Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

NOTE: For nonprofit organizations new to U.S. Bank Foundation, a Letter of Interest is available. Community Affairs Managers will review Letter of Interest submissions periodically to learn about new and innovative programs and organizations in their regions and markets. After reviewing a Letter of Interest, a Community Affairs Manager may reach out with a request for a full application. You can access the Letter of Interest by clicking the “Submit a letter of interest” link at the bottom of this page. Letters of Interest may be submitted at any time during the year.

Community Possible Grant

Through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible® grant program, we invest in efforts to create stable jobs, safe homes and communities.

Funding Types

Within these general guidelines, we consider the following funding request types:

Operating grants

An operating grant is given to cover an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses, such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and more. We consider operating support requests from organizations where the entire mission of the organization fits a Community Possible grant focus area.

Program or project grants

A program or project grant is given to support a specific, connected set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. We consider highly effective and innovative programs that meet our Community Possible grant focus areas.

Capital grants

A capital grant is given to finance fixed assets. The U.S. Bank Foundation considers a small number of requests for capital support from organizations that meet all other funding criteria, whose entire mission statement fits a Community Possible grant focus area, and with which the Foundation has a funding history. All organizations requesting capital funding must also have a U.S. Bank employee on the board of directors. U.S. Bank does not fund more than 1% of the non-endowment total capital campaign fundraising goal. All capital grant requests are reviewed and approved by the national U.S. Bank Foundation Board or by the U.S. Bank Foundation President.

Focus Area: PLAY

Creating vibrant communities through play.

Play brings joy, and it’s just as necessary for adults as it is for kids. But in low-income areas there are often limited spaces for play and fewer people attending arts and cultural events. That’s why we invest in community programming that supports ways for children and adults to play and create.

Access to artistic and cultural programming and arts education

Our investments ensure economic vitality and accessibility to the arts in local communities, as well as support for arts education. Examples of grant support include:

• Programs that provide access to cultural activities, visual and performing arts, zoos and aquariums and botanic gardens for individuals and families living in underserved communities
• Funding for local arts organizations that enhance the economic vitality of the community
• Programs that provide funding for arts-focused nonprofit organizations that bring visual and performing arts programming to low- and moderate-income K-12 schools and youth centers

Supporting learning through play.

Many young people across the country do not have the resources or access to enjoy the benefits of active play. Supporting active play-based programs and projects for K-12 students located in or serving low- and moderate-income communities fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration and impacts the overall vitality of the communities we serve. Funding support includes:

• Support for organizations that build or expand access to active play spaces and places that help K-12 students learn through play and improves the health, safety and unification of neighborhoods in low- and moderate-income communities
• Programs that focus on using active play to help young people develop cognitive, social and emotional learning skills to become vibrant and productive citizens in low- and moderate-income communities

Focus Area: WORK

Supporting workforce education and prosperity.

We know that a strong small business environment and an educated workforce ensure the prosperity of our communities and reducing the expanding wealth gap for communities of color. We provide grant support to programs and organizations that help small businesses thrive, allow people to succeed in the workforce, provide pathways to higher education and gain greater financial literacy.

Investing in the workforce.

We fund organizations that provide training for small business development, as well as programs that support individuals across all skill and experience levels, to ensure they have the capability to gain employment that supports individuals and their families. Examples of grant support include:

Small business technical assistance programs

Job-skills, career readiness training programs with comprehensive placement services for low- and moderate-income individuals entering or reentering the labor force

Providing pathways for educational success.

To address the growing requirements for post-secondary education in securing competitive jobs in the workplace, we support:

• Organizations and programs that help low- and moderate-income and at-risk middle and high school students prepare for post-secondary education at a community college, university, trade or technical school and career readiness
• Programs and initiatives at post-secondary institutions that support access to career and educational opportunities for low- and moderate-income and diverse students

Teaching financial well-being for work and life.

Financial well-being is not only critical for financial stability, it’s crucial in helping individuals be successful in the workplace. Examples of grant support include programs that positively impact:

• K-12 and college student financial literacy
• Adult and workforce financial literacy
• Senior financial fraud prevention
• Military service member and veteran financial literacy

Focus Area: HOME

Working to revitalize communities one neighborhood at a time.

