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Search Through Private Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Economic Catalyst Grant Program, administered by The Golden LEAF Foundation, supports economic development projects aimed at job creation in tobacco-dependent and economically distressed areas. Grants are available to eligible governmental entities and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that can show job creation is at risk without funding. Competitive applications must demonstrate urgency and secure local support, with funding allocated for training, infrastructure, and job-related equipment, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.

The Go Outside (GO) Grants offer funding up to $15,000 for North Carolina K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations to enhance outdoor learning experiences. While applications are open, funding is contingent upon state support. The grants are dedicated to projects like outdoor classrooms and gardens that promote education and recreation for underserved youth aged 4-18. However, indoor activities and non-educational projects may not be funded.

The Go Outside (GO) Grants provide North Carolina K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations funding for outdoor educational experiences, including field trips and visiting programs. With grants of up to $2,500, educators can enhance outdoor learning through activities involving aquariums, zoos, and STEM organizations. While applications are currently open, funding is contingent upon state funding availability, and applicants are advised to plan for dates no earlier than July 2025.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The Youth Sports Grant - Host Funding provides up to $25,000 to support nonprofessional youth sports teams and events in North Carolina. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funds can be used for attracting various sporting events and programs. Eligible applicants include city, county, and local school units or 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The application process will soon transition to an online portal, ensuring a streamlined submission experience for future applicants.

The Youth Sports Grant offers up to $5,000 in travel funding for nonprofessional youth sports teams to participate in sporting events in North Carolina and beyond. This grant is available on a rolling basis and is limited to one application per county each year. Eligible applicants include local government units and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The aim is to support youth engagement in sports and facilitate travel costs such as transportation and lodging.

The Open Grants Program by the Golden LEAF Foundation offers funding to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina. Grants up to $500,000 support projects focused on economic development, particularly in tobacco-dependent and rural communities. Priority areas include job creation, agriculture, workforce preparedness, and enhancing community capacity. This program aims to strengthen the economy by investing in infrastructure, training, and innovative agricultural practices, fostering sustainable growth and partnerships.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Underdown Family Foundation, established in 1993, focuses on funding nonprofit organizations that enhance the Hickory, NC community. It prioritizes educational initiatives, health and human services, and faith-based projects, aiming to address local needs effectively. The foundation also supports research on significant diseases at a regional or national level. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate within Hickory to be eligible for funding.

The Underdown Family Foundation, established in 1993, supports nonprofit organizations that enhance the Hickory, NC community. The foundation prioritizes education, health, human services, and faith-based initiatives. It seeks to empower local organizations while also contributing to research on significant diseases. By focusing on community needs, the foundation aims to make a lasting impact both regionally and nationally, promoting well-being and societal benefit.

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 Youth and Young Adult Well-Being Grant from the Nantahala Health Foundation aims to enhance the health and well-being of youth and young adults aged 5 to 24 in Western North Carolina. This initiative encourages partnerships with local organizations to address critical issues, such as mental health and educational support. Grant awards can be up to $100,000, focusing on innovative projects that foster resilience and improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) aims to enhance K-12 education in North Carolina by funding hands-on STEM activities for students. With grants up to $60,000 annually for three years, SSEP supports innovative programs that nurture students' interest in science and mathematics. It prioritizes partnerships among nonprofits and encourages projects that engage underrepresented communities. SSEP aims to develop students' skills and inspire future careers in STEM fields, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry.

The Duke Endowment's Child and Family Well-Being Grant provides implementation support to public and private agencies in North and South Carolina. This funding aims to adopt and sustain evidence-based programs that prevent and treat child maltreatment. Eligible organizations must have two years of audited financial statements and work with accredited groups. The grant prioritizes innovative solutions and advocacy to improve child welfare systems, ensuring effective support for children and families at risk.

