North Carolina grants for Nonprofits

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Hickory that deliver public services to low- and moderate-income individuals, focusing on the needs of the city's most vulnerable residents.

This funding opportunity supports Orange County nonprofits in creating arts and cultural projects that engage historically underrepresented communities and enhance the cultural life of Chapel Hill.

This funding opportunity supports individual artists and arts organizations in Catawba County, North Carolina, to create innovative projects that engage and benefit the local community.

The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) awards Grassroots Arts grants to non-profit organizations conducting arts programs each year. Donor Name: Rowan Arts Council (RAC) State: North Carolina County: Rowan County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The NC General Assembly, on a per capita basis through the NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program, makes these grassroots grants available. In Rowan County, the Rowan Arts Council serves as the Designated County Partner, as nominated by the Rowan County Commissioners and approved by the NC Arts Council. The goals of the Grassroots Arts Program are to enhance and strengthen the cultural community and broaden the artistic services offered to Rowan County citizens. Funding Priorities The first priority in awarding grassroots grant funds is to provide program or operating support to qualified arts organizations (where they exist) including theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writer’s groups and arts festivals, among others. Grassroots funds are not generally awarded to arts organizations that receive funding through the N. C. Arts Council’s State Arts Resources. The second priority in awarding grassroots grant funds is to support arts learning and arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in the schools, after school summer camps or adult arts learning classes. Grassroots funds may not be used for activities associated with a school’s internal arts programs such as in-school student performances, the purchase of art supplies, or student arts competitions and publications. The third priority in awarding grassroots grant funds includes grants made to other community organizations that provide quality art experiences for the greater community. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists. Uses of Funds  Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used to support programs in the visual arts, crafts, dance, drama, film and video, folk arts, literature, music, photography, architecture and the visual environment. Typical uses of Grassroots funds include program expenses (such as artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, publicity, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, art supplies, and equipment) or program administration and operating expenses. (Such as program salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent utilities, insurance). As a general rule salaries and equipment should be very limited for Grassroots money. Eligibility Criteria  The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) awards Grassroots Arts grants to non-profit organizations conducting arts programs within Rowan County. Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, organizations that are nonprofit in nature may also receive Grassroots Arts Program grants. Unincorporated nonprofits may be required to have a fiscal agent to receive the funds on their behalf. Costs Not Allowed Grassroots Arts Program funding may not be used for the following kinds of expenditures: permanent (full or part-time) personnel, deficit reduction, contingency funds, food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions, interest on loans, fines or litigation costs, lobbying expenses, tuition for academic study, indirect cost rate expenses, capital expenditures, history projects (such as historical research, documentation, exhibits, publications or historic preservation), science projects, or other specific non-arts areas (Acrobatics, Aerobic dance, Beauty pageants, Clowning, Comedy, Cosmetology, Essay contests, Fashion shows, Juggling, Magic Shows, Martial arts, Mineralogy/gemology, Modeling, Nature presentations, Quiz bowls, or travel presentations). For more information, visit RAC.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The Cameron Charitable Trust provides grants to support charitable organizations primarily in North Carolina that benefit indigent or sick persons. Donor Name: Cameron Charitable Trust State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas  Health Human services Grantmaking Priorities Grants are made primarily, but not necessarily exclusively, to charities whose purpose is to benefit the poor and needy or the ill and infirm. Preference is given to charities with a record of using money wisely and efficiently, without excessive overhead. Situations in which a grant would make a real difference will be favored. Funding Information Average grant size: $125,000 to $175,000. Average total giving per year: $850,000. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that serve disadvantaged groups, including youth, the elderly, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities, to help them improve their services and capacity.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Pamlico County Community Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Pamlico County Community Foundation (PCCF) State: North Carolina County: Pamlico County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details:  Funds are available for qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. The community grantmaking funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000. Eligibility Criteria  An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations registered with the IRS  Organization with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS Local governments (including public schools) Fire and rescue departments Religious entities, including churches, congregations and other houses of worship, and/or faith-based organizations whose core functions/operations promote religious doctrine or are restricted to members of a particular faith may apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs to benefit the community-at-large, but they may not apply for general operating support.  Only those organizations that serve the counties within affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within network, that organization may complete a separate application for each of those affiliates. Organizations must offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.  For more information, visit NCCF.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is seeking applications for its Cultural Resources Grant for Craft organizations. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: CFWNC will award small grants of $5,000 for general operating support through a simple online application according to the categories and schedule specified below. Category:  FY 24-25 Craft– ceramics, glass, textile, metal or wood. Funding Information  CFWNC will award small grants of $5,000 for general operating support through a simple online application. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must be: Tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or public agencies. Located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey. Organizations must already be established in and serving Western North Carolina. Preference will be given to nonprofit organizations. Public agencies may be supported if few nonprofits serve a geographic area and if funds remain available. Applications by non-arts organizations that run an arts program will not be considered. What they don’t Fund private primary and secondary schools (except for projects or programs that are not directed toward the school’s students or staff and that directly address community needs) and private clubs sectarian religious purposes partisan political purposes state or national organizations, unless (1) funding is sought for a portion of the program or project that directly benefits WNC, and (2) local people assume leadership of the program or project For more information, visit CFWNC.

