Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

George and Arlene F. Lepeska Scholarship Fund

• Student should demonstrate strong extracurricular activities, academic excellence.
• Must show financial need.

The Sara Corrie Memorial Grants, administered by the National Speleological Society, support group cave exploration in the U.S. and its territories. Up to six grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually to NSS members. Applications must detail exploration plans, including costs for necessary equipment. Grants are not provided for activities outside of exploration. Successful recipients must report findings and may have their proposals published on the NSS website.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harry and Bertha Bronstein Memorial Scholarship Fund

For Students in Martin County.

The Silicon Carbide Cladding Lead Test Rod Development-Phase 1 project aims to advance the use of silicon carbide cladding for nuclear fuel rods. It focuses on the research, development, and fabrication of cladding specimens for reactors, with testing planned for both unirradiated and irradiated samples. The project is poised to provide critical performance data for future commercial lead test rods, enhancing safety and efficiency in light water reactors.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

John L. & Alice M. Holden Education Endowment Fund

The Holden Endowment Fund was established in 1997 upon the transfer of three trusts administered by Merchants National Bank of Aurora in the name of the couple.

The resulting fund provides income for the educational needs of Aurora students.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The AKC Rescue Grant, offered by the AKC Humane Fund, provides essential financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on canine rescue and welfare. Grants cover significant expenses such as veterinary care, spaying, and essential supplies. Eligible applicants include AKC Parent Clubs and 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to dog rescue. This grant aims to facilitate specific projects and operational needs while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for awarded funds.

The Bear Paw Resort Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports graduating seniors from White Lake High School who plan to pursue post-secondary education. With over $2 million available for scholarships in 2025, this initiative aims to empower students in their educational journeys. The scholarship is designed to assist with tuition costs, payable after the completion of the first semester, thereby encouraging academic success and community development.

The Farmers Advocating for Organic Grant (FAFO) supports impactful projects that enhance the organic agricultural sector, focusing on initiatives that assist family farmers and promote organic soil health. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and research institutions. FAFO prioritizes projects that address the needs of organic dairy, meat, and produce farmers while fostering cooperative growth. This grant aims to strengthen the organic industry and ensure the livelihood of organic farmers across the nation.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

H. David Faust Memorial Scholarship Fund

A native of Philadelphia, David made his home in West Palm Beach for more than 20 years. He was the administrative partner of Steel, Hector, Davis, Burns & Middleton (now Steel Hector & Davis), as well as attorney for the towns of Ocean Ridge and South Palm Beach. Additionally, he taught law courses at Palm Beach Community College. David was extremely active in his church, and served as a board member of the Community Foundation for six years. He was instrumental in starting the scholarship program.

Dave always said that he was content with his life, that it had been a good and satisfying one, and it surely seems to have been – a successful career, a prestigious and challenging practice, a prominence in the community, the bar, his church and his firm, blessed with a healthy and accomplished family, with a wife whose love, strength and enormous depth have been demonstrated so magnificently over this past year – all these were David’s. And perhaps, most important of all to him, was his deep and abiding faith in God. David’s life is an exemplar to all of us – the perfect partner, the great counselor, the outstanding lawyer, the effortlessly skilled leader, the caring father and husband. While he was here, he set a course for all of us in our daily lives which we will be proud to point to and should hope to emulate.”

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Heather and Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund

• Must demonstrate academic achievement or academic potential.
• Must demonstrate financial need.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Ernest Frank Scholarship Fund Created in Memory of Arlene Fulton Hammond

The Ernest Frank Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Arlene Fulton Hammond, a beloved neighbor and dear friend whose life embodied kindness, warmth and unwavering grace. Created by Ernest Frank, who considered Arlene a surrogate mother, the fund honors her legacy by supporting educational opportunities — something she deeply valued.

The scholarship fund serves as a lasting expression of love, respect and friendship, ensuring that Arlene’s spirit lives on by helping students pursue brighter futures — just as she would have wanted.

Who We Are

The Unitarian Universalist Funding Program (UUFP) is a denominational grantmaking program of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Inspired by the richness and diversity of our liberal religious tradition, the mission of the UUFP is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles through grantmaking.

With funds generously provided by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, the UUFP awards grants to Unitarian Universalist (UU) and non-UU projects and organizations. Grants are made that:

• Support the work of social justice.
• Strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions.
• Transform gratitude for being into generosity of living.

Get Out The Vote - 2026

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has increased funding for grants to UU congregations and organizations working to Get Out The Vote in 2026. Grants of up to $1,000 will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.  

Please note that funds must go to a UU congregation or organization for the work by UUs of the organization. The funds may not be passed through to another organization. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged.

UU congregations and organizations frequently support the democratic process in an election cycle in a non-partisan* manner by participating in voter registration drives, organizing to stop voter suppression, providing non-partisan educational materials or forums for voters, or by volunteering to help registered voters get to the polls on election day.

