Best Grants for New Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Charter Fund: Scale Funding supports nonprofit organizations that operate high-performing public charter schools. It seeks leaders dedicated to expanding their impact, aiming to serve an additional 1,000+ students over the next 3-5 years. The fund offers grants and low-interest loans starting from $750,000, alongside strategic partnerships and community-building initiatives to help schools navigate growth challenges, enhance educational quality, and foster collaboration among charter leaders.

The GE Transportation AAF "Raymond Clarke" Dare to Dream Scholarship, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who have a minimum GPA of 2.2 and are accepted to accredited universities or trade schools. This scholarship aims to facilitate access to higher education for deserving students, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The Helene Stoller Scholarship, established in September 2023 by Dr. Helene Stoller, aims to support students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math. This merit and need-based scholarship targets those with strong financial needs and academic excellence. Managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it covers various educational expenses, ensuring equitable access regardless of race, gender, or background. Applications are reviewed by a dedicated committee to select deserving recipients.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports undergraduate journalism education with up to $700,000 in awards through various competitions. Open to ACEJMC-accredited students, it includes writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia contests. Each participating university can submit two entries per competition, promoting excellence in journalism while providing schools with stipends. While primarily for journalism majors, exceptions exist for photojournalism entrants, fostering inclusivity and creativity in the field.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - PAs STEP Up Grant aims to empower PAs and PA students to create initiatives that enhance diversity and foster inclusive practices within the PA profession. With funding up to $2,500, this grant encourages projects that raise awareness of the PA profession among underrepresented groups, ultimately striving to reduce health disparities and promote equity. Applications are accepted year-round, providing ongoing support for impactful community-driven efforts.

The Michael Jackson Scholarship, provided by the United Negro College Fund, offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for Communication and Performing Arts students at UNCF-member colleges during the 2025-26 academic year. This one-time award aims to support students with financial needs, reflecting UNCF's commitment to enhancing minority education and fostering future leaders. With a history of over $5 billion in scholarships, UNCF continues to champion educational opportunities for thousands of students.

The Lemieux-Lovejoy Youth Scholarship, provided by the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation, supports Maine women pursuing higher education. Established in 1962, this scholarship honors Rachel E. Lemieux and Arline Andrews Lovejoy, who were instrumental in its founding. Applicants must be Maine residents graduating high school and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to empower women and promote economic self-sufficiency, enabling them to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

The Russell, John; Dentistry Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in dentistry. This $2,000 scholarship is disbursed in two installments, contingent on continued enrollment in a dentistry program. It is designed for students with financial need, providing invaluable assistance for tuition, room and board, or books during their undergraduate studies.

The NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens, building on the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System initiated by the FDA in 1996. This program seeks to improve detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food commodities and expand sampling sites. By strengthening monitoring efforts, it aims to protect public health and achieve measurable outcomes aligned with NARMS objectives, contributing to national efforts against antibiotic resistance.

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers the Career Advancement Scholarship, a $3000 award aimed at women aged 30 and above residing in Maine. This scholarship supports those enrolled in accredited colleges or training programs, covering both full-time and part-time studies. It assists women in improving their skills for career advancement, whether entering a new field or re-entering the job market. Since 1962, the foundation has empowered women towards economic self-sufficiency.

The Maude MacKenzie Scholarship, offered by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Maine, provides $1,000 annually to a deserving student who has graduated from an accredited high school in Maine, demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Applicants must be residents of Maine and accepted into a college or university. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education while promoting the values of commitment and service within the community.

The Stazer Sisters’ Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, supports U.S. citizens graduating from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy who are entering a four-year college. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, based on their academic achievements, financial need, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The NWPA Food Council Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA pursuing post-secondary education or training. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship is particularly aimed at those entering the food, grocery, or convenience store industries. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and enhancing workforce development in essential sectors.

