Best Grants for New Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

The Judith A. Ingram Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors the legacy of Judy Ingram, a dedicated educator who inspired many in elementary education. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from local school districts planning to major in elementary education, emphasizing academic achievement and financial need. It aims to foster future educators who will continue Judy's commitment to nurturing young minds and enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Wireless Family Fund, supported by Music Movement, provides financial aid to families in the Wireless and Tech Industries, focusing on living expenses, medical bills, and educational support. Grants typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 and are available to families within the United States. Music Movement enriches the lives of individuals with Autism and other developmental differences through music-centric programs that enhance communication, social skills, and emotional expression.

The Detter Family Foundation Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Allendale Charter Township pursuing post-secondary education. This competitive scholarship considers various criteria including financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can apply just once to be eligible for all applicable foundation scholarships, ensuring a streamlined process for securing educational funding.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Kay Detrick Owen Scholarship

The Kay Detrick Owen Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by The ARC Manor Foundation to support the education of students who plan to major in, or are currently studying for, a degree in human services.

A human services professional is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in diverse settings such as group homes, halfway houses, community mental health centers, programs concerned with drugs and alcohol, domestic violence, aging, correctional programs, programs for people with intellectual disabilities, social workers, and probation/parole officials. Human services is a field of study that assists individuals and communities to function as effectively as possible in major domains of living. Its objective is to meet human needs through an applied knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.

Suggested (but not limited to) acceptable examples of college majors and human services positions are psychology, sociology, social work, adult education, individual and family guidance counseling, behavioral management, criminal justice, probation officer, rehabilitation, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse counselor, grief counselor, case manager, child advocate, child life specialist, etc. 

About

ASAE Research Foundation exists to advance the development of current and next-generation association professionals through scholarships and awards, and by providing relevant resources that all of us can use.

ASAE Research Foundation Mission

The ASAE Research Foundation transforms the association community through research, scholarships, and practical tools critical to our profession.

Sal Martino Foresight Award

The Sal Martino Foresight Award recognizes trailblazers who foster a culture of foresight in their organization.

Summary

The Sal Martino Foresight Award recognizes trailblazers who demonstrate exceptional creativity in fostering a culture of foresight, embedding foresight into their organizational strategy and operations, and effectively utilizing ASAE’s ForesightWorks and other futures-focused materials.

Award Details

The Sal Martino Foresight Award honors a visionary organization and its leaders who push boundaries, challenge conventional thinking, and pioneer groundbreaking use of foresight to build resilience and prepare for the future. This prestigious award recognizes trailblazers who demonstrate exceptional creativity in fostering a culture of foresight, embedding foresight into their organizational strategy and operations and effectively utilize foresight and other future-focused materials.

Each year, one organization will receive a cash award of up to $7,000 to advance the awardee’s foresight efforts. Awardees receive acknowledgement during an ASAE Research Foundation signature event, as well as participation in an ASAE Research Foundation webinar, logo recognition on the ASAE Research Foundation website, a formal press release citing the awardee’s foresight achievements, and a featured case study or article on the awardee’s foresight implementation efforts.

The Domtar Community Investment Grant supports nonprofits and charities in areas where the company operates, focusing on education, environmental sustainability, and community humanitarian needs. Eligible organizations include charitable groups, while ineligible entities encompass individuals, discriminatory organizations, and political causes. Applications are accepted online from January 1 to November 30, with reviews conducted bi-monthly. This initiative aims to create meaningful connections between charitable efforts and the social benefits derived from Domtar's business operations.

The Ford Philanthropy Scholarship, offered by the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC), supports students pursuing STEM careers in the automotive and mobility sectors. It covers tuition, fees, and essential resources, enabling students to thrive academically. Applicants must major in relevant fields such as Computer Science or Engineering and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This initiative enhances educational access and fosters leadership, preparing students for future success.

This funding opportunity aims to advance mechanistic research for precision probiotic therapies. It invites R33 applications focused on characterizing individual differences in probiotic responses, identifying responder subgroups, and enhancing clinical outcomes. The goal is to develop strategies addressing barriers to effective probiotic use, accounting for human variability. Proposals should include innovative studies using animal models or human subjects, supported by preliminary data to test biological patterns and their effects on health outcomes.

The Mifflin Memorial Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in human services and education, particularly those serving low-income and minority populations. This private fund also contributes to environmental and conservation initiatives, and occasionally cultural organizations for specific projects. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofits, ensuring that grants are directed towards impactful community services and educational opportunities.

The Japanese American Community Foundation Grants support programs for the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $50,000 for projects focusing on senior health, history, arts, culture, and youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 public benefit nonprofit organizations. Note that organizations with open grants cannot apply until their current grant is closed. Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before the full proposal.

NASA Internships

Background

NASA has developed a single, one-stop Agency system for the recruitment, application, selection and career development of undergraduate and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Students access information about internship and fellowship opportunities across NASA to engage in research, aerospace education and space exploration. A student completes a single internship and/or fellowship application to express interest in up to 15 specific opportunities for each summer, fall, spring or year-long session.

