Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

The BJA FY 2026 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program aims to enhance state crisis intervention court proceedings and related initiatives. Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, the program focuses on addressing public safety challenges such as violent crime, human trafficking, and the opioid crisis. Grants will support the development of mental health courts, drug courts, and extreme risk protection order programs, providing critical resources to improve community safety and support law enforcement efforts.

The Samuel Hunter Agricultural Education Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to support students graduating from WCPS high schools, especially those from Smithsburg High School. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing post-secondary education in agricultural fields, with a preference for FFA/4-H participants. With its commitment to enhancing local education, this scholarship not only honors community contributions but also promotes vital career paths in agriculture.

Gabby's Dream Scholarship honors the memory of Gabriella Garven, who tragically passed away but chose to be an organ donor, saving five lives. This scholarship aims to support Muskingum County high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship helps students achieve their dreams, reflecting Gabby's spirit of kindness and generosity, and empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Artist’s Palette Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports students pursuing careers in cosmetology, aesthetics, barbering, nail technology, and massage therapy. This fund is designed to assist deserving individuals from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania in achieving their educational goals. Scholarships are made possible by local families and organizations dedicated to enhancing community welfare and honoring significant contributions to the community. Applications open annually from January to April.

The Lora Dawson Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors a 1982 graduate of Sheridan High School. This scholarship supports Perry County residents enrolled in vocational or degreed nursing programs (LPN, RN) who have completed their first semester. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and nurture future healthcare professionals in the community.

The NHLBI is set to release a NOFO aimed at enhancing an international research platform for cardiac surgery. This initiative will integrate various research areas, including mechanistic science and implementation science, to advance innovative techniques and improve health outcomes for adults with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the platform will serve to train future clinical trialists. Potential applicants are encouraged to start forming collaborations and preparing their proposals, as applications are not yet being solicited.

The BJA FY 2026 Crisis Response Training Program aims to enhance public safety and law enforcement effectiveness by providing critical training for officers in responding to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. This funding opportunity supports state, local, and tribal governments in developing programs to improve responses to those with mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, and other challenges. By equipping officers with essential skills and strategies, the program seeks to ensure safer interventions and better outcomes in crisis situations.

The Art Richards Scholarship Fund of Children In Need, Inc. offers scholarships to graduating clients of Children In Need, empowering them to pursue secondary education in academics or trades. Established in 1998, this fund was inspired by Art Richards' vision to uplift children living in poverty in Washington County, MD. Through local partnerships, the fund supports educational opportunities and honors community values, ensuring every child has the resources needed to thrive.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

The Ryan Legacy Scholarship

Melanie Ryan was an incredible mother, wife, friend, and nurse for almost 30 years. Her kindness, generosity, and compassion will be remembered forever by those who had the honor to know and love her. She passed away from Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer in June of 2024. Her husband Tom was the love of her life and also and incredibly kind and caring husband, father, manager and friend. He passed away from Hodgkins Lymphoma in November of 2022. This scholarship remembers this beautiful couple by assisting graduating high school seniors and current college students in pursuing a college degree. Preference will be given to student athletes in memory of Tom’s love of sports and students pursuing a healthcare related degree in memory of Melanie’s incredible nursing skills and heart.

The Helen Elbert Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors planning to major in music, particularly piano. Established in 1989, the Foundation has a strong commitment to education and community support. This scholarship is not based on financial need and will provide one year of assistance to students attending any college in the United States. It aims to empower young musicians to pursue their educational dreams.

The Frank and Audrey Senn, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, honors the legacy of Frank and Audrey Senn, lifelong supporters of education and community service. This scholarship aims to assist members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Newberry, SC, with their pursuit of higher education, offering at least $1,000 annually for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic commitment and community engagement.

The Frederick G. Byington and Christine Latta Byington Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, supports students from Wilkinson County, GA, with limited financial resources. This scholarship aims to facilitate access to higher education, vocational training, and professional schooling. Annually, up to two recipients are chosen, with awards varying in amount. Previous recipients can renew the scholarship for up to four years, provided they meet eligibility criteria and complete necessary follow-ups.

