Best Travel and Tourism Grants in North Carolina

Nonprofits and community groups in North Carolina working on community-driven projects like ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, or youth leadership can seek US $8,000 - US $12,000 through the Creating New Economies Fund small grants. Legacy Philanthropy Works combines funding with training and capacity-building to strengthen rural resilience and local, nature-based tourism economies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in North Carolina and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs addressing hardship, such as poverty relief, education, disaster relief, health, families, and conservation. Focused on alleviating tangible needs, Robinson Foundation invites established single-year projects that may include ecotourism or nature-based tourism efforts benefiting local residents.

Nonprofit organizations focused on ecotourism, conservation, or restorative environmental work in North Carolina can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 for biodiversity and private land conservation projects. Grants may also support ecosystem restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy efforts that intersect with travel and tourism.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors can receive scholarship support to attend accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools; applicants must be from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, though programs may influence tourism sectors like those in North Carolina. The Bucks County Foundation’s Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship supports higher and vocational education tied to the tourism industry.

Students pursuing aviation or hospitality degrees who are enrolled full-time at eligible U.S. institutions and can work in the U.S. may be eligible for the NetJets Scholarship, offering US $25,000 awards. Grants from The Columbus Foundation help North Carolina tourism and hospitality students advance higher education and explore careers in business aviation and service.

Students in the Dan River Region pursuing hospitality management or tourism programs in The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region’s service area may be eligible for this scholarship. This support helps build the local tourism and hospitality workforce and may benefit North Carolina students from Caswell County interested in travel and tourism careers.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students in North Carolina studying tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields can receive need-based scholarships ranging from US $2,500 - US $5,000 from Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help students across the U.S. pursue full-time degrees that support travel, tourism, and related industries.

Tourism and economic development organizations in North Carolina’s Appalachian counties can seek planning or implementation support to strengthen regional economies and visitor-related industries. Appalachian Regional Commission supports multi-state projects that boost business, workforce, community development, and tourism across eligible Appalachian communities; awards up to US $10,000,000 for large-scale regional initiatives.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

North Carolina travel and tourism organizations with 501(c)(3) or equivalent charitable status can access funding for health, education, and community-focused programs that benefit local residents and visitors. The Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports initiatives like food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle promotion, which may complement tourism-related community development efforts.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits with sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives. Tourism and ecotourism organizations that advance economic mobility or enrich local cultural life may be eligible to apply.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can access funding to tell impactful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports projects that highlight community impact, which may benefit tourism or ecotourism initiatives connected to conservation, historic preservation, outdoor recreation, or mental health programming.

North Carolina nonprofits with strong community partnership initiatives can access funding recognition through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors organizations that collaborate across sectors to address significant social issues and build cohesive communities, which may include tourism or ecotourism efforts that strengthen local economies and visitor experiences.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and cultural enrichment, which may benefit tourism-related community development efforts.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in North Carolina can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship funding to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Tourism and ecotourism projects that advance community revitalization, economic development, or public safety may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, including cultural institutions, environmental and wildlife protection, and youth or senior services. With a mission to help impactful nonprofits, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. organizations with flexible funding that may benefit tourism, ecotourism, and related community initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations supporting youth and families with basic needs or economic mobility programs in North Carolina and other U.S. communities where Nordstrom has stores can apply for unrestricted grants. Focused on local impact, Nordstrom offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 to 501(c)(3) groups, which may include tourism-related nonprofits serving local families and workers.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.