North Carolina Infrastructure Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts and design organizations in the greater High Point area to strengthen their operations and programming.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that promote and celebrate African American, Asian American, Latin American, or Native American cultures through various arts programs and services.

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to established arts and culture organizations in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that demonstrate strong administrative and programmatic excellence.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that empower Black households through economic initiatives, such as career development, wealth-building, and support for Black-owned businesses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that empower underrepresented innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina, to foster economic development and collaboration within the community.

This program provides matching reimbursement funds to small business owners and property owners in Raleigh for improving the exteriors of their commercial buildings, fostering community enhancement and economic growth.

This program provides financial assistance to small business owners in Raleigh to improve their commercial properties, encouraging the activation of vacant or underutilized spaces and the creation of new jobs.

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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Catawba County to support innovative arts projects that engage the community and enhance local cultural offerings.

This grant provides funding to recycling businesses and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina to enhance their capacity and efficiency in diverting materials from the waste stream and creating jobs.

This grant provides financial support to individual artists and small groups in North Carolina for projects that enhance their artistic skills, promote their work, or create new art.

This grant provides funding to local governments, non-profits, and businesses in North Carolina to develop programs that reduce food waste through food donation and organics recycling initiatives.

The Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department is accepting applications for housing rehabilitation or reconstruction housing assistance. Donor Name: Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Lee County is applying to the N.C. Department of Commerce for a 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-NR Project for $950,000 from the department’s Rural Economic Development Division community development funds. Households with lower incomes who occupy substandard housing will be considered. The applicant must be the homeowner and must be the occupant of the home. Eligible applicants must be up to date on real estate taxes and have a clear title to the property. For more information, visit Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department.

The North Carolina IOLTA is requesting applications for its Civil Legal Aid Grant Program. 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: 1 Year Details: NC IOLTA’s Civil Legal Aid Grant Program provides general support for a network of organizations, including both civil legal aid organizations and other agencies that provide civil legal aid, that together provide basic access to the justice system for indigent people residing in every county in North Carolina. Civil legal aid includes direct representation of eligible clients and client groups as well as related training and technical assistance. An organization or program may be providing services through staff attorneys and advocates or using volunteer lawyers on a pro bono basis. Areas of Funding Civil Legal Aid Grants  General Civil Legal Aid Grants are offered to legal aid organizations, defined as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code whose primary purpose is to provide civil legal aid to low-income clients. General Civil Legal Aid Grants are intended to provide general programmatic support to civil legal aid organizations to broadly support legal services for eligible clients. Project Support Grants are offered to legal aid organizations or other entities that run legal aid programs (such as social service providers, advocacy organizations, and other nonprofits that provide other non-legal services in addition to the legal services provided). Project Support Grants are intended to support programs focused on particular client subgroups or particular types of client services, especially where the clients served are not being reached or the program offers services that are not otherwise available through civil legal aid organizations. Pro Bono Support Grants. Pro Bono Support Grants are offered to support the development and expansion of efforts to engage lawyers and other legal professionals in the provision of voluntary legal services. Note that a pro bono program that does not focus their efforts specifically on indigent clients is not eligible for a Pro Bono Support Grant under the Civil Legal Aid Grant Program but may apply under the Administration of Justice Grant Program. System Support Grants. System Support Grants are offered to support efforts to improve the system of the delivery of civil legal aid by increasing program efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration. Examples of some efforts within this area of funding include training, research and evaluation, program innovations, website development or updates, online platforms or tools, and planning and sustainability efforts.  Funding Criteria Preference generally will be given to requests from applicants:  Providing direct representation of clients or client groups, including engaging in a range of services from extended representation to brief advice offered through a variety of methods, offering community legal education to clients, and supporting community economic development through services to client groups;  Who are staffed civil legal aid organizations, as the most effective and efficient means by which to deliver high quality legal assistance to the poor, including pro bono efforts as an important supplement to staffed legal services;  Who are current qualified providers over additional, separate programs except where a separate program can address client needs more effectively and efficiently;  Having diverse funding sources; 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.

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.

The Watauga Arts Council is seeking applications for its Grassroots Grants to provide support for high-quality programming in the performing, visual, literary, and traditional arts. Donor Name: Watauga Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Watauga County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programming choices are responsive to community needs and demonstrate improvement and innovation. Programming choices also engage constituents across geographic, cultural, social, and economic strata. Fosters collaborative relationships with and provide services and support to county arts organizations and other arts resources. Supports individual artists in the county through services and opportunities and compensates artists appropriately. Funding Priorities The directive is to prioritize funding for the following: Provide program or operating support to qualified arts organizations. Provide funds to support arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, after-school programs, summer camps, or adult arts learning classes. To support other community, civic, and municipal organizations that provide high-quality experiences for the greater community. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists. Funding Information Typical requests range from $800 – $4,000. Uses of Funds The three primary uses of Grassroots funds are as follows: Provide program or operating support through subgrants to arts organizations that do not receive operating support from the North Carolina Arts Council. Grassroots partners located in counties with 50,000 or more residents are required to subgrant at least 50 percent of their Grassroots allocation to other organizations in their counties to conduct arts programs. Grassroots partners located in counties with fewer than 50,000 residents must use 50 percent of their funds for arts programs that they conduct OR for subgrants to other organizations for arts programs using qualified artists. In either case, Grassroots partners are expected to provide support to qualified arts organizations in their counties that consistently present high-quality arts programs and that are not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council. Support high-quality arts programs that reach and impact a broad cross-section of the county’s citizens and youth. Eligibility Criteria 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 subgrants. Unincorporated nonprofits may have a fiscal agent or sponsor to receive the funds on their behalf. Watauga County nonprofit arts organizations such as, qualified arts organizations (where they exist), such as theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts, societies, writer’s groups, and arts festivals. Applicant/organization must not be late on tax payments. Subgrants of Grassroots funds may not be awarded to arts organizations that already receive operating support directly from the N.C. Arts Council. For more information, visit Watauga Arts Council.

The Watauga Arts Council is currently accepting applications for its Artist Support Grants for working artists who seek to advance their careers through professional development, studio improvements, new projects, promotion, and more. Donor Name: Watauga Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Watauga County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information  Grant awards to artists generally range from $500 to $2500. Eligibility Criteria  The artist support grant is intended to support working artists. They do not recommend applying if you are a beginner or hobby artist unless you want to transition into the career and have a strong body of work to support that endeavor. Professors may only apply if it supports their career as an artist, not to support work for their university or classes they teach. For more information, visit Watauga Arts Council.

The Municipal Service District Grant Program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants for enhancements to building facades, landscapes, and parking lots and the installation of new pedestrian elements. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The MSD Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Downtown Municipal Service District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information Grants are awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000. Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, bicycle racks, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies  Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details  Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Municipal Service District  Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information The grant is awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000.00 per project.  Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Innes Street Improvement District Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation  Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

This grant provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and local schools in Rowan County to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities.