Best Raleigh Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

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.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

Our Impact | Responsive Grantmaking

Complex organizational change continues to be a challenge for many Triangle nonprofits and the sector more broadly. Therefore, we’re building on learnings from the first call for proposals and nonprofit support activities in the last year to launch another Responsive Grantmaking call for proposals.

This cycle will provide a cohort-based scenario-planning initiative to help nonprofit leaders navigate uncertainty with greater clarity and confidence. This opportunity includes virtual cohort-based workshops, individualized coaching, and the opportunity to receive a general operating grant of up to $10,000 to support participation and/or implementation of scenario-planning next steps.

Cohort Overview

We anticipate awarding 20-30 nonprofits the opportunity to participate in scenario planning in partnership with Community Wealth Partners, a trusted consultant. Building on 20+ years of experience supporting nonprofit leaders through complex challenges, Community Wealth Partners designed this program to meet nonprofits where they are, accounting for shifting conditions, limited capacity, and the need for practical tools that build long-term resilience.

Scenario planning supports nonprofits by helping manage uncertainty, envisioning new opportunities, identifying unexpected threats, and building organizational resilience.

Program Goals

Support established Triangle nonprofits to maintain their capacity through a period of organizational change so they can continue providing core services and strategize how to best remain agile, innovative, and responsive to community needs moving forward. 

Understand and promote promising tools and practices to support nonprofits through a period of significant organizational change. 

Scenario Planning Activities: (Anticipated to occur over a +/- 3-month period)

Virtual Workshops: Three 90-minute sessions guiding participants through a five-step process, with real-time application to their organization’s challenges and space to complete their own scenario plan.

Coaching: Up to 3 hours of individualized coaching support to help leaders work through the steps of the scenario planning process with hands-on guidance in decision-making.

Grantmaking

Opportunities for a general operating grant up to $10,000 will be based on participation in the scenario planning cohort.

The Foundation hopes funding to support participation and/or activities to implement scenario plans.

This initiative is designed to foster long-term financial resilience and sustainability. By going “beyond the grant,” the Foundation aims to provide comprehensive support and invest in strong, resilient, sustainable nonprofits.

Amount

TBD, based on participation in scenario planning cohort

The National Humanities Center offers fellowships designed to support scholars engaged in advanced humanities research. These fellowships are open to applicants from various academic backgrounds, including the natural and social sciences, who have a doctorate or equivalent credentials. The Center provides resources for both year- and semester-long projects, aiming to generate new knowledge and understanding of cultural expression and human thought. Fluency in English and a strong scholarly record are essential for eligibility.

The Fidelity Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that aim for high impact in areas like Arts, Education, and Health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with operating budgets over $1 million and project budgets of at least $100,000. The foundation seeks transformative projects that enhance efficiency and sustainability. However, it does not fund start-up organizations, capital campaigns without prior support, or emergency funding, ensuring a focus on long-term effectiveness.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

About Us

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

Thelma M. Shafran Endowed Scholarship

The Emergency Solutions Grant Program (NC) aims to support non-profits and local governments in providing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The program includes activities such as street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention, with a total funding allocation of $433,683 for the CoC. Agencies are encouraged to submit applications to ensure essential services are provided.

Cox Enterprises Scholarship Program

A need-based scholarship for students attending UNCF member institutions with preference given to students majoring in STEM.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000

The PLTW Computer Science Program Expansion grant, funded by Pentair, aims to support schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2026-2027 school year. Grantees can utilize the $10,000 funding for activities such as adding new courses, increasing class periods, or training additional educators. Eligible schools are primarily public and charter institutions located in specific cities, while certain expenses like salaries and infrastructure improvements are ineligible for funding.

The PLTW Engineering program, in collaboration with Pentair, offers grants to schools for the 2026-2027 academic year, providing $30,000 to implement at least one engineering course. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Funds may cover participation fees, training, and necessary equipment. However, expenses such as salaries, infrastructure, and optional supplies are not allowed. This initiative aims to enhance engineering education in targeted regions.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion, in partnership with Pentair, aims to support schools in enhancing their engineering curriculum for the 2026-2027 academic year. This grant, totaling $15,000, is designated for expanding existing PLTW Engineering courses, training additional educators, or introducing new courses. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions located in key areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Milwaukee, ensuring broader access to quality engineering education.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, in partnership with Pentair, supports schools in implementing the PLTW Computer Science program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course and report on their progress for one year. The total award amount is $20,000, aimed at covering fees for participation, training, and necessary equipment, ensuring that students gain essential skills in the field of computer science.

Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment

This generous Detroit HBCU Scholarship provides need-based awards to support students who are in one of the eligible zip codes of Detroit.

The purpose of the Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment Fund is to provide 1 (one) annual, renewable, and need-based scholarships up to $5,000 (five-thousand dollars) to students graduating from a high school with a Detroit address or students transferring from a metro-Detroit community college to attend a partner HBCU.

The Community Foundation of NC East supports nonprofit organizations by providing grants to tax-exempt entities including 501(c)(3)s and government agencies. Since 1977, the foundation has been a catalyst for vibrant communities in eastern North Carolina, facilitating strategic grantmaking to address complex issues. They encourage innovative solutions and are committed to serving their region. Organizations can apply for funding, with support available for multi-year projects, but grants are not awarded to individuals.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Women's Fund of North Carolina, a program of the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of women and girls across the state through grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. This fund prioritizes organizations that address diverse needs and challenges faced by women, especially those led by marginalized populations. Grant decisions are made by a committee, and applicants are notified within 90 days after the application deadline.

The Cary Women’s Giving Network is a philanthropic initiative of the North Carolina Community Foundation that empowers women through collective giving. Focused on supporting charitable organizations that serve women, children, and families in the Cary area, the Network offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. By fostering women’s leadership in philanthropy, the Network aims to address critical community needs while promoting social impact and engagement among its members.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.