Best Preservation Grants in North Carolina

The Cannon Foundation Grants support capital and equipment projects in North Carolina, focusing on healthcare, higher education, human services, and community initiatives. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes established organizations and encourages collaboration with other funding sources. Grants are not available for operational expenses or start-up funding, and applicants must demonstrate a clear funding plan for ongoing operations. This foundation seeks to empower communities while avoiding dependency on funding.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Universal Leaf Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations primarily in areas where Universal Leaf Tobacco Company operates. Focus areas include education for at-risk individuals, higher education, civic/community arts, and environmental initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes good corporate citizenship and community engagement through financial support and employee volunteerism. Organizations must operate within designated geographic areas and cannot be involved in political advocacy or restrict services based on demographics. Grants aim to enhance community well-being and educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region offers competitive grants to 501c3 nonprofits and approved local government entities in Danville and Pittsylvania County, VA, and Caswell County, NC. Funded by endowment earnings, the grants support community needs across various areas, including arts, education, and health. Applicants may access funds from the Community Impact Fund, Field of Interest Funds, or Donor Advised Funds. It is important to note that proposals for reimbursement are not accepted.

The North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) has been a cornerstone in conserving the state's natural resources since 1996, protecting over half a million acres and 3,000 miles of waterways. The Donation Mini-Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for stewardship and management costs of donated properties, emphasizing ecological preservation and public access. This initiative highlights NCLWF's commitment to enhancing North Carolina's water quality and cultural heritage, ensuring these vital resources are safeguarded for future generations.

The Currituck-Dare Community Foundation Grant, part of the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Community Grantmaking Program, supports charitable organizations across 67 counties. It funds diverse local needs such as education, health, and environmental initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and local government units. Grants are not available for political purposes or operations restricted by faith. The foundation aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropic efforts.

The Huffman-Cornwell Foundation, established in 1960, supports projects aimed at benefiting the people of Burke County, North Carolina. They prioritize initiatives in arts, education, children, the environment, historic preservation, and cultural and physical development. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations that align with these interests. The foundation is committed to enhancing community well-being through targeted grant-making.

The B.W. Wells Stewardship Fund, established in honor of renowned North Carolina plant ecologist Bertram Whittier Wells, aims to promote the conservation and enjoyment of native plants and their habitats. The fund supports various projects including the installation of native gardens and public education initiatives. Grants of up to $1000 are available for organizations involved in ecological management and educational outreach, fostering a deeper appreciation for North Carolina's unique flora.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

The Harnett County Community Foundation provides support to charitable organizations in North Carolina, particularly those addressing COVID-19 challenges. By forgoing the traditional grant cycle, the foundation aims to assist nonprofits in various sectors, including education, health, and the arts. This initiative aligns with its mission to enhance community welfare through philanthropy and direct action. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt public charities or local government units, ensuring broad support for local needs.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The Paul Green Foundation, established in 1982, continues the legacy of playwright Paul Green by supporting North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations. It funds dramatic productions and projects that promote human rights, racial equality, and the arts. The foundation encourages proposals that creatively intertwine these themes, reflecting Green's commitment to social change through literature and performance. Notably, Green's works, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "In Abraham's Bosom," highlight the struggles for education and justice faced by marginalized communities.

The Rural Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to foster collaboration among rural communities in areas like economic development and education. Emphasizing community involvement, it encourages diverse participation and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Grants of up to $25,000 for implementation or $5,000 for planning are available, targeting nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states. This initiative seeks to empower communities to achieve positive change through active engagement and support.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The Glass Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Western North Carolina. Established in 2000, the foundation provides funding for capital campaigns, construction, and program supplies, focusing on environmental education and youth development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations operating in specified WNC counties. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster educational and cultural opportunities while preserving natural resources, aiming to create a thriving community.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation's Arts Grant Program provides multiyear funding to arts nonprofits and PreK-12 education organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 annually, the program focuses on supporting developing and established organizations, emphasizing artistic excellence and community engagement. Eligibility includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This initiative aims to strengthen the cultural sector, foster growth, and enhance the overall well-being of communities through arts programming.

The North Carolina Land and Water Fund provides grants to support local governments, state agencies, and conservation non-profits in addressing water pollution issues. This initiative aims to enhance and restore degraded waters, protect unpolluted waters, and contribute to ecological diversity. Projects may include land acquisition, stream restoration, and innovative stormwater management practices. By fostering community involvement, the fund seeks to develop effective solutions that safeguard North Carolina's natural resources for future generations.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant aims to support tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina. Established to assist farmers and businesses affected by the Master Settlement Agreement, the Commission focuses on economic development, increasing farm profitability, and promoting agricultural diversity. Grants are available for organizations that deliver services to impacted populations, with priority given to projects that foster community stability and resource development. The Commission's funding is managed by the State Treasurer and requires strategic project proposals.

The Unifour Foundation Endowment Fund, established in 1998, supports qualified charitable organizations in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. With over $3 million awarded since 1991, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The fund prioritizes projects addressing early childhood education, mental health, and community needs like housing and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units, with applications open to those serving the designated areas.

The Hoke County Community Foundation Grant Program, part of the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports charitable organizations across 67 counties. It offers funding for diverse purposes, including education, health, and arts. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities or local government units, ensuring programs are accessible without discrimination. The program also includes the Mary Archie McNeill Endowment, specifically for music and cultural arts in Hoke County, with $12,650 available for grants.

The North Carolina Appalachian Regional Commission Funds support economic development across 13 states, focusing on infrastructure, workforce, and community resilience. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the program prioritizes projects that enhance local economies, particularly in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Funding caps are set at $700,000 for construction and $300,000 for non-construction projects, with special considerations for distressed counties and workforce development initiatives.

The Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations and governmental units in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It particularly emphasizes education in medical science, scholarships for employees of Davis Regional Medical Center, agriculture, conservation, and wildlife preservation. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank and are available through a year-round application process, focusing on enhancing local medical practice and community well-being.

The Chowan Community Funds Foundation offers the Unrestricted Endowment Grant Program to support local causes in Chowan County. Established in 2006, this foundation enables nonprofits to address changing community needs through grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt charities and local government units. Notably, the program prioritizes initiatives that enhance community life, promote social equity, and support diverse populations without discrimination.

The Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Guilford County, NC, focusing on education, human services, cultural arts, and more. Grants are awarded for new initiatives and capital improvements, typically for one year, but multi-year grants may be considered. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in or serving Guilford County. The foundation does not fund endowment campaigns or annual fund solicitations.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.