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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Cary-based nonprofit organizations for arts-focused projects that enhance the local community and promote cultural engagement.

This program provides matching funds to local governments in North Carolina for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreational spaces, such as parks and trails.

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/Cumberland County offers Mini Grants to support independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals within Cumberland County, North Carolina. This grant program aims to build capacity for local artists by funding one-time cultural arts events. The council's mission, as reflected in this program, is to foster the local arts economy, encourage new or innovative programming, and provide support to diverse artistic mediums within the county. The primary beneficiaries of these Mini Grants are artists and cultural/historical professionals residing in Cumberland County, NC. The impact goals are centered on growing the local arts economy, engaging the community through novel artistic expressions, and supporting a variety of artistic disciplines. The program prioritizes projects that take place in Cumberland County, are led by participating artists or cultural professionals, and can be completed within six months of the award. It also supports the creation of new works with a public display within the same timeframe. Funding requests can range from $500 to $10,000, with specific guidelines for allowable expenses. For requests between $500 and $2,000, allowable expenses include contract artist fees, other contracted services, project supplies/materials, space/equipment rental, marketing/outreach expenses (up to 25% of the budget), and applicant artist fees (up to 25% of the budget). For awards exceeding $2,000, restrictions apply, prohibiting expenses for food and drink, capital expenses, subgranting or awards/scholarships, and educational/curriculum requirements. Expected outcomes include an increase in cultural arts events, the development of new artistic works, and enhanced engagement within the local arts community. Measurable results would likely include the number of projects funded, the reach of public displays, and the economic impact on local artists and the arts economy. The Arts Council's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with empowering local artists and enriching the cultural landscape of Cumberland County through accessible and impactful grants. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and guidance to local artists, they can stimulate artistic production, community involvement, and economic growth within the arts sector.

The Bernalillo County Neighborhood Grant Program aims to strengthen neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life within Bernalillo County by supporting neighborhood associations and other community groups. This program is rooted in the belief that strong neighborhoods and active residents are vital to the county's uniqueness and well-being. The grant is designed to assist these groups in their ongoing participation and outreach efforts to their members and all residents of Bernalillo County. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual, recognized Neighborhood Associations within Bernalillo County or the City of Albuquerque. The program seeks to empower these associations to initiate, plan, and implement projects that directly impact their neighbors and community members. The overarching impact goal is to foster self-help initiatives that provide positive, public benefits to all residents, thereby strengthening community bonds and enhancing local quality of life. Key priorities and focuses for this grant include projects performed within Bernalillo County, including areas within city limits, and initiatives that offer a positive, public benefit to all residents. Projects must be free and open to all residents within neighborhood association boundaries. A strong emphasis is placed on self-help, encouraging projects that are conceived, planned, and executed by the community members who will ultimately benefit. Furthermore, successful applications are expected to include community match resources, demonstrating a commitment from the neighborhood itself. Expected outcomes include a more engaged and active citizenry, an increase in community-led projects that address local needs, and a general enhancement of the quality of life across Bernalillo County. While specific measurable results like the number of participants or projects are implied by the nature of the grant (up to $5,000 per association per grant period), the program fundamentally seeks to foster community resilience and collective action. The grant’s theory of change posits that by investing in neighborhood-led initiatives, Bernalillo County can cultivate a more vibrant, connected, and self-reliant community.

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.

Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) is accepting applications for its community grants program, which is designed to address a wide array of local needs throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina. Rooted in its mission to strengthen and uplift the community, WCF strategically invests in initiatives spanning human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. The foundation’s theory of change is built on the principle that comprehensive investment across diverse sectors contributes to a stronger, more resilient community—one that can respond effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. This holistic funding approach ensures that multiple aspects of community life are supported, creating a network of programs that reinforce each other for maximum local impact. The program’s target beneficiaries are Wilkes County residents served through a broad spectrum of community organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments—including public schools—fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goals are both immediate and long-term: improving quality of life, enhancing access to educational opportunities, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing food insecurity, and promoting cultural enrichment. By focusing on these goals, WCF aims to address both urgent community needs and the structural factors that shape well-being. WCF places strong emphasis on funding initiatives that can clearly demonstrate their potential for measurable impact. Priority is given to programs that respond to critical community needs and that show evidence of organizational capacity to implement effective solutions. This includes programs that address social determinants of health, expand educational attainment, enhance youth development opportunities, and foster community engagement through the arts. A key expectation for grantees is to deliver services equitably and without discrimination, ensuring that all residents have fair access to the benefits created through funded initiatives. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted. In the short term, funded projects are anticipated to increase access to essential services, improve food and health security, expand educational resources, and enrich the cultural fabric of Wilkes County. Over the longer term, WCF envisions these investments leading to stronger local institutions, more empowered community members, improved health and education outcomes, and greater civic engagement. These outcomes align with WCF’s belief that sustainable community improvement requires both meeting immediate needs and building long-term capacity for growth and resilience. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a possible maximum of $10,000. This funding structure enables the foundation to support both small grassroots efforts and more expansive initiatives. Religious entities may apply for funding tied specifically to charitable and social service programs but are not eligible for general operating support. This approach ensures that resources are strategically allocated to programs with direct and demonstrable community impact. By funding a broad range of initiatives, WCF empowers local organizations to act as catalysts for change. Ultimately, WCF’s grantmaking strategy reflects a belief in the power of local action and collaborative problem-solving. By equipping community-based organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues, the foundation is investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Wilkes County. Its community grants program embodies a balanced strategy of flexibility and accountability—providing support where it is most needed while ensuring that funded efforts contribute meaningfully to the county’s collective well-being and long-term prosperity.

The Harnett County Community Foundation (HCCF) is actively seeking grant applications from qualified charitable organizations dedicated to serving the local community. This grant program is designed to address a broad spectrum of local needs, aligning with the HCCF's mission to foster community well-being and development. By supporting a diverse range of purposes, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and improve the quality of life within Harnett County. The grantmaking funds are primarily directed towards areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The target beneficiaries are individuals and groups within Harnett County who benefit from these essential services and programs. The impact goal is to create a healthier, more educated, and enriched community, addressing critical needs and fostering sustainable growth in various sectors. The HCCF's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on empowering local organizations that can deliver tangible benefits to the community. The foundation believes that by investing in these diverse areas, it can create a ripple effect of positive change. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the general intent is to support programs that demonstrate a clear capacity to meet local needs and contribute to the overall welfare of Harnett County residents. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with a broader size of $1,000 to $10,000 possible, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the scope and impact of proposed projects. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofits, organizations with a fiscal agent, local governments, fire and rescue departments, and religious entities focusing on social outreach. This inclusive eligibility criteria ensures that a wide array of community-serving bodies can apply, further broadening the potential impact of the grants.

The Rockingham County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations to address local needs within Rockingham County, North Carolina. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support a broad range of community purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation emphasizes meeting local needs, indicating a strategic priority on community-driven impact and direct support for local initiatives. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations serving the local community in Rockingham County, North Carolina. This includes 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding for social outreach and charitable service programs benefiting the community at large, but not for general operating support. The program aims to create a positive impact by funding initiatives that cater to diverse community needs, from basic human services to educational and cultural enrichment. The program's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. This indicates a holistic approach to community development, recognizing the interconnectedness of various social determinants of well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to be centered on fostering a vibrant and supportive community by addressing a wide spectrum of needs through local, qualified organizations. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller-scale projects or providing seed funding for local initiatives. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on a "broad range of purposes to meet local needs" implies a theory of change where targeted, modest funding can lead to tangible improvements in community well-being across multiple sectors. Organizations are expected to offer programs and services without discrimination, ensuring equitable access and impact.

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 offers small grants to local nonprofit agencies to enhance recreation opportunities within Chatham County, North Carolina. This program aligns with the department's mission to support and expand recreational access for all citizens, fulfilling the North Carolina Constitution’s public purpose requirement for the expenditure of public funds. The target beneficiaries are local nonprofit agencies that have been in operation for at least three years, excluding start-up agencies and those already funded by the county's operating budget. The program aims to increase and diversify recreational opportunities throughout the county, addressing community needs as outlined in the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Funding priorities for these recreation grants are recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee. The scoring of applications will be based on alignment with the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the specific goals and objectives of the Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. This ensures that funded projects contribute directly to the strategic vision for parks and recreation in the county. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information beyond the general goal of supporting recreation opportunities, the emphasis on the Master Plan and departmental goals suggests a framework for evaluating success. Agencies are expected to implement projects, programs, or services that Chatham County has the statutory authority to provide, ensuring that the grants lead to tangible public benefits. The overall theory of change is that by providing financial support to established nonprofit agencies, the county can leverage community-based efforts to expand and improve recreational offerings. The grant amounts, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a tentative FY25 allocation of $20,300, indicate a commitment to investing in a diverse range of projects that will contribute to the well-being and quality of life for Chatham County residents.

The Moore County Community Foundation (MCCF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving the local community in Moore County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address local needs across a broad spectrum of purposes, ensuring the well-being and development of the community. The grantmaking program targets a wide range of beneficiaries through initiatives focused on human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The goal is to fund programs that meet essential local needs and create positive, measurable impacts within the community. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that address a diverse set of local needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on a broad range of purposes, including human services, education, and health, suggests a commitment to fostering holistic community improvement. Organizations are expected to offer programs and services without discrimination. The MCCF's strategic priority is to support organizations that can effectively serve the counties within its affiliate network. This indicates a localized approach to philanthropy, where the foundation aims to empower local non-profits, government entities, and even religious organizations (for social outreach programs) to drive positive change. The theory of change appears to be rooted in direct community investment and empowerment of local service providers to address pressing issues.

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.

The Pamlico County Community Foundation Grant Program invites applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address diverse local needs through community grantmaking. The grants aim to support a broad range of purposes, ensuring that the foundation effectively serves the Pamlico County area by funding initiatives that meet critical community requirements. Target beneficiaries for this program include individuals and groups served by eligible organizations focused on human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts, among other areas. The impact goals are centered on fostering community well-being and development. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's broad scope suggests an aim to achieve positive community-wide changes across various sectors, improving the quality of life for residents of Pamlico County. The program prioritizes a wide array of community needs, making it flexible and responsive to the evolving challenges faced by the local population. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its support for organizations that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the community-at-large. This includes a commitment to inclusivity, as 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. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local charitable organizations, governments, and fire/rescue departments to implement programs that directly address community needs. By providing funding, the Pamlico County Community Foundation acts as a catalyst for positive change, relying on the expertise of its grantees to deliver impactful services and programs. This approach aims to create a ripple effect, where targeted investments lead to significant improvements in key areas of community life.

The Warren County Community Foundation Grant Program is currently accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations that serve the local community. The program aims to address local needs through a broad range of purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation’s mission aligns with supporting community well-being by funding initiatives that create positive impact across various sectors. Preference will be given to proposals specifically focusing on education or food insecurity, indicating these as key priorities for the WCCF. The community grantmaking funds are designed to meet diverse local needs, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for Warren County residents. While the text doesn't explicitly state the foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, the emphasis on local needs and specific focus areas suggests a strategy centered on direct community support and addressing pressing social issues. Target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily residents of Warren County, North Carolina, served by eligible organizations. These include 501(c)(3) public charities, organizations with fiscal agents, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach. The impact goals are to support and strengthen the community by funding programs that provide essential services and opportunities, particularly in areas like education and food security. Expected outcomes include improved access to educational resources, reduced food insecurity, enhanced human services, and increased youth development activities within the community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the foundation's focus areas imply that successful proposals would demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for positive, tangible impacts on the community they serve. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500, with an overall grant size between $1,000 to $10,000.

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.