Ruth Luka Kaaiahua Prince Scholarship Fund

The fund was established in 2025 to provide scholarship grants to graduates of McKinley High School and Farrington High School seeking higher education.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

Brittany Walroth Memorial Scholarship

The person, for whom the scholarship is named, Brittany Marie Walrath, was a 2004 graduate of General Brown High School. She was a cheerleader for the GB Lions since fifth grade with the Pop Warner. Her squad took the Championship trophy in 2003. She was an energetic, loving, hardworking young lady who was tragically killed in a car accident in July of 2010. Brittany was a wonderful daughter, friend, wife and aunt and cared a great deal about people. These traits lead her into a job of helping with children.

Brittany worked for the YMCA in the SACC program starting in her junior year until she was called to work at Fort Drum's Child Development Center in 2006. Brittany was a positive role model and spoke of helping children with learning disabilities, like herself. Through Brittany's education, supportive services were essential to allowing her to reach her to reach her academic potential. Therefore, we know she would be honored for this scholarship to be given in memory of her. We would like to encourage an energetic individual who cares to follow their dreams.

This scholarship fund has been instituted in her memory. Money raised from donations and events has been deposited in an interest bearing account.

This scholarship will be awarded annually. The annual award for the Brittany Marie Walrath Memorial Scholarship Fund will be $500. 

The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship, funded by The American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports emerging OT scientists focusing on sensory integration and processing research. This $5,000 scholarship aids doctoral candidates in conducting impactful studies, contributing to the field of occupational therapy and enhancing care delivery. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have defended their dissertation proposal, and conduct research at a US institution. The scholarship emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices for underserved communities.

The National Institute on Aging intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the Coordinating Center (CC) of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC) program. The CC serves as a facilitator for OAIC site interactions and as a conduit for translating OAIC objectives and findings to both scientific and general audiences. The proposed CC must demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively with all OAIC sites and possess sufficient scientific expertise in geriatrics and related areas to serve the national coordination functions of the OAIC program. Applicants should have a demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-site projects.Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the U24 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of aging research are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.

The Carnegie-Whitney Grant, established by Andrew Carnegie in 1902, supports the creation of bibliographical aids for American libraries. Grants cover the preparation costs of reading lists and indexes, enhancing access to library resources. Eligibility requires projects to stimulate library use and be broadly appealing, with a focus on national distribution. Notably, completed works and projects under contract are ineligible. The fund encourages innovation in library resource development, welcoming applications from individuals and organizations.

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports mid-to senior-level occupational therapy researchers mentoring assistant professors or post-doctoral fellows. This $10,000 stipend aims to enhance understanding of cognition's role in daily life through research. Dr. Carolyn Baum, a pioneer in the field, inspires this initiative, promoting the advancement of functional cognition in occupational therapy.

The ETC Performing Arts Funding Grant, established in 1975, aims to support non-profit performance groups across the United States. With grants up to $5,000, the initiative seeks to encourage artistic expression and innovation. Applicants must be U.S.-based organizations, including 501(c)(3) non-profits and accredited educational institutions. However, funding does not cover salaries, travel, or events. Preference is given to groups producing original work. The competitive nature of the grant means that meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding.

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

McKinnis Vocational Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will be awarded to one or more Marshall County graduating high school student(s) who will be attending a vocational trade or technical career school.

The NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory - Quantum Testbeds initiative aims to enhance U.S. leadership in quantum science and technology. By fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and diverse talent, this program seeks to accelerate the development and implementation of quantum technologies. It emphasizes translational research, education, and outreach, ensuring broad engagement across sectors. Proposals must follow established design and implementation deadlines to contribute effectively to the overarching goals of the National Quantum Initiative.

The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research Grant aims to support postdoctoral fellows in their research on the biology of aging. In partnership with the American Federation for Aging Research, this program offers up to 10 grants of $75,000 each for one year, emphasizing the need for research that translates basic aging biology into clinical applications. Applicants must be postdoctoral fellows in qualified non-profit settings in the U.S. and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Cary Community Foundation (CCF) offers grants to support economically disadvantaged families in Cary, North Carolina. Established in 2006, CCF operates through the NC Community Foundation and prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $500,000. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,250 and aim to improve local lives by funding specific programs or projects. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt charities and local government units, while ensuring non-discrimination in service provision.

The Petco Love Stories Grant Campaign celebrates the profound impact of pet adoption. Each year, Petco Love and BOBS® from Skechers® award grants to animal welfare organizations that facilitate these life-changing adoptions. Since 2013, over $8 million has been distributed to support these organizations. Pet parents are encouraged to share their unique love stories about their adopted pets, showcasing how their lives have been enriched. Compelling narratives and quality visuals will help submissions stand out.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Byon M. Morris Scholarship

The Byon M. Morris Scholarship will provide $4,800 ($1,200 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for one graduating senior who has attained Scouting’s highest ranks. One Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts) or one Gold Award winner (Girl Scouts), who demonstrates an aptitude and desire to succeed, will receive the scholarship. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Sam and Lydia Payne Scholarship

The Sam and Lydia Payne Scholarship will provide financial assistance for three students graduating from a North Florida public or private school who demonstrate an aptitude and desire to succeed. The scholarship will support tuition and books, up to $12,000 ($3,000 per year for 4 years) provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider a desire for personal growth and financial need.