Best Grants for New Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges to foster green spaces and community forests. By meeting five essential standards, campuses can achieve national recognition, enhancing their environmental impact and providing mental health benefits for students. Participation promotes sustainability, energy efficiency, and student involvement in environmental stewardship. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also builds pride among students and the wider community, making it a valuable program for educational institutions.

The Southern SARE: On-Farm Research Grant supports agricultural professionals in collaborating with farmers to conduct innovative on-farm research projects focused on sustainable agriculture. This initiative emphasizes building strong relationships between researchers and farmers while addressing agricultural production challenges. By fostering new practices in production and marketing, it aims to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector, thereby benefiting local communities and the environment.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in North Carolina provide essential funding to organizations that aid low-income families in constructing their homes. Through local self-help projects, families work together under the guidance of grant recipients, who offer technical assistance. This initiative not only empowers communities but also promotes affordable housing in rural areas, ensuring that families have the support needed for successful home construction.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

The Artist Support Grant by The Arts Council of Moore County provides funding to support the professional and artistic development of North Carolina artists across various genres. Eligible projects include the completion of new works, career promotion, training, travel, supplies, and artist fees. Open to both emerging and established artists who have resided in the specified region for at least a year, this grant aims to enhance their skills and expand their audience reach.

The N.C. Dental Society Foundation announces the Dental Public Health Award, offering $1,500 to deserving organizations at the Fall 2023 Education Conference. Eligible nominees include tax-exempt nonprofits or government agencies committed to improving oral health outcomes, access to dental services, and public education on preventative practices. Self-nominations are encouraged. Note that past recipients from 2022 must wait until 2024 to apply.

The Smiles for Kids Grant Program, funded by the Delta Dental Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in North Carolina by providing grants focused on children's oral health education initiatives, particularly in underserved areas. Since 2010, over $510,000 has been awarded, benefiting more than 330,000 children and their families. Grants are capped at $5,000 and are limited to one proposal per organization annually, ensuring targeted support for meritorious programs.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Organization of Korean-American Women of NC Scholarship

Currently enrolled in a NC college, university or community college, taking a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.

The Window of Opportunity Grants, offered by Keep North Carolina Beautiful, aim to support K-12 educational and 501(c)3 organizations in North Carolina. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, focus on enhancing environmental sustainability through outdoor classroom projects and recycling initiatives. By fostering hands-on learning experiences, the program seeks to promote beautification and sustainability among youth across all 100 counties in the state.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

North Carolina Community Foundation

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about. Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

A Focus on Rural

We serve the entire state, with a focus on rural North Carolina. Our 53 affiliate foundations serve as our roots in North Carolina’s rural communities and our expertise provides our fundholders with local insight that strengthens our grantmaking – and our communities.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. All NCCF scholarship opportunities are established with criteria determined by the donor. 

Helen Tomlinson Hobart Scholarship Endowment

Graduates of a public high school in Johnston County with plans to attend an accredited university or community college with a career objective to become a public-school teacher. “Public high school” does not include schools that are considered or classified as charter schools.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Paul and Elizabeth Younts Trust Grant is dedicated to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that provide essential health services. Established under the Last Will and Testament of Paul R. Younts, a notable figure in North Carolina's history, this trust aims to make a positive impact in the community. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on health-related initiatives, ensuring that organizations meeting the eligibility criteria can seek funding to further their mission.

Robert Franklin Black Scholarship Fund

The endowment shall be devoted to the support of two scholarships:

The Juki Automation Scholarship (JAS) 

The JAS scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent, stepparent, legal guardian, aunt, uncle, spouse or grandparent is an employee of Juke Automation Systems. The individual must have applied to and be planning to attend an accredited institution of higher learning within one year of the application deadline. Such institution may be a four-year college or university, a community college or a technical institute, for undergraduate or graduate education. The scholarship is renewable. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals. 

Community Scholarship

The Community Scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent or legal guardian is a resident of Durham, Orange and Wake Counties of North Carolina. The scholarship is renewable but may not be used for graduate education. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The Truliant Foundation Scholarships, established in 1996, have awarded over $265,000 to more than 250 high school seniors pursuing higher education. These scholarships, funded by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, are open to members of any credit union in North and South Carolina, supporting both academic and needs-based candidates, including first-time college students and high school seniors. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and enroll as full-time students.

The Truliant Foundation Scholarships, established in 1996, have awarded over $265,000 to more than 250 high school seniors pursuing higher education. The Clyde Padgett Scholarship specifically offers $2,500 to eligible applicants who are members of a North or South Carolina credit union, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and enroll as full-time students in the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative supports first-time college students, including dependents of Truliant employees.

The Truliant Foundation offers the Fred J. Sarda Scholarships, providing $1,500 each to qualified applicants. Established in 1996, this program has awarded over $265,000 to more than 250 high school seniors who are members of a North or South Carolina credit union. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be first-time college students enrolled full-time for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) provides competitive grants to North Carolina libraries to enhance their services and address community needs. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, these grants promote inclusivity, equitable access to resources, and responsive organizational practices. Libraries can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support innovative projects that align with the state's strategic goals outlined in the 2023-2027 LSTA Five Year Plan.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Dr. Bob Townsend Scholarship Endowment

Hoke County resident who is a high school graduate and has been accepted to an accredited college or university and plans to study medicine. 

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

South Arts, Inc. offers Literary Arts Grants to support Southern independent publishers and small presses with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to amplify contemporary literary arts and foster community engagement through projects like reading series and festivals. Eligible applicants must be based in the South Arts Region and demonstrate a commitment to advancing literary traditions. This initiative enhances access to the arts and promotes cultural vitality across the Southern states.