Children and families are better positioned to thrive and succeed in a home that is safe and permanent. Access to sustainable low-income housing is increasingly challenges for low-moderate income families. In response, our giving supports efforts that connect individuals and families with sustainable housing opportunities.

Access to safe, affordable housing

We provide financial support to assist people in developing stability in their lives through access to safe, sustainable and accessible homes. Examples of grant support include:

• Organizations that preserve, rehabilitate, renovate or construct affordable housing developments for low- and moderate-income families, individuals, seniors, veterans, and special-needs populations
• Organizations that provide transitional housing as a direct steppingstone to permanent housing
• Organizations that focus on Veterans housing and homeownership
• Construction of green homes for low- and moderate-income communities
• Energy retrofit programs for low- and moderate-income housing developments

Home ownership education

Owning and maintaining a home requires significant financial knowledge, tools, and resources. We support programs that assist low- and moderate-income homebuyers and existing homeowners. Examples of grant support include:

• Homebuyer education
• Pre- and post-purchase counseling and coaching
• Homeownership-retention programs designed to provide foreclosure counseling

NOTE: The Foundation’s board reviews proposals in June and October of each year. We invite applications from organizations we deem eligible after reviewing their organizational summaries.

Mission & Vision

The Babcock Foundation’s mission is to help people and places move out of poverty and achieve greater social and economic justice. We recognize that poverty is complicated and multi-faceted. We believe in the need for significant changes in the systems and structures—laws, behaviors, attitudes, policies and institutions—that make a difference to people and their communities. To overcome tough barriers, people often need concrete assistance, like access to employment, workforce training or affordable housing, that results in direct improvements and supports them in achieving their full potential. We also believe people who develop skills and believe
 in themselves can successfully improve their own lives and act collectively to increase opportunity for themselves and their communities.

Our vision for the South is anchored in a belief in people, organizations and the power of partnerships. We believe more people must directly influence the institutions and leaders that shape their economic and civic lives. Better policy and more collaborative institutions, public and private, should provide supportive and equitable ladders of economic opportunity. More people and communities need to access, control and build assets essential for economic mobility and stability. Progress along all three pathways—civic engagement, supportive policy and institutions, and economic opportunity—is critical to moving people and places out of poverty.

We recognize there are serious challenges to this vision in the South and beyond: Structural racism and other forms of discrimination are major barriers. Political control remains too concentrated. Disinvestment in public goods like education and the safety net has eroded the foundation people need to get ahead. The economy too often rewards short-term market behavior that hurts low-wealth people, communities and natural systems.

Overcoming these challenges and advancing this vision is not easy work. It takes long- term and patient investment. It takes collaboration among unusual partners. It takes effective and well-resourced organizations, enterprises and networks working together in new ways across race, geography, strategy and issues. It requires low-wealth and directly affected people to be central to the solutions in their communities and across the region. It takes
 a commitment to democracy, equity and inclusion.

While these solutions are not simple, we believe they are not only possible but essential to promoting economic opportunity and reducing poverty and inequality in the South.

Our Approaches

Layered Strategies

We don't believe in a "silver bullet" approach to poverty alleviation. Investments in multiple organizations and coalitions over time, using complementary strategies and informed by their understanding of place, are most successful.

Engage with all Assets

We strategically deploy 100 percent of our financial assets (grants, program-related investments and market-rate investments), use our intellectual and reputational capital to influence and leverage investments from other sources, communicate strategically and look for opportunities to convene grantees and other partners for peer learning. We deploy staff as "network officers" to engage deeply in a place, learn the context and determine how best to support our partners.

Robust Networks

We believe networks of people and organizations who bring together diverse strategies, capacities and perspectives have greater impact than those working alone. We support efforts to develop leaders who are directly affected and connect them to partners and opportunities that increase their influence.

