License to Give Trust Fund Grants-In-Aid Program

The License to Give Trust Fund Grants-In-Aid program is administered by the North Carolina License to Give Trust Fund Commission, a state-level entity established to promote organ, tissue, and eye donation awareness across North Carolina. The Commission operates under statutory authority outlined in North Carolina General Statute § 20-7.6 and is tasked with advancing public education and engagement related to donation and advance care planning. Through this grants-in-aid program, the Commission distributes funds to support initiatives that align with its mission of increasing donor registration and encouraging informed end-of-life decision-making. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance education and awareness activities related to organ, tissue, and eye donation, as well as advance care planning. Funded projects are expected to contribute to measurable improvements in public understanding, donor participation, and community engagement within North Carolina. The program emphasizes the importance of integrating organ donation considerations into broader discussions around advance care planning, thereby fostering more thoughtful and informed decisions among residents. Funding may be used to support a range of activities that align with the program’s goals. These include implementing general education campaigns, conducting community outreach, and developing targeted initiatives for multicultural populations. The program also encourages collaborative efforts among organizations, including partnerships that drive organizational and community-level change. Additionally, applicants may propose projects that involve coordination across agencies or that build networks with other foundations, trusts, and commissions to enhance statewide outcomes. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations based in North Carolina that meet the requirements of North Carolina General Statute § 143-6.2. Eligible entities may include, but are not limited to, organ procurement organizations, tissue and eye banks, coalitions focused on donation, advance care planning and end-of-life organizations, educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities, as well as civic organizations, faith-based groups, museums, and libraries. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with applicable nonprofit regulations, including federal 501(c)(3) designation where applicable. The application process follows a structured, multi-phase approach. All applicants are first required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by December 15. This initial submission is reviewed to determine eligibility and alignment with program goals. Applicants who successfully pass this stage are invited to submit a full application, which is typically due by April 1. The full application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation based on criteria such as project merit, implementation capability, anticipated outcomes, and alignment with funding priorities. Final funding decisions are made by the License to Give Trust Fund Commission. Applicants are notified of their status at multiple stages throughout the process. Notifications regarding advancement to the full application phase are issued by approximately February 15, while final award decisions are communicated by June 1. Following approval, selected organizations must complete and return required contractual documentation before funds are released, typically by June 30, contingent on satisfactory completion of all requirements. The program operates on an annual grant cycle, with approximately $300,000 available each year for distribution among selected projects. The Commission retains discretion over final award amounts and allocations based on available funding and the quality of submitted proposals. The performance period and reporting requirements are governed by the terms outlined in the grant agreement, and recipients are expected to adhere strictly to all program guidelines and evaluation requirements to ensure continued accountability and impact.

Ensure strong alignment with organ donation awareness goals, demonstrate measurable community impact, and clearly outline implementation capacity and partnerships.