Best Head Start Grants in North Carolina

North Carolina early learning and community organizations can seek funding for economic advancement, housing, and arts programs that benefit young children and families. Focused on community development, U.S. Bank Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits in designated bank communities to apply, with priority for organizations led by people of color and those addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that demonstrates clear community need and measurable outcomes. Focused on early learning and related services, the Costco Foundation invites organizations to apply for charitable contributions in communities where Costco operates, emphasizing collaboration and a broad base of financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative human services or solutions to social problems can seek support that may benefit early learning and family-focused programs in North Carolina. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations with at least one year of 501(c)(3) status pursue new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood education, child welfare, and youth development in North Carolina can apply for up to US $15,000 to serve children’s health, education, and welfare. The Dan Paul Foundation funds programs such as early learning initiatives, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, and enrichment opportunities for youth, including Head Start-style efforts.

Nonprofit and NGO education programs in North Carolina that use technology to expand access and equity can access funding through the Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve economically underserved communities and focus on areas like early learning access, digital skills, or broader educational support.

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying nonprofits in North Carolina can seek State Farm Companies Foundation funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focus areas include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, financial literacy, food insecurity, job training, and K–12 and higher education, including STEM and college and career pathways.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in North Carolina offering impactful arts, science, or arts education programming for U.S. audiences can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs or capital needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist training, and STEAM-focused science initiatives that reach large or underserved populations and demonstrate sustainable, measurable results.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

North Carolina early learning and family-serving organizations can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support or scale projects benefiting urban children in poverty. Eligible U.S. applicants with a federal TIN may request more than US $50,000 for education, children’s health, or family economic stability initiatives that fit the foundation’s mission and values.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering early childhood education or community economic development programs in North Carolina may be eligible for this funding, which prioritizes low- to moderate-income families. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides support for birth-to-five learning, educator development, family engagement, affordable housing, small business support, and neighborhood revitalization.

North Carolina accredited charities running community, education, humanitarian, or arts programs can access funding through Roche for innovative, high-quality projects. Eligible initiatives should promote sustainable development, allow use of Roche’s expertise and logistics, engage employees, and involve local authorities and partners; local Roche affiliates support projects based and operating within the same country.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Preschool and early learning nonprofits in North Carolina can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support education, cultural, and community-based programs that benefit young children and families. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations where relatively small awards can make a significant difference, including Head Start and similar early childhood initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for support for hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development programs, including in North Carolina. Organizations must serve U.S. clients, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and ideally engage Ameriprise volunteers in their work.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

North Carolina early education and preschool-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental initiatives. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, primarily to U.S. applicants, for one year of project support.

Nonprofit arts and PreK–12 education organizations in Chatham, Durham, Orange, or Wake counties can seek multi-year general operating support to strengthen arts programming and organizational capacity. Focused on arts and early learning, the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation offers US $20,000 - US $50,000 annually to previously funded 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $2 million and a strong DEIA commitment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood development, family stability, or related services in North Carolina communities with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence can seek project, operating, or capital funding. With a mission to improve quality of life, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides support for economic stability, health and social services, workforce development, and disaster relief programs serving underserved families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted program or operating support for community services and environmental work, including in North Carolina. Focused on environmental conservation and human services, the Lawrence Foundation typically awards US $5,000 - US $10,000 to U.S.-headquartered organizations operating domestically or internationally.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in North Carolina can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Early learning and family-focused programs may be especially competitive if they serve underserved children and their families.

Head Start and early childhood education nonprofits in North Carolina and the broader Southern region can seek program support, not capital projects, through the Robinson Foundation. Grants from Robinson Foundation help 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years address children and families’ needs, poverty relief, and related educational services with tangible, meaningful impact.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that address significant social issues. Programs, including those connected to early learning or Head Start-style services, may be honored for measurable impact, multi-community reach, or scalable social change.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support focused interventions and humanitarian relief. Smaller organizations in countries such as the U.S. may be eligible, including those in North Carolina working with early learners or families facing poverty or disability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina providing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can apply for The TJX Foundation’s grants if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. Eligible groups must align with TJX’s mission and complete an eligibility questionnaire before submitting a letter of inquiry.