Best Grants for New Nonprofits in North Carolina

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Hackett Family Scholarship

Open to students of color who identify as female, are graduates of any Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grandville, Godfrey Lee, Godwin, Kelloggsville, East Kentwood, or Wyoming high schools, with a minimum 2.0 GPA and who will enroll full time.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship

Jerrold E. Potts was born and raised in Saginaw, living here until his death in 1997. An electrician by trade, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. Jerry was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #557. He was also a member of the Saginaw Lodge #77, F&AM, where he twice served as Worshipful Master.

Jerry was a caring, compassionate person who supported many causes, often anonymously. When establishing the Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship, Jerry indicated that the primary scholarship beneficiaries should be the children and grandchildren of IBEW 557 members because “I started there.” He also wanted the scholarship to “make the difference between going to school and not going to school.”

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Harry and Lucille Brown Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Jack Family Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to provide scholarships to seniors graduating from any public high school in Carroll County, Maryland. The Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship will be awarded one or more students who have successfully completed high school; been accepted at an accredited college, university or culinary arts school; and met the criteria established for this award.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Walter C. Winchester Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students who are graduates of a Grand Rapids Public High School with a minimum 3.3 GPA.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Open Access Publishing Fund Grant supports research that enhances animal welfare. This grant covers article processing fees for open access, peer-reviewed publications up to $5,000. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, residents, and researchers in animal welfare. The fund prioritizes submissions in areas such as cruelty prevention, animal sheltering, and veterinary care access, promoting impactful and innovative research.

The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) supports U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty to engage in mentored research and career development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative promotes collaboration with local researchers, enhancing understanding of the research environment and strengthening international networks. Recipients are expected to spend significant time at LMIC sites, ultimately aiming to develop competitive NIH research proposals and become leaders in global health.

This initiative aims to enhance clinical and public health outcomes through innovative digital health interventions. It supports research on the development and effectiveness of tools designed for underserved settings, leveraging new technologies and analytics. By fostering collaborations between U.S. and low- and middle-income country researchers, the program emphasizes reciprocal innovation to tackle common health challenges, ultimately maximizing benefits for diverse populations.

The World Trade Center Health Program K01 Award supports early-career researchers dedicated to enhancing the health of those impacted by the September 11 attacks. This award grants up to three years of mentored research and career development, focusing on the physical and mental health effects of 9/11 exposures. It encourages studies that translate scientific findings into improved clinical care and public health practices, ultimately addressing emerging health concerns and improving long-term outcomes for affected populations.

The ASPB Innovation Prize for Agricultural Technology honors industry scientists who successfully translate research into practical agricultural advancements. Established in 2015, this biennial award not only recognizes outstanding contributions but also promotes awareness of high-quality scientific work within the industry. Recipients receive a monetary reward and a one-year membership in the American Society of Plant Biologists, highlighting the career opportunities available in this vital field.

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Veterinary Pharmacology Fellowship Grant supports graduate students pursuing careers in veterinary pharmacology research. Funded in collaboration with the Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation, this grant offers up to $10,000 for a one-year fellowship. It covers expenses related to training, professional travel, stipends, and scholarly activities, aiming to enhance the number and quality of skilled researchers in the field.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Stephen Lankester Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. 

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Sherman L. & Mabel C. Lepard Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

J.M. Rubin Foundation

The J.M. Rubin Foundation's current focus is to provide scholarships to residents of Palm Beach County at any recognized educational institution. At the discretion of the Board, we provide charitable support to some organizations. However, we strive to limit this giving to local institutions or to the benefit of our local community.

Scholarship Overview

The J.M. Rubin Foundation, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit charitable corporation established in 1973. It has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service to make individual scholarship grants to recipients who must be bona fide residents of Palm Beach County, Florida.

In addition, all applicants must be U.S. citizens. The scholarship recipients need not attend any particular school, so long as the recipient is a candidate for certification or a degree. The recipients will be selected on the basis of academic and/or athletic achievement or promise as the basic criterion. Financial need is an additional factor, however, it is not required. The recipients will be selected from applicants on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis, including personal interviews if deemed necessary.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Robert L. & Hilda Treasure Mitchell Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. 