The MCSF Career & Technical Education Scholarship supports children of Marines pursuing non-degree certificate programs. It offers financial assistance to eligible applicants based on need, helping cover tuition, fees, and associated educational costs. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.00 and a family income cap of $123,000, this scholarship ensures that all qualifying students have access to vocational training at accredited institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, providing flexibility for students.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Legal Reform Grant Program aims to empower American Indian nations by addressing systemic barriers to land ownership and control. This initiative promotes collaboration on projects like estate planning, land policy reform, and engaging government leaders in discussions about tribal sovereignty. By focusing on legal reforms, the program seeks to rectify longstanding inequities and enhance the ability of tribes to manage their land effectively.

The Send A Kid To Camp Grant, offered by Triangle Community Foundation, aims to support K-12 students in North Carolina's Triangle region by addressing unfinished academic learning due to pandemic-related disruptions. With grants of $10,000 per year for two years, this initiative focuses on collaborating with local nonprofits to enhance educational opportunities for students facing significant barriers. The program is designed to engage families and provide necessary resources to ensure students meet grade-level expectations.

The HealthWell Foundation's Inborn Metabolic or Genetic Bile Acid Deficiency Vitamins and Supplements Fund provides essential financial assistance for individuals facing significant health challenges. By covering copays, deductibles, and related expenses, the fund aims to alleviate the financial burden on underinsured patients. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare access, the Foundation has awarded over $1.2 billion since its inception, ensuring that vital treatments remain accessible to those in need.

The Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers financial support to students pursuing higher education, including community colleges and trade schools. Annually, it provides up to $3,500 for full-time students and $75 per semester hour for part-time students. This need-based scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining a 2.0 GPA and fulfilling other criteria, prioritizing applicants who are descendants of former employees of the Don E. Williams Company.

The Porphyrias Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial burdens for underinsured patients suffering from porphyrias, a group of eight disorders characterized by the accumulation of porphyrins in the body. The fund assists with prescription drug copays and insurance premiums, offering up to $4,000 in financial aid. Established to ensure no patient lacks necessary treatment due to costs, the foundation has awarded over $1.2 billion since 2004, supporting more than 1.1 million patients.

The DOJ FY 2026 BIDEN Program provides funding to support state and local agencies in addressing immigration-related crime. This initiative enables law enforcement to apprehend criminal illegal aliens, analyze gang activity, and enhance court operations related to trafficking crimes. The program facilitates temporary detention and transportation of offenders, promoting collaboration with Homeland Security Task Forces. Applications must be submitted via JustGrants by specified deadlines, with rounds of funding released throughout 2026.

The Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Fund provides crucial financial assistance to underinsured patients suffering from this rare blood cancer. Through the HealthWell Foundation, the fund helps cover prescription copays, insurance premiums, and treatment-related costs, ensuring access to necessary medical care. With over $1.2 billion in grants awarded, the program has supported more than 1.1 million patients since its inception in 2004. Its mission is to alleviate financial barriers to essential healthcare, allowing patients to focus on their treatment and recovery.

The Rhoden Fellowship, supported by ESPN and administered by the United Negro College Fund, is a year-long program designed to empower students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Participants will serve as correspondents, creating multimedia content for Andscape, covering major sports events, and producing a bi-weekly podcast. This opportunity not only fosters journalistic skills but also promotes engagement with the HBCU community, paving the way for future leaders in journalism.

The Liz Colantuono & Mark Sanz Endowment Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides need-based financial support to Native American students and adult refugees enrolled or accepted at accredited U.S. four-year institutions. With a focus on those facing financial challenges, this scholarship aims to empower students who demonstrate a commitment to education in STEM, education, accounting, or journalism, thereby fostering future leaders in these fields.

The Hilda M. Hill Memorial Vocational/Technical Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports seniors and recent graduates from Capac, Almont, and Imlay City pursuing vocational or technical programs. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 1.50 and can receive up to two awards, with financial need considered. Award recipients will be celebrated at the Foundation's Scholarship Celebration in May, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The MI Association of Professional Insurance Agents Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports seniors and recent graduates in Michigan planning to pursue a major in Risk Management/Insurance. Award recipients will be honored at the Foundation's Scholarship Celebration in May and announced at local high school events. Up to four awards are available, and students must submit an essay for consideration, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to education and community development.

The Catherine Pierce Scholarship, established by the United Negro College Fund, aims to support students pursuing degrees in the Arts and Art History. This scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering talent and leadership in creative fields. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Through this initiative, UNCF continues its mission to empower minority students and promote diversity in higher education.