Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

ASTS-iMDx Research Grant for Understanding the Health Economics of in-house vs send-out diagnostics

As new diagnostics become available to the transplant community, the development of in-house expertise and infrastructure vs send out testing becomes a critical decision. In-house diagnostic testing provides faster results, improving immediate patient care and reducing follow-up visits, while send-out testing (reference labs) is better for complex, rare, or high-volume specialized tests. This grant will support health econometric research projects comparing in-house vs outsourced testing and the potential impact on patient care. The output of this research would show a model of the costs and benefits of diagnostic testing in transplantation to educate transplant centers and labs on their choice of assays.

Amount:

• $100,000 fpr 12 months.

Funds Support:

No more than 25% of grant can go towards the individual applicant’s salary; no indirect costs, but salary support for post-docs and collaborators are permitted at the NIH cap. Funds for this grant are being supplied by Insight Molecular Diagnostics (iMDx).

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

National PTA® is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. For 125 years, PTA has worked with school communities and decision makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s history.

PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.

PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

The Middle Ground Program Grant

National PTA, in collaboration with the New York Life Foundation, is offering grants of up to $3,500 to support middle school PTAs in creating The Middle Ground—a dedicated, supportive space for students experiencing grief and loss with opportunities for peer connection, creative expression, storytelling and support.

The Texas Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing an Associate's Degree or vocational training. Open to Texas residents demonstrating financial need, this renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and supplies. Priority is given to Federal Job Corps graduates and honorably discharged veterans. Established in 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the San Antonio community by funding education and enhancing quality of life.

Terrance Lavell Winters Memorial Scholarship

The Terrance Lavell Winters Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of a loving son, father, brother and uncle – Terrance Lavell Winters. He was born October 7, 1983 to his parents Barbara Ezell and Ray Henderson. Terrance had one son, Trevontae Lavell Winters, whom he considered his true love.

Sometimes shy, Terrance was loved by his smile. He enjoyed buying cars, repairing them and then selling the vehicles. He was known by his family as “Mr. R.P.M.”

Since Terrance’s passing on April 26, 2005, his mother Barbara has promised to keep his memory alive. To honor her son, Barbara created the Grandma Barb’s World-Class Students program. She bought and filled book bags for nearly 300 students for nine years. Barbara also organized a successful rally, prayer vigil and march to remember and honor her son in April 2015. By establishing this scholarship, Barbara hopes to keep the memories of Terrance alive.

The Women's Fund of North Carolina, a program of the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of women and girls across the state through grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. This fund prioritizes organizations that address diverse needs and challenges faced by women, especially those led by marginalized populations. Grant decisions are made by a committee, and applicants are notified within 90 days after the application deadline.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.

The Charles Pankow Student Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports undergraduate and graduate students in concrete-related studies. Awardees receive a $10,000 educational stipend, recognition in Concrete International, and travel expenses for ACI conventions. To qualify, students must complete an internship in a construction environment before the award year. This fellowship not only fosters educational growth but also connects students with industry mentors, preparing them for successful careers in the concrete industry.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating senior athletes from Ashland High School. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500 for one year and can be used at accredited educational institutions. This scholarship honors Albert H. Roffers, a dedicated community member who supported local sports programs. Eligible applicants must have participated in two varsity sports, maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrated both character and financial need.

The Don Marks Memorial Fellowship, managed by the ACI Foundation, offers $10,000 to undergraduate and graduate students interested in a hands-on career in concrete construction. Recipients receive educational stipends, recognition in industry publications, and support for travel to ACI conventions. This fellowship emphasizes practical experience without the need for internships, aiming to enhance the educational journey of students passionate about concrete and construction.

The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group and Confluence Health Employee Scholarship supports employees and their families pursuing higher education in healthcare. Offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, this scholarship is available for various educational paths, including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Preference is given to employees, their children, and first-degree relatives, emphasizing those aiming for healthcare-related training. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the community.

The Gil and Kay Sparks Scholarship, established in 2020 by friends of the couple, honors their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Westside High School or similar non-traditional schools in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, aiming to aid students pursuing further education. Recipients should demonstrate resilience in overcoming life challenges, reflecting the legacy of Gil and Kay, who exemplified community building with humility.

The Junior Hamilton Memorial Mariachi Scholarship is designed to support graduating seniors from Wenatchee, Eastmont, or Westside High School who have shown dedication to the Mariachi Program. This scholarship honors Junior Hamilton's vibrant spirit and enables students to pursue higher education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.85 and demonstrate continued involvement in the mariachi program. Renewal is possible through reapplication, ensuring ongoing support for deserving students in North Central Washington.