Capacity Building

We aim to strengthen every dimension (program, governance, management, administration, finance, culture, etc.) of healthy organizations and networks through patient, long-term general support and attention to organizational development.

Shared Learning

Since its founding in 1953, the Babcock Foundation has been building on its experiences to hone its work and tell the story of the South. We reflect on and capture lessons and share them broadly with our grantee and philanthropic partners. We seek out important crosscutting topics, commission research as needed and share our findings with our colleagues in the field. 

Place-Based

There are many Souths. Each state and region has its own context, history, challenges and opportunities. We believe an understanding of and focus on place are central to defining unique opportunities, challenges and partnerships to move people and places out of poverty.

Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation Grant

We support nonprofits helping people & places move out of poverty & achieve greater social & economic justice.

The Foundation also remains open to new thinking about how to address poverty in the South. In addition to our primary focus, MRBF is interested in supporting new approaches to achieving economic opportunity, systems and policy change, or democracy and civic engagement outcomes. These efforts must demonstrably advance our vision of social and economic justice in the South. Our annual grantmaking allocation for new approaches is significantly smaller than for our primary focus. 

Types of grants

Organizations may use grant funds in a variety of ways, including:

• General operating support 
• Project support
• “Glue” support for networks of grassroots and partner organizations
• Organizational development support

The size and duration of grants is matched to the applicant’s scale of impact, need, capabilities and opportunities, and typically follow these guidelines: 

• We provide one-year funding for initial grants We consider continuation of funding in two-year increments 
• We rarely make grants that exceed 30% of a project or organizational budget

Program-related investments (PRIs): We look for opportunities to make below-market-rate investments to spur economic development in low-wealth communities.

Note:  All other nonprofit program and sponsorship requests may be submitted throughout the year. See the following pages for details about other programs: 

• Alleviating Hunger
• Housing and Shelter

Publix Super Markets Charities supports various types of nonprofit organizations throughout the Southeast with a primary focus on helping youth, promoting education, alleviating hunger, and reducing homelessness.

Our key focus areas.

From alleviating hunger and reducing homelessness to supporting youth programs and education initiatives, we are dedicated to making lives better in the communities where we live and work. Our founder, George Jenkins—affectionately known as Mr. George—believed in giving back and donated his time, talent, and money. We are proud to continue his legacy of building hope and nourishing brighter futures through our support of nonprofit organizations. If you represent a nonprofit organization, request our support.

Encouraging Youth

We believe every child should be able to explore their interests and develop their talents. Our founder, George Jenkins, used to say, “Find out who you are, what you want to be, and go for it.” To help children achieve their dreams, we are proud to support a variety of programs including summer camps, art exhibits, music programs, and youth wellness initiatives that inspire young minds, nurture potential, and build confidence. 

Supporting Education

Inspiring young minds.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to excel in school and in life. Our founder, George Jenkins, was passionate about helping people, especially children, prepare for opportunities that set them up for success. We are proud to support a variety of educational programs that encourage children’s success in school and spark interest in science, math, technology, the arts, and more.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is committed to embracing the entire state through our various grant programs. We seek the creative spark that makes a true difference in people's lives by supporting innovative programs promoting the sciences, health and education. 

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today's society and future generations. For decades, the Foundation has been a proud supporter of programs in our state that help advance science, health and education.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that includes community leaders and GSK corporate executives. The day to day operations are overseen by the staff.

The Foundation was the vision of Glaxo chairman and chief executive, the late Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr. Mr. Ruvane brought the company from Florida to the Research Triangle Park and with it his passion for community. His vision was to establish an annually budgeted corporate giving program and a stable, long-term source of support for our state. In 1996, the company ceased funding the foundation. The foundation's growth is based solely on investment and market growth derived from its own independent endowment.

Since our establishment in 1986, we have awarded $68.9 million in grants over 30 years! We pay approximately $3 million in grants each year to North Carolina nonprofit organizations.

Ribbon of Hope Grants

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation invites nonprofit organizations to apply for one-time grants of $25,000 for projects furthering science, health and education in their local communities. These grants are intended to offer organizations a one-time opportunity to develop a new initiative or to grow and expand and/or enhance an existing program. The Foundation does not fund core mission support, general operating, indirect or overhead costs, construction or renovation projects, medical assistance or services, or equipment.

