Best Volunteer Grants in North Carolina

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Roothbert Fund Scholarship, established by Albert and Toni Roothbert, provides financial assistance to individuals pursuing education in the U.S., emphasizing candidates motivated by spiritual values. Since its inception in 1958, the fund has supported over 1,350 fellows, fostering a community with annual retreats and online connections. Open to all regardless of background, the scholarship prioritizes graduate students and those with a year of college completed, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of young idealists.

The Jandy Ammons Foundation, established in 2012, is committed to enhancing local communities through innovative, project-driven initiatives. Focused on 'shovel ready' projects, it supports wildlife conservation, educational efforts, artistic installations, and Christian mission endeavors. By providing resources to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities, the foundation aims to inspire community engagement and sustainable growth. The foundation reflects the collaborative spirit of its founders, Andy and Jan Ammons, who believe in hard work, integrity, and maximizing available resources.

The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation's Arts Grant Program provides multiyear funding to arts nonprofits and PreK-12 education organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 annually, the program focuses on supporting developing and established organizations, emphasizing artistic excellence and community engagement. Eligibility includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This initiative aims to strengthen the cultural sector, foster growth, and enhance the overall well-being of communities through arts programming.

The Ashe County Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofits through various funds, including those for education and children's programs. Established in 1995, ACCF aids community development via competitive grants, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities or local government units, promoting inclusivity without discrimination. This grant is vital for enhancing community assets and addressing local needs in Ashe County.

The New Hanover County Community Foundation Grants aim to support local nonprofit organizations within New Hanover County. With a focus on various endowments, including those for children and food-related services, the foundation encourages proposals that address community needs. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve without discrimination. Grants typically range from $500 to $2500, fostering collaboration and impactful initiatives for the betterment of the community.

Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC) Grants aim to enhance community well-being by investing in nonprofit organizations that focus on community sustainability, inclusive mobility, and workforce readiness. This corporate initiative seeks partnerships with qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and municipal organizations in the Randolph and Guilford counties. By supporting programs with a long-term impact, Toyota fosters a culture of inclusion and aims to address pressing societal challenges.

The Chowan Community Funds Foundation offers the Unrestricted Endowment Grant Program to support local causes in Chowan County. Established in 2006, this foundation enables nonprofits to address changing community needs through grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt charities and local government units. Notably, the program prioritizes initiatives that enhance community life, promote social equity, and support diverse populations without discrimination.

The Granville County Community Foundation (GCCF) offers grants to nonprofits to support community enhancement. Established in 1997, GCCF allocates funds from its endowments, including the Martha Frances Pruitt Endowment Fund, to organizations meeting eligibility criteria such as being tax-exempt public charities or local government units. The foundation encourages diverse community programs while excluding funding for political purposes, loans, or general operating support for religious entities. This initiative aims to foster inclusive community development.

The Duke Energy Foundation's Nonprofit Capacity Building program aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of North Carolina nonprofit organizations. With annual grants exceeding $30 million, the foundation supports agencies addressing essential services like housing stability and food security. Grants, ranging from $10,000 to under $25,000, target organizations that foster community resilience and opportunity. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate measurable community impact.

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation Unrestricted Endowment provides essential funding for local nonprofit organizations in Bertie and Hertford counties, enabling them to meet community needs effectively. Established in 1999, this program supports a variety of initiatives with grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to enhance the quality of life and respond to changing community dynamics. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the local area to apply for funding.

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Change Grants

Community Change Grants are expected to be $50,000 or more and are designed to support multi-organization partnerships, and/or systems-level or cross-sector initiatives.

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation is launching its Endowment Grant Program to support oral health initiatives across North Carolina. Up to four qualifying nonprofit organizations will receive $5,000 each to enhance dental care accessibility and improve health outcomes for both children and adults. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies dedicated to fostering oral health education and services.

The North Carolina Bar Foundation's Endowment Grant Program offers funding exceeding $3,000 to organizations in North Carolina that promote access to justice, civic education, and diversity. This initiative supports legal services for underserved communities, pro bono programs, and civic engagement projects. By fostering professionalism and addressing disparities in legal services, the program aims to enhance community welfare and strengthen the legal profession's role in society.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The Walnut Cove Members Association Grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Western North Carolina. The grant focuses on social services, education, and cultural resources, with funding caps of $25K, $15K, and $10K respectively. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations sponsored by WCMA members. The award process is competitive, emphasizing measurable impact on local residents. Applications must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring funds directly support community needs.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

The Rural Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to foster collaboration among rural communities in areas like economic development and education. Emphasizing community involvement, it encourages diverse participation and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Grants of up to $25,000 for implementation or $5,000 for planning are available, targeting nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states. This initiative seeks to empower communities to achieve positive change through active engagement and support.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.