Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

High on Heroes Scholarship

The High on Heroes Scholarship was established in 1993 by High on Heroes Inc. (a local air show) to provide scholarship assistance for post-high school education for family members of law enforcement, firefighters, public safety, and emergency personnel employed in Kalamazoo County. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are related to persons who died while employed by a qualifying agency. Even greater consideration may be given to applicants related to an employee who died in the line of duty. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship

The Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship was established at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1985 by the Kalamazoo Country Club Caddie Committee in honor of Glen Smith, Jr. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to young people in qualified caddie programs at member clubs of the Golf Association of Michigan and the Western Golf Association.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. 

Cargold Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Dennis and Evelyn Chapman to honor Dennis’ parents and their belief in higher education.

Tulsa Community Foundation

TCF is among the nation’s largest community foundations, managing over $6 billion in assets and distributing $300 million or more each year to charities across northeastern Oklahoma and the United States. Established in 1998, TCF assists nonprofit agencies, corporations, individuals and families with flexible charitable giving solutions. TCF delivers easy, low-cost solutions to benefit the community and region.   

Scholarships

Tulsa Community Foundation maintains more than forty scholarship funds, assisting students locally and nationally. The diversity of eligibility criteria for each fund reflects the variety of donor motivations to create or support scholarship funds.

Annually, TCF distributes funds to assist hundreds of students with educational expenses at colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools, and primary and secondary schools.

Invited Scholars Fund

The Invited Scholars Award supports students enrolled in undergraduate, trade or vocational programs at U.S. institutions. 

The Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholarship supports college students pursuing business degrees while emphasizing community engagement and academic excellence. Eligible applicants must reside in Lincoln or Minnehaha County, South Dakota, and maintain full-time enrollment in appropriate programs. The scholarship aims to inspire philanthropy and improve local quality of life through educational advancement. Notably, previous recipients are ineligible for reapplication, ensuring fresh opportunities for new candidates. Multiple awards are available, promoting further education in the business field.

The Worden Christian Youth Ministry Scholarship supports full-time students entering their third or fourth year at an accredited four-year college or university, who plan to pursue a career in youth ministry. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and engage in school and community activities. Preference is given to those intending to serve as youth ministers in the Sioux Falls area, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the mission of enriching local lives through philanthropy.

The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program Grant, initiated by State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, aims to support volunteer fire departments in acquiring critical safety equipment. In 2025, the program will award $1.5 million in grants, providing $10,000 each to 150 eligible departments. This initiative not only enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency but also fosters community service, ensuring that these departments are well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

The Victory Project - Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarship Fund

Five (5) Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarships will provide financial assistance to students whose lives have been impacted by the sport of soccer. This scholarship is available for high school seniors with post-secondary education plans at a university, college, trade, or vocational school. Participation in collegiate soccer is not required. Payment will be made directly to the school.

Award

• $5,000.00

The Aaaron Ardoin Foundation offers Research and Education Grants aimed at supporting organizations that address the needs of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. With a focus on funding programs that advance awareness, treatment, and care, the foundation reviews grant requests biannually. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to initiatives directly benefiting the sickle cell community, ensuring that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.

The Affiliate Grants - Guest Speaker Fund, provided by the American Musicological Society, offers financial assistance to AMS committees and study groups inviting external speakers to the Annual Meeting. Grants up to $1,500 cover travel expenses and honoraria for invited guests, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration within musicology. Applications must be submitted by group representatives, and the deadline precedes the standard proposal deadlines for committee activities. This program encourages enriching discussions by including diverse voices from outside the field.

Mary O' Neill Mini Grant

Dr. Barbara O’Neill, an AFCPE member and Past President of AFCPE, has made a restricted donation to AFCPE in honor of her late mother, Mary O’Neill, a financially capable woman. The donation will support an annual $5,000 mini-grant for development and implementation of an innovative, high-impact financial educational nonprofit project. 

Winner is notified by October 1 and announced at AFCPE Symposium.

The Guitar Center Music Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization. Through instrument grants and donations, we help ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible. We believe in a world in which music is cherished and respected for the immense value it brings to humanity, where every person who seeks to pursue music has the means to do so.

Our mission is to give everyone the power to create and express themselves through music. Since 2005, we have supported hundreds of music education and therapy programs and reached over 300,000 people. With your generous support, we aim to assist many more.

Guitar Center Music Foundation Grants

The Guitar Center Music Foundation awards musical instruments and equipment in-kind to public schools and music programs in need. 

Instrument grants range from up to $1,000 to $5,000 based upon need.

The Travel & Training Fund, established by the Women’s Sports Foundation, has supported over 1,500 female athletes since 1984, including Olympians and national team members. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 aim to alleviate financial burdens for women athletes pursuing elite competition. Prioritizing those with a plan to contribute back to women's sports, the fund emphasizes eligibility for U.S. citizens or legal residents, ensuring a significant impact on the recipients' athletic journeys.

