculty developing or expanding undergraduate mentoring and discussion-based programs in the liberal tradition, including those in North Carolina, can apply for Institute for Humane Studies’ Free Society Grants to support sustained intellectual engagement. Eligible projects include mentorship programs, reading groups, workshops, symposia, and student research activities at U.S. higher education institutions.

First-generation master’s and doctoral students in exercise physiology, sports science, kinesiology, or sports nutrition at U.S. schools can receive US $4,000 - US $6,000 for research plus one-on-one mentorship. With a mission to educate and empower professionals, American College of Sports Medicine Foundation provides North Carolina and other U.S. graduate researchers with funding and professional development support.

North Carolina students seeking higher education support and mentorship can access funding through a national Pizza Hut Foundation scholarship and 14-week mentorship program. Eligible applicants are ages 17–26, legal residents of the U.S., Guam, or D.C., with at least a 2.5 GPA and eligibility for federal student aid, enrolling in accredited undergraduate or vocational programs.

$20K for changemakers with transformative ideas & firsthand insight in early childhood

About the Imagine Award

The Imagine Award by the Promise Fund offers $20,000 in flexible funding (see definition in FAQs) and a six-month cohort-based learning experience for community-rooted early childhood leaders with ideas for transformative impact. ​​Award recipients are at the idea stage and will launch a pilot within six months, testing their solutions with real users, gathering feedback, and refining their approach.

Imagine Award recipients will learn strategies for designing and executing lightweight tests for rapid learning while gaining clarity on their idea's direction using impact and business models. They will craft a compelling story about their work to build future partnerships and run a focused pilot with strong feedback loops for gathering data, all while growing alongside a supportive peer community.

What We Provide

Our grant dollars are flexible and meant to be used at award recipients’ discretion for the pursuit of tests or a pilot of a transformative idea. Read the FAQ for more information.

Direct, one-on-one support from our team to help you learn, get tailored help, and make relevant connections.

Multi-day gathering for peer connection, learning, and pilot design.

Access to a bench of mentors to guide you as you transition out of the program and navigate next steps with your pilot.

Light, tailored coaching to support pilot preparation, launch, and implementation.

Ongoing peer community and resources to continue learning and collaboration

About the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium

Empowering Arkansas in Aerospace: ASGC's Vision and Mission

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is a pivotal part of a nationwide network funded by NASA to enhance America's aerospace science and technology capabilities. ASGC partners with 17 four-year universities and colleges across Arkansas, dedicated to advancing space science education, research, and public outreach. Through scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, ASGC supports students and faculty in STEM fields, aligning with NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. This commitment underscores ASGC's role in fostering a culture of innovation and discovery within Arkansas and beyond.

Current Student Opportunities

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is excited to offer scholarships and awards to students attending affiliated colleges and universities across the state. These opportunities aim to support students’ academic and research endeavors in STEM fields, while recognizing their achievements.

Workforce Development Award

May 15, 2026 – August 14, 2027

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC), a participant in the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (NSGCFP), invites applications for the NASA Space Grant Workforce Development Award. This award offers internships at NASA Centers or aerospace-related industries, aimed at encouraging students to prepare for careers in professional aerospace fields.

Nonprofit organizations offering tutoring and mentoring or related K–12 education and housing programs in North Carolina can access funding through TruStage Foundation. The funder prioritizes economic mobility, especially literacy, mentoring, affordable and supportive housing, and homelessness services, with primary emphasis on communities near its headquarters but opportunities available across all 50 states.

The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Truliant Mini Grants program offers $1,500 grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Truliant member communities. These grants support capacity building through staff training and development, along with materials for programs aligned with Truliant's focus areas: Social Mobility, Financial Wellness, and Workforce Education. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget under $500,000, be tax-exempt, and have been operating for at least three years, ensuring community engagement and sustainability.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program aims to support educational initiatives globally, impacting the lives of children. This program welcomes applications from IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on mission alignment and available funds. Kars4Kids, a national Jewish nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing productive community members through educational and mentoring opportunities.