Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in North Carolina

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and educational institutions in North Carolina can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support community, military, and first responder initiatives. Support may include intermodal transportation services across the CSX rail network or donated railroad equipment and materials, helping nonprofits reduce freight costs or access rail-related items.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. tackling chronic poverty through proven social service programs can apply for more than US $100,000 to support program, capital, or general operations. Focused on economic independence and strong families, William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors large, well-established nonprofits, including those serving North Carolina, with scalable, direct-service models.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. North Carolina nonprofits may be eligible for this national funding, with requests reviewed twice yearly in March and September.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public or governmental entities running humanitarian, social, education, or community programs in North Carolina can seek donations and sponsorships that support charitable initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, Amgen Foundation provides U.S.-based organizations, including those serving North Carolina, with funding for nationwide or locally focused programs outside the healthcare community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on early childhood education or community economic development can seek funding to serve low- and moderate-income families in North Carolina communities where PNC operates. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for education, affordable housing, small business support, workforce readiness, arts, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for high-impact housing, education, healthcare, human services, and community development projects. Focused on capital, programmatic, and capacity-building (mission development) grants, State Employees Credit Union Foundation prioritizes tangible, statewide or regional initiatives that strengthen communities and benefit public employees.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities, including work that benefits North Carolina. Semnani Family Foundation provides global nonprofits with funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, literacy, and social services; organizations with strong on-the-ground impact may be eligible.

Nonprofit and community organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects or events in North Carolina can seek support for local initiatives. Grants from Stantec help groups near its offices fund community projects, programs, or events that strengthen sustainable development, art and cultural life, youth education, and health services.

Nonprofits, NGOs, and institutions with annual budgets of at least $2M, including those in North Carolina, can seek large-scale philanthropic support for bold, proven social impact ideas. With a mission to catalyze transformative solutions, TED’s Audacious Project supports multi-year plans addressing urgent global challenges such as health, climate, social justice, and education.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, jobs, hunger, and related community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Grants may support basic needs, workforce development, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, sports, and diversity and inclusion programs as part of its regional U.S. sponsorships to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities.

The Zegar Family Foundation Grant, established in 2007, focuses on improving lives through impactful charitable donations. The foundation prioritizes areas such as environment, justice, human rights, science, education, and community development. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, the foundation remains open to innovative ideas that align with its mission. Through targeted support, it aims to create lasting positive change in communities and promote social equity.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $1,000 for community-focused programs can apply for support from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. Funding can back initiatives in agriculture, environment, education, hunger and poverty, health and social services, public safety, and cultural heritage in communities where Perdue associates live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving North Carolina and other Southern states can seek funding for programs addressing poverty relief, children and families, education, health, disaster relief, veterans, animal welfare, or spiritual endeavors. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced organizations with over three years of activity create tangible, meaningful impact through single-year, program-focused support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding may be eligible for funding that includes North Carolina. With a mission to support positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides nonprofits with support for initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment across an ever-changing world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in North Carolina can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants supporting basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety. Eligible nonprofits that pass the questionnaire and LOI stages may be invited to submit a full application.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that supports hunger relief, shelter, workforce readiness, and community vitality initiatives. Organizations working in priority cities like Charlotte, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers, may be particularly competitive for these U.S.-wide community grants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina working on youth education, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. U.S., Canadian, U.K., and Singapore charities serving underserved youth and families may be eligible across four program categories.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including North Carolina, that lead strong cross-sector community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. This national competition honors exemplary collaborations that measurably improve communities, can be replicated elsewhere, and introduce innovative approaches to significant social issues.

Nonprofit organizations providing human services or arts programming in North Carolina, especially serving Wake and Vance County residents, can apply for funding to support needs like hunger, housing, health, and job training. Focused on opportunity and personal responsibility, the John William Pope Foundation prioritizes performance and arts education, as well as programs restoring individuals and families in crisis.