Best Winston Salem Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Strategic Initiative Grants by the Winston-Salem Foundation aim to build an inclusive economy for Black communities in Forsyth County. The program supports organizations focused on economic empowerment, addressing systemic inequities that affect Black residents. Grants are available for initiatives that create pathways to high-paying careers, promote financial stability, and support Black-owned businesses. This program reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable growth and equitable opportunities for all community members.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Lewisville-Clemmons Grants provide up to $7,500 to nonprofits addressing unmet community needs in the Lewisville and Clemmons areas. The Shallow Ford Foundation encourages applications from established tax-exempt organizations focusing on capacity building, community strengthening, and sustainability. Preference is given to proposals benefiting seniors or children and those that demonstrate collaboration among multiple nonprofits, fostering effective and lasting community solutions.

N.C. Forest Service - Timber Loss Relief Program

Program Overview

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture block grant to support Hurricane Helene recovery. Part of these disaster recovery funds will be administered by the N.C. Forest Service through a new Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP). TLRP funds will be used to partially compensate eligible woodland owners for the value of timber loss as a result of Hurricane Helene. 

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Truliant Mini Grants program offers $1,500 grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Truliant member communities. These grants support capacity building through staff training and development, along with materials for programs aligned with Truliant's focus areas: Social Mobility, Financial Wellness, and Workforce Education. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget under $500,000, be tax-exempt, and have been operating for at least three years, ensuring community engagement and sustainability.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

TE Connectivity's Community Ambassador Program supports meaningful community impact by providing grants to registered nonprofits and educational institutions. This initiative evaluates proposals based on alignment with TE's values, community focus areas like education or health services, and opportunities for employee engagement. The program operates both in the US and internationally, with numerous ambassador locations, aiming to foster community development and engagement around the globe.

The Walnut Cove Members Association Grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Western North Carolina. The grant focuses on social services, education, and cultural resources, with funding caps of $25K, $15K, and $10K respectively. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations sponsored by WCMA members. The award process is competitive, emphasizing measurable impact on local residents. Applications must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring funds directly support community needs.

The NRA Foundation: North Carolina – West NCW Grants provide funding to support charitable purposes as defined by the IRS under section 501(c)(3). Eligible applicants include recognized nonprofits, government entities, and organizations that can demonstrate a public benefit. The grants aim to promote firearms safety, educate the public about firearms, and support competitive shooting activities. Ineligible organizations include labor groups and private businesses, and the funding cannot be used for deficit financing or administrative costs.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks by providing federal funding for security enhancements. Administered by the North Carolina Emergency Management, this competitive grant allows eligible organizations to apply for up to $150,000 per site, focusing on target hardening, planning, and training. The program aims to integrate nonprofit preparedness with local efforts, enhancing community safety and resilience against threats.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education in underserved communities. Grants of $30,000 will help schools launch and expand these programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer at least two different PLTW Engineering courses over two years. Preference will be given to institutions with high-need student populations as determined by free and reduced lunch eligibility.

The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund supports North Carolina counties in addressing critical public school building needs through grants funded by the NC Education Lottery. With over $258 million available for FY2025-26, counties can apply for significant funding to construct new schools and renovate existing facilities. Eligible counties must have a market value of taxable real property under $40 billion and are required to provide local matching funds. This initiative aims to enhance educational infrastructure across the state.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

The North Carolina Appalachian Regional Commission Funds support economic development across 13 states, focusing on infrastructure, workforce, and community resilience. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the program prioritizes projects that enhance local economies, particularly in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Funding caps are set at $700,000 for construction and $300,000 for non-construction projects, with special considerations for distressed counties and workforce development initiatives.

Youth Grantmakers in Action Grants empower youth aged 15-18 in Forsyth County to engage in philanthropy, fostering leadership and community involvement. This youth-led initiative encourages collaboration among young grantmakers and supports projects aimed at addressing local challenges. By amplifying youth voices, the program builds authentic partnerships that create impactful changes in the community. With a focus on meaningful projects, YGA is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in philanthropy.

The Winston-Salem Foundation's Women's Fund Grants focus on enhancing economic security for women and girls in Forsyth County, where less than 7% of philanthropic funding targets their needs. This initiative aims to address systemic barriers, improve educational and health outcomes, and foster overall well-being. With the program's priorities including support for organizations led by women of color and those actively involving their community, the Women's Fund is dedicated to building an inclusive economy and empowering marginalized voices.

The Strategic Initiative Grants: BPI Advancing Equity in Education program by the Winston-Salem Foundation aims to tackle systemic inequities in education that affect Black and brown communities. By supporting programs that ensure equitable access to resources, it prioritizes initiatives designed by and for Black students. This grant program invites proposals that focus on improving educational experiences, including remote learning access and implicit bias training for educators, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.