Best Quality of Life Grants in North Carolina

Common Waters: Strengthening Community-based Coastal and Riverine Stewardship

Opportunity Overview

Projects supported by this RFP must be community-based stewardship initiatives (including but not limited to stewardship driven by Indigenous and descendant communities); they should be led by an individual with a strong connection to and/or an existing track record of work in the community(ies) where the project will take place, or by a member of the community themselves, and be designed in response to community needs. Projects can focus on a wide range of specific issues, including (but not limited to) local conservation and ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and resilience, or sustainable fishing/agriculture. The RFP will prioritize projects in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions destinations, including the Arctic, Asia, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe and the Mediterranean, Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more detailed information on targeted areas within these regions, please refer to the targeted areas document.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports outdoor enthusiasts and promotes responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Its mission includes educating the public on land use and wildlife conservation while protecting access to public lands. Applications are accepted quarterly from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on land stewardship and access improvements, ensuring a safe and sustainable outdoor experience for all.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Miller Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Michael K. Miller, who established the Miller Family Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County. This scholarship is presented to instrumentalists graduating from Ludington High School.

The DFO Research, Education, and Conservation Grant supports projects focused on birds and their habitats, prioritizing initiatives in the Denver area and Colorado's Front Range. Established in 1994, the fund encourages research, education, and conservation efforts with grants typically under $2,000. Recent funded projects include studies on owl habitats and educational programs for young birders. The fund aims to advance knowledge and appreciation of avian species through targeted financial support.

The Purple Martin Conservation Association offers the PMCA Research and Conservation Grant to support research on Purple Martins. This grant aims to promote conservation efforts and may cover expenses such as travel and supplies, though it does not fund salaries or overhead. Eligible applicants include students and professionals engaged in Purple Martin research, with a focus on projects that enhance the species' habitat and well-being.

The Higher Education Challenge Grants Program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance institutional capacities in food and agricultural sciences education. This initiative focuses on improving curriculum, faculty, and student recruitment for master's and doctoral programs, particularly in veterinary medicine. By strengthening these educational frameworks, the program seeks to ensure the availability of skilled professionals in critical agricultural sectors.

The Trout and Salmon Foundation Grant offers matching funds up to $5,000 to support projects aimed at restoring and enhancing trout and salmon habitats in North America. Established in 1969, the foundation prioritizes partnerships with local watershed organizations focused on habitat improvement. Grants are provided for projects that physically restore streams and fisheries, with on-site labor recognized in certain cases. The foundation seeks to diversify funding across various watersheds and regions, ensuring a broad impact in conservation efforts.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for women-related cancers and ending domestic violence.

Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, a 501(c)3 organization, has contributed more than $100 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Through our global charitable foundations in Brazil, Canada, China and the United States, we are collectively making a deeper impact on the lives of women around the world.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation: Cancer Research Grant

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is a non-profit public foundation, which focuses on funding research for innovative grants for translational research of cancers affecting women (ovarian, uterine, breast, endometrial or cervical cancer among others). Translational research is broadly defined as research that will provide a scientific link between laboratory research and the clinic. Ultimately, such research would lead to improvement in diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, or treatment of the cancer. Each year the Foundation extends invitations to NCI designated cancer institutes and accredited medical schools to apply. Only one application is accepted per institution.

Grant proposals are reviewed by a Scientific Research Review Committee comprised of notable members of the American medical and scientific community. Grants are awarded up to $100,000 (combined direct and indirect costs) for a two-year period. The Foundation anticipates funding between 10 and 15 grants annually. 

The Arthritis National Research Foundation supports early career researchers in their quest to advance understanding and treatment of arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Annually, the foundation grants 10 to 20 awards of $125,000 each for two years. Focus areas include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and more. Eligible investigators must hold an M.D. or Ph.D., be affiliated with a U.S. nonprofit research institution, and commit significant research time. Applications from prior grant recipients or those with certain NIH grants are ineligible.

The H. Branch Howe Grant, offered by the Georgia Ornithological Society, supports graduate students conducting ornithological research in Georgia. This grant encourages the scientific study of birds and conservation efforts, providing funding for research that enhances knowledge of avian life. Eligibility is limited to graduate students in Georgia, and preference is given to projects within state boundaries. The GOS aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among those passionate about birds and nature.

The Blake-Nuttall Fund Grants, offered by the Nuttall Ornithological Club Inc, support vital ornithological research, conservation, and education efforts focused on the birds of New England and the Northeast. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, while applications from individuals or private foundations are not considered. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding and protection of avian species in the region.

The NIAAA Integrative Neuroscience Initiative on Alcoholism (INIA) aims to renew support for two research consortia focusing on the biological mechanisms of excessive alcohol consumption and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). By utilizing advanced technologies and fostering collaboration across multiple sites, this initiative seeks to standardize neurofunctional measures and enhance reproducibility in findings. Investigators are encouraged to prepare for future applications to this NOFO, which will utilize the U24 activity code.

The Robotic Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, provides up to $150,000 over two years for innovative research in colorectal surgery and robotics. Emphasizing education, health equity, and novel techniques, the grant supports projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada, with a focus on scientific rigor. Applications must be submitted by ASCRS members who are principal investigators, ensuring alignment with ethical research standards.

The HEAL Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP) supports R15-eligible Principal Investigators in conducting innovative pain research. This program encourages interdisciplinary partnerships and aims to enhance the research environment for health professional trainees. Key application deadlines include November 19, 2024, and October 28, 2025, with specific dates for AIDS-related applications. By fostering collaboration, the initiative seeks to advance understanding and treatment of pain.

The Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons offers a Career Development Award to support early career investigators in colorectal surgery. With a funding of $75,000 per year for two years, this award emphasizes mentorship and career growth. Applicants must be within five years of their first faculty position and demonstrate innovative research in colon and rectal diseases. The award aims to enhance academic careers while fostering advancements in surgical techniques.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Dell Scholars Program, established by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, provides scholarships and support to empower students in their journey towards college graduation. It offers flexible funding for tuition, housing, and essential expenses, ensuring students can focus on their education. Alongside financial aid, scholars receive academic coaching, career guidance, and mental health resources, fostering resilience and success. Since 2004, it has helped over 6,000 scholars, including 4,500 graduates, achieve their academic goals.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund offers emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected financial obstacles while pursuing degrees in engineering. This initiative supports basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation, ensuring that students can continue their education without interruption. It aims to empower women engineers and underrepresented groups in the semiconductor industry, fostering a diverse and resilient workforce for the future.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund - Bridge Grants aim to support students facing financial obstacles in completing their computing degrees. This initiative fosters diversity in the semiconductor industry by encouraging women engineers and providing them with career-building opportunities. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, DACA recipients, and F1 visa holders pursuing engineering majors. The fund not only alleviates financial stress but also opens doors to internships and full-time positions at Applied Materials, thus enhancing educational progress and career advancement.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students in the semiconductor industry, particularly supporting women engineers. This initiative provides essential financial assistance through various grant types, including emergency mini-grants and larger Last Mile grants, aimed at helping students overcome financial barriers in their pursuit of degrees. By fostering diverse and resilient teams, the fund contributes to innovation and growth in technology and engineering fields.

The Lasher-Bottorff Award, established by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, recognizes outstanding contributions to poultry health. It honors Dr. Hiram N. Lasher and Dr. C. A. Bottorff, pivotal figures in avian medicine. The award, valued at $1,000, is presented annually to a veterinarian who has made significant advancements in avian diagnostics or technical services over the past decade, promoting the health and productivity of poultry in North America.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The Emergency Solutions Grant Program (NC) aims to support non-profits and local governments in providing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The program includes activities such as street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention, with a total funding allocation of $433,683 for the CoC. Agencies are encouraged to submit applications to ensure essential services are provided.