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Dr. Saleem Shah Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Saleem A. Shah Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by Catherine’s Cause, a Carroll County Community Foundation Fund. Dr. Shah a leading Psychologist with the National Institute of Health was hit head on in November of 1992 by a Drunk Driver on his way home. He left a family with a wife, six daughters and eight grandchildren at that time. Dr. Shah’s daughters regularly volunteer with Catherine’s Cause and are strong advocates on working to alert the public on the dangers of Drinking and Driving. To honor Dr. Shah’s memory the family along with Catherine’s Cause are offering this Scholarship in the field of Mental Health in his honor.

The American Surgical Association's Surgical Leaders Fellowship Grant aims to develop future academic surgical leaders while promoting diversity in leadership roles. The program includes shadowing experiences and skill development, allowing fellows to assess their readiness for leadership positions in surgery. Each fellowship provides $5,000 in funding for visits to two academic institutions, enhancing professional growth through mentorship with established leaders in the field.

The Dr. D. Walter Cohen Teaching Award, provided by the American Academy of Periodontology, offers a $10,000 grant to support new periodontal educators. This funding aims to facilitate their entry into teaching and research careers in periodontal education. Eligible candidates must be in their third year of an accredited periodontal post-doctoral training program in the U.S. and demonstrate a strong commitment to education and research in this field.

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship offers one-time, need-based financial support to help students continue their academic journey at a UNCF member institution. Recipients of this award will be recognized as “Travis Scholars,” joining a community of students dedicated to academic achievement, leadership, and service.

This opportunity is designed to support full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their educational and career goals.

The Travis Foundation Scholarship is a meaningful opportunity for students to receive financial support while being recognized for their hard work, dedication, and potential.

The FFAR Fellows Program offers professional development and leadership training for PhD students in food and agriculture sciences across the U.S. and Canada. Led by North Carolina State University, the program includes in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and mentorship opportunities. Students receive a combined stipend of $65,000 annually, with a minimum of 50% sponsorship from non-academic sources. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, career exploration beyond academia, and the development of essential skills for future leaders in the field.

The Higher Education Challenge Grant Program, administered by the USDA, aims to address critical educational needs at various levels. This program encourages innovative approaches that can be modeled by others, fostering collaboration between universities and the private sector. By enhancing relationships in the science and education community, it seeks to improve program quality and ensure lasting benefits beyond the project duration.

Selkirk Pickleball Growth Program

At Selkirk, we are committed to growing the sport of pickleball by making it accessible to everyone. The Selkirk Growth Program enables schools and community programs worldwide to access Selkirk equipment.

Our original goal was to give away 3,000+ paddles a year; we have now given away more than 40,000 paddles since we started in 2019. As part of our Growth Program, we are donating gently-used paddles to:

Schools.

• First responders.
• Senior centers.
• Churches.
• Parks & recreation departments.
• Other community organizations looking to expand their programs.

We will also provide a discount on additional paddles, balls, and nets for schools and charities involved in the program.

Wyndall Ivey Scholarship

The scholarship has been established in memory of Attorney Wyndall Ivey, a 1992 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School (Lanier Academic Motivational Program), the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Washington and Lee University School of Law. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay and References

The Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants support innovative projects aimed at enhancing the lifesaving efforts for cats and dogs in U.S. shelters. Eligible organizations, including public and private shelters and rescue groups, can apply for up to $50,000 to fund initiatives like intake prevention services, medical care for at-risk pets, and shelter enrichment programs. All projects must align with the mission of increasing adoption rates and improving animal welfare within the Best Friends Network.

The FFAR Fellows Program, led by North Carolina State University, provides PhD students in food and agriculture sciences with essential leadership and professional development training. Over three years, fellows engage in in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and mentorship opportunities, enhancing their skills and networking. Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program, have a confirmed financial sponsor, and demonstrate readiness to participate. This initiative promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and broadens career pathways beyond academia.

Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship benefits students who are children of employed or independent, exclusive sales representatives or insurance agents of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company or its insurance affiliates or subsidiaries. Awarding is based on academic achievement.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript