North Carolina Capacity Building Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small and mid-sized nonprofit arts organizations in the southeastern U.S. for professional development activities that enhance staff skills and organizational effectiveness.

This funding initiative provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofit organizations in Wilson, North Carolina, to strengthen their internal operations and enhance sustainability in areas such as healthcare access, healthy living, substance misuse prevention, and mental health.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Charlotte to enhance digital access and workforce development for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic barriers, focusing on underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to established nonprofit organizations in the Carolinas that focus on education, health, and human services, aiming to strengthen communities and empower individuals through proven initiatives.

This grant provides funding to individuals and organizations in North Carolina to create and support diverse entrepreneurial programs and events that foster community engagement and collaboration.

This funding program provides financial support to local non-profit organizations in Warren County, North Carolina, that deliver essential services to low-income residents.

This grant provides financial support to farmers in Western North Carolina for projects that enhance the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products, promoting sustainable farming practices in the region.

The 2024 Women in Motion Grant is a capacity-building grant offering operational funding to an organization serving women in the greater High Point community, including Archdale, Trinity, Thomasville, and Jamestown. Eligible organizations must have existed for five years or less or have an operational budget of $100,000 or less. The grant focuses on enabling women in the workforce to achieve economic and professional growth, with areas of focus including education, mentorship, resources, and wellness. The maximum grant request amount is $10,000. Women in Motion seeks to partner with community organizations to create solutions that support women's economic and professional growth, leading to increased leadership roles. The grant supports organizations that help women negotiate and advocate for themselves, provide networking and growth opportunities, tap into community resources for professional success, and balance personal wellness with professional demands.

With generous support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, NALCAB will provide capacity building grants of $30,000 and customized technical assistance (TA) to 10 organizations, prioritizing organizations located in Wells Fargo’s priority geographic markets. Donor Name: National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The primary purpose of this award is to support a nationwide network of Latino- and immigrant-serving organizations to advance culturally relevant approaches to family financial health in low-and moderate-income Latino and immigrant communities. This program of grantmaking, technical assistance and training is intended to strengthen the delivery of financial capability services focused on: Integrating a culturally relevant financial curriculum into asset-building programs like homeownership and small business development services.  Intentionally utilizing financial coaching to prepare participants to access capital for asset-building activities.  Improving organizational capacity to track and report financial health outcomes, with a focus on improving credit, increasing savings, increasing income, and reducing debt.  Prioritizing access to innovative financial products to boost family financial wellness, such as increasing savings, decreasing debt, or building or establishing credit. Wells Fargo Priority Markets: NALCAB will focus on the following priority markets, as communicated by Wells Fargo: Georgia: Atlanta  Illinois: Chicago  North Carolina: Charlotte  Texas: Dallas, Houston  California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco  Florida: Miami  Tennessee: Nashville New York  Pennsylvania: Philadelphia  Arizona: Phoenix  Missouri: St. Louis  Washington, DC  Minnesota: Minneapolis Grant Period  October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are any 501(c)(3) nonprofits who integrate, or plan to integrate, culturally relevant financial capability services into existing asset-building programs. Applicants should demonstrate:  A comprehensive and specific strategy that will result in meaningful and measurable impact and change for Latino and immigrant financial health.  Organizational capacity to implement the proposed strategy. Budget and projected outcomes that align with the proposed strategy. For more information, visit NALCAB.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF) exists to improve the streams and rivers of Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC), Haywood County (NC), Madison County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: It supports projects and activities that provide direct benefits in at least one of the following focus areas: Improved surface water quality Enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats Expanded public access Increased citizens’ awareness about their roles in protecting these resources Grant requests may address any of the four focus areas listed above. Listed below are additional expectations for grant applications. Grants are typically for one year and generally range from $5,000 to $35,000. Some grant requests may exceed $35,000 with prior approval of CFWNC staff. Conservation easement requests for transaction or acquisition costs should not exceed $30,000. PRF grants should leverage other funds or in-kind resources toward total project costs. PRF awards may be contingent on receipt of additional funds. In such cases, other necessary funds must be secured within 18 months of a PRF grant award. If the project is or will be ongoing, PRF funds should be allocated for a specific time period. Operating support is only considered for select organizations chosen by the PRF Advisory Committee. Operating support requests may not exceed $50,000. Grant funds may be used to support administrative costs, including a share of staff costs, when essential to the project. Higher priority projects: Support efforts to address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county (or other authority) watershed action plans. A copy of the watershed plan should be uploaded with the application. Promote collaborative or coordinated projects that address comprehensive issues and that will have a long-term benefit. Encourage education and awareness of water quality issues, preferably focused on helping individuals understand how their actions relate to the overall health of the river basin. Install water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated multi-faceted effort and that will result in significant water quality improvement. Lower priority projects: Scattered projects (including demonstration BMPs or other projects) not related to a coordinated effort to improve priority streams/watershed in the relevant community. Government agency operating support, especially staffing. Projects related to regulation enforcement that is the responsibility of government. Eligibility Criteria Tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood or Madison counties are eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFWNC.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region facing leadership transitions and increased community demands, helping them sustain core services and adapt to challenges.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitat in southeastern United States and Texas. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The priorities of the Southeast Aquatics Fund are informed by the aquatic goals and strategies of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, which was adopted by the NFWF Board of Directors in 2018 (updated 2023). To the extent possible, proposals should describe how activities will advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and/or other relevant conservation plans. The plan seeks to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity found across the southeast. It prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints. It utilizes a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitat in prioritized watersheds. Because of the priority given to this subregion, funding is available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Priority will be given to projects that would benefit the following focal species: Conasauga River – Endemic and Native Fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter). Middle Coosa – Trispot darter Funding Information Approximately $8.45 million is available in grant funding in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the overall scale and duration of the project. Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24–36 months following finalization of a grant agreement.  Geographic Scope Grants will be made in specific geographies or river basins in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and Texas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must comply with or be exempted from federal single audit requirements. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit NFWF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Fayetteville for projects that aim to reduce crime and violence, with grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 available to both recognized and grassroots groups.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Western North Carolina for strengthening their internal operations and enhancing organizational health, rather than for direct service delivery.

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.

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].

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 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.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

The One North Carolina Small Business Program offers two grant opportunities for small businesses in the state. The Incentive Funds initiative provides reimbursement to qualified businesses for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing and submitting Phase I SBIR or STTR proposals to federal agencies. A pool of $400,000 is available for these preparation grants in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The Matching Funds portion of the program awards matching funds to businesses who have already received a federal Phase I SBIR or STTR award. In the current fiscal year, a pool of more than $2.4 million is available to support this class of grants. To apply for either the Incentive or Matching grant solicitations, interested organizations can visit commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/technology-funds/one-north-carolina-small-business-program. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted for the program’s 2023-24 fiscal year funding cycle.