NC IDEA ENGAGE Grant Program

NC IDEA ENGAGE is a grant program offered by NC IDEA, a private foundation based in North Carolina, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem across the state. Since awarding its first grant in 2017, NC IDEA has distributed over $2 million through more than 400 grants, with over 60 percent of funding directed to areas outside the Research Triangle Park (RTP) region. The ENGAGE program continues this mission by supporting initiatives that unite communities around entrepreneurship. The purpose of the NC IDEA ENGAGE grant is to empower individuals and organizations to create or support programs, events, and activities that celebrate, promote, and nurture entrepreneurship throughout North Carolina. The grant prioritizes diverse and inclusive initiatives and encourages efforts that stimulate meaningful collaborations and broad community engagement. ENGAGE grants fund a range of eligible activities including entrepreneurial programs, pilot initiatives, entrepreneurship-focused events, student education programs, and other related activities that strengthen North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurial programs may include incubators and accelerators that offer mentorship, co-working spaces, and technical resources. Pilot initiatives support innovative, early-stage ideas and allow for experimentation in underserved areas. Events like workshops, networking gatherings, and pitch competitions are also eligible, as are educational efforts targeting students at all levels. Activities that do not fit neatly into these categories may still be considered if they align with the overarching goals of promoting entrepreneurship and collaboration. Applicants must be based in or working within North Carolina and may include nonprofit or for-profit entrepreneur support organizations, local governments, colleges and universities, capital providers such as seed funds and angel groups, service providers, and individuals or companies supporting entrepreneurs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, reviewed monthly, and must be submitted at least 60 days before the proposed activity. Grants are awarded for amounts up to $5,000 and should be used within one year of receipt. NC IDEA does not fund general business operations, long-term initiatives, capital campaigns, or overhead costs through this program. The application process includes a structured proposal submission via their online system, which is temporarily offline for maintenance from May 16 to June 2. While detailed application questions are not specified, the organization provides application tips and a FAQ section for support. Final funding decisions rest solely with NC IDEA, and meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee award. For more information or to apply, interested parties can contact NC IDEA by phone at 919.941.5600 or visit their office at 411 W. Chapel Hill Street, Suite C2, Durham, NC 27701. Applications are continuously accepted, making this a flexible and accessible opportunity for entrepreneurial community-building throughout the state.