North Carolina Income Security and Social Services Grants

This funding opportunity provides $200,000 each to nonprofit organizations and local government entities that help low- to moderate-income homeowners overcome challenges related to maintaining their homes.

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

The Orange County Business Investment Grant Program in North Carolina is seeking applications to provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to stimulate non-farm business development and expansion within the county, with eligibility criteria including the business's physical location, operational duration, tax status, and connection with business counseling services.

This program provides financial support to non-farm businesses in Orange County, particularly those owned by women and BIPOC, to help them grow, hire staff, and make a positive economic impact.

The Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, offered by Orange County Animal Services in North Carolina, provides up to $500 for individuals, groups, or organizations to fund animal welfare initiatives in Orange County, honoring the legacy of former Animal Protection Society Executive Director, Pat Sanford.

The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), with generous support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, is offering capacity building grants of $30,000 and customized technical assistance to 10 organizations. This program prioritizes organizations located in Wells Fargo’s priority geographic markets. 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 aligns with the foundation's mission by strengthening the delivery of financial capability services within these communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are Latino- and immigrant-serving organizations, and ultimately, low- and moderate-income Latino and immigrant communities. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including integrating culturally relevant financial curricula 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, and improving organizational capacity to track and report financial health outcomes. The program focuses on several key priorities to achieve its goals. These include integrating culturally relevant financial curricula, utilizing financial coaching, improving organizational capacity to track and report financial health outcomes, and prioritizing access to innovative financial products. The financial health outcomes specifically target improving credit, increasing savings, increasing income, and reducing debt. Innovative financial products are also prioritized to boost family financial wellness, with a focus on increasing savings, decreasing debt, or building or establishing credit. Expected outcomes and measurable results include meaningful and measurable impact and change for Latino and immigrant financial health. This will be demonstrated through a comprehensive and specific strategy. The program also expects to strengthen the delivery of financial capability services through grantmaking, technical assistance, and training. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits that integrate, or plan to integrate, culturally relevant financial capability services into existing asset-building programs.

The Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association have partnered to bring the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to Colorado newsrooms. This program is designed to provide in-depth training and coaching to help local news organizations develop journalism projects that address community priorities and can be funded through philanthropy. The initiative aligns with a broader goal of strengthening local journalism and supporting news organizations in their fundraising efforts, building on the success of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding which has helped over 100 U.S. news organizations raise more than $22 million since 2020. This collaborative effort, supported by the Google News Initiative, underscores a strategic priority to foster sustainable local news ecosystems through philanthropic support. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations that produce original, local news at least weekly. Priority is given to newsrooms with philanthropic giving programs less than five years old, or those with new staff who could benefit from this training. Local news partnerships or coalitions are also encouraged to apply, especially if they have a joint initiative seeking philanthropic funding. The impact goal is to equip these newsrooms with the skills and resources to secure philanthropic funding for local journalism projects that are responsive to community needs, thereby enhancing the quality and sustainability of local news in Colorado. The program's priorities and focuses include setting fundraising goals aligned with market size, developing prospect lists, creating pitch decks and campaign materials, and facilitating meetings with funders. Participants will also engage in the end-of-year #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign. Preference will be given to organizations with strong local leadership and community ties, a focus on high-quality local journalism, leadership-level buy-in, an organizational commitment of staff time and resources, and a value for staff and leadership diversity. These criteria highlight a strategic focus on building capacity within newsrooms that are deeply embedded in their communities and committed to journalistic excellence. Expected outcomes include newsrooms setting and working towards specific fundraising goals, developing robust fundraising strategies and materials, and actively engaging with funders. Measurable results will likely include the amount of philanthropic funding raised by participating newsrooms, the number of new donor relationships established, and the successful execution of fundraising campaigns. The program also aims to contribute best practices and lessons learned through case studies and an industry playbook, fostering a collective learning environment and promoting a theory of change where targeted training and support lead to increased philanthropic investment in local journalism, ultimately strengthening civic engagement and informed communities.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation's 2024 Legacy Grant program is designed to honor Mrs. Sewall's enduring interests and philanthropic legacy. The foundation's mission alignment is rooted in supporting a select group of organizations with whom Mrs. Sewall had personal relationships and affinity, and who continue to advance the work she funded during her lifetime. This reflects a strategic priority to sustain and perpetuate the impact of her personal philanthropy, acting as a direct extension of her lifelong commitment. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant are organizations that align with Mrs. Sewall's historical funding priorities. These include 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, and Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. The impact goal is to ensure the continued vitality and effectiveness of these established partnerships, allowing them to further their work in areas important to Mrs. Sewall. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on maintaining the integrity of Mrs. Sewall's philanthropic vision. The grant specifically seeks to support organizations that demonstrate a continued commitment to the types of initiatives she championed. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the continuation of existing work, the expected outcomes revolve around sustaining the impact of these organizations over the grant duration, which can be 12, 24, or 36 months. The theory of change implicit in this program is that by providing consistent, multi-year funding to trusted partners, the foundation can ensure the long-term success and stability of programs that align with its founder's values. The foundation's strategic priorities are to honor its founder's legacy by supporting organizations that were meaningful to her, ensuring that her lifetime of philanthropy continues to resonate within the community. The Legacy Grant embodies this by providing stable support, allowing these organizations to focus on their core missions. This approach emphasizes continuity and relationship-building as key drivers for achieving sustained impact and honoring the philanthropic vision of Elmina B. Sewall.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