Objectives

NASA Internships are competitive awards to support educational opportunities that provide unique NASA-related research and operational experiences for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as educators. These opportunities serve students by integrating interns with career professionals emphasizing mentor-directed, degree-related tasks, while contributing to the operation of a NASA facility or the advancement of NASA’s missions.

Award Level

Levels may vary per opportunity.

The XENO PRIZE for Artists’ Books offers a $5000 grant to support the publication of an artist's book addressing the themes of book banning and burning. Open to independent artists in the U.S., the prize will be awarded based on submissions to be accepted starting March 1, 2025. A minimum of 100 copies must be printed, with winners announced in September 2025. This initiative aims to highlight and preserve avant-garde art forms and their cultural significance.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

The Edward M. Nagel Endowed Scholarship, provided by the United Negro College Fund, supports undergraduate students pursuing business-related studies. With a focus on academic excellence and leadership, applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship plays a vital role in promoting education for future leaders, reflecting UNCF's mission to empower minority students for over seventy years.

The Don and Anne Ward Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $500 for graduating seniors at Sussex Tech high school. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a degree in Education, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and equity in Delaware. In the 2024-2025 school year, the DCF awarded a total of $850,000 in scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

BC Chapter of the American Institute of Architects George J. Donovan Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students who attend high school in Bucks County and plan to pursue a career in Architecture by pursuing a major such as, but not limited to, Architecture, Architecture Engineering, Civil Engineering, CAD Technology Sustainable Design.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Lightbown Family Scholarship Fund

The Lightbown Family Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students from Allegheny County pursuing a career in education. Corinne Elsie Lightbown passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2017 at the age of 86 having lived a full and rewarding life. Connie, as she was known to friends, loved life, people, friends and family as well as traveling and discussing movies, political issues and literature. She was an English teacher for 34 years with the Mt. Lebanon High School and taught in London, England, and Japan. A firm believer in the value of a good education, she established this scholarship fund in her name to support students in their academic studies. She never married so had no children of her own, yet her many students became a part of her extended family through the years. Many remained in touch with her and considered her as a mentor and friend. It was her wish that this scholarship would continue beyond her life in this same spirit.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Edna and Erma Memorial Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2018, supports women from Montgomery County, Ohio, pursuing education degrees. It is aimed at female high school seniors and adult learners returning to college, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering women in the community.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs, offered by the NIH, supports early-stage entrepreneurs in small businesses. This funding opportunity focuses on developing researchers into entrepreneurial leaders while enhancing their research skills. By providing training and mentorship, the NIH aims to foster innovation in health-related technologies and products, ensuring that recipients align their projects with the mission to improve health and save lives. This grant is ideal for scientists with limited entrepreneurial experience.

The ARL Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships offer early career researchers a chance to engage in independent research aligned with the Army Research Laboratory's mission. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional scientific abilities and a potential for leadership, having addressed significant scientific or engineering challenges during their doctoral studies. Fellowships provide a stipend of $115,000 per year, along with health insurance and other benefits. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. by October 1, 2025, and are required to undergo a Department of Defense clearance.

The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, established in 1951 in Oklahoma, aims to support charitable organizations across the U.S., with a focus on education and local initiatives. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects that align with the foundation's mission in areas such as education, health, arts, and literacy. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for funding, ensuring alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship

The yearlong Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship offers training and mentorship for early-career and mid-career faculty with a focus on developing scholarly writing skills for academic advancement and leadership.

Mid-Career Fellows

Mid-career fellows will benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance to reach the next milestone in their careers, including:

• Receive 1:1 mentorship specific to their challenges or roadblocks to promotion or leadership
• Participate in a detailed CV review to determine edits for promotion
• Work as a group with mentor faculty on challenges in scholarship to move forward with stuck projects
• Learn how to navigate mid-career leadership challenges

The tuition cost for fellows is $1200. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the fellowship tuition due to a generous gift from Drs Marjorie Bowman and Robert Choplin.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites faculty at US colleges and universities to apply for funding of up to $32,500 maximum for institutional study tour grants. These grants are designed to provide travel funds to bring undergraduate and master’s degree students to Japan for immersive learning experiences. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

At the core of the Next Gen Japan programming is the idea that international experience, research engagement, and collaboration are central to effectively addressing the pressing concerns facing societies today. Japan Study Tour Grants offer students the opportunity to gain a nuanced and balanced understanding of Japan while sparking an enduring interest in the country and a broader, international perspective.

Prioritie

Priority will be given to the following applications:

• Applications from the liberal arts colleges, research universities, and community colleges located in the US South and Midwest.
• Applications with travel itineraries appropriately planned to enhance the course syllabus.
• Applications with travel itineraries highlighting close collaboration with Japanese counterparts.
• Applications that demonstrate the study tour would be open to students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

The Charles H. Revson Foundation's Education Grant Program promotes equitable access to knowledge and resources, supporting innovative projects in public libraries, community news publications, and the education of discerning news consumers. This program aims to empower students and strengthen community engagement through education. Eligible applicants are registered nonprofits in the U.S., while individuals and certain project types, such as film or biomedical research, are ineligible for funding.