Best Youth Sports Grants in North Carolina

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Community Collaborative Research Grant Program (CCRG), supported by North Carolina Sea Grant and the William R. Kenan Jr. Institute, aims to address coastal issues through collaborative research. Proposals should engage local knowledge experts alongside scientific leaders, focusing on themes like healthy ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. Projects that benefit rural and underserved communities are prioritized. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on developing tools for resource management and enhancing community engagement.

The University Technology Development Funding: Flash Grant supports innovative life sciences research with exceptional commercial potential. It provides rapid funding to help develop ideas related to sleep, hibernation, and the effects of space travel. Grants are offered in three cycles throughout 2024-2025, focusing on topics such as sleep health, disorders, and space biology, ensuring targeted support for transformative research that can lead to significant advancements in these fields.

The Public Infrastructure Funds - State Rural Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce supports local governments in enhancing critical infrastructure. This funding aims to foster economic growth by facilitating projects that create full-time jobs, including upgrades to water systems, broadband installation, and road construction. Priority is given to counties ranked highest in distress, ensuring that the most in-need communities receive assistance to attract businesses and improve their competitive edge.

The Film and Entertainment Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce supports filmmakers in the state by offering financial assistance for qualifying productions. Eligible projects include television series, feature films, and commercials that meet specific spending requirements. Grants can reach up to $15 million for series and $7 million for films, encouraging the growth of the local film industry. North Carolina's favorable production environment enhances opportunities for filmmakers.

The Duke Endowment's Child and Family Well-Being Grant provides implementation support to public and private agencies in North and South Carolina. This funding aims to adopt and sustain evidence-based programs that prevent and treat child maltreatment. Eligible organizations must have two years of audited financial statements and work with accredited groups. The grant prioritizes innovative solutions and advocacy to improve child welfare systems, ensuring effective support for children and families at risk.

QuikTrip is dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and early childhood education through strategic community investments. By donating 5% of annual net profits to qualified non-profits, QuikTrip aims to empower individuals and break the cycle of poverty. The company partners with organizations providing educational opportunities, ensuring that all youth, regardless of their backgrounds, can thrive as independent citizens. This initiative highlights QuikTrip's commitment to making a measurable impact in the communities where its employees live and work.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Duke Endowment's Rural Church Grants aim to empower rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina to effectively respond to changing community demographics. By providing resources and fostering collaboration among church leaders, the program enhances congregational capacity and community engagement. Key strategies include supporting pastoral leaders, reimagining church real estate for community use, and implementing impactful programs, especially for children. This initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities across diverse rural populations.

The Kids 'N Community Foundation offers Future Canes Grants to support youth hockey programs in North Carolina. With a commitment of at least $60,000 annually, these grants aim to enhance accessibility and growth in youth hockey. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, demonstrating effective program delivery and a focus on health or education. The Foundation emphasizes impactful service, ensuring funds directly benefit children in need, while also outlining specific ineligible activities.

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, environmental protection, and community health in the regions it operates. As a leading steel manufacturer, Cleveland-Cliffs is committed to sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations that address key challenges in education, the environment, and community well-being, ensuring impactful investments that help communities thrive across North America.

The CHHE Community Grant Program provides annual funding for community groups and educators to tackle environmental health issues. Grants of up to $8,000 support research, data analysis, and community engagement efforts. Preference is given to projects aligned with CHHE research. Over $200,000 has been awarded to date, fostering local capacity-building. Eligible applicants include secondary school educators and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, with applications due mid to late September.

The SECU Foundation Grant, offered by the State Employees Credit Union Foundation, focuses on supporting non-profits and governmental organizations that embody the philosophy of people helping people. The grant aims to promote community development through high-impact projects in housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Eligible projects should be tangible, have a statewide or major regional impact, and enhance the conditions for public employees in North Carolina. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses critical community issues.

The North Carolina Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP) offers financial support to actively drilling Army and Air Guard members in North Carolina. This reimbursement program helps service members cover tuition costs at approved educational institutions within the state. Eligibility requires at least two years remaining on their contract and the ability to apply before attending Initial Active Duty Training (IADT). NCTAP aims to enhance educational opportunities for military personnel, fostering a well-educated and skilled force.

