Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Award in Forest Science. This award acknowledges significant research contributions in quantitative, economic, managerial, and social sciences, promoting advancements in forestry. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium, a complimentary SAF convention registration, and travel expense support. Established in 1996, this award highlights the importance of innovative research that impacts both national and international forestry practices.

The Stem Cell Grants: Travel Award supports students, postdocs, and faculty attending scientific conferences and workshops related to stem cell research. Up to $1,200 is available for each application, with a maximum of two applications per PI lab each calendar year. Priority is given to those presenting at stem cell meetings and workshops. All applications must be submitted at least one week before travel to ensure funding consideration.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Donor Story – Joest, Brian H. Memorial Fund

Brian Henry Joest was born in Lagrange, Indiana in 1957. He grew up on the Atwood family farm that was settled by his ancestors in the mid-1800s. Now a historical Hoosier Homestead, the Atwood Farm provided him with all the outdoor activities possible for a farm boy in northern Indiana. Brian’s love of nature and the outdoors continued throughout his life. After high school, he attended Glen Oaks Community College and then Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics

For decades, Brian went on annual backcountry camping and canoeing trips across the US and Canada. He paddled some of the most beautiful rivers in North America. He took a road trip to remote northern Alaska. He camped out on an active volcano in Guatemala. He explored most of the US National Parks. In his later years, his travels were less rustic but still adventurous as he and his wife, Cindy, checked off many items on his bucket list. They traveled to Paris, Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Ireland, and all around the US and Canada.

Brian began his professional career with management positions at Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park in Montana; the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan; the Mountain View Grand Resort in New Hampshire; and Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado. He also worked for Marriott Corporation where he opened new hotels across the Midwest.

Upon the birth of his first child, Brian moved his young family back to Lagrange County so his children could grow up on the Atwood Farm near their family. Brian worked for Life Care Center of Lagrange, was a substitute teacher for the Lakeland School District, and worked for fifteen years for East Noble School Corporation, most recently as an Instructional Assistant for high school students with special needs.

Brian enjoyed doing things for other people and took so much joy in their happiness. His career choices reflected his servant’s heart. He loved working in the hospitality industry and being able to make someone else’s vacation more memorable. He helped the patients and their families at Life Care Center. He spent years making a difference for students in our local schools.

Brian experienced first-hand the unique challenges faced by the families of individuals with special needs. He was a father, stepfather, and step-grandfather to children with different disabilities. He understood the difficulties of navigating support systems and knew there are gaps in these systems that result in unmet needs. At the end of his life, while he was fighting cancer, Brian dreamed of being able to return to the classroom to help special needs students. This was not to be. In 2022, his family created this fund in his honor with the intent of continuing his dream to help improve the lives of individuals with special needs.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Spearfish Volunteer Firefighters' Association Scholarship

To provide financial support to individuals pursuing an education and training in the public safety industry.

The Spearfish Fire Department, established in the late 1880s as a volunteer organization, serves the northern Black Hills in western South Dakota. Its mission is to protect lives and property within the fire protection district and mutual aid area. Additionally, the department advocates for fire safety and provides fire safety education in local schools and the wider community.

The Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship Award supports high school women from Southern New Jersey who are pursuing college education with a focus on entrepreneurship. Established in memory of Patrice Faye Cohen, a successful business owner, this scholarship aims to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to their studies and entrepreneurial aspirations, with financial support available for tuition and related expenses.

The SAF Technology Transfer Award honors exceptional contributions to technology transfer in forestry by an SAF member. It recognizes leaders who have significantly impacted forestry practices through innovation and quality work. The award includes a $1,000 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF convention, and up to $500 for travel costs. Presented at the SAF national convention, it emphasizes the importance of effective technology transfer for sustainable forest management.

This funding opportunity aims to support Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) in conducting preclinical HIV/AIDS research using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) models. Eligible applicants must have at least two years of postdoctoral experience and be within ten years of their terminal degree. The initiative aligns with the NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research, targeting the reduction of HIV incidence, development of therapies, and advancement in research areas related to HIV.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Summer Food Service Program (SUN) program 2026

The Summer Food Service Program (SUN), created and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently provides organizations with limited funding opportunities to purchase and provide meals to their local communities in the form of reimbursements. Starting in 2011, IRUSA began to supplement and support the USDA in this effort. SUN recipient, organizations are able to start a USDA-approved site, increase the capacity of their current USDA-approved site(s) or develop their role as the meal-providing sponsor to subgrantees. Grants are provided to further enable and encourage wider participation in this program as well as increase food access and support to food-insecure children throughout the summer months. 

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Turkey Distribution 2026

IRUSA facilitates annual Turkey Distributions in cities across the United States during Thanksgiving. IRUSA will procure and deliver turkeys to partners that will deliver them onto people in need. Along with turkeys, partner organizations may distribute other Thanksgiving goods to assist individuals and families who may not have access to these food items. The distribution may occur with regular food pantry distribution dates or as its own event. The goal of this event is to not only address food insecurity in local communities but to also embody the season of giving by bringing the holiday festivities to those who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in their homes.

The Delaney L. Wykle Nursing Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support nursing students from Raleigh and Summers counties in West Virginia. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in an accredited four-year nursing program. This scholarship helps empower students to achieve their educational goals while enhancing community health services in Southern West Virginia.

