Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina seeking program or project support for diversity, equity, and inclusion, basic human needs, education, environment, or community vitality can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation offers two online grant cycles each year.

With a mission to expand diverse coaching opportunities, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides South Carolina NCAA Division II member schools with US $48,000 over three years to fund newly created assistant coaching positions. Eligible institutions committed to increasing ethnic minority and gender representation in any NCAA-sponsored sport may apply to support salary, wages, and benefits.

South Carolina NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to expand ethnic minority and women’s representation in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time mid- to senior-level roles focused on strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare as part of a five-year commitment.

Individuals, credit unions, business partners, and community nonprofits in South Carolina and North Carolina can be nominated for Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s Advancing Equity Award, honoring leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion. This recognition highlights proactive efforts that foster belonging through equitable policies, products, programs, and initiatives benefiting employees, members, and communities.

South Carolina NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices can access funding through National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administrative internships. Grants provide US $30,000 for salary plus professional development support, helping expand ethnic minority and women’s representation in roles involving planning, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

Early-career social science faculty researching economic mobility, opportunity, or systemic inequality in the U.S. can apply for diversity-focused Pipeline Grants, with awards of US $35,000 - US $50,000. Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Russell Sage Foundation invites scholars, including those at under-resourced institutions in South Carolina and nationwide, to propose one-year, theory-driven projects.

Nonprofit organizations with at least five years’ experience serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in computing can seek funding for recruitment and retention programs in South Carolina and nationwide. Reboot Representation Tech Coalition supports college-level computing pathways grounded in research and impact data, with preference for multi-site programs leveraging existing infrastructure.

Federally recognized Historically Black Colleges and Universities developing or expanding aquatic programming can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support competitive swimming or youth learn-to-swim costs. With a mission to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in swimming, USA Swimming Foundation provides HBCUs nationwide, including those in South Carolina, with funding for youth water safety lessons and university-based swim clubs.

Swim lesson programs in South Carolina that are approved members of the Swim Lesson Provider Network can receive more than US $1,000 from USA Swimming Foundation to expand youth learn-to-swim access. Funding supports free or reduced-cost lessons and transportation for under-served children under 19, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in swimming participation.

South Carolina diversity, equity, and inclusion researchers can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support health-related research and DEIA activities. Eligible investigators must be conducting biomedical research aligned with participating NIH Institutes and Centers and be contributing significantly to DEIA in the U.S. research enterprise without current NIH research project grant funding.

Late-stage biomedical PhD students from diverse backgrounds in South Carolina can apply for the NIH Advancing Research Careers (ARC) F99/K00 award to support their transition from doctoral research to mentored postdoctoral training. This two-phase fellowship funds dissertation completion, postdoctoral research, and cohort-based mentoring, networking, and professional development in NIH mission areas.

South Carolina graduate students conducting aging and aging-related health research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support their doctoral dissertations and help diversify the scientific workforce. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opportunity offers up to US $142,312 for projects aligned with the National Institute on Aging’s strategic priorities, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

South Carolina research institutions and affiliated nonprofits focused on health-related science and workforce diversity can apply for R01 grants supporting independent research projects; clinical trials are optional. The National Institutes of Health funds New and At-Risk Investigators from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds across the U.S., which may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in biomedical and health research careers.

Postdoctoral research scientists from nationally underrepresented backgrounds conducting cancer-related biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science work in the U.S. can receive career development support to transition into independent faculty roles. The National Institutes of Health provides three years of salary and research support, which may benefit South Carolina institutions advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer research careers.

South Carolina clinical and translational science researchers affiliated with NCATS CTSA Program institutions can access funding via the National Institutes of Health to advance independent academic careers. Awards up to US $100,000 support pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analyses, small research projects, and development of research methods or technologies, including work by diversity supplement recipients.

Early Stage and New Investigators conducting independent research on deafness, hearing, or communication disorders in the U.S. and territories can apply for NIH R01 awards up to Up to US $2,500,000. Grants from US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health support projects that also advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce.

Nurses in the U.S. pursuing advanced degrees to become or advance as nurse educators can receive $8,000 for tuition, books, and research expenses through this annual scholarship. Focused on nursing and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the National League For Nursing opportunity may benefit South Carolina-based nurses working toward educator roles.

Nurses from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced nursing degrees and educator careers, including those in South Carolina, can receive US $8,000 for tuition, books, and research expenses. Focused on nursing education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the National League for Nursing supports first-generation college students preparing to become academic or clinical nurse educators.

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

The T32 Training Program aims to enhance the participation of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. This initiative, funded by the NIH, supports institutions committed to diversity and health disparity populations. By providing training opportunities for students and postdoctoral trainees, the program seeks to foster research that improves health outcomes for these communities. Note that appointed trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials but can gain experience in trials conducted by mentors.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

The Award for Diversity Course Design, initiated by the Society for Music Theory, aims to enhance diversity, inclusion, and social justice in undergraduate music theory courses. Starting in 2025, two annual awards will recognize outstanding syllabi: one for core theory curricula and another for topical courses. This initiative encourages original contributions that embody inclusive pedagogy, with winning entries showcased on the SMT website to foster evolving best practices in music education.

The Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD) aims to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, focusing on a diverse applicant pool. Founded in 1989, GFSD supports various disciplines, including Astronomy, Biomedical Engineering, and Physics, through partnerships with universities and employers. Each fellowship can last from two to six years, with an annual fee of $27,000, covering both expenses for fellows and operational costs for GFSD. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific academic requirements.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.

The NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) K99/R00 program promotes diversity by supporting new independent investigators from underrepresented backgrounds in AD/ADRD research. This award facilitates a transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles, providing essential NIH research support. Applicants must propose research that does not involve leading a clinical trial but may include participation in trials led by mentors. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The NINDS Faculty Development Award aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience research by supporting junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential research cost support, protected research time, and mentorship for individuals holding doctoral degrees within their first three years on a faculty tenure track. It specifically encourages research proposals that do not involve independent clinical trials, while allowing participation in trials led by mentors. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in the research workforce by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative includes a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement to foster mentoring, networking, and professional development. With multiple application deadlines from 2024 to 2027, MOSAIC is dedicated to facilitating successful transitions into tenure-track or equivalent research-intensive faculty roles.