North Carolina Income Security and Social Services Grants

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) offers Human Services grants of up to $20,000, aimed at supporting programs and projects that deliver significant assistance to economically-disadvantaged individuals within mountain communities. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, is deeply rooted in addressing critical social needs and fostering well-being among vulnerable populations in its service area. This grant program directly aligns with a strategic priority to support human services and build stronger, more resilient communities by targeting the root causes and consequences of economic disadvantage. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are economically-disadvantaged people residing in selected WNC counties. The impact goals are to address timely community needs or opportunities, continue or expand proven programs, increase cooperation among service providers, build organizational capacity for self-sufficiency, and acquire equipment that provides immediate and substantial benefits. These goals collectively aim to improve the quality of life and opportunities for those facing economic hardship, reflecting a theory of change that by strengthening local service delivery and capacity, the foundation can create lasting positive change. The program prioritizes initiatives that are not currently being addressed by other agencies, those that replicate or expand successful models, and projects that enhance collaboration among providers. A significant focus is also placed on building the internal capacity of organizations, enabling them to operate more efficiently and sustainably, and on funding equipment that offers immediate and substantial benefits to the target population. These priorities demonstrate CFWNC's commitment to strategic, impactful funding that not only provides direct services but also strengthens the ecosystem of support for economically-disadvantaged individuals. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the lives of economically-disadvantaged people, enhanced effectiveness and sustainability of human service organizations, and more coordinated and comprehensive community responses to pressing social needs. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the objectives imply a focus on quantifiable improvements in service delivery, access to resources, and organizational health. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on maximizing community benefit through targeted investments in human services. Organizations are eligible if they focus on serving economically-disadvantaged people, are financially sustainable, hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or are governmental entities, and are located in and serve the specified WNC counties. The foundation explicitly does not fund general operating expenses (unless directly tied to the project), capital support for new buildings, recreational programs, private primary/secondary schools (with exceptions), festivals, scholarships, activities before grant decisions, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, endowment/deficit funding, or state/national organizations unless local benefits and leadership are demonstrated. This careful delineation of what is and isn't funded further clarifies the foundation's strategic focus and commitment to specific types of interventions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Western North Carolina that enhance community services for older adults and their caregivers, focusing on health, housing, food security, transportation, mental wellness, and social connectivity.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

The High Point Community Foundation's grant program is designed to provide essential funding to nonprofit organizations that actively address the needs within the community. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support local initiatives and ensure that critical services and programs are available to those who need them most in the greater High Point area. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a direct benefit to the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are primarily the residents and various groups within the greater High Point area, as the foundation emphasizes local impact. While not explicitly stated as "impact goals" or "expected outcomes" in specific metrics, the overarching goal is to support nonprofits in their efforts to respond to community needs, suggesting an expected outcome of improved well-being and enhanced services for the High Point population. The foundation's priorities and focus are clearly on local impact, with state-wide or national programs only considered if funding directly benefits the High Point area. Furthermore, there is a strong focus on ensuring the financial integrity and legitimacy of applicants, as evidenced by the detailed requirements for 501(c)(3) status and varying levels of financial statements based on annual budget size. Grantmaking restrictions highlight what the foundation will not fund, which implicitly defines their strategic priorities. They do not fund costs already incurred, endowments, loans or mortgages, sectarian or political purposes, or individuals. This indicates a strategic priority towards funding direct program and capital needs that have an immediate and tangible impact on the community, rather than administrative overheads or long-term financial instruments. The maximum grant allowed is $50,000 for program and capital requests, and the grant committee will not fund requests less than 50% of the total asked. They also implement a matching grant policy to ensure shared investment. The foundation's "theory of change," though not explicitly named as such, can be inferred as supporting local nonprofits with direct funding will empower them to effectively address community needs, leading to a stronger, more resilient High Point community. The strict guidelines regarding eligibility and financial transparency are in place to ensure that funds are responsibly allocated to organizations that can demonstrate accountability and a genuine capacity to deliver on their proposed projects, ultimately contributing to measurable positive change within the community.

This funding opportunity supports North Carolina-based universities and nonprofit research organizations in advancing early-stage life sciences projects focused on sleep, hibernation, and the effects of space travel.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hanover County that align their initiatives with the county's strategic goals and enhance community services.

This program provides funding to empower local neighborhoods, especially low-income households and residents of color, to engage in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island to support projects that address human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in eastern North Carolina that focus on improving education, health, and human services for local residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations to develop housing, improve living conditions, and create economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents in Asheville.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in central and western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee that deliver educational, medical, and essential human services to individuals in need.

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 initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Davie County that deliver essential programs aimed at improving the lives of women and children, focusing on areas such as abuse prevention, housing, and mental health services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties for projects that improve water quality and natural habitats, promote public awareness of water conservation, and enhance access to water resources.

This grant provides funding to small nonprofit organizations focused on improving mental well-being for families in underserved communities through innovative and holistic programs.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations serving residents in Camden, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans counties in North Carolina, focusing on community needs such as poverty alleviation, homelessness, and youth services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Western North Carolina that are recovering from losses due to Hurricane Helene, helping them stabilize operations and reconnect with their communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in eastern North Carolina that focus on improving education, health, and human services for local communities, particularly benefiting women, youth, and older adults.

This program provides funding to local governments and organizations to create affordable housing and improve living conditions for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

This program provides financial assistance to developers for creating or rehabilitating affordable rental housing for low-income households in Raleigh, targeting those earning at or below 80% of the area median income.