Best Hearing and Vision Grants in North Carolina

North Carolina vision health organizations can access funding through the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust to support medical research and care for blindness, diabetes-related eye issues, and other vision impairments. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities in North Carolina and other select U.S. locations may also receive support for related education, environmental, and basic human needs programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving North Carolina and other Southern states can seek support for health, medical assistance, and related human services projects from the Robinson Foundation. Focused on compassionate relief, the foundation invites established charities (3+ years) to request single-year program funding that creates tangible, meaningful impact for children, families, veterans, and people facing hardship.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Sadie Jones Fund

The original focus of the Sadie Jones Fund was to provide for vision and hearing needs for individual children in Lyon and Chase counties. While the purpose has expanded, individual children are still eligible to receive assistance.

Academic and clinical institutions in North Carolina and other U.S. jurisdictions can obtain NIH support for research education that prepares clinician-scientists for careers in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences. The National Institutes of Health offers up to US $2,250,000 for R25 programs emphasizing hearing, communication disorders, and related professional training, which may benefit hearing-focused organizations.

Early-career research scientists at low- and middle-income country (LMIC) academic or research institutions conducting clinical trials in areas like eye diseases, vision impairment, or hearing disorders can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help build independent research careers, which may benefit North Carolina collaborators and global hearing and vision health.

Early-career research scientists in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored health research and career development. North Carolina–based mentors or partners in hearing, vision, or related health fields may collaborate with LMIC investigators on projects aligned with local health priorities.

Early Stage and New Investigators conducting independent research on hearing and communication disorders in the U.S. and territories, including North Carolina, can apply for up to US $2,500,000 in R01 funding. Grants from the National Institutes of Health support projects within the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders’ scientific mission areas and encourage applicants from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds.

Full-time graduate audiology students in the U.S. who are committed to expanding access to hearing-care services, including for underserved communities in North Carolina, can apply for the Jill Botkin Hearing Health-Care Accessibility Scholarship, which awards US $5,000 for their studies. Funded by HearUSA, this American Academy of Audiology Foundation scholarship supports future hearing health professionals.

Doctoral-level audiology and hearing science researchers at nonprofit institutions in the U.S. or Canada can seek up to US $20,000 for one-year hearing and balance research projects. With a mission to advance hearing health, American Academy of Audiology prioritizes post-doctoral fellows and academic-clinical partnerships, which may benefit North Carolina hearing and balance care programs.

Doctoral students conducting clinical or rehabilitative audiology research at full-time U.S. academic programs can receive $4,000 grants to support their studies. Focused on hearing disorders and audiology, the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation opportunity may benefit North Carolina students pursuing advanced training in hearing impairment care and related services.

Full-time graduate students in audiology pursuing AuD, PhD, or AuD/PhD programs at U.S. universities can receive $500 to recognize outstanding clinical skills, research potential, and service. With a mission to advance hearing and balance health care, the American Academy of Audiology supports future clinicians, including those serving North Carolina patients with hearing disorders and audiology needs.

Full-time graduate students in audiology at U.S. universities who are minority and/or international and focused on hearing research can receive US $500 to support their academic work. American Academy of Audiology provides North Carolina hearing and vision students with the Sadanand Singh Memorial Scholarship to recognize exceptional promise in audiology research.

Full-time graduate students in U.S. audiology programs focusing on pediatric audiology can receive scholarship and travel support for AAA 2026+HearTECH Expo through this opportunity, which is open nationwide, including North Carolina. Focused on pediatric hearing care, the American Academy of Audiology awards US $10,000 plus travel funds to three eligible students.

The NIDCD Mentored Career Development Award for Postdoctorate Au.D./Ph.D. Audiologists (K01) aims to foster the development of promising audiologists through comprehensive postdoctoral research experiences. This funding opportunity supports individuals in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences, helping them become independent researchers. The deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to May 2027, ensuring ample time for preparation and submission.

Full-time graduate audiology students at U.S. universities, including those in North Carolina, can receive scholarship funding for their clinical training and education. American Academy of Audiology provides $5,000 Empowering Students Scholarships, funded by the Oticon Hearing Foundation, with a portion of the total $30,000 designated specifically to support Black students pursuing audiology careers.

The NIDCD Mentored Career Development Award supports postdoctoral Au.D./Ph.D. audiologists in their research and career development. This grant aims to foster independence in scientific health-related research relevant to the NIDCD's mission. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to May 2027, providing numerous opportunities for eligible candidates to secure funding and advance their careers in the biomedical and clinical sciences.

Full-time graduate students in audiology seeking support for their clinical training and education can apply for this scholarship, which awards US $2,000 to two recipients. With a mission to advance hearing and balance health care, the American Academy of Audiology provides this funding to students at U.S. universities, including those in North Carolina.

The NIDCD Mentored Career Development Award for Postdoctorate Au.D./Ph.D. Audiologists (K01) aims to support the career development of promising audiologists through rigorous postdoctoral research in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This initiative encourages independent investigation in health-related research relevant to NIDCD's mission. Applications are due on various dates, with the next deadline on June 13, 2024, providing opportunities for advancing research in audiology and related fields.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports early-stage scientists in establishing independent research careers in areas such as hearing, balance, and language. This grant facilitates small, innovative research projects and aims to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. It is not intended for thesis work and is designed to enhance research methodologies and technologies in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

Audiology students pursuing clinical careers in private practice who are enrolled full-time at U.S. universities can receive scholarship support for their studies; awards are US $1,500 each. Grants from American Academy of Audiology help North Carolina hearing and audiology students, among others nationwide, who have completed their first year and will remain enrolled through Fall 2025.

Academic medical institutions and teaching hospitals in the U.S., including North Carolina, can apply for NIH Research Education (R25) funding to provide mentored research experiences in otolaryngology and related biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences; awards up to Up to US $2,499,995. Grants from National Institutes of Health help develop future hearing and communication-disorders researchers through structured research education pathways for medical students and residents.

Established investigators conducting basic experimental studies with humans on hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language can apply for the NIH NIDCD K18 Research Career Enhancement Award; awards support new skill acquisition to redirect or expand research programs. Eligible researchers in North Carolina and nationwide may benefit.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports new scientists establishing independent research careers in areas related to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. This grant encourages innovative projects such as secondary data analysis, small research initiatives, and technology development, aiming to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD Cooperative Agreement for Clinical Trials in Communication Disorders (U01) aims to support clinical trials that evaluate interventions for communication disorders. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration between NIDCD Project Scientists and investigators, focusing on trials that require FDA oversight, establish efficacy, or pose risks of harm. By fostering well-designed studies, the NIDCD seeks to advance treatment and prevention strategies in the field of communication disorders.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The NIDCD Research Dissertation Fellowship for Au.D. Audiologists (F32) supports rigorous biomedical research training and dissertation research for doctoral candidates in clinical, behavioral, or biomedical sciences. Funded by the NIH, this fellowship aims to enhance research capabilities and knowledge in the field of audiology. Key deadlines for applications include April 8, August 8, and December 8 for the years 2025 to 2027, ensuring timely opportunities for aspiring researchers.

The Hearing Health Fund, part of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in collaboration with Sweetwater, aims to support musicians and music industry professionals facing hearing difficulties. This initiative addresses the auditory risks inherent in the music industry due to exposure to loud sounds. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and prove that a significant portion of their income comes from music-related work, ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected by hearing challenges.