Best Wake County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

OREF/Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Research Grant

Solicits investigator-initiated proposals focusing on research in the science of biologic – reconstruction, bone regeneration, transplantation - allografts, and including stem cells for graft transplantation.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides financial protection for museums exhibiting significant art and artifacts. Launched in 1975, it minimizes insurance costs for international exhibitions. The program allows U.S. entities to receive indemnity for works of art while on display in the U.S. Applications are assessed by expert panels, ensuring a thorough review process before approvals or conditional notices are issued.

The FY25-FY26 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) grant program aims to enhance transportation through the deployment of innovative technologies. It focuses on improving safety, mobility, and efficiency while fostering economic competitiveness. Projects funded will prioritize core infrastructure improvements and address roadway congestion, aligning with the Trump Administration's goals. The program emphasizes economic opportunities and community benefits, ensuring that selected projects contribute positively to families and communities, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, established in 1975, supports the exhibition of significant art and artifacts by minimizing insurance costs for international exhibitions. Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, it covers U.S. owned art during exhibitions in the country. The program evaluates applications through advisory panels and the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, ensuring that vital cultural works are accessible while providing necessary financial protections.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, ensures that U.S. museums can exhibit significant art and artifacts without the burden of high insurance costs. Established in 1975, it provides indemnity against loss or damage, promoting access to cultural heritage. The program evaluates applications through expert advisory panels and typically meets three to six months after deadlines to decide on indemnity requests, thereby supporting the arts and enriching public engagement.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program provides museums and cultural institutions in the U.S. with financial protection against loss or damage to significant artworks during exhibitions. Established in 1975 and expanded in 2007, the program aims to enhance public access to art by minimizing insurance costs. Managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, it involves thorough evaluations by expert panels to ensure eligibility and compliance, facilitating the safe display of invaluable cultural treasures.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is seeking applications for research coordination and data support under the Health and Extreme Weather initiative. This funding opportunity aims to engage NIH grantees and the broader community by sharing best practices, developing training resources, and facilitating access to health and environmental data. The initiative will enhance collaboration, reduce duplication, and promote data standards to support impactful research and infrastructure activities.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is launching a funding opportunity for research hubs focused on the health impacts of extreme weather. This initiative encourages multidisciplinary teams to engage with community partners on issues such as wildfire smoke and extreme heat. Emphasizing collaboration, the program aims to develop scalable solutions and measurable public health outcomes, leveraging resources and expertise across institutions to address climate-related health challenges effectively.

The SPARK-EHS initiative aims to broaden the reach of NIEHS training by launching innovative environmental health programs for predoctoral trainees at institutions without recent NIEHS T32 funding. This initiative focuses on research regarding the impact of the environment on biological systems and seeks to translate findings into practical health solutions. Eligible institutions will receive support for developing and implementing these targeted training programs, fostering advancements in environmental health research.

What is a Community Foundation?

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Dan Pheil Scholarship Fund

Created in honor of Dan Pheil, this scholarship awards a deserving graduating high school senior residing in Washington County who plans to major in business.

What is a Community Foundation?

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Lawrence and Genevieve Martin Scholarship Fund

This scholarship honors Larry and Geney Martin by assisting a young man or woman graduating from a Washington County, MD public high school who plans to pursue a career in the building industry.

What is a Community Foundation?

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

FOP Lodge #88 Criminal Justice Scholarship

Established by the FOP Thomas Pangborn Lodge #88, this scholarship shall provide awards to deserving students pursuing an education in criminal justice.

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. 

ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 

Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:

Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000. 

Eligibility

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.   

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

NC Supportive Housing Development Program (SHDP)

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency offers several programs to help nonprofit organizations and local government entities build and rehabilitate emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for people who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness, have disabilities or other special needs.

The Supportive Housing Development Program (SHDP) aims to increase the supply of emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing for special populations and low-income households.

Supportive Housing Development Program-Veterans (SHDP-Veterans)

New for the 2026 cycle, SHDP-Veterans financing is available for acquisition, rehabilitation, and/or new construction of emergency, transitional, or permanent housing serving veterans who are homeless or imminently at risk of homelessness.

The housing must serve households who earn below 50% of area median income. Rent and utilities cannot exceed 30% of the gross household income. 

NC Supportive Housing Development Program (SHDP)

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency offers several programs to help nonprofit organizations and local government entities build and rehabilitate emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for people who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness, have disabilities or other special needs.

The Supportive Housing Development Program (SHDP) aims to increase the supply of emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing for special populations and low-income households.

Supportive Housing Development Program-Integrated (SHDP-Integrated)

New for the 2026 cycle, SHDP-Integrated financing is available for acquisition, rehabilitation, and/or new construction of permanent rental housing serving people with disabilities in an integrated setting.

The housing must serve households who earn below 50% of area median income. Rent and utilities cannot exceed 30% of the gross household income. 

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Synergistic Idea Award supports innovative research on neurofibromatosis (NF) through collaborative efforts of two or three Principal Investigators (PIs). By leveraging their unique perspectives, these PIs will tackle significant questions in NF research. Applicants must provide relevant preliminary or published data to support their proposals, ensuring a strong foundation for impactful research outcomes.

The DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award addresses critical needs in neurofibromatosis research, aiming to enhance patient care through innovative projects. It supports various research phases, excluding clinical trials, and encourages collaboration between scientists and clinicians. The funding mechanism includes two levels based on participation in optional features, such as the Open Science Initiative and collaboration with qualified partners, promoting data sharing and collaborative research efforts.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award supports early-career independent investigators focusing on neurofibromatosis research. Scholars are required to be within 10 years of their terminal degree and must designate a Career Guide for mentorship, fostering collaboration. This initiative aims to advance impactful research and develop skilled researchers in a supportive environment, addressing critical areas of emphasis in neurofibromatosis research.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award encourages innovative, high-risk research concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF). This award aims to support groundbreaking studies that will pave the way for future scientific inquiries. Proposals should present a well-defined, testable hypothesis grounded in sound scientific rationale. While preliminary data is encouraged, it is not a prerequisite for submission, allowing researchers to explore novel paradigms and perspectives in NF research.

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

Department of Health and Human Services 

The Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health and human related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. The department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen.

Community Services Block Grant

The Community Services Block Grant is the sole source of federal funding for North Carolina’s Community Action Agencies that provide a wide range of services and programs to assist needy families with children. CSBG funding supports projects that:  

• Decrease poverty in communities.
• Address the needs of low-income individuals, including the homeless, migrants and the elderly.
• Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health.

The CSBG State Plan is required for North Carolina to receive CSBG block grant funds, and it describes major program provisions, eligible entities, training and technical assistance, and program benefits.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Building the Future Workforce Challenge

Awarding $5 million and the opportunity to test bold, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen the advanced manufacturing and industry technician workforce—today and for the future.

About the Challenge

Caterpillar knows preparing the workforce for the future is urgent. Communities, employers, and industry need new ways to close advancing skill gaps. The Building the Future Workforce Challenge invites fresh perspectives from all sectors to rethink training. Up to five teams will be awarded $1 million each for sustainable, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen today’s—and tomorrow’s—advanced manufacturing and industry technician talent pipelines.

What types of solutions are you looking for?

The Building the Future Workforce Challenge aims to identify, test, and scale innovative, sustainable solutions that will address today’s and tomorrow’s advanced manufacturing and industry technician skill gaps. A core requirement of any solution is that it remains relevant amid evolving technology—ensuring that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.

Strong proposals for Building the Future Workforce Challenge will meet four criteria outlined in the scoring rubric, and proposed solutions must focus on one or more of the following solution categories for Building the Future Workforce Challenge:

Pre-clinical Investigation of anti-TFPI-mediated Rebalancing Mechanisms in Non-Hemophilic Bleeding Disorders 

There remains a scientific gap in understanding of the role of anti-TFP Imediated hemostatic rebalancing in the context of inherited or non-hemophilic bleeding disorders. This competitive grant program encourages competitive submissions focsed on generating preclinical/foundational data exploring the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of TFPI modulation in bleeding disorders other than hemophilia.

Geographic Scope

Brazil, China, Europe, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, USA

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered.

Request for study drug or compound is allowed (max $50,000 USD), additionally to the study project costs.

Maximum project length is 1 year.