North Carolina Recreation Grants

The Haywood County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations that serve the local Haywood County community in North Carolina. This grant program is designed to address a broad range of local needs, encompassing human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts, among others. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to support community-based initiatives that enhance the well-being and development of its residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Haywood County, with a particular focus on those served by 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable service programs. The impact goal is to strengthen the community by funding programs that directly meet local needs and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The grantmaking prioritizes a wide array of community needs. While specific strategic priorities or a theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting "local needs," the broad categories indicate a holistic approach to community development. The foundation aims to fund projects that are inclusive and non-discriminatory, supporting organizations that offer programs and services without prejudice based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller, impactful projects or providing seed funding for broader initiatives. While specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the expectation is that funded programs will contribute to positive outcomes in the community, aligned with the stated areas of focus such as improved human services, enhanced educational opportunities, better health outcomes, and increased access to food and nutrition. The emphasis on local needs implies a theory of change where targeted, community-level funding leads to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Haywood County residents.

The Edgecombe Charitable Foundation offers community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving Edgecombe County, North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs, supporting initiatives in human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and other community-benefiting areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster the well-being and development of the local community by providing crucial funding for diverse programs. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of community members served by eligible organizations. The impact goals are to support and enhance essential services and programs that improve the quality of life within Edgecombe County. The foundation focuses on tangible community benefits, aiming for outcomes such as improved access to education, better health outcomes, enhanced youth development opportunities, and increased access to food and nutritional resources. The priorities for funding include 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities can also apply for social outreach and charitable service programs, but not for general operating support. Organizations must serve the counties within the affiliate network and offer programs without discrimination. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000, with a maximum of $10,000 for an "Impact Grant" for a single organization. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of programs that meet identified community needs and contribute to the overall betterment of Edgecombe County. Measurable results would be tied to the specific objectives of each funded project, such as the number of individuals served, improvements in specific health indicators, educational attainment, or participation in arts and cultural programs. The foundation's theory of change is that by strategically investing in diverse community-serving organizations, it can create a lasting positive impact on the lives of residents and the overall health of the community.

The Avery Community Foundation (ACF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving Avery County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The ACF seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the community across various sectors, demonstrating a strategic commitment to comprehensive local development. The grant program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries within Avery County, including those in need of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The impact goal is to meet these local needs through funding programs that deliver direct benefits to the community-at-large. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. The program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community-at-large, but not for general operating support. This focus ensures that funding reaches a wide array of entities capable of implementing effective community programs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting local needs, the foundation expects outcomes that demonstrably improve the quality of life and address the identified challenges within Avery County. The typical grant range of $500 to $1,000 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to support numerous local initiatives. The ACF's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local organizations to directly address community needs, thereby fostering a more resilient and thriving local environment.

The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving tribal members in Swain, Jackson, Cherokee, Graham, and Haywood counties of North Carolina. These grants are designed to address a broad range of local needs, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated as a separate entity from the grant program, aligns with fostering community well-being and supporting essential services within the tribal member communities it serves. The grantmaking strategy focuses on empowering local organizations to deliver impactful programs that directly benefit the identified counties. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are tribal members residing in the specified counties. The overarching impact goal is to meet local needs across a variety of sectors, thereby improving the quality of life and strengthening the communities served. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the broad range of purposes suggests a desire for tangible improvements in areas such as access to education, enhanced health outcomes, youth engagement, and cultural enrichment. The funding information, which indicates grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, implies that these grants are intended to support smaller-scale, community-led initiatives that can have a direct and immediate impact. The program prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, those with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding, but only for social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community at large, not for general operating support. This focus ensures that the grants are directed towards organizations with a proven commitment to public service and community benefit, while also establishing clear boundaries for religious organizations to maintain a charitable rather than proselytizing focus. A key strategic priority for the foundation is to ensure that funding directly benefits the communities within its affiliate network. Organizations serving multiple counties within the network are even encouraged to submit separate applications for each affiliate, underscoring a commitment to localized impact. Furthermore, a crucial element of the foundation's theory of change is the requirement that organizations offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. This commitment to inclusivity and equitable access ensures that the grant funds serve all eligible tribal members, fostering a more just and supportive community environment.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in western North Carolina to enhance youth mental health and resilience through collaborative, youth-led initiatives, particularly in areas affected by economic distress and natural disasters.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) aims to provide financial assistance for major tourism capital projects. Its core mission is to increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development within Buncombe County. The fund aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the region as a desirable destination. The target beneficiaries of the TPDF are non-profit organizations and government entities that develop major tourism capital projects. The impact goals are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, provide amenities for both residents and visitors, and ultimately increase overnight lodging stays in Buncombe County. Projects that directly increase lodging stays or support larger initiatives to do so are evaluated equally. The TPDF prioritizes capital investments, focusing on "brick and mortar" projects. Operational expenses are not considered for funding, though design fees already expended can count towards the required 1-to-1 funding match. Projects must be principally located in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase lodging patronage, and not solely benefit a single lodging owner or property. Applicants must also have legal control of the property and show how they will achieve a minimum 1-to-1 funding match. Expected outcomes include enhanced financial stability for requesting organizations, successful and sustainable project operations, and effective sales and marketing plans that draw visitation. The TPDF also seeks projects that differentiate the destination through brand alignment, uniqueness, and innovation, and those that promote the local creative sector. Measurable results are assessed by the ratio of overnight lodging generated to funding requested, and the project's ability to create new and incremental room nights, not just pull from existing visitors. Furthermore, the TPDF aligns with BCTDA’s strategic imperatives to deliver balanced recovery and sustainable growth by distributing visitors geographically and seasonally. Projects that encourage safe and responsible travel, and those that support engagement with and appeal to more diverse audiences, receive greater consideration. The overarching theory of change is that strategic capital investments in tourism infrastructure will lead to increased visitor numbers, economic benefits, and a more vibrant community, all while ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