The ASHP Foundation offers Professional Advancement Scholarships for up to 13 graduating pharmacy students to attend the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. Each recipient will receive full meeting registration and $1,000 for travel expenses. This initiative aims to enhance professional development and networking opportunities for future pharmacists, facilitating their engagement with the pharmacy community and furthering their education in patient care.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is calling for innovative research proposals that leverage synthetic biology principles to advance immunology. This funding opportunity supports projects aimed at enhancing immune cell functionality, developing synthetic bio-circuits, and creating artificial immune systems. The initiative seeks transformative research that can lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating immune-related diseases, ultimately impacting public health on a large scale.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship Fund

The David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship was established to support outstanding candidates in the pursuit of registered nursing degrees and service to small Alaskan communities. The fellowship honors the memory of David Knox, who moved to Alaska in 1973 to pursue a career in surgical nursing after serving in the Army as a surgical technician in Vietnam. Starting his work in Sitka in the Public Health Service surgical unit, Knox soon earned his R.N. degree through UAA. After 10 years with PHS, he was hired to coordinate the surgical unit at Sitka Community Hospital. He brought a high level of leadership and expertise to Sitka’s surgical unit, helping it become one of Alaska’s leading rural health units.

The new surgical suite at SCH was dedicated in his honor and a plaque was erected that reads “a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend who selflessly served his community, patients, family, and friends.”

Ideal fellowship candidates will embody the same nurturing compassion, detailed organization, high technical standards, and devotion to healthcare for which David was known.

The Cohen Family and L. and V., Inc. Family Scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing nursing or related fields. Offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this scholarship is designed for adults, including non-traditional and vocational students. With a focus on broadening access to education, the foundation provides support to those seeking further education, ensuring that help is available throughout the application process.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship FundThe Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship Fund assists seniors from Stark County high schools who will graduate in May/June. Applicants must be accepted as full-time students at a four-year college or university, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have demonstrated outstanding involvement in academics and extracurriculars.Renewable Scholarship: No

The NIDDK Disorders of Gastrointestinal Interoception Consortium Clinical Centers (DGIC) aims to enhance understanding of gastrointestinal disorders by expanding the previous Gastroparesis Consortium's research scope. This initiative will include adult and pediatric conditions linked to impaired interoceptive processing, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches to uncover mechanisms connecting GI function to symptoms, identify biomarkers for treatment efficacy, and explore new therapeutic targets for future clinical trials.

The Hanson Family Educational Foundation Scholarship, administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation, offers a $1,500 award to graduating seniors pursuing education at a public institution. Priority is given to McPherson County residents and those planning to attend Emporia State University. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare through educational support and philanthropic engagement.

The JFNY Grant for Japanese Studies provides funding of up to $5,000 for U.S.-based institutions with 501(c)(3) status to enhance understanding of Japan through academic projects. Eligible projects include conferences, lectures, and symposia, whether in-person or virtual. The grant covers expenses such as honoraria, travel, accommodation, and research materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and submission is required at least three months prior to the project start date.

The S.P. Shah Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports PhD students focused on concrete materials with a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses. Recipients gain recognition in Concrete International magazine, mentorship, and coverage for travel to ACI conventions. The fellowship encourages international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, and requires no internship. Finalists must attend an interview at the Spring ACI Convention, making this an excellent opportunity for aspiring leaders in the concrete industry.

The ACI Foundation Fellowship supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the concrete industry. Annually, ten fellowships are awarded, each providing a $10,000 educational stipend for tuition and related expenses. Recipients also receive recognition in Concrete International magazine, travel support for ACI conventions, and mentorship opportunities. Students from U.S., Canada, or Mexico can apply, and proficiency in English is required. The fellowship aims to foster the next generation of leaders in concrete innovation.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the participation of older adults in the Senior Nutrition Program by focusing on preventative health initiatives. The project seeks to build capacity through statewide efforts, develop shared resources for program sustainability, and foster collaboration among senior nutrition programs and key organizations. By achieving these goals, the initiative will improve health outcomes and strengthen community ties for older adults.

The NIH's TALK initiative aims to enhance clinical practices for late talking children by funding research to identify early signs of language delays. This NOFO focuses on developing evidence-based strategies for screening and supporting children and their families. It targets children over 18 months who are not meeting language milestones, particularly those at higher risk due to various factors. Collaborative research efforts are encouraged to ensure effective identification and intervention.