Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in North Carolina

Individuals, families, and local organizations in North Carolina facing disaster-related or financial hardship can apply for Giving Branch Foundation’s Giving Branch Donations program, with awards up to US $5,000 for urgent needs. Funding may cover emergency assistance after natural disasters, sudden death, illness, job loss, temporary displacement, or similar basic human needs crises.

North Carolina local governments in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene can access funding through the North Carolina Department of Commerce to repair or replace damaged public infrastructure that small businesses rely on. Grants up to Up to US $1,000,000 support water, sewer, utilities, sidewalks, broadband, and similar projects serving small businesses with 150 or fewer employees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina focused on disaster relief and humanitarian aid can seek single-year project support from the Robinson Foundation. Focused on alleviating hardship, the foundation also considers programs for children and families, poverty relief, medical assistance, and related services, as long as they serve communities in the Southern region and are not capital projects.

North Carolina K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and apply within 36 months of the disaster.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits facing unplanned emergency needs from disasters like fires, floods, or pandemics can seek one-time support for emotional, occupational, or nutritional health programs. The Rosendin Foundation reviews emergency requests as needed and offers grants up to US $5,000 to community-focused organizations in its North Carolina office and project areas.

Eligible local jurisdictions and state agencies in North Carolina can receive more than US $5,000 for hazardous materials training, planning, and exercises through the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grants. North Carolina Department of Public Safety supports disaster preparedness by funding HAZMAT transportation risk training for emergency responders and planning work by Local Emergency Planning Committees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving North Carolina communities in Aqua or Peoples utility service areas can apply for Essential Foundation grants to support environmental initiatives, direct human services, emergency services, and disaster preparedness. Funding also covers community economic growth, education, food insecurity, and other essential resources that improve quality of life for local residents.

State, local, and regional entities working on flood hazard mapping and disaster preparedness in North Carolina can seek up to US $5,000,000 to develop flood risk data and maps. Grants from FEMA help North Carolina disaster preparedness organizations improve public awareness, support risk reduction decisions, and strengthen community resilience to flooding.

Health centers providing primary care and operating in Hurricane Helene FEMA-declared disaster areas in North Carolina can request advance funding to cover unforeseen, in-scope costs and maintain access to services. Grants from HRSA help eligible health centers manage continuity of care by advancing up to 25% of their anticipated FY 2025 Health Center Program award.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies seeking backup power solutions to maintain essential services during emergencies can apply for US $300,000 in funding, including those serving North Carolina. Focused on disaster preparedness and relief, Hillman Family Foundations supports projects that protect basic needs like food, safety, shelter, and heating or cooling when power fails.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in North Carolina communities with International Paper operations can seek funding for education, hunger relief, health and wellness, disaster preparedness, and disaster relief projects. With a mission to strengthen critical community needs, International Paper Company Foundation provides US $2,500 - US $10,000 to programs serving underserved populations and engaging company employees.

Nonprofit organizations addressing disaster preparedness, relief, or humanitarian aid in North Carolina can seek up to US $25,000 to support crisis response, medicine and food access, and related health equity efforts. McKesson Foundation also funds programs in cancer prevention, healthcare workforce diversity, STEM education, and social determinants of health across the U.S. and Canada.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) for effective disaster response. It focuses on closing funding gaps, fostering collaboration among federal and non-federal partners, and improving resource coordination during emergencies. This initiative supports the DHS's goals of building national resilience and enhancing first responder training, ensuring swift and effective responses to various threats and disasters.

Local governments, regional coalitions, and other economic development entities in North Carolina can access disaster recovery and preparedness funding via the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000. Funding supports readiness planning, implementation projects, and large-scale industry transformation in areas hit by 2023–2024 natural disasters.

Eligible U.S. educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. North Carolina organizations working on disaster preparedness, mitigation, or recovery may be especially well positioned for this funding.

North Carolina nonprofits and 501(c)(3) institutions conducting Japan–U.S. collaborative projects on disaster preparedness, relief, or related global challenges may be eligible for this program. North Carolina disaster-focused organizations can access funding through Japan Foundation, New York to support joint policy research, dialogue, and exchange on building resilient, inclusive societies enriched by science and technology.

Nonprofit organizations improving health equity through cancer support, healthcare workforce development, or crisis response may be eligible for more than US $25,000 to expand programs, including disaster preparedness and relief, across the U.S. and Canada. Grants from McKesson Foundation help organizations, including those serving North Carolina, reduce health disparities for vulnerable and underserved communities.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

Nonprofits, academic institutions, and individuals worldwide, including those in North Carolina, can seek US $1,000 - US $500,000 for projects addressing long-term global catastrophic risks, especially from AI. With a mission to support work on existential risk, Centre for Effective Altruism USA provides flexible funding for research, governance, ecosystem support, and movement-building that may strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations led by youth ages 15–35 working on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, or related climate solutions can apply for Enlight Foundation’s Emerging Climate Champions Award. With a mission to elevate youth-led climate action, Enlight Foundation provides global organizations, including those in North Carolina, with US $1,000,000 to advance durable, community-rooted climate initiatives.

The Burke Charitable Properties Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Burke County, invites applications from tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations serving residents of Burke County, NC. This fund focuses on non-profit facility costs that enhance community programs. Grants are designated for charitable, religious, humanitarian, or educational purposes, with a priority on facility-related expenses. The fund aims to support organizations that contribute positively to the local community and address urgent facility needs.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.