The Dayton Daily News Si Burick Scholarship honors the legacy of sports editor Si Burick, awarded annually to a graduating senior from specific counties in Ohio pursuing journalism. The scholarship emphasizes academic success and journalistic aspirations, supporting students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Established by The Dayton Foundation, this initiative reflects a commitment to fostering talent in journalism while contributing to the community's cultural and educational landscape.

The Leonard C. and Jeannette W. Varkal Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high-achieving seniors from Berlin, New Britain, and Plainville, CT. Eligible candidates must rank in the top 10% of their class or maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, pursuing degrees in Education or Business. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need, ensuring support for dedicated students committed to enhancing their communities through education.

The Dorothy Reynolds Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2013, supports seniors graduating from Dayton Public High Schools or members of St. Benedict the Moor Church. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate leadership, provide community service records, and show financial need. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university. This scholarship aims to empower students in the Greater Dayton area to pursue higher education.

The John S. Russo Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating high school seniors from New Britain pursuing technical college degrees, especially in manufacturing. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and qualities like community involvement and leadership. By encouraging students with innovative thinking and a passion for technical education, the foundation aims to foster a skilled workforce that contributes positively to the local community.

The Dunbar High School - Carson/Byars Scholarship Fund, established by The Dayton Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools who have participated in varsity sports. This scholarship aims to recognize scholar-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and personal growth. By providing financial assistance, the fund encourages these students to pursue higher education and continue their journey of success. The Dayton Foundation, a key philanthropic partner in Greater Dayton, has a long history of supporting education and community development.

The Judith A. Dormann “Good Apple” Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support students who may not consider post-secondary education. With over $800,000 allocated to scholarships in 2023, this initiative seeks to recognize hard-working individuals demonstrating strong personal initiative and a commendable work ethic. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, ensuring that the scholarship reaches those who are committed to their educational goals.

The Honors Enrichment Travel Award (HETA) at Northeastern University supports students in attending domestic conferences, specifically targeting those with high financial need. This non-reimbursement award covers costs such as conference registration, hotel, and flights, up to $2000. Students are limited to one award per academic year and are encouraged to seek additional funding. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with specific deadlines for submitting requests based on travel needs.

The Honors Propel Grant at Northeastern University empowers Honors students to embark on creative and impactful learning projects. With awards of up to $1,000 per student and a maximum of $3,000 for group projects, it encourages meaningful engagement and experiential learning. Recipients must present their findings in a 45-minute session to faculty and peers, fostering community and collaboration. This initiative enhances the undergraduate experience by supporting innovative student-driven initiatives.

The Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Awards, established by the National PTA, recognize excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion among PTAs. These awards honor outstanding efforts to foster inclusivity and end discrimination, celebrating PTAs that actively promote these values. Each year, three awards are granted to state, district, and local PTAs, with winners receiving cash awards, plaques, and recognition at the National PTA Convention, enhancing community engagement and commitment to educational equity.

The Gary & Helen Howell Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from local schools such as McDowell and Cathedral Prep who demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing post-secondary education, showcasing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program offers significant support for aspiring journalists, providing scholarships and recognition for excellence in various media formats. Established in 1960 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the program includes multiple competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia. With up to $700,000 in awards, it encourages undergraduate students at accredited institutions to showcase their talents, fostering the next generation of journalistic talent.

The Freda B. Kirby Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, provides financial support for graduating high school students from the Miami Valley to pursue higher education at community colleges or universities. This renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Dayton Foundation, a leading philanthropic organization since 1921, is dedicated to enhancing the community's social and economic well-being through strategic grantmaking and support for education, workforce development, and other vital initiatives.

The National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses, opening for applications on April 22, 2025, offers $25,000 in funding distributed as $1,000 micro grants to 25 eligible LGBTQIA+ business owners. Designed to support diverse founder-led enterprises, this initiative encourages professional development and aids in achieving over $1 million in revenue. Eligible participants must have a U.S.-based business and meet specific criteria regarding ownership, revenue, and employee count.