Applications are now being accepted for the Warren County Community Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Warren County Community Foundation (WCCF) State: North Carolina County: Warren County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funds are available for qualified charitable organizations serving the local community with special preference for proposals focusing on education or food insecurity. The community grantmaking funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500. Eligibility Criteria An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations registered with the IRS. Organization with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS. Local governments (including public schools). Fire and rescue departments. Religious entities, including churches, congregations and other houses of worship, and/or faith-based organizations whose core functions/operations promote religious doctrine or are restricted to members of a particular faith may apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs to benefit the community-at-large, but they may not apply for general operating support.  Only those organizations that serve the counties within affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within network, that organization may complete a separate application for each of those affiliates. Organizations must offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.  For more information, visit NCCF.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity (COO) program aims to foster thriving communities, build lasting legacies, and promote equitable growth across six key corridors. These corridors serve as vital links that connect people to essential resources and businesses. Key Partnerships The city collaborates with Business District Organizations (BDOs) to enhance the vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. The partnership involves building organizational capacity and providing business-support services, which are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy business environments. Funding Opportunity The program is leveraging a one-time funding opportunity through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Charlotte City Council has approved $1M to support this initiative. This funding will assist both established and emerging BDOs in enhancing their services and organizational capabilities. Application Period Open Date: Monday, May 6 Close Date: Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. How It Works Objective: Address the most immediate needs of BDOs within the COO through capacity building and tailored technical assistance. Funding Use: The grant supports organizational development, asset inventories, marketing communications, and development support services. Requirements: All applying organizations must complete strategic work and inventories or provide existing documentation. Eligibility Organizations: Must be non-profit with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation. Location: Must serve a business district within the COO. Representation: Must represent at least 10 businesses within the district. Registration: Active SAM.gov UEI or have a fiduciary/fiscal sponsor with an UEI. Application Process Access: Use the provided link to create a login and apply. Documentation: Include a Work Sheet template indicating the desired services for funding consideration. Submission: Ensure all documents are read and understood before submitting. Additional Information Webinar: A Q&A webinar will be held on May 16 at 11 am. Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link. Contact: Questions can be directed to [email protected].

The Arts in Bloom Educator Grant, funded by the Union County Community Arts Council in North Carolina, offers less than $1000 to public and charter school teachers in Union County for the development of new, innovative arts education projects for students, with applications evaluated on creativity, artistic need, student engagement, cultural appreciation, and budget clarity.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things. Donor Name: Greenville Zoo State: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation have many values that support the mission, including promoting conservation and sustainability, actively seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating with others to maximize the impact and achieve greater goals. In fulfillment of the mission, the Greenville Zoo has established a fund for local conservation projects (those occurring in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) as well as national and international projects by utilizing funds from the “Quarters for Conservation” program.  Conservation grants are awarded to projects that focus on Field Conservation (the conservation of free-ranging wildlife or habitat), Conservation Research, or Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding priority. Projects including species and habitats at risk will be receive greater weight in application review. Grant Categories Conservation Research   – Projects that involve the scientific method with a primary focus on studying questions relevant to free-ranging wildlife or habitat conservation (i.e., hypothesis or question-driven, with systematic data collection and analysis with conclusions that can be applied to conservation efforts). Examples include health/physiologic assessment of a species, collection of environmental data such as water quality, etc.) Conservation Education – Projects that raise public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, stimulate conservation action, transfer skills and technology, and/or empower new conservation leaders, particularly those locally-based (e.g. create/print instructional materials, formal or informal education classes or curricula, capacity-building efforts, etc.) Field Conservation – Projects that directly and actively contribute to the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems and habitats. These projects can either impact wildlife directly or the habitats within which they live (e.g. population management, breeding and reintroduction programs, human-wildlife conflict, restoration or maintenance of a natural area, reforestation/ tree-planting, field studies of free-ranging species, etc.). Certain ex-situ efforts that provide a positive impact on imperiled species and their sustainability may be eligible for this category. Funding Information New Grants Program: $300 to $1,500 Awarded to applicants whose projects they have never supported before Grant request cannot exceed $1,500 Continuing Grants Program: Up to $3,500 For applicants with whom the Greenville Zoo has an established relationship. An established relationship includes those applicants who have received funding from us in the past. (e.g., applicants who have received grant funding from us previously and have successfully fulfilled the requirements of the grant awardee, including providing regular updates on project progress). Application Requirements  Application package should include: Completed application. If available, a full proposal is encouraged to be attached for reference, but all questions in the body of the application still need to be fully answered. Answers of “See attached” or similar will cause the application to not be considered. A detailed budget (estimates are acceptable). If there is a particular line item(s) that you would like funded by this grant, please specify. Three photos, diagrams, or other images with captions related to the proposed conservation project. List a minimum of three professional references with contact information and affiliations. Letter(s) of reference can also be provided.  At least one letter of support or collaboration is required. These should originate from an academic institution with which the applicant is working (e.g. thesis project) or from an agency and/or range country within which the project is being held to indicate collaboration and/or permission for its implementation there. Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) and those of the principal investigator(s) if different than applicant If applicable: A map of the research or conservation site. If applicable (i.e., the project involves manipulation and/or handling of live animals): Please include a copy of your institution’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Policy (IACUC), your project’s IACUC submission and approval along with the full project design or proposal. Optional: Additional articles, cited literature references, and other documents that assist in project justification or description can strengthen the application. Additional details regarding your project may be requested by the Conservation and Research Committee before a decision is made. For more information, visit Greenville Zoo.

