North Carolina Recreation Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Western North Carolina that serve underserved populations, including youth, the elderly, and individuals facing physical or mental challenges.

The City of Asheville Event Support Grant, administered by ArtsAVL, offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to non-profit organizations for hosting free, public events in Asheville's outdoor spaces that promote cultural heritage, diversity, and the creative arts, with applications due by October 14, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local municipalities, nonprofits, and public agencies in Johnston County, North Carolina, for capital improvements and land acquisitions that enhance recreational access and environmental stewardship for residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville seeks Mini Grants for independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals. Donor Name: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County State: North Carolina County: Cumberland County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Arts Council Mini Grants build capacity for Cumberland County artists by supporting one-time cultural arts events with a focus on growing the local arts economy, engaging new or innovative programming, and providing support to diverse artistic mediums to Cumberland County. Funding Information Requests between $500.00-$2,000.00  Requests for awards exceeding $2,000.00  Project Activities Arts, culture, and history projects, activities, or events that take place in Cumberland County, NC led by a participating artist or cultural/historical professional that can be completed within 6 months of the grant award. Creation of a new work with a public display within 6 months of the grant award. Allowable Expenses  Expenses and Restrictions for Artists Allowable Expenses for Artists include:  Requests between $500.00-$2,000.00  Contract Artist Fees  Other Contracted Services  Project supplies/materials  Space/equipment rental, etc.  Marketing/outreach expenses up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant budget  Applicant Artist Fees up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant budget  Restrictions for Artists include:  Requests for awards exceeding $2,000.00  Food and Drink expenses  Capital expenses  Funds for subgranting or awards/scholarships  Expenses for projects that are educational/curriculum requirements Eligibility Criteria  Artist/Lead Artist in an Ensemble, Collective, or Guild who resides in Cumberland County Ineligibility Projects that do not take place in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Projects led by an applicant who is not in good standing with the Arts Council.  Projects led by an applicant who has already been awarded 2 Arts Council artist grants within a fiscal year.  Fundraisers. Projects led by a producer or sponsor and not a lead participating artist or cultural/historical professional.  Public art projects that do not have a signed agreement or permits at the time of the application  Projects NOT accessible by the general public (free or otherwise). Projects that promote a particular religious dogma or faith. Projects that have previously been reviewed twice and were not funded.  Projects that have previously been funded in the same fiscal year. For more information, visit Arts Council of Fayetteville.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is seeking applications for its Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants. Donor Name: North Carolina Department of Commerce State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this program is to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity. Funding availability is at the discretion of the Rural Infrastructure Authority. RDED Grants will support projects that Provide public improvements that help retain business and attract customers to business districts. Support publicly owned downtown economic development initiatives that leverage main streets and downtown districts as economic engines. Facilitate publicly owned building improvements that are used for community-wide uses or mixed-use development in or on properties that are publicly owned and controlled. Funding Information The maximum grant amount is $850,000 per grantee and may not exceed $12,500 per projected job created or retained. Eligible Activities Public Infrastructure – Improvements to publicly owned infrastructure in a downtown district, that serves a community-wide use, such as lots, alleys, streetscapes, waterfront developments and parks. Public Buildings (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned buildings in a downtown district that serve a public, community-wide use, such as a community center, theater, civic center, recreation center, or library. Mixed-Use Downtown Development (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned property in a downtown district that may be zoned and developed for a mix of uses. The mix of use may include two or more of the following: retail, restaurant, service, professional, nonprofit, governmental, institutional, or residential. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are units of local government located in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, and rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties. For the purposes of this program, units of local government are defined as municipal or county governments within the state of North Carolina. For more information, visit NCDC.

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 Wilkes Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) State: North Carolina County: Wilkes County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/23/2024 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 $1,000 to $2,500. 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 Harnett County Community Foundation (HCCF) is seeking grant applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Harnett County Community Foundation (HCCF) State: North Carolina County: Harnett County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/23/2024 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 $1,000 to $3,000. 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 Rockingham County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Rockingham County Community Foundation State: North Carolina County: Rockingham 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 ASC Cultural Organization Support Grants in North Carolina provide financial resources for nonprofit cultural organizations in Mecklenburg County to invest in capacity building opportunities that improve their management, develop audiences, strengthen fundraising, and achieve operating efficiencies. The program aims to support staff and board development at all levels of the organization and encourages a better understanding of environmental culture, history, white supremacist structures, and ways to embody equity in their work.

This grant provides funding for youth-led projects in Forsyth County, North Carolina, aimed at addressing community challenges and creating positive impacts for local youth.

The Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department awards small grants to local nonprofit agencies to support recreation opportunities in the county. Donor Name: Chatham County State: North Carolina County: Chatham County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding priorities for recreation grants will be recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee. The scoring will be based on the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan and Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department goals and objectives. Funding Information The amount for the grant for FY25 is tentatively $20,300. Funding Eligibility  The county does not fund start-up agencies. All agencies that apply for funding must have been in operation for at least three (3) years prior to being considered for a grant award. Agencies may not apply for funding for the same program from different county sources. Nonprofit agencies that are funded as part of the county operating budget may not apply for annual competitive funding awards via this policy. Any expenditure of these funds must satisfy the North Carolina Constitution’s public purpose requirement, which requires that public funds be expended for the benefit of all citizens. See N.C. Constitution Article V, Section 2(1). Funds must also be spent on projects, programs, or services that Chatham County has the authority to directly provide according to statutory authority in N.C.G.S. §153A-449. For more information, visit Chatham County.

The Moore County Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Moore County Community Foundation (MCCF) State: North Carolina County: Moore County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking program funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that includes things like human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $4,000. Eligibility Criteria  An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit 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 department 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 the affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within the 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 Orange County nonprofits in creating arts and cultural projects that engage historically underrepresented communities and enhance the cultural life of Chapel Hill.

This funding opportunity provides up to $3,000 to established organizations in Edgecombe County that offer recreational services to enhance limited recreational opportunities for local residents.

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.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Pamlico County Community Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Pamlico County Community Foundation (PCCF) State: North Carolina County: Pamlico County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details:  Funds are available for qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. 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.

Applications are now being accepted for the Warren County Community Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Warren County Community Foundation (WCCF) State: North Carolina County: Warren 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: Funds are available for qualified charitable organizations serving the local community with special preference for proposals focusing on education or food insecurity. 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 $1,500. 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 program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.