Best Grants for Youth Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina youth-serving nonprofits, public schools, and state or municipal agencies can seek support for programs that improve lives and expand opportunities. Toyota provides North Carolina youth services with funding for community sustainability, inclusive mobility, and workforce readiness initiatives, with a focus on long-term, sustainable impact for diverse and underserved populations in Randolph and Guilford counties.

Child and youth care agencies in North Carolina and other Mid-Atlantic states can receive support for youth services, child welfare, foster care, adoption, and childcare programs. Grants from Synod of the Mid-Atlantic’s Thanksgiving Offering Fund are distributed to eligible agencies based on donor designations and a shared formula for undesignated contributions.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

North Carolina cities, counties, Pre-K–12 schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can apply for North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission’s Youth Sports Grant, with awards up to US $25,000 for hosting nonprofessional youth sports events and tournaments. Funding may cover bid fees, equipment, venues, administration, structures, and marketing for youth programs.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

Grants from Carolina Elite Panthers help North Carolina youth services programs access complimentary tickets to Carolina Panthers home games for underprivileged youth and troops. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth or military in North and South Carolina may request tickets once per year, with availability and seat locations dependent on PSL owner donations.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for projects serving children and youth, including arts, education, environment, historic preservation, and community development initiatives. The Huffman-Cornwell Foundation tends to favor work benefiting Burke County and supports not-for-profit groups whose programs advance cultural and physical development for young people.

QuikTrip provides North Carolina youth services nonprofits with support for at-risk youth and early childhood education programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must operate in areas where QuikTrip has stores and may receive grants, in-kind product donations, event sponsorships, and volunteer support to help children and teens succeed and break cycles of poverty.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina and the broader Southern region can seek support for programs benefiting children, families, and vulnerable communities. Grants from Robinson Foundation help fund youth services, education, poverty relief, disaster relief, and related humanitarian efforts, but not capital projects, for nonprofits active more than three years.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on youth services, education, health, safety, or community wellness may be eligible for grants supporting programs in North Carolina and other states. Grants from Encova Foundation help nonprofits that improve communities and families, promote education, encourage wellness, and support children’s success, with preference for efforts involving Encova associates.

Youth-serving organizations in North Carolina planning community-driven projects can apply for Legacy Philanthropy Works’ Creating New Economies Fund, awarding US $8,000 - US $12,000 for initiatives that build local wealth, protect natural resources, and strengthen rural resilience. Programs involving youth leadership, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, health, or nutrition may be especially competitive.

North Carolina youth-led organizing projects can access funding through Southern Vision Alliance’s Carolina Youth Power Fund for civic engagement and leadership efforts. Young people ages 13–25, especially Black, Muslim, immigrant, disabled, and LGBTQ+ youth directly impacted by the issues, may receive US $500 - US $1,000 to build skills and mobilize peers around critical local issues through nonpartisan projects.

North Carolina youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for facilities or other major projects can access funding through the J. Bulow Campbell Foundation. The foundation prioritizes education, youth development, human services, public spaces, and cultural institutions, with grants awarded primarily to tax-exempt, non-private foundations within its six-state regional focus.

Children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in North Carolina can seek funding to host prom-like events for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom grants typically range from US $20,000 - US $50,000 and support themes, space, food, entertainment, photos, and formal wear.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving seriously ill children near Dunkin’ locations, including North Carolina, can apply for the Connecting Joy Grant; awards US $25,000 - US $65,000 per year for up to three years. Funding supports pediatric gaming specialists, gaming systems, connectivity, and virtual programming, with emphasis on teens.

Focused on youth services, The Toy Foundation invites North Carolina nonprofit youth programs to request in-kind toy donations for children they serve. Approved organizations join an industry-wide toy donation program and can pick up toys quarterly from the nearest partner facility to enhance play, comfort, and educational benefits for kids.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on inspiring youth through physical activity, literacy, and community engagement. With a mission to empower children in New England, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 twice a year. Priority is given to programs serving individuals under 17, particularly in areas with low reading scores and high poverty. This initiative fosters self-confidence and community support, ensuring a brighter future for the youth it serves.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth or disadvantaged people through social enhancement or youth services may be eligible for funding in North Carolina and nationwide. Grants from Robert B McMillen Foundation help youth programs and related initiatives, with preference for child-focused work and organizations advancing equity, justice, and thriving communities, especially those incorporating the arts.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

North Carolina youth programs run by 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Edward & Wanda Jordan Foundation to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries for children and youth. This U.S.-wide fund may benefit organizations focused on improving the welfare and quality of life of young people in the state.

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.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.