Best Human Rights Grants in North Carolina

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations, colleges, universities, religious entities, and government units working on state-level systemic change can access funding for advocacy, research, organizing, and related strategies that advance human rights and justice. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation supports multi-year, general operating work in education, environment, social and economic justice, and democracy, with emphasis on historically marginalized communities.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina working on grassroots social justice, human rights, workers’ rights, environmental justice, peace, or non-traditional arts and media can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 for long-term social change efforts. Fund for Southern Communities supports small-budget groups (US $150,000 or less) registered as 501(c)(3)s or using a fiscal agent.

Nonprofits and community groups in North Carolina can seek funding for community-driven projects that build local wealth, protect natural resources, and strengthen rural resilience. Legacy Philanthropy Works’ Creating New Economies Fund offers US $8,000 - US $12,000 for initiatives such as sustainable agriculture, youth leadership, eco-tourism, and other social justice and human rights efforts.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing to advance social, economic, environmental, or human rights justice in North Carolina and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Focused on strengthening rural grassroots leadership, Southern Partners Fund supports groups with budgets up to or above $350,000, depending on support type.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations using community organizing to advance social, racial, and economic justice in North Carolina can seek approximately US $12,000 in general support from Abelard Foundation. Priority goes to small, local groups east of the Mississippi with budgets under $350,000 working on civil, immigrant, and worker rights for marginalized communities.

Nonprofit and faith-based groups in North Carolina developing racially inclusive, creative programs in education, evangelism, or social justice may be eligible for the Visionary Fund. With a mission to advance these Synod priorities, Synod of the Mid-Atlantic provides support that can help expand human rights and equity-focused initiatives in the region.

PCUSA congregations in North Carolina seeking support for new or small church home mission projects can apply for grants up to US $5,000. Synod of the Mid-Atlantic provides funding for initiatives that advance education, evangelism, and social justice and human rights within the bounds of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic.

Rural grassroots community groups in North Carolina working on social, economic, or environmental justice can receive support for organizing, capacity building, and travel assistance. Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund offers up to US $3,500 per year for activities like education reform, immigration rights, voter engagement, and related human rights organizing in its 12-state Southern region.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina working on human rights, social justice, women’s rights, grassroots advocacy, or related environmental issues may be eligible for this funding. The Bydale Foundation supports programs in these areas, including peace and human rights advocacy, with a focus on select regions such as North Carolina and other priority locations.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

The Russell Sage Foundation offers Dissertation Research Grants to support innovative research addressing key social science questions. Focus areas include behavioral science, immigration, and economic inequality, particularly benefiting underrepresented doctoral students. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for projects that demonstrate rigorous methods and relevance to U.S. social conditions. The foundation prioritizes diverse applicants and those lacking funding resources to ensure impactful research outcomes.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

North Carolina local governments, public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and community partners can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support November activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and encourage students to walk, bike, or roll to school.

501(c)(3) organizations working on education or social justice in North Carolina may be eligible for support that advances human rights and related initiatives. Baskin Family Foundation supports forward-thinking programs across the U.S., so North Carolina human rights groups can consider this as a potential funding source for their work.

Kauai residents pursuing full-time master’s or doctoral degrees in social justice, public or human service, education, or health can apply for the Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund. Focused on advancing human rights and related fields, Hawai'i Community Foundation supports students with financial need who plan to study in Hawaii or on the U.S. mainland.

State and local education affiliates in North Carolina working on K–12 racial justice and human rights initiatives can apply for US $5,000 - US $75,000 to advance awareness, capacity-building, and action. Grants from National Education Association Staff Organization support projects that address racial equity, develop leaders of color, build multiracial solidarity, and transform organizational policies and practices.

State and local education affiliates working on K–12 student achievement and racial justice in education, including in North Carolina, can seek support for community advocacy and partnership efforts. With a mission to strengthen public education, National Education Association provides grants to mobilize community partners, engage trained union members, and build roles focused on parent and community engagement.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in North Carolina can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects that strengthen AE programs and partnerships. Funding can support educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice/human rights initiatives within education, with multiple submission deadlines each year.

Education unions and affiliates working on student-centered advocacy and bargaining initiatives in North Carolina can seek support to advance social justice and human rights in schools. National Education Association Staff Organization funds projects that engage communities, improve learning conditions, influence board policies, and elevate educator voices around equity, mental health, and safe, healthy schools, with awards up to US $50,000.

Recent humanities or interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S., including North Carolina, can receive multi-year paid fellowships supporting social justice work with nonprofit organizations. American Council of Learned Societies places fellows in substantive roles using their research, communication, and project management skills to advance human rights and equity initiatives.

North Carolina social justice and human rights organizations can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to support STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and equity-focused programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) charities or public entities within AEP’s multistate service territory or with broader regional or national reach benefiting AEP communities.

North Carolina human rights and legal services nonprofits can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund to advance fairness in the justice system, support rehabilitation and anti-recidivism, and uphold 7th Amendment protections. Programs promoting civic engagement and educating future attorneys or social justice workers may also be considered, with occasional support for nonprofits beyond the fund’s primary regions.

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The Transformative Organizing Grants, funded by the Arch Community Fund, aim to bolster grassroots movements advocating for systemic change. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, prioritize organizations with 501(c)(3) status and an annual budget under $1 million. The focus is on empowering community leadership through anti-capitalist solutions, promoting intersectionality, and addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term structural change. Eligible groups are encouraged to apply for support in their transformative organizing efforts.