North Carolina grants for Nonprofits

This program provides funding to organizations that support innovative initiatives aimed at empowering under-served entrepreneurs in North Carolina, particularly those in rural areas, women, and minorities.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) supports diverse programs with a common goal: to enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities for K-12 students and pursue inquiry-based exploration in BWF’s home state of North Carolina. Donor Name: Burroughs Wellcome Fund State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. Since the program’s inception in 1996, BWF has awarded 288 grants totaling $43.3 million to 136 organizations that reach more than 43,000 North Carolina students. Program Goals In line with the mission of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, projects that are funded under SSEP must seek to attain three goals: improving students’ competence in science and mathematics nurturing student enthusiasm for science and mathematics interesting students in pursuing careers in research or other science-related areas. Funding Information The grant provides up to $60,000 per year for three years for a maximum of $180,000. Eligibility Criteria  The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) is open to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina. Eligible organizations include public and private schools, colleges and universities, community groups, museums, zoos, scientific groups, and others that can provide experiential activities for K-12 North Carolina students. Individuals and nonprofit organizations that offer religious programming are not eligible for SSEP awards. Guidelines  Successful projects generally include the following examples of activities to achieve these goals: helping students learn the basic process skills in scientific inquiry—observing, comparing, measuring (using apparatus), communicating, analyzing, generating, and evaluating providing students with opportunities that will increase their insight into and appreciation of the investigative process supplying students with STEM-related career information and introducing career prospects connecting science and mathematics to students’ daily lives and providing an opportunity to use technology in project activities enabling students to interact with scientists and other STEM professionals providing students with opportunities to explain their knowledge of STEM to others providing guidance on how students may connect with other ongoing STEM-related programs involving parents in program activities For more information, visit Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

The Haywood County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Haywood County Community Foundation State: North Carolina County: Haywood County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: 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 North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation offers $50,000 grants to North Carolina community-based nonprofit organizations for new projects or for expanding/enhancing existing programs in science, health, and education. Projects should address critical community needs identified through comprehensive assessments, align with local agency goals, and demonstrate sustainability post-funding. Grants do not support core mission, general operating costs, construction/renovation projects, medical services, or equipment. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Burke County, North Carolina, for charitable, humanitarian, or educational programs that support local residents, particularly underserved communities.

The Edgecombe Charitable Foundation is seeking applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Edgecombe Charitable Foundation State: North Carolina County: Edgecombe 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: 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 $5,000 with a maximum of $10,000 for a single organization designated as an “Impact Grant.”  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 Avery Community Foundation is seeking applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Avery Community Foundation (ACF) State: North Carolina County: Avery County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: 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.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that promote innovation and development in North Carolina's agricultural economy, targeting universities, non-profits, and businesses involved in agriculture.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, regional, and local economic development organizations to create full-time jobs in economically distressed areas of North Carolina.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County that provide essential services to residents, focusing on community connectivity, economic opportunities, health, and safety.

The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation is seeking applications from qualified charitable organizations serving tribal members in Swain, Jackson, Cherokee, Graham and Haywood counties. Donor Name: Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation State: North Carolina County: Cherokee County (NC), Graham County (NC), Haywood County (NC), Jackson County (NC), Swain County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: 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.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake counties in North Carolina to address unexpected crises that disrupt their ability to deliver essential services.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in western North Carolina to enhance youth mental health and resilience through collaborative, youth-led initiatives, particularly in areas affected by economic distress and natural disasters.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corp. (BEMC) offers Community Grants for a wide array of programs within its service areas, including Brunswick and Columbus counties, as well as parts of Bladen and Robeson counties in North Carolina. These grants support various initiatives, such as family service programs, civic and community programs, cultural and arts programs, emergency services, and economic development activities aimed at enhancing the community's well-being. The grant aims to fund projects and programs that offer significant benefits to the BEMC service area, prioritizing those that cater to families, children, the elderly, and economic health. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: December 1st to February 15th.

The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) is seeking applications for the 2024-25 Grassroots Arts Program. Donor Name: Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) State: North Carolina County: Orange County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs or operate an arts organization. Typical uses of Grassroots money include: Program expenses such as professional artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music and theater equipment rental. Program-related requests have a maximum request limit of $5,000. Operating expenses for qualified arts and cultural organizations not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council or N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. These can include salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent, utilities, insurance and equipment rental. Organizations must have an arts-based mission and an annual operating budget of less than $2M in order to request operating funds. Operations-related requests have a maximum request limit of $5,000. Grant Period All projects must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  All organizations must have been in operation for at least one year, and must be either a nonprofit organization or have a nonprofit sponsor to receive funds on their behalf. All organizations must physically reside in Orange County. (Organizations serving more than one county should apply for Grassroots funding through the county in which they are physically located) Organizations that receive general support funds through the N.C. Arts Council or the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources are not eligible for Grassroots funds. Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds. Applications and support materials must be submitted electronically by the due date. For more information, visit OCAC.

The City of Salisbury in North Carolina is inviting eligible non-profit organizations to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service, offering $1,000 to $10,000 to support work benefiting low-moderate income individuals and families in Salisbury, with applications due by October 14, 2024.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) was created to provide financial assistance through grants, loan guarantees, or pledges of debt service to major tourism capital projects that will increase patronage of lodging properties in, and further economic development in Buncombe County. Donor Name: Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pojects receiving TPDF investment have not only created jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents, but they have also provided amenities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Policies The TPDF Committee may utilize a waiver of any non-legislatively mandated eligibility criteria to advance a project if it represents a significant impact upon lodging demand and Buncombe County economic sustainability. All projects must meet all eligibility criteria and requirements stated in legislation. Projects which either directly increase overnight lodging stays by themselves or support a larger initiative that will increase room nights will be evaluated equally. TPDF funds cannot be the first funds committed to a project. BCTDA reserves the right to cancel the grant application cycle at any time and for any reason. BCTDA reserves the right to award or deny grant funding to any project for any reason consistent with the intent of the legislation. Recognizing that its resources are limited, BCTDA may grant funding that is less than that requested by the applicant. BCTDA will not make payment directly to any vendor or individual. Payment will only be made to the applicant organization as reimbursement. If the grantee is unable to fund and/or complete the project, BCTDA may revoke all or part of the grant. The grantee may be forced to return some or all funding plus interest if the recipient is found to have used the funding inappropriately, if the project was not completed, or if the project scope or design was changed without approval of BCTDA. All applications are subject to the requirements regarding “public records” found in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Submitted applications will be disclosed upon request. The applicant assumes the burden of all their expenses associated with this application. Uses of funds Funding must be for capital investments only (“brick and mortar” projects – design not included). Operational expenses will not be considered for funding. Design fees already expended will be considered as counting towards the 1-to-1 funding match. Project Eligibility Project must be principally located in Buncombe County. Project must be a major tourism capital project that furthers economic development of Buncombe County. Project must demonstrate ability to increase patronage of lodging facilities in Buncombe County by attracting tourists, business travelers, or both. Project must not solely benefit a single lodging owner, lodging property, or be situated on a lodging property. At time of application, applicant must have legal control of the property through recorded deed or long-term lease agreement. If property is owned by a municipal partner, such as the City or County, a non-profit organization may provide a letter of support or other agreement with the municipal partner. Applicant must show how a minimum of a 1-to-1 funding match to the requested grant amount (excluding in-kind goods and services) will be achieved. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be a federally recognized non-profit organization or government entity. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, the organization must have been in operation for at least 2 years at the time of application Evaluation Criteria Application will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Viability of Project and Organization Financial Stability of the Requesting Organization Each applicant organization will be evaluated for financial sustainability, and their perceived ability to raise additional funds as needed to bring the project to completion. Strength of Business Planning If applicable, the proposed business plan for the project will be evaluated on its accuracy, completeness, and likelihood to support a successful and sustainable operation once the project has opened. Strength of Sales and Marketing Plan/Investment If applicable, sales and marketing plans for projects will be evaluated upon the likelihood they will succeed in drawing visitation to the destination. Timeliness of the Project Projects which are “shovel ready” may rate more highly than those which are still two or more years from beginning construction. 1-to-1 Funding Match Exceeded While it is a requirement for applying organizations to have secured a funding match equal to the amount for which they are applying from the TPDF, projects that exceed the 1-to-1 requirement may receive particular Destination Differentiator Strength of Brand Alignment Projects will be evaluated on whether they are consistent with the Asheville destination brand and provide additional support for the brand promise. Uniqueness and Innovation of Project Attractions and activities which are new to the region or not available to visitors living in key feeder markets for the destination may be valued more highly than those which duplicate offerings already available to visitors. Ability to Promote and Support the Local Creative Sector Projects which promote and support the community’s creators and makers, and which enhance the destination will receive greater consideration. Project Impact Ratio of Overnight Lodging Generated to Funding Requested The amount of TPDF funding requested will be analyzed versus the potential return of new overnight lodging demand in Buncombe County to be generated by the project. Generator of New and Incremental Room Nights The room night impact of a proposed project will be assessed on whether the project is drawing new visitors to the area, or simply pulling from existing visitors in Buncombe County while not increasing the number of new lodging room nights. Scope of Market to be Served Projects that target audiences capable of filling area lodging are valued, but projects that draw new and untapped niche markets to Buncombe County may also be worthy of consideration. Scope of Impact Upon Lodging The impact of a project upon Buncombe County lodging will be considered not only in terms of demand generated, but also in terms of the geographic impact. Projects capable of generating lodging demand in more than one area of the county may rate more favorably. Ability to Serve as a Contributing Asset Projects which support an important generator of destination room nights, or which could stimulate additional activity, but which may not generate significant room nights by themselves will be considered. Applicants should demonstrate the potential for additional community benefit if their project is built. Project as a True Motivator of Visits Projects will be evaluated based upon their ability to motivate new room nights, proven through sound analysis and data. Alignment with BCTDA’s Strategic Imperatives Deliver Balanced Recovery and Sustainable Growth Projects will be evaluated based upon whether they lead to balanced and sustainable growth through distribution of visitors geographically across the county or seasonally throughout the year or days of the week. Encourage Safe and Responsible Travel Projects which encourage care and respect for natural, cultural, and human resources, or support the sustainability of outdoor recreation, will be given greater consideration. Supports Engagement with and Appeal to More Diverse Audiences The committee will assess the ability of a project to diversify audiences and support of place making, community connections, and business opportunities throughout the county. For more information, visit BCTDA.

