Best Grants for Reproductive Health in North Carolina

The Herbek Humanitarian Award honors a CAP member pathologist for significant contributions to the See, Test & Treat® program, which offers free cancer screenings to underserved women. Established in 2011, it commemorates Gene N. Herbek, MD, FCAP, who pioneered this initiative for Native Americans. Nominees must have led or significantly contributed to the program, with submissions due by May 3, 2024. Self-nominations or incomplete entries will not be accepted, ensuring high standards in recognition.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers vital funding for cancer screening and health education programs targeting medically underserved communities. This pathologist-led initiative aims to reduce healthcare barriers, empower preventive care, and connect patients with local resources. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $50,000 over three years, fostering sustainable health improvements. The program emphasizes same-day results for screenings and culturally appropriate education, ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

Graduate and medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows researching human sexuality or sexual wellness in the U.S. or Canada can receive US $5,000 to support research-related expenses. Focused on sexual health and gender identity, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America program may benefit North Carolina projects connected to reproductive and sexual health.

Graduate and medical students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows conducting human sexuality or sexual wellness research in North Carolina can access funding via the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Focused on sexual and reproductive health, this program supports early-stage research projects carried out at U.S. or Canadian institutions under an SMSNA-member mentor.

Researchers evaluating reproductive health, contraceptive access, or related social policies in North Carolina can apply for Arnold Ventures’ Building Evidence funding to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental studies. Grants support causal research on programs and policies within key policy areas, including reproductive health, higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, and public finance, to inform evidence-based policy decisions nationwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations expanding abortion access infrastructure in North Carolina and nationwide can seek support for reproductive health and justice work. Women Donors Network’s Abortion Bridge Collaborative Fund prioritizes community-rooted, under-resourced groups, especially BIPOC- and LGBTQIA+-led efforts, that strengthen abortion access ecosystems, test innovative care pathways, and broaden accurate information-sharing on obtaining safe abortion care.

Tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. holding terminated NIH grants on abortion or contraception can apply for Society of Family Planning support, with awards up to US $100,000 to complete or partially complete their projects. North Carolina reproductive health researchers with eligible NIH-funded studies may benefit from this bridging opportunity to sustain impactful work.

The EMF Family Building Grants, offered by the Expect Miracles Foundation, support young adult cancer survivors in their fertility treatment and family-building efforts. These grants are designed for applicants with a clear family-building plan and financial strategy, helping bridge the gap in costs associated with fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and related services. By prioritizing those actively engaged in their journey, the foundation aims to empower survivors to pursue their dreams of family.

Individuals in North Carolina with Peyronie’s disease who are insured and underinsured can receive up to US $5,600 to offset prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. Grants from Healthwell Foundation help reproductive health patients in the U.S. manage treatment costs for covered medications and related services when income falls within federal poverty guidelines.

Reproductive health researchers and institutions studying medication abortion can seek funding to document efficacy, safety, and acceptability of care up to 97 days of gestation. Focused on advancing evidence-informed, person-centered abortion care in the U.S., the Society of Family Planning offers awards up to US $950,000; North Carolina projects may be eligible.

Wounded veterans facing infertility due to a service-connected condition can apply for Bob Woodruff Foundation’s VIVA fertility grants to help pay for treatment at Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) clinics. Eligible veterans in North Carolina and other U.S. territories may benefit from this reproductive health support and related resources.

Researchers and research institutions studying over-the-counter oral contraceptive implementation can apply for up to US $175,000 from the Society of Family Planning Research Fund; awards support evidence-based projects on cost, distribution, and education. North Carolina reproductive health programs conducting relevant research may be eligible within this U.S.-focused opportunity.

Nonprofit and public entities providing comprehensive family planning and reproductive health services in North Carolina can apply for US $200,000 - US $22,000,000 to deliver Title X Family Planning Services. With a mission to expand access to voluntary family planning, the Office of Population Affairs supports multi-year projects across the U.S., including North Carolina, serving low-income and uninsured communities.

Nonprofits working on reproductive health, women’s issues, literacy, arts and culture, reducing income inequality, or Judaism can apply for the Golden Goldman Fund from Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies; awards US $2,000 - US $20,000 for high-impact projects. Organizations in North Carolina may be eligible if they serve underserved populations and propose new or non-ongoing programs.

The Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program (Rural MOMS) aims to enhance access to maternity and obstetrics care in rural areas through collaborative networks. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative focuses on innovative strategies to improve healthcare delivery for mothers and infants in underserved regions, ensuring that quality care is accessible where it is needed most.