The Bob Zylstra STEM Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who identify as female or as students of color from West Michigan. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing STEM majors by removing barriers to education and fostering diversity in these fields. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

The Charles Hamlin Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must hold a current RN license and demonstrate a commitment to nursing leadership, particularly in orthopedic care and the well-being of Native American communities. The scholarship honors Dr. Charles Hamlin's legacy, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals. This award aims to empower future nursing leaders and enhance diversity in the field.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship Fund

Applicants must be students currently enrolled in a teaching credential program, current student teachers, current teacher interns, students enrolled in a speech therapy program, or students enrolled in a school psychology program. Colleges considered: CSU Stanislaus, U.C. Merced, U.O.P., UMass Global, Teachers College of San Joaquin, Sacramento State University and CSU East Bay.

Award Amount:

• $3,000

The Trail Accelerator Grants aim to enhance mountain bike trail communities by providing essential planning and design services. With funding between $10,000 to $30,000, these grants support local organizations in creating sustainable trail systems. The initiative encourages projects that increase access and promote community engagement, particularly focusing on diversity and inclusion. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to match funds, ensuring collaborative efforts to improve trail networks and experiences for all riders.

The Longleaf Fund Grant supports capital projects aimed at enhancing the lives of at-risk children and youth across the Carolinas. Focusing on building accessible play spaces, promoting educational technology, and improving environments for children with disabilities, this grant encourages community engagement and collaboration. Eligible projects must be completed within 12-18 months and demonstrate significant community support. The fund prioritizes initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable populations and can secure additional funding.

The NANFA Conservation Research Grant, offered by the North American Native Fishes Association, supports research focused on conserving North America's indigenous fish species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered. With a maximum funding of $1,000 per proposal, this grant is open to academia, conservation groups, and independent researchers. Since 2001, NANFA has aimed to enhance knowledge about native fishes and promote their conservation through scientific research and community engagement.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship

Open to full time undergraduate students who are Kent County residents studying education, dietetics, nutrition, or human services and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.

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.

Rita Reis Wieczorek Scholarship for Maternal-Infant and Pediatric Nursing

Created in 2020, by Rita Reis Wieczorek, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, together with NEF. Dr. Wieczorek is an NEF Board Member Emeritus and longtime board member. This scholarship is the first NEF Scholarship to focus on maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. For over four decades Dr. Wieczorek has devoted her career to providing the best maternal-infant and pediatric care to her patients as well as teaching the highest standards of care to master's and doctoral nursing students, motivating them to excel in their care for the well-being of mothers, infants and children.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who intends to pursue nursing or a related field of study at a college or university, and who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, leadership, and financial need.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR))

The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program seeks to award two, two-year grants to an organization(s) (grantee) to manage and complete select urban forestry services (Climb to Tree City USA package) for municipalities awarded assistance (subrecipient) through our Financial Assistance Program (FAP) request for applications (RFAs) process. 

Funding Programs

There are two federal funding programs that will fund this work:

• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties. 
• Indirect administration – 15% of services billed.
• $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all HHR funded work.

The Grief Reach: Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle offers up to $110,000 to enhance community programs for grieving children. Organizations are encouraged to innovate and expand their services to better meet community needs. The initiative, in partnership with the Judi’s House/JAG Institute, emphasizes training and resources for effective program evaluation over a three-year period, culminating in impactful community expansion projects.

The Senator Harold "Potch" Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, honors the legacy of a dedicated public servant. This competitive scholarship is available annually to high school seniors from Whitley County who plan to pursue college education in public service or within the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Recipients are chosen based on their embodiment of the ideals and character traits exemplified by Senator Wheeler.

The Jack Feldt Ambucs Memorial Scholarship, established in 1997, supports students in the Tri-Cities area pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need. It considers college juniors and graduating high schoolers, reflecting the spirit of community and collaboration championed by Ambucs. Eligible candidates need to provide transcripts and additional required documents to complete their application.

The Women's Club of Grand Haven Grant, established in 2001, offers scholarships to non-traditional students from the Tri-Cities seeking further education. Funded through community efforts such as an annual Used Book Sale, this grant prioritizes financial need and is open to applicants residing in Northern Ottawa County or those who graduated from local school districts. Preference is given to female applicants aged 21 and older, supporting educational advancement for those whose academic journeys have been interrupted.

The National Trappers Foundation (NTF) offers grants to individuals and organizations for projects related to furbearers. Founded in 1988, NTF supports educational and conservation initiatives that promote the management and restoration of furbearers and natural resources. Grants are available for research, habitat development, and educational programs. Contributions to NTF are tax-deductible, reflecting its commitment to conservation and community engagement.

The Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship supports exceptional African American nurses pursuing master's degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6, and hold a current RN license. This scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., honors Estelle Massey Osborne, the first African American nurse to earn a master's degree in the U.S. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired by fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Its mission is to support programs that help people with vision loss lead independent, productive lives, while its vision is an accessible and inclusive world where individuals have the tools, resources, and opportunities to fully participate in society.

The Foundation’s funding priorities focus on supporting nonprofit organizations and initiatives that provide education, training, and rehabilitation services, assistive technology innovations, vision care and access to aids, and capacity building for professionals serving the visually impaired community. It also invests in programs that enhance employment opportunities, promote independence, and improve service delivery systems for people with vision loss, emphasizing practical, community-based solutions and long-term impact.

Small Discretionary Grants

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation (RDPFS) Track #3 Small Discretionary Grants provide flexible, year-round funding for smaller-scale initiatives that support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis and awarded at the discretion of the Executive Director. Awards are made until available funds are exhausted, allowing the Foundation to respond to timely or emerging needs.