The Wish You Well Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on adult literacy. Grants typically range from $200 to $10,000 and require proof of 501(c)(3) status. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster adult and family literacy. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with their specific needs. The Foundation communicates via email regarding proposal receipt and funding decisions, ensuring timely updates to applicants.

The Scholarships for Careers Endowment, established by a local family in connection with the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, aims to support graduates of Elk Lake School District and the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center. This scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and promise for future success, assisting them in pursuing vocational, technical, academic, or other post-secondary programs. Additionally, it contributes to special projects within the school district and community.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Thomas Conaty Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Conaty to provide a college or post-secondary degree program scholarship to a student from Blue Ridge, Elk Lake or Montrose Area School Districts, including home schooled students from those districts. Preference will be given to a student who will pursue a degree in business or a related field.

The National Endowment for Financial Education Grant supports innovative research aimed at enhancing the public's financial well-being. This grant prioritizes studies that address financial literacy, systemic inequality, and the effectiveness of financial education among U.S. youth. Eligible applicants include researchers from nonprofit organizations or educational institutions. The funding process involves multiple phases, including evaluations and proposals, ensuring that impactful projects receive necessary support. NEFE aims to foster rigorous research that contributes significantly to financial education.

The Harry A. Saunders III Memorial Fund, established in 2025 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing higher education. This fund aims to empower students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The fund embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and enriching the lives of young Hawaiians.

The Alexandra Armstrong Innovation Grant, offered by the Foundation for Financial Planning, recognizes nonprofits that demonstrate exceptional creativity and impact in pro bono financial planning services. Established in honor of Alexandra Armstrong, a dedicated advocate for community service and financial planning, this grant aims to expand access to vital financial advice for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply annually to receive funding that supports innovative programs designed to enhance financial well-being.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Borislav Dumitrov Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Dumitrov to provide tuition assistance for a graduating senior from any of the High Schools in Susquehanna County who will matriculate at a trade school or post-secondary degree program.

The Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship, awarded by the LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female high school seniors from minority backgrounds pursuing STEM studies. Established in 2022, this scholarship promotes diversity in golf and education, honoring Dinah Shore's legacy. By supporting young women, the LPGA Foundation continues its mission to change the face of golf and provide educational opportunities, enhancing representation in both golf and STEM fields.

The AFS Travel Grant, offered by the Austin Film Society, supports Texas-based filmmakers by covering travel costs to competitive film festivals worldwide. Since its inception, the grant has provided crucial financial assistance, enabling filmmakers to gain exposure and foster industry connections. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,500 for travel, helping them navigate the financial challenges of festival participation. This initiative strengthens the local creative community and promotes diverse storytelling in the film industry.

The Currituck-Dare Women’s Fund Grant, established by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports organizations that benefit women, children, and families in Currituck and Dare counties. Grants range from $500 to $2,500, promoting community engagement and social outreach. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt public charities and local government entities, with a focus on programs that operate without discrimination. This initiative seeks to enhance women's leadership in philanthropy and address critical community needs.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Dr. Henderson D. Mabe, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund for Graduate Study

MEDICAL STUDENT CRITERIA: Graduates of a college or university who graduated from a Harnett County high school and are now full-time medical students at any accredited medical school. 

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The Shelby Estep Memorial FFA Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $700 scholarship to graduating high school seniors from the Southwest FFA District in Missouri. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or above and plan to attend an accredited college or vocational school. An essay and financial need documentation via FAFSA-SAI are required for consideration.

EverGreen Dreams

“Empowering young Black women to achieve educational excellence and unlock their limitless potential.”

Today, EverGreen Dreams is a community rooted in hope, equity, and empowerment. Our work centers on providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities Black women need to thrive. We believe education is more than a pathway to success—it’s a tool for liberation and a foundation for transformation. By investing in the education and development of Black women, we’re dismantling systemic barriers and planting seeds of possibility that will grow for generations.

Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine (B.O.S.S.) Scholarship

Introduction

Black women navigate systemic barriers in education and the workplace every day. EverGreen Dreams exists to change that narrative. As an organization founded by a Black woman and championed by advocates deeply rooted in our communities, we're committed to creating pathways to success for the next generation of Black female scholars. Through the Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine (B.O.S.S.) Scholarship, we provide financial support to two graduating high school seniors, awarding each at least $1,000 to help them pursue their educational dreams with one less obstacle in their way.

Description

The Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine Scholarship (B.O.S.S.) aims to make racial equality a reality by helping outstanding Black cis or transgendered women high school students achieve their dreams to continue their education. 

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.