Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and public agencies working on K–12 financial literacy, driver education, or traffic safety can seek US $5,000 - US $15,000 for related programs. Focused on safety and financial education, Auto Club Group Foundation invites eligible organizations within its 14-state footprint to apply for impactful initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that advance economic and workforce development, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars, to apply.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative literacy or other human services solutions can seek funding to address social problems; programs in North Carolina may be eligible. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new approaches to societal issues, including reading, writing, and related educational challenges, after holding 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to expand educational access, economic empowerment, or crisis response services for underserved communities in North Carolina can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help literacy and education-focused programs that are innovative, early-stage, and tech-enabled scale their social impact.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in North Carolina offering arts, science, or STEAM education programs, especially for youth, can seek large-scale support for program, capital, or limited general operating needs. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education that fills K–12 gaps, artist development and training, and impactful museum or performing arts initiatives serving broad U.S. audiences.

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.

Farmers and growers in North Carolina seeking to repair or upgrade existing farm labor housing can receive matching grants up to US $7,500 for health- and safety-related improvements. With a mission to provide safe, affordable housing for farm workers, Alabama Non-Profit Housing supports projects like plumbing, kitchens, HVAC, structural repairs, and roofs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for early childhood education and community economic development programs benefiting low- and moderate-income families. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for early literacy, STEM and arts learning, teacher development, family engagement, and related community services in counties where PNC has a significant presence.

North Carolina nonprofits working on community, education, or social development projects can access funding through La Roche’s global Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program. Eligible projects are managed by accredited charities and may address humanitarian needs, science and education for youth, community and environment, or contemporary arts and culture, including literacy-related initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, literacy, or humanitarian services can access funding from Semnani Family Foundation, which supports marginalized communities worldwide. Grants prioritize health, education, and disaster relief across countries including the U.S.; North Carolina literacy and human services programs may be eligible if they serve vulnerable populations within this broader mission.

North Carolina literacy and education nonprofits can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable, California) law, with all awarded funds used within the U.S.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving North Carolina and other Southern states can seek funding for education, children and families, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and religious or spiritual programs. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established organizations with single-year projects that demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact and fiscal responsibility.

With a mission to strengthen charitable impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides North Carolina nonprofits with support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations working in these areas, including those whose programs incorporate literacy or education components, may be eligible to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in North Carolina can apply for TJX Foundation grants to support basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Eligible literacy or education programs for at-risk youth may be considered after completing an eligibility questionnaire and, if qualified, submitting a letter of inquiry by invitation.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, including education and literacy-related services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits fund schools, youth and senior programs, cultural institutions, and environmental or health initiatives where modest awards can make a significant impact.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

North Carolina literacy and education nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental work. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for one year of project funding, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations seeking support to tell impactful stories about their education or literacy-related work can apply for the Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports storytelling projects within its preservation, education, and wellness pillars across the U.S.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth hockey programs can apply for Carolina Hurricanes Foundation’s Future Canes Grants, with awards of US $10,000 - US $20,000 for program support. With a mission to strengthen youth health and education, this funding can help expand accessible, youth-focused hockey and related educational activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving literacy and quality of life in North Carolina communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek project, operating, or capital support. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding for programs in literacy, workforce readiness, economic stability, health, and related social services.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing adult career navigation, workforce development, and AI literacy programs in North Carolina and other Truist footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, with grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to build economic mobility, Truist Foundation supports training, upskilling, and wraparound services that help workers access quality jobs.