Best Transportation Grants in North Carolina

Public agencies, local governments, tribes, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in eligible Appalachian counties in North Carolina can seek transportation and related infrastructure funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Grants support critical infrastructure such as transportation networks and broadband, plus business and workforce development that may benefit public transportation and mass transit systems in the region.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may complement transportation-related initiatives. Focused on community impact, Costco Foundation invites applications for projects with clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified financial support in areas where Costco operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of status and innovative approaches to social problems can seek funding for human services and related programs, including in North Carolina. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations piloting new solutions in areas like health, community development, safety, or literacy that may intersect with transportation and access.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in North Carolina can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support community, military, or first responder initiatives. Support includes intermodal transportation services across the CSX rail network and, when available, donated railroad equipment and materials to reduce or eliminate freight and logistics costs.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in North Carolina can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on these areas, State Farm Companies Foundation invites applicants supporting auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, transportation, and related community programs to apply.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

North Carolina transportation-focused nonprofits and social enterprises serving urban children in poverty can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for education, health, or family economic stability projects. Eligible organizations must request more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling and operate in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Arts councils, schools, and community centers in North Carolina can receive support for after-school programs that connect local students with traditional artists, including indigenous, immigrant, and regional art forms. With a mission to sustain and grow the arts, North Carolina Arts Council provides funding for instructors, instruments, art materials, transportation, entrance fees, and administration for these TAPS programs.

North Carolina nonprofit arts organizations and government or tribal arts units seeking professional development support can apply for up to US $1,000 to build staff and board capacity. Focused on organizational training and first-time opportunities, South Arts funding can cover travel, registration, consultants, and other learning costs that may strengthen arts-related transportation or access initiatives.

North Carolina nonprofit charities running humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or arts projects can access funding through Roche for high-quality, sustainable community initiatives. Programs managed by accredited charities that engage Roche affiliates and employees may be eligible, including projects whose transportation or transit components support broader community development goals.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in North Carolina and nationwide can apply for recoverable grants from the Impact Fund, typically ranging from US $10,000 - US $50,000, to cover out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Funding supports economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases, which may include challenges to transportation-related harms or policies.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina provides North Carolina organizations serving women and girls with funding to help economically disadvantaged women become more self-sufficient. 501(c)(3)s and government entities in eligible Western North Carolina counties can request up to US $35,000 for programs such as transportation access, workforce training, housing, childcare, or related direct services and advocacy.

Nonprofit or governmental arts presenting organizations in North Carolina and the broader South Arts region can receive up to US $1,000 for staff and guest artist travel and professional development. South Arts supports conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual training, and planning visits that strengthen film, visual, performing, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts programming.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hickory, North Carolina can seek support for education, health, human services, religious, and public benefit programs that strengthen the local community. Grants from Underdown Family Foundation help North Carolina organizations whose work, including transportation-related services, advances these priority areas and addresses community needs.

The GSK IMPACT Awards in North Carolina honor outstanding nonprofit organizations making a significant impact on community health. This annual program, in partnership with the Triangle Community Foundation, recognizes up to ten organizations for their exemplary contributions to health and wellness. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving community health through innovative and effective programs. Eligible organizations must operate in the Triangle area and meet specific criteria regarding revenue and community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing adult workforce development, career navigation, or AI-related upskilling programs in North Carolina and other Truist-footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, offering US $10,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to build economic mobility, Truist Foundation provides growth-stage nonprofits with funding for training, AI literacy, and wraparound services that may benefit transportation-related workers.

State, federal, and local government agencies and qualified nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can receive reimbursement grants for trail-related safety and education initiatives, including instructor and speaker fees, displays, and signage. The Recreational Trails Program, administered by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, supports safer recreational trail use that may benefit transportation-related trail projects.

Universities, extension programs, commodity associations, nonprofits, and private businesses in North Carolina can receive funding for research on agricultural and forestry-based bioenergy feedstocks, including crop and harvest management, new species, and innovative biomass uses. North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services provides up to US $100,000 per project, which may benefit transportation-related biofuels and biomass initiatives.