Best Job Creation Grants in North Carolina

Government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving North Carolina can apply for Golden LEAF’s Open Grants Program, offering up to US $500,000 for economic development projects. With a mission to strengthen North Carolina’s economy, Golden LEAF provides funding for job creation, workforce preparedness, agriculture, public infrastructure, and community competitiveness in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities.

Local governments in North Carolina (outside HUD entitlement areas and most of Wake, Mecklenburg, and Cumberland counties) can apply for North Carolina Department of Commerce CDBG Building Reuse grants, with awards up to US $750,000, to renovate vacant industrial or commercial buildings and create permanent, full-time jobs for low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofits and community groups with rural job creation and economic development projects in North Carolina can seek US $8,000 - US $12,000 to build local wealth and resilience. Legacy Philanthropy Works’ Creating New Economies Fund backs community-driven efforts like sustainable agriculture, youth leadership, eco-tourism, and workforce readiness that also protect natural resources.

With a mission to spur job creation, Golden LEAF provides North Carolina governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with up to US $500,000 for projects tied to a company’s commitment to create full-time jobs. Funding can support public infrastructure, training facilities and equipment, or other charitable uses in tobacco-dependent or economically distressed areas.

Nonprofit organizations building pathways out of poverty through education, job training, or job creation in North Carolina can receive US $125,000 - US $175,000 annually in unrestricted, multi-year support plus intensive consulting. Arbor Brothers backs second-stage 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups with modest budgets and at least one full-time staff member across the lower 48 states.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina working on economic and community development, workforce readiness, or related priorities may be eligible for matching gifts that support job creation efforts. Full-time Regions Bank associates and recent retirees can request Regions Bank to match their personal charitable donations to qualifying 501(c) or 170(c) organizations within the bank’s service footprint.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualified public entities seeking capacity-building support for job creation or related community services can apply for TD Charitable Foundation’s Capacity Building Fund, awarding US $25,000 - US $150,000. Grants strengthen tactics, talent, and tools for organizations, with preference for those serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities in TD Bank metro areas.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Self-Sufficiency Grant

Self-sufficiency is not just crucial for individuals; it’s also vital to the communities in which they live. As Adam did in his lifetime, his foundation will focus on initiatives to address employment, food insecurity, housing/homelessness, and critical human needs.

• Housing Access
  • Housing instability can negatively affect job security, academic performance, and physical and mental health.
  • Programs designed to help keep people in stable homes, including emergency shelter, rental assistance programs, transitional housing, and subsidized housing units, can help combat housing instability and promote self-sufficiency. 
• Food Insecurity
  • Persistent poverty in communities increases food insecurity and threatens child welfare.
  • Children deserve full plates and a system (beyond the child welfare bureaucracy) that will fight for them. Recognizing their importance to stability and eventually mobility, we support programs that meet the unique needs of children in vulnerable situations, address the needs of their caregivers and provide consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. 
• Employment Barriers
  • Barriers to employment have detrimental impacts on individuals and families.
  • Economic development programming focused on business growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, financial well-being, job readiness, and stable employment will be embraced by the foundation because of their lasting benefits to individuals, families and communities.

Tribal governments and Alaska Native villages seeking to develop housing, community facilities, or economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents in North Carolina and nationwide can apply for US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing funding. Grants support community development, business development, and job creation, including special Imminent Threat awards for urgent health or safety issues.

North Carolina organizations that run senior volunteer programs to support workforce readiness, housing, or other community needs can access funding through Volunteer Mississippi’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity. Grants up to US $75,000 support engaging volunteers age 55+ in activities like job readiness for older adults, reducing homelessness, and strengthening families, which may advance local job creation efforts.

City governments working on workforce development and job creation in North Carolina can apply for the Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, an intensive 8‑month planning initiative. Focused on municipal workforce challenges, the Georgia Municipal Association and National League of Cities provide coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning to help cities improve recruitment, training, and retention for local government jobs.

