Best Social Justice Grants 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.

Focused on children, education, and health and human services, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina can seek monetary support from Costco Foundation. Organizations serving children, including those with disabilities or mental health needs, and providing human and social services may be eligible, including groups advancing social justice and human rights in their communities.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

With a mission to support innovative social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides early-stage social enterprises in North Carolina and globally with up to US $300,000 over three years in capital and intensive capacity-building. Eligible independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits must serve underserved communities and offer scalable, systems-focused solutions that can reach at least 10,000 people.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment programs in North Carolina can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities and focus on innovative, early-stage solutions that improve reach and efficiency of services, which may include social justice and human rights efforts.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt grassroots organizations working on environmental justice, food justice, or related social and environmental issues in North Carolina can seek project support; awards are up to US $35,000. With a mission to pursue equitable solutions, Harris and Frances Block Foundation prioritizes small and emerging groups building just, sustainable communities.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventive health initiatives. North Carolina groups focused on social justice and human rights through improved health access or education may be eligible.

North Carolina charities managing humanitarian, educational, community, or arts projects can access funding through Roche for innovative, high-quality initiatives. Accredited charities with programs in areas like social development, youth education, disaster response, or contemporary arts may be eligible when projects engage Roche expertise, local partners, and employees and operate within a country where a Roche affiliate is present.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can apply for Semnani Family Foundation support, including groups serving marginalized communities in North Carolina and worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation provides global social and human services organizations with flexible funding that prioritizes vulnerable populations, including women, children, and people facing violence, hunger, or limited healthcare access.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Rural, grassroots community groups in North Carolina and the broader Southeast using community organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can apply for Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund, with awards up to US $3,500. Grants support organizing projects, capacity-building and technical assistance, travel for conferences, and voter engagement, especially around education reform and immigration rights.

North Carolina social justice nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ youth can access funding through the Alliance for Full Acceptance to support programming, organization building, and youth-focused services. Grants of US $500 - US $4,000 are available to 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups based in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia working for long-term, intersectional social change.

Youth-led gender justice groups in North Carolina working on rapid response organizing, mutual aid, healing justice, legal or bail fees, or direct actions can seek support through the Mobilize Power Fund. With a mission to back youth gender justice activism, Third Wave Fund provides up to US $20,000 for urgent, unanticipated movement needs across the U.S. and territories.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek more than US $50,000 to tell impactful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work, including in North Carolina. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports wildlife conservation and other pillar-area programs that may advance social justice and human rights outcomes.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs. North Carolina social justice and human rights cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression may be especially strong candidates for Impact Fund support.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants. North Carolina groups advancing social justice and human rights for vulnerable families and children may be eligible if they meet the mission, distance, and nondiscrimination requirements.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental initiatives may be eligible for this national grant opportunity. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations whose social justice or human rights work fits within these community-based priorities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Congregations and church-related groups developing racially inclusive education, evangelism, or social justice programs in North Carolina may be eligible for this Visionary Fund. With a mission to support creative, priority-driven ministry, Synod of the Mid-Atlantic provides funding to launch or expand innovative initiatives that advance its educational, evangelistic, and justice-focused goals.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can seek general or project support through this grant cycle. Grants from Southern Partners Fund help small-budget groups build leadership, strengthen rural communities, and advance justice-focused campaigns rather than direct services or capital projects.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize impactful collaborative work. North Carolina groups advancing social justice or human rights through cross-sector partnerships may be especially competitive, with multiple awards honoring measurable, scalable social impact in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, colleges, universities, religious entities, and government units in North Carolina can access funding through the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for state-level systemic change work. Grants of US $30,000 - US $100,000 support efforts in social and economic justice, education equity, environmental justice, and strengthening democracy, especially for historically marginalized communities.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina working on social justice, human rights, women’s rights, grassroots advocacy, or related issues can apply for Bydale Foundation’s Bydale Foundation Grant. This funding also supports environmental and performing arts programs, and may benefit North Carolina groups with broader advocacy or environmental initiatives within the foundation’s stated interests.