Best Grants for New Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Community Facilities Grant Program in North Carolina offers essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas, targeting projects that serve populations of 20,000 or fewer. Eligible entities include public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribes. Grants can cover up to 75% of project costs based on community income levels, benefiting a range of facilities from healthcare to public safety and educational services.

The CHHE Community Grant Program provides annual funding for community groups and educators to tackle environmental health issues. Grants of up to $8,000 support research, data analysis, and community engagement efforts. Preference is given to projects aligned with CHHE research. Over $200,000 has been awarded to date, fostering local capacity-building. Eligible applicants include secondary school educators and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, with applications due mid to late September.

The On Farm Housing Grant Program, managed by Alabama Non-Profit Housing, Inc., offers financial assistance to farmers and growers for upgrading existing labor housing. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provides matching grants up to $7,500, ensuring safe and sanitary living conditions for farm workers. Eligible participants must own housing in need of repairs that directly impact worker safety and health, with a commitment to match funds dollar-for-dollar.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

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.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) aims to enhance K-12 education in North Carolina by funding hands-on STEM activities for students. With grants up to $60,000 annually for three years, SSEP supports innovative programs that nurture students' interest in science and mathematics. It prioritizes partnerships among nonprofits and encourages projects that engage underrepresented communities. SSEP aims to develop students' skills and inspire future careers in STEM fields, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry.

Southern SARE offers Graduate Student Grants to support Master’s and PhD students engaged in sustainable agriculture research. This initiative encourages impactful research across various topics, including production, marketing, and social sciences. By providing funding opportunities, Southern SARE aims to foster the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Southern region.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The CarolinaEast Foundation offers scholarships to residents of Craven, Jones, Pamlico, Carteret, or Onslow counties pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Practical Nursing diploma. The scholarships range from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the program. Financial need is not a requirement. This initiative supports future nurses and aims to enhance the healthcare workforce in the region.

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 NCAC Project Support Grant provides financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for North Carolina-based nonprofit organizations. This grant is aimed at initiatives that engage communities through artistic programs, including exhibitions, festivals, and artist residencies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a history of producing quality programs and meet specific financial criteria. The grant encourages projects that foster engagement, creativity, and cultural enrichment across diverse artistic disciplines.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The North Carolina Arts Council's Sustaining Support program offers funding between $7,500 and $65,000 to arts organizations that produce engaging programs reflecting their communities. Eligible applicants must maintain a budget of at least $75,000 and demonstrate commitment to quality arts programming. This support aids in various operational needs, including salaries and production costs, fostering the state's creative economy and ensuring diverse artistic practices.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The Carol Ann Beerstecher Nursing Scholarship, established by the Triangle Community Foundation in 2008, honors Carol Ann Beerstecher's dedication to nursing. This scholarship supports students pursuing pre-licensure nursing education in North Carolina, providing up to $5,000 per year for two years. Applicants must be residents of specific counties, currently enrolled in or accepted to a nursing program, and demonstrate financial need while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0.

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) provides matching grants up to $500,000 to local governments for the development and improvement of parks and public beach access. Since its inception in 1994, PARTF has been instrumental in enhancing community quality of life by supporting local park initiatives. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, and public authorities, with a focus on ensuring facilities are dedicated for public recreational use for at least 25 years.

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Grant supports crucial conservation efforts for shorebirds during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. This initiative addresses threats such as human disturbance, habitat loss, and hunting in critical areas from the U.S. Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and South America. By promoting coordinated research and management, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of species like the American oystercatcher and red knot, fostering healthy migratory pathways.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The Duke Endowment's Rural Church Grants aim to empower rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina to effectively respond to changing community demographics. By providing resources and fostering collaboration among church leaders, the program enhances congregational capacity and community engagement. Key strategies include supporting pastoral leaders, reimagining church real estate for community use, and implementing impactful programs, especially for children. This initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities across diverse rural populations.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

Charlie's Heart Foundation Annual Grant Program supports small nonprofits focusing on mental well-being for families in underserved communities. Grants between $5,000-$30,000 are available, prioritizing organizations based in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission, organizational need, and program sustainability. The Foundation does not fund individuals, private foundations, or religious organizations, ensuring a strong focus on impactful community programs.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.