The Town of Carrboro administers the Green Neighborhood Grant Program to support resident led projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance ecosystem resilience, and benefit the community. The program seeks to educate and empower neighborhoods, build capacity for climate action, strengthen partnerships, leverage town and neighborhood resources, and direct resources to low income communities and communities of color disproportionately affected by climate change. Projects must demonstrate shared benefits and aim to reduce emissions, improve ecosystem resilience, or increase climate action awareness and engagement. Projects must be initiated, planned, and implemented by community members, completed within six months of award, and comply with permitting and insurance requirements as applicable. The maximum grant amount is 2,500 dollars. Eligible applicants are neighborhoods located within Carrboro’s town limits. Applicants may apply for funding in two consecutive cycles, and those not previously funded may receive feedback to strengthen future applications. Contractors must carry required insurance and groups may be asked to obtain liability insurance when necessary. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the town’s process. Funding duration beyond the six month completion requirement is not stated. Official information is available from the Town of Carrboro.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver high-quality early childhood education and family services to low-income children and families across multiple states in the U.S.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver high-quality early childhood education and family engagement services for low-income children and their families across multiple states.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers in Orange County, North Carolina, to support innovative agricultural projects that enhance income and market access.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits and faith-based organizations in Raleigh that assist low-to-moderate-income individuals in achieving self-sufficiency.

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 Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) is offering a Cultural Resources Grant specifically for Craft organizations. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting the cultural vitality of Western North Carolina (WNC) through targeted funding for arts and cultural organizations. The program aims to provide general operating support, recognizing the fundamental need for stable funding to allow these organizations to continue their valuable work in the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations or public agencies that are established in and serving Western North Carolina. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations, though public agencies may be considered if few nonprofits serve a geographic area and funds are available. The grant specifically targets craft organizations working in ceramics, glass, textile, metal, or wood. The impact goal is to strengthen the operational capacity of these craft organizations, thereby preserving and promoting cultural resources and contributing to the economic and social well-being of the region. The grant prioritizes organizations located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, or Yancey. A key focus is on general operating support, implying a belief that empowering organizations with flexible funding will lead to the most effective outcomes. The grant does not fund private primary and secondary schools (unless projects address community needs outside the school's direct student/staff focus), private clubs, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, or state/national organizations unless local leadership and WNC benefit are clearly demonstrated. Expected outcomes include enhanced sustainability and operational effectiveness for craft organizations in WNC. Measurable results, though not explicitly detailed in the provided information, would likely include the continued operation and programming of recipient organizations, the reach of their cultural offerings, and their overall contribution to the craft sector in the region. The foundation's strategic priority appears to be direct, accessible support for grassroots cultural initiatives, and its theory of change suggests that by providing small, flexible grants for general operations, it can empower local organizations to achieve their missions and positively impact their communities.

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.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Administration of Justice Grants program is dedicated to improving the administration of justice within North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by focusing on areas where grants can have a measurable impact on the justice system's effectiveness and expediency. Key areas of funding include improving the operation and management of the justice system, public education and understanding about the law, promotion and support for a full range of dispute resolution techniques and alternatives, and promotion and support for public interest legal representation. The primary beneficiaries of this program are North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Programs may also consider other factors like access to liquid assets, fixed debts, obligations, and family size. The goal is to provide services without charge, though nominal fees with complete waiver options are permitted, especially in areas where legal services are otherwise unavailable to low-income clients. The impact goals are centered on enhancing access to justice for those who cannot afford legal assistance, thereby strengthening the overall justice system. Funding criteria prioritize applicants seeking start-up funds or seed money for new projects, programs offering services to individuals who do not qualify for civil legal aid but cannot afford legal assistance (including pro bono programs), programs with demonstration value or replication potential, initiatives with statewide significance, and requests for matching funds. The program specifically avoids funding direct service programs (e.g., counseling), replicas of established programs, local community groups unrelated to the practice of law, programs for which there is governmental funding responsibility, and continuing program support for local projects exceeding three years. The expected outcomes include a more effective and expeditious justice system in North Carolina, increased public understanding of the law, broader access to dispute resolution techniques, and stronger public interest legal representation. By focusing on these strategic priorities, NC IOLTA aims to foster a justice system that is more accessible, equitable, and efficient for all North Carolina residents, particularly those with limited financial means. The theory of change is that targeted investments in the operational aspects of the justice system, coupled with efforts to educate the public and support legal aid, will lead to significant improvements in how justice is administered across the state. The grant period for these projects is January 1 – December 31, 2025.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

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.