Many nonprofits are providing outstanding services, but are struggling with limited resources to meet the needs of their local communities as their own budgets are squeezed. These grants are intended to offer organizations a one-time opportunity to expand and/or enhance an existing program or provide seed funds for a new initiative. In addition to the financial assistance, recipients benefit from customized consulting services and technical assistance provided by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.

Ribbon of Hope proposals will be considered that relate to the establishment and implementation of new projects or expansion of an existing program which:

• address critical community needs that have been identified through comprehensive needs assessment activities
• tightly align with goals and objectives of local community agencies
• demonstrate their sustainability after grant funds are expended.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today's society and future generations. For decades, the Foundation has been a proud supporter of programs in our state that help advance science, health and education.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that includes community leaders and GSK corporate executives. The day to day operations are overseen by the staff.

The Foundation was the vision of Glaxo chairman and chief executive, the late Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr. Mr. Ruvane brought the company from Florida to the Research Triangle Park and with it his passion for community. His vision was to establish an annually budgeted corporate giving program and a stable, long-term source of support for our state. In 1996, the company ceased funding the foundation. The foundation's growth is based solely on investment and market growth derived from its own independent endowment.

Since our establishment in 1986, we have awarded $68.9 million in grants over 30 years! We pay approximately $3 million in grants each year to North Carolina nonprofit organizations.

Traditional Grants

The Foundation provides grants of $25,000 and above to organizations working to help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations.

The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide seed funds for new and worthwhile educational programs. This policy does not preclude the consideration and possible funding of ongoing projects. This policy does not preclude the consideration and possible funding of ongoing projects. Proposals may be submitted for one year of funding or multi-year funding with a maximum duration of five years.

Ordinarily, the board does not provide funds to programs that benefit a limited geographical region. The board may make an exception to this policy when a program has the potential to transcend its community’s geographic boundaries or is established as a pilot program to be replicated on a larger scale.

NOTE:  The Open Grants Program requires submission of an initial Letter of Inquiry, which is a specific Golden LEAF form. An applicant may submit a full proposal in the Open Grants Program only if the applicant has received an invitation to do so. The dates above are intended to give applicants an indication of the dates by which a Letter of Inquiry or full proposal in those programs must be submitted to the Foundation to assure consideration at a particular meeting of the Golden LEAF Board; however, Golden LEAF staff will work diligently to present Letters of Inquiry and full proposals in those programs to the Board as quickly as possible, even if submitted after the dates outlined below.

Overview

The purpose of Golden LEAF is to fund projects that promise to bring significant economic improvement to the tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities of North Carolina. We welcome eligible entities to submit a grant application for a project that is consistent with Golden LEAF’s priorities.

Open Grants Program

The Golden LEAF Foundation is committed to using the funds entrusted to it for projects that show the most potential for strengthening North Carolina’s long-term economy, especially in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. In the Open Grants Program, Golden LEAF’s grantsmaking is focused in the areas of:

• Agriculture, Economic Development, Workforce Preparedness, Healthcare, Education and Community Vitality

Priorities

Below is a list of outcomes Golden LEAF has identified as priorities to achieve the goals of the Foundation. Competitive applications in the Open Grants Program would typically include one or more of these measures to assess project outcomes and success.

Economic Development

Metrics: 

• Investment in privately-owned property, plant & equipment
• New jobs created
• New wages paid
• Percentage (%) by which wage exceeds county average
• Jobs retained during performance period (that would have been lost were it not for the Golden LEAF-funded project or that are required by performance agreement)

Workforce Preparedness

• Students completing for-credit/curriculum programs
• Students trained (non-credit courses completed)
• Incumbent workers trained (industry-specific, customized training courses completed)
• Industry (third-party) credentials earned
• Students earning at least one industry/third-party credential/certification
• Students employed in field of study

