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.

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance cultural heritage tourism through collaboration with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. By providing technical assistance and capacity-building support, this initiative seeks to increase visitation and enrich tourism activities while respecting native traditions and values. The selected recipient will coordinate with federal agencies to ensure effective implementation, with funding available for an initial year and potential continuation for up to five years based on performance.

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.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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 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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, science, or health can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable programs benefiting communities, including those in North Carolina. Grants may support well-managed organizations whose tourism or ecotourism initiatives materially advance general welfare and have a substantial impact on their target populations.

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 Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

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.