Best Youth Sports Grants in North Carolina

The TD Charitable Foundation's Capacity Building Fund empowers nonprofit organizations by providing grants aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on funding projects that promote job training, arts, and housing assistance, particularly for historically underserved communities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the foundation seeks to support organizations that align with its TD Ready Commitment drivers, ensuring impactful and sustainable community development.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jim Liles Student Award

 The Jim Liles Student Award is intended to assist students who want to make presentations at a CSA Southeastern Region symposium. These presentations may be on any costume-related topic. The work should be well researched and may or may not be thesis, dissertation, course research project, independent study research, or senior project related. Up to TWO students whose papers are accepted will receive up to $1,000 each to cover travel and other related expenses. The Registration fee will be waived for all student presenters, regardless of whether they receive this award.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

The Rotary Club of Burgaw Scholarship Endowment, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports Pender County residents pursuing higher education in North Carolina. This scholarship particularly favors students attending community colleges and those from local high schools. Emphasizing financial need, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving individuals, ensuring they have access to the resources needed for academic success and community contribution.

The Raleigh Alumnae Delta Scholarship Endowment for Non-traditional Students, supported by the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to enhance access to higher education for adult learners. This scholarship specifically targets non-traditional students, particularly Black/African American women aged 30 and above, who wish to enroll in two-year or four-year programs. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship empowers these individuals to advance their education and career opportunities, fostering community growth and personal development.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Dr. Bob Townsend Scholarship Endowment

Hoke County resident who is a high school graduate and has been accepted to an accredited college or university and plans to study medicine. 

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Carolyn Grantham Ennis Scholarship Endowment

A graduating senior from a Johnston County public high school who plans to attend Shaw University. Renewable for up to three additional years based on the student demonstrating that they remain enrolled at their educational institution.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) provides competitive grants to North Carolina libraries to enhance their services and address community needs. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, these grants promote inclusivity, equitable access to resources, and responsive organizational practices. Libraries can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support innovative projects that align with the state's strategic goals outlined in the 2023-2027 LSTA Five Year Plan.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Project Grants offer funding for public, academic, and community college libraries in North Carolina to enhance services and programs. Grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on project duration, with an emphasis on community engagement, equitable access to information, and sustainable practices. Libraries can apply for multi-year grants, fostering partnerships to improve service delivery and address local needs as outlined in the LSTA Five Year Plan.

The On Farm Housing Grant Program, managed by Alabama Non-Profit Housing, Inc., offers financial assistance to farmers and growers for upgrading existing labor housing. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provides matching grants up to $7,500, ensuring safe and sanitary living conditions for farm workers. Eligible participants must own housing in need of repairs that directly impact worker safety and health, with a commitment to match funds dollar-for-dollar.

The School-Based Dental Program, initiated by the NC Dental Society Foundation, provides essential dental services to children in Title 1 schools across North Carolina. This initiative aims to eliminate barriers to dental care, ensuring that every child has access to necessary treatments and education on oral health practices. Participating dentists receive $5,000 to launch programs that not only deliver care but also promote preventative measures, enhancing the overall wellbeing of students.

The Carolina Elite Panthers proudly support non-profit organizations in North and South Carolina through their merchandise donation program. By providing Carolina Panthers memorabilia, the team assists these agencies in their fundraising efforts, including auctions and raffles. This initiative emphasizes the importance of community support and engagement, helping local organizations thrive while promoting the team's values and commitment to the region.

The Carolina Panthers offer complimentary tickets to non-profit organizations serving youth and military troops in the Carolinas. These tickets are generously donated by PSL Owners who cannot attend games. Organizations defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) may apply, but only one request per year is allowed. Due to limited ticket availability, flexibility with game selections is necessary. Please note, these tickets are not for resale or fundraising events.

The Smiles for Kids Grant Program, funded by the Delta Dental Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in North Carolina by providing grants focused on children's oral health education initiatives, particularly in underserved areas. Since 2010, over $510,000 has been awarded, benefiting more than 330,000 children and their families. Grants are capped at $5,000 and are limited to one proposal per organization annually, ensuring targeted support for meritorious programs.

The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, empowers high school seniors from rural areas across ten southern states to pursue careers in music and the arts. This fund honors Josh Turner's journey in the music industry and aims to support students focusing on diverse opportunities within the music business, including performance, writing, and production, as well as various art disciplines.

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.

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 Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges to foster green spaces and community forests. By meeting five essential standards, campuses can achieve national recognition, enhancing their environmental impact and providing mental health benefits for students. Participation promotes sustainability, energy efficiency, and student involvement in environmental stewardship. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also builds pride among students and the wider community, making it a valuable program for educational institutions.

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.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative aims to enhance bioenergy production from agricultural and forestry feedstocks, with a competitive grant program offering up to $500,000. This initiative invites proposals addressing key topics such as genetic improvement and weed management, while encouraging collaboration with industry partners. Eligible applicants include universities and non-profits, with a focus on projects that can significantly contribute to sustainable bioenergy solutions, supporting North Carolina's agricultural sector.

The Fire Department Training Grant Program, managed by the North Carolina Forest Service, provides essential training courses for rural fire departments. These courses enhance firefighting skills and safety measures, enabling personnel to effectively manage wildland fires and protect communities. With a focus on practical skills, the program covers various topics including fire suppression tactics, incident command systems, and chainsaw safety, ensuring that fire departments are well-prepared to respond to emergencies in their regions.

The Firefighter Property Program, managed by the North Carolina Forest Service, provides surplus military equipment to eligible fire departments at no cost. This initiative enhances emergency response capabilities by supplying vital resources such as vehicles, fire trucks, generators, and specialized gear. By ensuring local fire departments have access to this equipment, the program strengthens community safety and preparedness, ultimately benefiting the residents of North Carolina.