The NC Patriot STAR Family Scholarship Program, initiated by the Patriot Foundation in 2003, offers financial support to military families in North Carolina. This scholarship, funded by the NC Legislature, is available to children and spouses of fallen or disabled veterans, as well as qualifying disabled veterans. Each semester, recipients may receive approximately $2,000 to assist with educational costs at NC post-secondary institutions, ensuring accessible education for those who serve our country.

The Game Changer Grants, offered by the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, aim to empower nonprofit organizations to create positive grassroots impacts in the community. With funding levels of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, these grants support initiatives focused on health and education for underserved populations in North Carolina. Organizations must demonstrate their commitment by meeting specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status and a minimum of three years of operation. Reapplications are encouraged for declined proposals.

Funding Opportunity:

Partnerships Supporting Parent/Caregiver Mental Health & Well-being

Across North Carolina, parents and caregivers of young children (prenatal to age five) are experiencing high levels of stress, isolation, and difficulty accessing support. One in three parents report feeling lonely, and more than a quarter report having no one to turn to for support.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (Blue Cross NC Foundation) recognizes that caregiver mental health and well-being are foundational to the healthy development and long-term health and well-being outcomes of young children.

While a range of mental health and well-being services exist, these supports are often fragmented and difficult to navigate. At the same time, caregivers vary in the types of support they trust and use, underscoring the need for approaches that are connected, community-rooted, and responsive to family preferences.

We see an opportunity to strengthen and better connect existing supports to improve caregiver well-being, increase social connection, and build stronger pathways to mental health care. By working upstream with families during a critical developmental period, we can promote good mental health and resilience, set the next generation up for success, and prevent the crisis we are seeing in today’s youth.

The Regional Child Care Health Consultative Services RFA aims to establish a statewide network of Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC) to enhance the safety and health of child care environments across North Carolina. With a funding cycle of two years and up to $1.5 million available, the initiative seeks qualified applicants who can demonstrate expertise in managing state grants and providing technical assistance in early childhood education. The focus is on creating culturally inclusive practices and ensuring optimal health care for children.

The NCVMA Public and Private Animal Shelter Fund provides a one-time grant of up to $2500 to support public and private animal shelters in North Carolina. This initiative aims to enhance the health and welfare of animals by assisting shelters in making necessary repairs and ensuring compliance with state inspection guidelines. Eligible applicants include animal shelters defined by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, focusing on upgrades that benefit animal welfare.

The NCVMA High 5 Grant offers $25,000 annually to support organizations that enhance community service and welfare for people and animals in North Carolina. This initiative, led by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, aims to promote educational projects with veterinary involvement. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available to qualified applicants, with a preference for those demonstrating fiscal responsibility and past successes. This program reflects NCVMA's commitment to veterinary excellence and community advocacy.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering a two-year funding opportunity to enhance access to child care for families experiencing homelessness. This initiative aims to provide essential training and technical assistance to child care providers, ensuring they can support these vulnerable families effectively. With a total funding limit of $700,000, the program seeks to address the complex needs of children and families facing homelessness, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The North Carolina Arts Council offers Grassroots Arts Program Grants to support local arts councils across the state. These grants provide essential funding for arts programming, ensuring communities have access to diverse cultural experiences. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support their arts initiatives, while funds must be allocated to reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of North Carolina's population. This program aims to enhance community engagement through the arts.

The NCAC Grassroots Arts Program Grants provide essential funding for arts initiatives in all 100 counties of North Carolina. These grants aim to enhance community access to the arts through partnerships with local arts councils and provisional county partners. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to quality arts programming. The program encourages diverse cultural representation and supports various arts-related projects, ensuring that all communities can experience the richness of local arts.

The NCAC: Statewide Service Organizations Grant Program, established by the North Carolina Arts Council, aims to enhance arts services statewide. It provides funding (ranging from $5,000 to $30,000) to eligible nonprofit organizations for programs that support the arts community through newsletters, workshops, and more. This initiative promotes transparency and accessibility, ensuring diverse artistic resources are available across all 100 counties in North Carolina. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult with staff for eligibility guidance.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The North Carolina Arts Council's Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) connects students with local traditional artists through after-school programs. Since 1967, TAPS has aimed to preserve and celebrate diverse artistic traditions across North Carolina, providing funding for community organizations such as arts councils and schools. These programs foster cultural connections while ensuring that students receive quality instruction in traditional art forms, enriching their educational experience and community engagement.