Agriculture

• Sales: $ revenues of new/ alternative products
• Sales: $ revenues of existing products
• New acres in production (fallow to production)
• Purchases of NC agricultural products by producers, distributors or retailers ($ revenues)
• Head of livestock in production

Healthcare

• New jobs created
• New wages paid
• Jobs retained during performance period (that would have been lost were it not for the Golden LEAF-funded project or that are required by performance agreement)
• Number of patient visits (non-emergency room)
• Number of rural healthcare facilities with improved financial condition

Education

• Students achieving proficiency on EOC / EOG exams (Aggregate) (Math) (Science) (English)
• Student Performance will Meet or Exceed Expected Growth (EVAAS)
• High school on-time graduation
• Golden LEAF Scholars who complete four-year college or university

Community Vitality

• Dollars ($) invested in public infrastructure
• Private investment resulting from Golden LEAF-supported project
• Commercial hookups to public infrastructure
• Residential hookups to public infrastructure
• Business start-ups or expansions resulting from Golden LEAF-supported project
• Broadband access: New fiber miles 

Characteristics of Competitive Proposals

Golden LEAF makes grants for projects that the Foundation’s Board of Directors believes have extraordinary merit and address the Foundation’s purposes as set forth in its Charter. In evaluating proposals, the Foundation looks for projects that will bring about tangible results for the targeted beneficiaries. The Foundation asks applicants to address the following questions when completing their proposals: (1) Who benefits from the project? (2) How do they benefit? (3) What difference does the project make in the community it serves? (4) How will the difference and benefit be measured and proven?

Most grants in this program are not expected to exceed $200,000. Since requests are likely to far exceed funds available, the Foundation will be looking for projects with the following characteristics. (This list is not intended to be all inclusive, nor is it a listing of all criteria that will be used in evaluating proposals.)

• Projects that serve unmet needs that are clearly defined in communities.
• Projects that have clear objectives and deliverables and are accompanied by a plan for evaluating the short-term and long-term impacts of the project, with a concentration on economic impact.
• Projects that demonstrate a market demand for products or trainees.
• Projects that leverage support from other sources, including funds that may be available through state or federal economic stimulus programs.
• For projects developing new agricultural technologies and crops, those projects with clear and practical applications and market demand for the product, expected commercial viability within a short time frame, a plan for protecting the benefit of any intellectual property for North Carolina and North Carolina farmers, and a plan for outreach and deployment of new discoveries or research results to farmers are preferred.
• Projects that result in job creation and retention in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. Projects that include evidence of employers’ interest in hiring or retaining workers are preferred.
• Programs to create, expand, and/or improve business activity in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities.
• Programs that are collaborative in nature and/or are linked with or supported by existing multi-community, regional, or statewide programs and efforts.
• Training/workforce preparedness initiatives that target specific job opportunities in new and expanding industries and businesses located or considering locating in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities or that promote job retention activities in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. Training programs supported by Golden LEAF must be advertised, open to the public and result in the attainment of transferable skills.
• Projects that provide evidence of support, endorsement and demand by the communities or constituencies the project proposes to serve.
• Projects that provide evidence of sustainability through the submission of business and feasibility plans, as applicable.

NOTE: Requests related to hunger relief programs must be submitted from March 1 to April 30 for a September decision and announcement. See the following grant pages for details on other programs

• Youth or Education
• Housing and shelter.

Our key focus areas.

From alleviating hunger and reducing homelessness to supporting youth programs and education initiatives, we are dedicated to making lives better in the communities where we live and work. Our founder, George Jenkins—affectionately known as Mr. George—believed in giving back and donated his time, talent, and money. We are proud to continue his legacy of building hope and nourishing brighter futures through our support of nonprofit organizations. If you represent a nonprofit organization, request our support. 

Alleviating Hunger

Nourishing hope with food banks.

Providing nourishing meals to our neighbors in need is at the heart of who we are. Our founder, George Jenkins, believed that as a food retailer, we had a responsibility to feed the hungry. “We’re not only in the grocery business; we’re in the people business,” he often said. Since 2015, Publix Super Markets Charities has contributed more than $32.5 million to hunger-related programs. We are proud to continue our commitment to alleviate hunger in our communities year-round by supporting local food banks and other nonprofits across the Southeast.

