Best Public Infrastructure Grants in North Carolina

Nonprofit hospitals, colleges, human services agencies, and community organizations in North Carolina can seek capital and equipment funding for facilities, infrastructure, and major purchases. Cannon Foundation supports projects in healthcare, higher education, human services, and community initiatives, including construction, renovation, and essential building systems for well-established organizations with at least five years of operations.

Youth-led organizing projects in North Carolina can access funding through the Carolina Youth Power Fund for nonpartisan civic engagement and leadership development. Administered by Southern Vision Alliance, this program offers US $500 - US $1,000 to projects led by directly impacted youth ages 13–25, especially Black, Muslim, immigrant, disabled, and LGBTQ+ young people.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities in North Carolina can apply for Duke Energy Foundation’s Local Impact Grants, awarding up to US $20,000 for community-focused projects. Funding supports workforce development, climate resiliency, environmental conservation, disaster preparedness, STEM education, and opportunity and inclusion efforts that strengthen local economies and shared public spaces.

Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can seek Economic Catalyst funding to support job-creating projects, including public infrastructure, training facilities, and equipment. Focused on job creation in tobacco-dependent or economically distressed areas, the Golden LEAF Foundation offers up to US $500,000 for projects with a committed company partner and clear charitable or educational uses.

About Us

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.

Marketing North Carolina as a business and visitor destination is another function of the Department, and to handle this work we contract services from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), a public-private organization established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2014.

North Carolina Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - Demolition Program

Local governments can apply for funding to support demolition projects that result in industrial or commercial sites, using grant funds under the Community Development Block Grant program's Economic Development (ED) category.

Our department holds administrative responsibility for the CDBG program in North Carolina. Our Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) administers the CDBG-ED funds. State rules related to the CDBG program can be found in the North Carolina Administrative Code 4 NCAC 19L and specific ED rules are found at 4 NCAC 1K. Federal funds are made available annually through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Purpose

Under the authority of Title I of the U. S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended), the CDBG demolition program in North Carolina is designed to demolish vacant dilapidated industrial buildings and properties under the elimination of slums and blight national objective. The demolition activity is expected to create a site at which it can reasonably be expected new jobs and private sector investment will locate. Since the demolition activity is qualified under the slums and blight national objective, new job creation with a private employer does not require a legally binding contract. Jobs creation during the demolition phase of the grant should be collected for CDBG reporting purposes.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can receive up to US $500,000 for economic development projects that strengthen tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities. With a mission to grow North Carolina’s economy, Golden LEAF provides funding for public infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, workforce training, and community competitiveness projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Local government units in North Carolina’s Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties, can access public infrastructure funding through the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Grants support planning, materials, labor, and administration for water, sewer, natural gas, road, and rail projects that create new full-time private-sector jobs.

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.

The Evergreen Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations in Western North Carolina that provide essential services for individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Established in 1977, the Foundation allocates funding through a competitive grant process, typically issuing 25 to 30 grants annually. Eligible applicants include agencies serving these populations and those with 501(c)(3) status. Priorities include infrastructure support, education, and advocacy, ensuring vital services reach the communities in need.

Public and charter schools launching new PLTW computer science programs and serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 for fees, required technology, equipment, and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help expand STEM education; North Carolina districts may be eligible if specific counties are included in future cycles.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW computer science programs, including those in eligible North Carolina counties, can apply for Project Lead The Way’s Burns & McDonnell partnership grants, awarding US $10,000 for program growth. Funds may cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel and lodging.

Public and charter schools in eligible North Carolina counties starting new PLTW Engineering programs can receive US $40,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. With a mission to expand STEM education access, Project Lead The Way provides two-year support for schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter middle schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs can receive US $10,000 to cover participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. With a mission to expand hands-on STEM learning, Project Lead The Way provides support to eligible high-need schools in select North Carolina counties and other designated communities.

Public and charter middle schools starting new PLTW Gateway STEM programs and serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 for curriculum fees, required technology, equipment, and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help eligible North Carolina schools in specified counties that may be expanding STEM-related public infrastructure in education.

Middle schools running PLTW Gateway programs in eligible North Carolina counties and other listed regions can use these grants to expand STEM offerings, equipment, and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help public and charter schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students grow PLTW Gateway access starting in the 2027–2028 school year, with awards of US $10,000.

Public and charter elementary schools in eligible North Carolina counties that serve at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can seek funding to start new PLTW Launch STEM programs. Grants from Project Lead The Way support participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

North Carolina public and charter schools expanding PLTW Launch STEM programs can access funding through Project Lead The Way for the 2027–2028 academic year. Eligible schools must be in specified North Carolina counties, serve at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students, and may use up to US $5,000 for PLTW fees, equipment, devices, and teacher training.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Local governments in North Carolina seeking to expand public waste reduction and recycling infrastructure can apply for up to US $30,000 in Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Standard Project grants. Focused on public infrastructure, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality supports projects like drop-off sites, collection vehicles, consolidation facilities, education campaigns, and construction and demolition recycling, with a 20% local cash match required.

Conservation and community 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in North Carolina can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program; awards up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition. Funding can cover project capital, due diligence, stewardship, community engagement, and related operational costs within the Appalachians Program boundary.

Local government units in rural North Carolina seeking to upgrade public infrastructure, public buildings, or mixed-use downtown properties can apply for this program, with awards up to US $850,000. With a mission to spur rural economic growth, North Carolina Department of Commerce supports downtown revitalization projects in distressed counties that create or retain jobs and require a 5% local cash match.

The Duke Energy Foundation's Nonprofit Capacity Building program aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of North Carolina nonprofit organizations. With annual grants exceeding $30 million, the foundation supports agencies addressing essential services like housing stability and food security. Grants, ranging from $10,000 to under $25,000, target organizations that foster community resilience and opportunity. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate measurable community impact.

Grants from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation help North Carolina public-interest organizations pursue state-level systemic change through advocacy, research, organizing, and related strategies. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, colleges/universities, religious entities, and government units may receive multi-year general operating support of US $30,000 - US $100,000, especially for work in education, environment, social and economic justice, and democracy.

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.

Practicing visual artists in select North Carolina counties can use this grant to fund studio-based work, including equipment, materials, research, or costs tied to a confirmed solo exhibition. Grants from North Carolina Arts Council offer US $3,000, and artists whose projects indirectly enhance cultural spaces or community access may benefit.

North Carolina governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can use this funding for recreational trail construction, maintenance, and related facilities. North Carolina State Parks provides US $10,000 - US $100,000 for shovel-ready projects on eligible lands, including urban trail linkages, trailheads, accessibility features, and canoe/kayak access that remain publicly accessible for at least 10 years with a 25% match.