Pershing Square Lotus Award for Ovarian Cancer Research

The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) has worked across sectors to catalyze innovative approaches to the most difficult problems. Talented individuals have always been at the center of our approach. We aim to support leaders who transform systems, embrace new paradigms, and have an innate drive to make an impact.

PSF has funded pioneering cancer researchers through the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance for over a decade and supported women’s health initiatives in New York City. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), PSF aims to combine these two priority areas of women’s health and cancer to shine a light on one of the most understudied and underfunded cancers—ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, with 80% of women diagnosed at an advanced stage. Only 27% of women diagnosed during an advanced stage survive for five years. Ovarian cancer remains a disease with a poor prognosis due to limited early detection and treatment options.

PSF supports research efforts by 

• deploying capital quickly, 
• funding high-risk, high-reward ideas, 
• bringing new perspectives into a field, 
• encouraging collaboration, and 
• leveraging our vast network. We challenge our scientific partners to think creatively and across silos, to spur innovation to fight ovarian cancer.

Through the Pershing Square Lotus Award for Ovarian Cancer Research, PSF is looking for investigators who are either already working on a promising project in ovarian cancer or in another type of cancer that could have an impact on ovarian cancer. Grantees each receive $250,000 a year for three years, totaling $750,000.

Researchers who are not studying ovarian cancer are encouraged to apply and required to find a collaborator with experience in ovarian cancer research.

This award aims to 

• inspire investigators with unique expertise to apply their knowledge to ovarian cancer and 
• empower ovarian cancer researchers to pursue their boldest, most innovative ideas. Facing a disease where too few have survived to-date, PSF ultimately aims to create a culture around ovarian cancer that offers women hope, akin to the breast cancer community. PSF is passionate about changing outcomes for tens of thousands of women a year and is hopeful that future scientific discoveries will allow for more survivors who can share their stories for years to come.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change, food security, or social support programs can seek support that may benefit reproductive health efforts in North Carolina. Grants from Anderson Rogers Foundation help smaller, hands-on nonprofits with innovative projects or general operating needs that lack strong backing from other funders.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation's Community Impact Fund Grants aim to enhance community well-being by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations focused on underrepresented populations. Grants range from $3,000 to $20,000 and are intended for projects in areas like disaster relief and sexual health. First-time applicants must submit a letter of intent before applying. The foundation prioritizes projects in regions where its members live and work, ensuring local engagement and impact.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers funding for a pathologist-led cancer screening program aimed at underserved communities. With a focus on health education, the program provides vital cervical and breast cancer screenings, ensuring same-day results and follow-up care. Eligible institutions can apply for funding up to $20,000 for single-year projects or up to $50,000 over three years. This initiative addresses health disparities, empowers communities, and enhances the visibility of pathology in healthcare.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

The Anna Lalor Burdick Program supports initiatives that enhance women's access to reproductive health care, contraception, and pregnancy termination. It prioritizes funding programs that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, particularly for disadvantaged women. The program seeks innovative approaches, clear goals, and sustainable models, while emphasizing advocacy efforts. Organizations dedicated to reproductive rights in restrictive environments are encouraged to apply, as the foundation aims to empower women through informed choices.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation's Family Stability Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Mecklenburg County. By investing between $10,000-$50,000 in eligible organizations, the grant focuses on family formation, financial security, innovative housing solutions, and parental engagement. The foundation seeks to empower families through education, support, and resources, ultimately breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and fostering community involvement.

The Changemakers in Family Planning Grant Program aims to address institutionalized racism in the field of family planning by providing essential support to scholars of color. Recognizing that diversity and equity are crucial for advancing research in abortion and contraception, this initiative seeks to foster an inclusive community that empowers underrepresented voices in science. The Society of Family Planning is dedicated to creating a just environment where all scholars can contribute to meaningful advancements in family planning research.

The Emerging Scholars in Family Planning Grant, offered by the Society of Family Planning, aims to support early-career researchers in developing a family planning research portfolio. This grant provides funding for publishable scholarly research projects, including thesis or dissertation work, fostering the next generation of scholars in abortion and contraception research. By promoting diversity and inclusion, the grant seeks to build a multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing family planning science.

The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) aims to enhance maternal and infant health by supporting early-career researchers in obstetrics and gynecology. This program encourages applicants committed to advancing their careers in academic research. With a focus on health equity and the training of scholars, RSDP seeks to foster impactful research proposals that address critical issues such as prematurity and maternal morbidity. Funded by the March of Dimes and other organizations, it empowers diverse talent in the field.

The OAR Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals by funding community-led projects that address physical health and support services. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 are available for initiatives designed to produce practical tools and resources. Eligible applicants include family members, autistic individuals, and community organizations committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. Projects should be innovative, publicly accessible, and focus on priority topics such as health systems and community services.