Mission Statement

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation provides thoughtful grant awards to support the programs and services of qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in North and South Carolina which demonstrate dedicated service to their community and focus on the areas of healthcare/rehabilitation, education, human/community service and arts/culture/history.

Grants Overview

The Van Every Foundation supports the vision and legacy of Philip L. Van Every by making meaningful gifts to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in the Carolinas which strengthen our communities, demonstrate fiscal responsibility, exhibit strength in leadership and have a proven track record of success. 

Education, Human/Community Service, Healthcare/Rehabilitation and Arts/Culture/History are our primary areas of focus and receive 95 percent of our funding. A very limited portion of our funding supports organizations that fall outside these perimeters.

Areas of Focus

North and South Carolina are the Foundation’s primary regions of interest. Education, Human/Community Service, Healthcare/Rehabilitation and Arts/Culture/History are our main areas of focus and receive more than 90 percent of our funding. A very limited portion of our funding supports organizations that fall outside these parameters. 

Education

As Americans, we find ourselves living in an increasingly competitive global economy. Carolinians are entering or re-entering a job market via which the competition is fierce and industry is more competitive than ever before.

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation is addressing this issue by supporting Colleges and Universities that provide high quality affordable educational opportunities and scholarship assistance for students seeking undergraduate/graduate degrees or workforce training. We believe that education is critical to the future success of our children, families, communities, state and nation.

Healthcare/Rehabilitation

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation is committed to improving the health and quality of life for individuals residing in North and South Carolina.

We respond to our commitment by investing in programs and services that focus on medical innovation, research, education, rehabilitative care, prevention, wellness and substance abuse.

Human & Community Service

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation is committed to improving lives and strengthening communities in North and South Carolina.

We support organizations that address the underlying causes of a myriad of social issues, meet the critical needs of people in their service area and focus on creating financially stable and healthy families.

Arts, Culture,History

Arts, culture and history promote creativity, innovation, exploration and diversity while improving the quality of life for residents of our communities. Dynamic performances and museums as well as other cultural and historic venues engage and inspire audiences, building bridges throughout our region. Arts education plays a pivotal role in enriching the lives of children and provides them with a well-rounded education and the creativity they will need to lead in a global economy.

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation recognizes the important role that the arts play in our communities and supports select organizations that provide quality cultural experiences for residents of North and South Carolina.

Grant Amounts & Deadlines

The Van Every Foundation awards grants to select organizations annually. Typical grant awards range in size from $10,000 to $50,000. Less than 20 percent of our grant awards are in the form of multi-year pledges. The average duration of pledges is 3 years.  

Letters of inquiry are accepted throughout the year but are reviewed by the Board in March, June, September and December. Letters of inquiry and full grant proposals (if invited) must be received by the 10th of the month prior to the upcoming meeting month in order to be reviewed. Requests not received by that date will be considered at the next quarterly board meeting.

NOTE: All requests related to housing and shelter  programs must be submitted by the deadline above for a decision and announcement near the end of the year. See the following grant pages for details on other programs

• Youth or Education
• Alleviating Hunger

Our key focus areas.

From alleviating hunger and reducing homelessness to supporting youth programs and education initiatives, we are dedicated to making lives better in the communities where we live and work. Our founder, George Jenkins—affectionately known as Mr. George—believed in giving back and donated his time, talent, and money. We are proud to continue his legacy of building hope and nourishing brighter futures through our support of nonprofit organizations. If you represent a nonprofit organization, request our support

Reducing Housing Insecurity & Homelessness

Building hope.

Our founder, George Jenkins, believed a home provided more than shelter. He believed it gave families safety, independence, and hope. To help those struggling with housing insecurity, Publix Super Markets Charities supports Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofits that provide housing and shelter services across the Southeast. Over the last seven years, we have donated more than $28 million to organizations that provide transitional support, client service programs, and financial support for housing.