The Presnell Foundation Grant supports North Carolina public and private schools, providing funding for educational programs and extracurricular activities. Additionally, it offers grants to religious institutions for building projects and ministries. The foundation prioritizes emergency funding for nonprofit agencies facing critical human needs that could disrupt services. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, ensuring that funds significantly impact their clients and support ongoing programs.

The Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations in education, healthcare, and housing initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects in Eastern North Carolina, Long Island, NY, and Central Maine. The foundation has awarded over 300 grants since its inception, reflecting its commitment to impactful community partnerships and ongoing evaluation of funded projects.

The Wild East Action Fund aims to enhance community resilience and conservation efforts within the Appalachian Trail landscape. It supports projects that address climate change impacts and foster recovery through community-driven initiatives. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000, focusing on land protection, conservation planning, and community support. Special consideration is given to projects addressing the immediate recovery from Hurricane Helene, promoting sustainable practices and strengthening community bonds.

The Wild East Action Fund, administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, provides competitive grants to support conservation projects in the Appalachian Trail landscape. With up to $400,000 available, the fund prioritizes community-driven conservation strategies, emphasizing land protection, conservation planning, and community resilience. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government entities within the A.T. landscape, aiming to enhance climate resilience and promote public access to recreational opportunities.

The John William Pope Foundation provides annual grants focusing on human services and the arts, primarily in North Carolina's Wake and Vance Counties. Established in 1986, the Foundation promotes self-reliance and community responsibility, funding initiatives that address critical social challenges. By prioritizing private resources over government funding, it fosters creative expression and supports nonprofits that empower individuals and families. The Foundation's mission is to ensure future generations have equal opportunities for success.

The Merancas Foundation, established in 1989, is a private foundation based in Charlotte, NC. It supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on providing pathways to self-sufficiency and helping individuals in crisis. Grants are available for initiatives in education, housing, and wellbeing within specific geographic areas, including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Trenton. The foundation aims to empower communities while ensuring that its support aligns with its mission and values.

The Hughes Memorial Foundation, established by John Edward Hughes, focuses on aiding children and youth in Virginia and North Carolina. Originally created as an orphanage, it now awards grants and scholarships to support projects that benefit children in need. Since 2000, it has distributed over $5.1 million to nonprofit organizations, emphasizing prudent stewardship and a commitment to helping those "most in harm's way". The Foundation also encourages matching funds from organizations to amplify their impact.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant, administered by the North Carolina State Parks, supports trail-related projects across the state. Funded through federal gas taxes, this initiative aims to enhance public access to safe and managed recreational trails. Eligible applicants include governmental and non-profit organizations, with a minimum match requirement of 25%. Projects must provide public access and remain open for at least ten years. The RTP promotes sustainable economic development through natural resource tourism.

The Clabough Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in North Carolina and Oregon that promote environmental stewardship and regional arts. The foundation prioritizes projects that provide community benefits in areas such as social services, education, and cultural initiatives. Grants are available to established, tax-exempt organizations that align with the foundation's mission. For detailed application guidelines and eligibility criteria, please refer to the foundation's official website.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Purpose

The purpose of the Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is to ensure that every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days, including access to quality early childhood education. The Fund was established in response to a well-documented local shortage of quality early childhood education programs, barriers that families face in accessing existing programs, including affordability, and a well-documented shortage of qualified teachers and staff in classrooms and centers.

Funding

Grants may be awarded up to the total amount of $4,054,185, the anticipated budget for the Early Childhood Education and Development Fund for FY2027 (subject to budget adoption). On October 30, 2018, the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County voted to create the Early Childhood Education and Development fund for the purpose of annually investing $3.6 million beginning in the FY2020 budget with an annual increase of 2% in future years. 

Funding is earmarked to support early care and education for children birth through kindergarten. This includes the following categories:

• infants/toddlers – ages six (6) weeks to three (3) years old
• preschoolers – ages three (3) to five (5) years old
• pre-kindergarteners (pre-k) – 4 year old rising kindergarteners (4 years old by August 31st)