Grant opportunity: North Carolina Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund. The fund provides state cost share for dredging projects to maintain shallow draft navigation channels in state waters or waters within lakes navigable and safe. Projects must be cost-shared with non-state dollars, with different match requirements based on the project location. No cost-share is required for dredging projects in development tier one areas for a ferry channel maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Grant applications are evaluated based on economic, social, and environmental benefits, regional impact, financial resources of the local entity, environmental impact, and direct benefit to state-owned lands. Eligible applicants include units of local government. For more information, visit Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund.

WNC Community Enhancement grants will be awarded to qualified charitable organizations or eligible public agencies to fund projects in downtowns or commercial corridors or districts that enhance physical appearance and pedestrian experience. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Priority will be given to projects located in rural or other under-resourced areas. Generally, the Foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 for projects not exceeding a total cost of $50,000. The Foundation may make exceptions to these limits at its discretion. Projects should be completed within one year of the award. An eligible organization may only submit one application per year. Project Eligibility Funded projects will be a “stand-alone” project rather than a small part of a larger and longer-term project. CFWNC anticipates that most approved projects will fall under one of the following broad categories: pedestrian/multi-modal improvements; beautification; infrastructure; or economic activities. Examples may include: Pedestrian/Multi-Modal Improvements – pedestrian signals, decorative crosswalk treatments, shade structures, pedestrian refuges/bump-outs, planters, benches, bicycle racks, parklets Beautifications – paint, plants/landscaping, public art, awnings, power washing, picnic tables, wayfinding signs, flags/banners, educational displays, trash receptacles Infrastructure – public access (steps/piers/walkways), lighting, permeable pavers, stormwater management Economic Activities – outdoor markets, food truck parking Eligibility Criteria Organizations must be: (1) tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public agencies or faith communities; and (2) located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey. For more information, visit CFWNC.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Guilford County that empower women and girls through career development, education, and leadership initiatives.

The North Carolina IOLTA’s Administration of Justice Grants provide support for programs seeking to improve the administration of justice in North Carolina. Donor Name: North Carolina State Bar State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Funding A goal of NC IOLTA is to focus grants in areas where they can have a measurable impact. Therefore, IOLTA grants for improvements in the administration of justice are made in the areas outlined below with emphasis on how the justice system can operate more effectively and expeditiously. Improvement in the operation and management of the justice system;  Public education and understanding about the law, including law-related education;  Promotion and support for a full range of dispute resolution techniques and alternatives;  Promotion and support for public interest legal representation.  Funding Criteria Preference will generally be given to:  Applicants seeking start-up funds or seed money for new projects or programs;  Programs that seek to offer services to individuals who do not qualify for civil legal aid based on their income but who are unable to afford legal assistance, including pro bono programs;  Programs with demonstration value or replication potential;  Programs that will have statewide significance; and/or  Requests for matching funds.  Administration of Justice Grants typically do not fund:  Direct service programs (e.g., counseling);  Replicas of established programs;  Local community groups unrelated to the practice of law;  Programs (or budget items) for which there is a governmental responsibility to provide funding; Continuing program support for local projects that exceed three years. Grant Period January 1 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  In addition to meeting the stated eligibility for all NC IOLTA grants, to be eligible for funding from NC IOLTA under the Civil Legal Aid Grant Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:  Serve North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or who are eligible to receive public assistance through a government program for the indigent. In addition to income, programs may consider other relevant factors in determining financial eligibility for services, including access to liquid assets, fixed debts and obligations, and family size for example.  The organization may also consider availability of income, i.e., whether the individual seeking assistance has direct and unfettered access, without having to obtain the consent or cooperation of another person over whom the individual does not have control and who does not in fact consent or cooperate.  If an organization uses a definition of indigent or low-income clients, for all or a portion of its clients that is different from the above, it must be able to show that a majority of its clients fall within the stated NC IOLTA definition.  Provide services without charge to the client. An organization will not be disqualified from receiving funds from NC IOLTA for charging nominal fees as long as the organization allows for the complete waiver of fees in cases where clients cannot pay the fee. The Board reserves the right to approve grants to an organization charging significantly reduced fees in areas of law where services are otherwise unavailable to low-income clients. Grantees that charge fees, whether nominal or reduced, are required to provide a copy of their client fee policy and schedule to NC IOLTA and include information on fees received in their regular financial reports to NC IOLTA, including information about the number of fee waivers provided to clients. For more information, visit North Carolina State Bar.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in specific eastern U.S. states for projects that focus on human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality.