Best Water Grants in North Carolina

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides Local Impact Grants to strengthen communities in North Carolina, offering up to $20,000 for various initiatives. These include workforce development, climate resiliency projects, and promoting inclusivity. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, serve Duke Energy communities, and demonstrate measurable impacts. The Foundation prioritizes grants that support economic recovery, environmental conservation, and equitable access to opportunities, thus fostering sustainable growth and resilience across the state.

The Economic Catalyst Grant Program, administered by The Golden LEAF Foundation, supports economic development projects aimed at job creation in tobacco-dependent and economically distressed areas. Grants are available to eligible governmental entities and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that can show job creation is at risk without funding. Competitive applications must demonstrate urgency and secure local support, with funding allocated for training, infrastructure, and job-related equipment, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.

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.

The NC Pumpout Program, managed by the Division of Coastal Management, aims to protect North Carolina's waters by ensuring easy access to sewage pumpout services for boaters. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, the program provides grants up to $20,000 to marinas and docking facilities for installing and upgrading pumpout stations. This initiative enhances public health and environmental safety by promoting responsible sewage disposal among boat users.

The North Carolina Emergency Watershed Program (EWP) aids communities in recovering from natural disasters by providing financial and technical assistance. Administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, it covers up to 75% of emergency construction costs. Eligible local sponsors can include cities and counties, while projects focus on flood mitigation and restoration of natural resources. EWP is crucial for protecting lives and property from future environmental hazards and funding is contingent on Congressional approval.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The GSK IMPACT Awards in North Carolina honor outstanding nonprofit organizations making a significant impact on community health. This annual program, in partnership with the Triangle Community Foundation, recognizes up to ten organizations for their exemplary contributions to health and wellness. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving community health through innovative and effective programs. Eligible organizations must operate in the Triangle area and meet specific criteria regarding revenue and community impact.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in North Carolina support eligible communities in addressing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, managed by USDA Rural Development, provides funding for water transmission and source projects, helping communities recover from disasters like droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can cover construction, repairs, and maintenance, ensuring access to clean water and promoting environmental sustainability in rural areas.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in North Carolina offers vital funding to support clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in rural areas. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes who struggle to access affordable credit. This program aims to enhance public health and environmental quality through improved infrastructure, ensuring that rural communities receive essential services.

The Aquatic Weed Control Program in North Carolina aims to assist local governments and residents in managing noxious aquatic weed infestations. By promoting education and partnerships, the program seeks to mitigate economic and environmental impacts from these invasive species. It offers resources for both public and private lands, including technical assistance and financial support for effective management strategies. Through these efforts, the program strives to enhance the health of North Carolina's waterways.

The Open Grants Program by the Golden LEAF Foundation offers funding to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina. Grants up to $500,000 support projects focused on economic development, particularly in tobacco-dependent and rural communities. Priority areas include job creation, agriculture, workforce preparedness, and enhancing community capacity. This program aims to strengthen the economy by investing in infrastructure, training, and innovative agricultural practices, fostering sustainable growth and partnerships.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

Golden LEAF Foundation

Golden LEAF’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has provided lasting impact to tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural areas of the state.

SITE Program

Golden LEAF recognizes that rural and economically distressed communities must have industrial sites and shell buildings available for development to attract new businesses and create opportunities for existing businesses to expand. To address this need, Golden LEAF created the SITE Program. Through this program, Golden LEAF provides support to communities to identify potential industrial sites for economic development, enable completion of due diligence on industrial sites already identified, extend public utilities to or conduct grading and clearing of industrial sites for which due diligence has been completed, and to construct industrial shell buildings. Golden LEAF accepts applications from organizations in all counties but prioritizes awards within counties that have been persistently economically distressed (as demonstrated by County Tier status determined by the N.C. Department of Commerce) and in economically distressed, rural, and tobacco-dependent communities. Funding in the SITE Program is limited and the application process is expected to be competitive.

The SITE Program consists of four phases: SITE Program – Identification; SITE Program – Due Diligence; SITE Program – Development; and SITE Program – Shell Building.

Communities are able to participate in the program in any of the four phases, and a site may progress from Identification through Due Diligence, Development, and Shell Building over time.

Golden LEAF intends for the SITE Program to complement other site readiness and site development programs existing in North Carolina and has coordinated its program requirements with those other programs. See the SITE Program Resources page for information on other site readiness programs.

SITE Program – Shell Building

SITE Program – Shell Building provides funding for clearing and grading, site preparation, and construction of industrial shell buildings on publicly owned sites. May be combined with SITE Program – Development funding in a single project.

Golden LEAF offers an opportunity to seek funding for construction of industrial shell building as part of the SITE Program. This funding complements other funding available in the SITE Program, including for SITE Identification, SITE Due Diligence, and SITE Development. Funding available in the SITE Shell Building phase is in addition to funding available in other phases of the SITE Program.

Use of Funds

Grantees will use Golden LEAF funds to hire third-party professionals to complete eligible site development and building construction activities. The building and site must be owned by a governmental entity or 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Golden LEAF funds can be used for:

• Extension of public utilities (typically water and sewer) to the site
• Remediation of environmental conditions to enable industrial development
• Grading, clearing, and other site preparation activities
• Due diligence, planning, design, engineering, pre-construction, and construction activities for a shell building and required utilities

The grantee will procure the contractors for the project. 

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) has been a cornerstone in conserving the state's natural resources since 1996, protecting over half a million acres and 3,000 miles of waterways. The Donation Mini-Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for stewardship and management costs of donated properties, emphasizing ecological preservation and public access. This initiative highlights NCLWF's commitment to enhancing North Carolina's water quality and cultural heritage, ensuring these vital resources are safeguarded for future generations.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The North Carolina Land and Water Fund provides grants to support local governments, state agencies, and conservation non-profits in addressing water pollution issues. This initiative aims to enhance and restore degraded waters, protect unpolluted waters, and contribute to ecological diversity. Projects may include land acquisition, stream restoration, and innovative stormwater management practices. By fostering community involvement, the fund seeks to develop effective solutions that safeguard North Carolina's natural resources for future generations.

The Pigeon River Fund Grant aims to enhance the ecosystems of Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties in North Carolina. Supporting projects that improve water quality, wildlife habitats, and public access, the grant encourages community awareness and engagement in conservation efforts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000, with specific priorities for projects addressing local water quality issues. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities within the service area.

NC DEQ 319 Grant Program

Through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides states with funding to reduce nonpoint source pollution. North Carolina typically receives around $1 million for competitive funding of watershed restoration projects. Funds may be used to conduct watershed restoration projects such as stormwater and agricultural best management practices and restoration of impaired streams. Section 319 grant projects must be used to help restore waterbodies currently impaired by nonpoint source pollution in areas with approved watershed restoration plans. (map) (list)

State and local governments, interstate and intrastate agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions are all eligible to apply for 319 funding. An interagency workgroup reviews the proposals and selects those of merit to be funded. 

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.

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply for the State-Level Systemic Change Grant. This grant supports initiatives aimed at creating lasting, systemic improvements across North Carolina. Emphasizing equity and inclusion, the Foundation seeks to address barriers faced by historically marginalized communities, ensuring access to quality education, a healthy environment, and economic opportunities. This grant aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster a thriving, equitable society for all North Carolinians.

The Harold T. Southern Family Foundation Grant, established in 2014, honors Harold and Mildred Southern, promoting education and environmental conservation in North and South Carolina. The foundation supports tennis youth programs and protects natural resources in Western North Carolina. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Applications focus on environmental initiatives, ensuring a healthier lifestyle for future generations while fostering a love for nature and community engagement through sports.