Nonprofit institutions supporting rural cooperatives and mutually owned businesses can use this funding to establish and operate rural cooperative development centers that create jobs, including in North Carolina. Grants from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture help job creation efforts through technical assistance for starting, expanding, or improving rural cooperatives and value-added rural businesses.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people living with paralysis through accessibility, transportation, employment, health, or assistive technology projects in North Carolina can apply for Priority Impact Tier 3 Quality of Life Grants, with awards up to US $40,000. With a mission to improve quality of life, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation provides funding for rural, low-income, and unserved communities, which may include job creation and workforce readiness efforts.

Community partnerships led by a 501(c)(3) working on job creation and inclusive infrastructure can access $45,000 - $120,000 from the Funders' Network in North Carolina and across the U.S. to support human infrastructure, workforce development, and equitable contracting tied to publicly funded projects. Grants from Funders' Network help North Carolina job creation efforts strengthen community engagement around water and other infrastructure investments.

North Carolina job creation and workforce development nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, entrepreneurship, youth leadership, public health, and community development. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000 for project-focused activities reviewed quarterly.

Leaders working on job creation and economic mobility initiatives in the U.S., including those impacting North Carolina, can receive a US $5,000 stipend through this five-month Big Bets Fellowship. Rockefeller Foundation supports emerging and mid-career professionals with integrative leadership training, impact acceleration, and access to a global network to advance scalable solutions for workers and distressed communities.

Dental students, residents, and early-career dentists working to expand oral health education and employment opportunities can receive US $5,000 for leadership training costs, including tuition and travel, through this national award. With a mission to support oral health leaders, American Dental Association Foundation provides U.S. oral health professionals, including those in North Carolina, with career-advancing support that may benefit job creation efforts.

Focused on job creation and community development, North Carolina Community Foundation invites North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, local governments, fire and rescue departments, and eligible faith-based organizations to apply for $500 - $1,000 grants. Funding supports programs in Beaufort and Hyde counties that improve basic needs, economic opportunity, and overall quality of life.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on basic needs, income creation, and job creation can access funding through grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Support is available for programs that build economic mobility in low- and moderate-income communities, including workforce development, small business resiliency, and broader community development efforts in eligible North Carolina counties.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The Data Center Community Grants Program (US-CBF) supports nonprofit organizations that enhance their local communities surrounding Google data centers. Funding is available for projects focused on education, economic opportunity, bridging the digital divide, sustainability, health, and arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing measurable community benefits and innovative approaches. Eligible projects must demonstrate long-term impact, while operational expenses are generally ineligible. This initiative aims to empower underserved groups and foster collaboration within local ecosystems.

Mission

The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is a faith based charitable organization located in Bangor, Maine. Founded in 2007, our mission is to provide resources for many initiatives including, but not limited to, missions, education scholarships, ministries, medical research, and employment creation. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is primarily funded by the family. However, contributions from like minded individuals and organizations is appreciated. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine has a balanced strategy of making funds available for immediate needs, while also investing to build a perpetual earning endowment ensuring the Foundation's successful future.

Missions:

We support needs of missionary organizations including sponsorships for young people who wish to attend youth group sponsored mission trips. We ordinarily make one time contributions but on occasion have made up to a three year commitment. 

Education/Scholarships:

The Foundation makes scholarships available to Colleges, Universities, and other Schools for student enrollment and expenses. We also consider new construction, existing renovation, equipment, and support material contributions.

Independent Churches and Ministries:

We accept a wide variety of requests, including, but not limited to: materials, equipment, new construction, renovations, programs, and services. 

Medical Research:

We support medical research opportunities close to our hearts and organizations that our family and friends have experienced. 

Job Creation:

We Support organizations that fund entrepreneurs in impoverished areas to start small businesses providing services and employment to the community.

Requests are considered by the trustees the first week of each month. Foundation payments are made by paper check in US dollars and are reported to the appropriate tax agencies. While we certainly wish that we could contribute to all the applications that meet our funding criteria, there are times when when available funding is limited and we are not able to contribute to some very worthy causes. If we are not in a position to help in the timeline requested, we will keep the information on file for possible consideration in the future. 

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in North Carolina’s Buncombe County can apply for The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Asheville Merchants Fund, awarding up to US $50,000 over two years for economic benefit projects. Funding supports job creation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, youth job skills, and related social infrastructure programs.