Is your organization or school planning an arts project in Moore County? Do you need funds to help get an arts project off the ground or just need operating funds? The Arts Council of Moore County may be able to help! Donor Name: Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC) State: North Carolina County: Moore County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Performances Festivals Art Exhibitions After-school arts programs Arts camps Artist Residencies Artist fees for classes, workshops, masterclasses, clinics Marketing expenses Royalties, props, sets, and costumes for theatre performances Equipment rental. Grant Period ACMC holds one grant period each year–July 31 to June 30. Eligible Criteria All organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. Applicants must be a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)3 Federal tax-exempt status. (School projects are covered through Moore County School’s nonprofit status.) An organization without tax-exempt status may receive indirect funding for its arts project by having another nonprofit organization serve as its fiscal agent. It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that a copy of its (or its Fiscal Agent’s) IRS tax-exempt status is on file with ACMC. All organizations must operate and carry out projects within Moore County. Only one Grassroots subgrant application is allowed per organization. Organizations that receive direct support from the NC Arts Council are not eligible for Grassroots funds. Individual artists are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds but may apply for an Artists Support Grant. Applications and support materials must be complete and received by the grant deadline. For more information, visit ACMC.

The Craven Arts Council & Gallery is seeking applications for its Grassroots Project Grants. Donor Name: Craven Arts Council & Gallery State: North Carolina County: Craven County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grassroots Arts Project Grants are made possible by the North Carolina Arts Council and dispersed to each county by their local arts council. Non-profit organizations who implement arts projects in Craven County may apply for the Grassroots Arts Project Grant. Funding Information Grant amounts range from $500 to $4000.  All projects must take place between July 1, 2024 and June 15, 2025. Eligibility Criteria All 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 apply. All organizations must reside and carry out projects within the county they are applying for funds. Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds. Applications and support materials must be completed and received by the due date. For more information, visit Craven Arts Council & Gallery.

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is accepting applications for its Cultural Vibrancy Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro State: North Carolina County: Guilford County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A culturally vibrant Greensboro is a community where all residents have access to diverse cultural, educational, and natural resources. The region’s vibrant culture is built upon inclusive community dialogue and civic engagement in its various forms. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is particularly interested in funding organizations which bolster cultural vibrancy through: Increasing access to and appreciation for the arts, cultural opportunities, and natural assets such as parks, especially for students and residents at or below the federal poverty line in Guilford County Investing in cultural education and events that appeal to diverse and multi-generational audiences in Guilford County Facilitating dialogue and community engagement that deepen understanding among and between Greensboro’s diverse communities and cultures in Guilford County Eligibility and Requirements Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in or serving the respective areas indicated above. Grants are not awarded to organizations with outstanding grant reports due. Grants are not awarded to individuals. As they work to prioritize equity in grantmaking process, board and staff diversity along with total operating budget will be considered by staff and respective grantmaking committees; all applications will be reviewed regardless of budget size. Typically, multi-year grant applications are not considered. Typically, public schools or other public agencies will not receive grants, although they may be involved as partners in funded efforts. Priority is given to grant proposals that focus on long-term strategies to advance and sustain cultural vibrancy in Guilford County. For more information, visit Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.