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Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Find the perfect Small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina on Instrumentl. 10,000+ Small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina in the United States.

10,000+

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$2.70B

Total funding

$5K

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10,000+ grants
$2.70B total
$5K median

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Margaret Gould Tyson Scholarship

Nurses Educational Funds Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Margaret Gould Tyson Scholarship

Dr. Tyson was a very active NEF Board member for many years and the Dean at Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City. Since her death in 2008, the Margaret Gould Tyson scholarship has been given annually to a doctoral applicant studying nursing education.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Dorothy Gilmore FCCYC and Monroe Evans Scholarships

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Dorothy Gilmore FCCYC and Monroe Evans Scholarships

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Dr. Lu, Sylvia & Daniel Kiang Scholarship for Chinese Students

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
Buncombe County, North Carolina, Guilford County, North Carolina +4 more
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Dr. Lu, Sylvia & Daniel Kiang Scholarship for Chinese Students

Must be of Chinese descent, at least one parent must be from China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.

Education - Higher Education Asian American Services

Margaret L. McClure Scholarship

Nurses Educational Funds Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Margaret L. McClure Scholarship

Created in 2020, by Margaret L. McClure, EdD, RN, FAAN, together with NEF. This scholarship fund recognizes Dr. McClure’s distinguished career. Her many accomplishments include: leading the team that conducted the original research study responsible for the Magnet Hospital program under the auspices of the American Academy of Nursing. She concluded her full-time career at the New York University Medical Center, where through the courses of two decades, she served as the executive director of nursing and administrator for hospital and institutional affairs and as vice president for hospital operations. She also served in the United States Army Nurse Corps Reserve and retired with the rank of colonel.

Dr. McClure has served Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. as a board member, officer, and now emeritus member upon her retirement. This scholarship recognizes graduate nurse leaders for their academic, research, administration, and health care policy roles.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Leonard-Litz Foundation: LGBTQ+ Community Grants

Leonard Litz Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Leonard Litz Foundation supports LGBTQ+ organizations through grants that promote health, wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, advocacy, and social assistance. Priority is given to organizations in the northeast U.S. and those serving communities of color and transgender individuals. Applications that clearly link funding requests to specific needs will receive stronger consideration. The foundation aims to foster a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive.
LGBTQIA+ Services Sexuality & LGBTQIA+ Rights

Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund

Any high school in Cumberland, Hoke or Harnett counties.

Education - Higher Education Education - Elementary School

Noah’s Gift Grant

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Noah’s Gift Grant

 Noah’s Gift is an endowed fund that was established in memory of Noah Costa at the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. This grant exists to provide extraordinary experiences to deserving teens 13-19 years old.

 Noah’s Gift grants are made to teens who dream to have an extraordinary experience! It encourages applicants to be creative and to explore opportunities or goals they might not have otherwise had the means to achieve. We encourage applicants to explore educational opportunities not covered by scholarships and financial aid such as study abroad or dues required for participation in service organizations. However, funds cannot be used for tuition expenses.

Although team sports were an important part of Noah’s life, requests solely for sports equipment cannot be considered. Applications for travel or tryout expenses may be considered if the applicant demonstrates the impact it will have on them. 

Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges Educational Access & Equity

Suter Family Scholarship Fund

Dekalb County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Suter Family Scholarship Fund

Provides an annual award to graduates at both DeKalb and Sycamore high schools. The Charles & Helen Suter Memorial Scholarship award will honor the late Charles and Helen Suter, their love for education and learning, and the family’s ongoing service to the community.

As with many funds at the Community Foundation, the Suter Family Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of a loved one. Recipients of the award will know it as the Charles & Helen Suter Memorial Scholarship award. Eligibility criteria for the award speaks to the values and ideals held by the family, holding academic achievement, volunteerism and service club involvement as preferred.

Currently there are over 65 scholarship funds at the Community Foundation, all with a desire to provide impact in the pursuit of education.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship Fund

Dekalb County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship Fund

Started in 2001 by Sycamore resident Virginia Larsen, the Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship is open to students who are residents of DeKalb County seeking a college-level nursing degree. Applicants must be full-time students.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Rotary Club of Milwaukee Scholarship

Rotary Club Of Milwaukee Community Tr
Private
United States
US $1,500 - US $3,000
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee Scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to high school seniors in Milwaukee pursuing higher education. This program, which has been active for over 110 years, aims to invest in the next generation of community leaders. Recipients not only receive financial aid but also engage in educational programming and are paired with mentors for guidance throughout their college journey, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
Education - Higher Education Tutoring & Mentoring

Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund

Dekalb County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund

Dee Palmer, his brother, parents, and grandparents have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The establishment of the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund is in their honor and provides an award for a high school senior who resides in DeKalb County and is pursuing a career in music. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Education - Higher Education Music Education

James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500
The James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment, established by a bequest from James R. Burgoon, honors the couple's legacy of service and education in Westerville, Ohio. With a focus on supporting students pursuing accounting or law, this endowment reflects their commitment to community betterment. Managed by The Columbus Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the nation, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving candidates, particularly those with ties to Westerville.
Education - Higher Education College Success / Persistence

Dr. Frank L. Doane Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of the North State
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Dr. Frank L. Doane Memorial Scholarship Fund

A renewable reward opportunity for qualified Tehama County high school graduates who plan to pursue a career as a registered nurse.

Dr. Frank L Doane acquired his medical degree in 1903 and opened a medical office in Red Bluff in 1904. He was born in Michigan in 1874 and his family moved to Red Bluff in 1885. He continued his medical practice into the early 50’s.

Jessie M. McKinney was Dr. Doane’s sister-in-law who at one time was a journalist for the Portland Oregonian. Out of respect for Dr. Doane, the residual of her estate was placed in a trust for scholarships, establishing the Dr. Frank L. Doane Memorial Scholarship Fund to be given to qualified Tehama County high school graduates who plan to pursue a career as a registered nurse. This trust has been ongoing since her death in 1963. The trust executor moved the funds and facilitation of the scholarship award to the Community Foundation in 2016. The award is renewable for up to four-years of the student’s undergraduate academic career.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Roberta Jones Booth Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500

Roberta Jones Booth Scholarship Fund

Family and friends established this scholarship in memory of Roberta Jones Booth for her love and support of her community. This scholarship will support students from the community of the Marion Franklin Civic Association boundaries.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $500
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

James L. Allen Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $1,000

James L. Allen Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established by James L. Allen, a dedicated community leader who served with the Columbus Urban League (1938–1954) and later with the UNCF (1960–1995), raising millions to support higher education for African-American students. He worked for many years in public accounting and real estate, and was an active member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and various other organizations. His contributions to the Columbus community and beyond have earned him numerous awards for his professional and community service.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $1,000
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (348258)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
United States
Unspecified amount
The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation, fosters innovative research in multi-agent systems, resource allocation, and machine learning. It focuses on applications in energy, transportation, and robotics, while emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into power systems. EPCN also explores advanced power electronics, cybersecurity for grids, and the development of adaptive systems. This program encourages groundbreaking advancements in energy-efficient technologies and promotes collaboration in addressing complex challenges.
Electrical Engineering Systems Engineering Energy +3 more

Anna Belle Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

Cherokee Nation Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Anna Belle Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate, graduate student or community member currently pursuing pottery. Three pictures of artwork must be included with application for consideration. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

Education - Higher Education Fine Art

Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship

Cherokee Nation Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, major in art and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Education - Higher Education Fine Art

Heidi Norris Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Private
United States
US $1,500

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Heidi Norris Scholarship

Auglaize, Shelby or Mercer County residents majoring in Respiratory Therapy or a closely related field who are one year removed from high school, surpassed college freshman status and, have maintained a college GPA of not less than 2.5, and who are pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.

Selection based upon:

Financial need, academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

  • One $1,500 scholarship
Education - Higher Education Respiratory Diseases & Systems

L&E Bottling Company Scholarship

Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
Private
United States
US $1,000

About Scholarships

Through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages 26 scholarship funds that offer a wide range of scholarship awards and encourage students of all backgrounds and educational interests to apply. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our many scholarship donors, advisors, and scholarship committee members for their investment in our student's bright futures this year and for many years to come!

L&E Bottling Company Scholarship

The L&E Bottling Company Scholarship Fund was established by the L&E Bottling Company, Inc. to assist graduating high school seniors in Thurston County in obtaining a higher education. This scholarship has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional three years of undergraduate education. Reapplication each year is required.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Ken Cicerale Memorial Music Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

Ken Cicerale Memorial Music Scholarship

Award:

  • One time award of $1,000. 
Education - Higher Education Music Education

Alice O. Rydell Interior Design Scholarship

Community Foundation Of The Holland Zeeland Area
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Alice O. Rydell Interior Design Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation.

Education - Higher Education Design

Teagle Foundation: Knowledge for Freedom

The Teagle Foundation Incorporated
Private
United States
US $10,000 - US $300,000
The Teagle Foundation's Knowledge for Freedom initiative aims to empower underserved high school students through transformative experiences in the humanities. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 over 36 months support programs that foster civic responsibility and personal purpose. Colleges can also apply for planning grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to develop tailored programs. The initiative emphasizes intensive summer seminars led by faculty, with continued support for college applications and civic engagement.
Civic Engagement & Education Civic Leadership Development Governance & Democracy

Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,500

Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

Essay: Topic:

  • “How a college education will help me make an impact on the community and affect my life.”

Award:

  • One time award of $1,500. Awardees can re-apply.
Education - Higher Education Black American Services

Craig Barhorst Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Private
United States
US $1,000

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Craig Barhorst Memorial Scholarship

Craig Barhorst Memorial Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

Financial need, demonstrated community and school service, academic ability, and recommendations.

Awards

  • One $1,000 scholarship
Agricultural Education Education - Higher Education

Donald E. and M. Jane Kemp Trade School Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Private
United States
US $3,500

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Donald E. and M. Jane Kemp Trade School Scholarship

Adults or graduating seniors who reside Shelby County, Ohio or in the School Districts of Shelby County, Ohio, who are enrolling in an accredited adult educational program or trade school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree shall be eligible to apply.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

  • Demonstrated interest and passion for a specific career path, demonstrated work experience, demonstrated community or school service and recommendations.

Awards

  • Four $3,500 scholarships
Education - Higher Education Adult Education Vocational & Trade Education

Casey Neal Rogers Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond
Private
United States
Up to US $3,000

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

Casey Neal Rogers Memorial Scholarship

The Casey Neal Rogers Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 to honor the memory of Casey Rogers who passed away from a tragic automobile accident in 2003. Casey possessed a love of family and friends, excelled at athletics, had a sharp sense of humor, and was an honor student. The fund provides post-secondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduating high school seniors of Northumberland County High School, Northumberland County, VA.

Awards

  • (2) $3,000
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina Highlights

Looking for small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina?


Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina recommended for your specific programs.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

200+ Small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

70 Small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina over $25K in average grant size

51 Small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina over $50K in average grant size

35 Small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina supporting general operating expenses

200+ Small grants for nonprofits in North Carolina supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Small grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
30.4%
Q2
22.4%
Q3
26.2%
Q4
21.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina?

Grants are most commonly $17,500.

$500 $500 Min.
$17,500 $17.5 K Median
$477,452 $477.5 K Average
$40,331,313 $40.3 M Max.

Average Grant Size

What's the typical amount funded for North Carolina?

Grants are most commonly $131,121.

$131,121

Total Number of Grants

What's the total number of grants in Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina year over year?

In 2024, funders in North Carolina awarded a total of 70,602 grants.

2022 63,850

2023 62,335

2024 70,602

Top Grant Focus Areas

Among all the Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina given out in North Carolina, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Human Services, and Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations.

1. Education

2. Human Services

3. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations

Funding Over Time

How is funding for Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina changing over time?

Funding has increased by 15.49%.

2022 $7,927,620,616

2023 $7,987,830,464
0.76%

2024 $9,224,796,270
15.49%

North Carolina Counties That Receive the Most Funding

How does grant funding vary by county?

Durham County, Orange County, and Mecklenburg County receive the most funding.

County Total Grant Funding in 2024
Durham County $2,942,551,198
Orange County $2,549,339,233
Mecklenburg County $1,468,677,341
Wake County $1,122,908,782
Buncombe County $444,853,701

Related Grants in North Carolina

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