The Great Trails State Program (GTSP) provides funding for new trail development and extension of existing trails within North Carolina. This includes paved trails, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and other types recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. One grant cycle will distribute $25 million in non-recurring funds. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, regional councils of government, public authorities, and nonprofits with local government support. Project types include planning and feasibility, design and engineering, acquisition, construction, and maintenance.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is offering a grant program aimed at expanding access to mental and behavioral health services and resources for youth. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians by focusing on critical health needs. The program seeks to support models that are effective in the short term (1-3 years) and leverage a trained workforce beyond traditional specialty-trained clinical roles. This strategic approach emphasizes immediate impact and sustainable community engagement, reflecting a theory of change that posits empowering a broader range of professionals will lead to more accessible and responsive mental health support for young people. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are youth in North Carolina, particularly those in communities facing significant barriers to accessing care. The program aims to address the critical need for mental and behavioral health support by increasing the availability of resources and services. Impact goals include fostering early identification of distress, trauma, mental health changes, or substance use among youth, and facilitating their connection to appropriate resources. The foundation prioritizes approaches that engage diverse communities and can operate in various settings, such as communities, schools, health systems, and faith-based organizations. The program's priorities include strengthening organizational capacity and infrastructure, connecting care across different settings, increasing access to training opportunities for a diverse workforce, and enhancing the availability of culturally and linguistically relevant resources and materials. The focus is on a trained workforce that can identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, providing initial support and resource connection. This strategy aims to create a more integrated and accessible support system for youth mental and behavioral health. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of youth accessing mental and behavioral health services, improved early intervention for mental health concerns, and a more robust network of trained professionals capable of supporting youth. The grant allows for proposals ranging from $75,000 to $500,000 per year for up to three years, indicating a commitment to significant, multi-year projects. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, fiscally sponsored programs, government entities (including schools and tribal governments), and coalitions, fostering a broad and inclusive approach to addressing youth mental health needs across all counties in North Carolina.

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.

The Duplin County Community Foundation (DCCF) Grant Program is currently accepting applications to support qualified charitable organizations serving the local community of Duplin County, North Carolina. This grant program is aligned with the DCCF's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The grant-making fund supports various purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a responsive grant-making approach that addresses the diverse needs within the community, ensuring that funds are directed where they can have the most significant impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations that serve the community-at-large within Duplin County. This includes 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs benefiting the community, but not for general operating support. The impact goal is to strengthen the local community by supporting essential services and programs that improve the quality of life for its residents. The foundation aims to create a ripple effect of positive change through its investments. The program prioritizes initiatives that meet local needs in a wide array of areas. This broad focus allows for flexibility in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities within Duplin County. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved educational opportunities, healthier residents, and greater access to nutritious food and artistic programs. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of individuals served by grant-funded programs, improvements in specific indicators related to health or education, and the overall positive impact on the well-being of Duplin County residents. The Duplin County Community Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by providing financial support to well-aligned and impactful local organizations, the foundation can empower these entities to deliver vital services and programs. This, in turn, leads to a stronger, more resilient, and vibrant community. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity, requiring organizations to offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief, ensuring equitable access to resources and benefits for all residents. The typical grant range from the community grantmaking fund is $500 to $1,000.

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 grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Cumberland and surrounding counties for projects that benefit children from birth to 18 years old.

The Town of Matthews Tourism Grant Program offers financial assistance to organizations that host events or programs aimed at boosting visitation and tourism within Matthews. This initiative directly aligns with the town's mission to enhance local economic activity and showcase Matthews as a desirable destination. The grant is specifically funded by tourism-related taxes, including hotel occupancy, prepared food and beverage, and car rental taxes, ensuring that the program's funding mechanism is directly tied to its mission of promoting tourism. The primary beneficiaries of this program are non-profit organizations capable of delivering events or programs that effectively attract visitors to Matthews. The overarching impact goal is to increase tourism and visitation, which in turn supports local businesses and generates revenue for the town. The program prioritizes projects with short-term and/or long-term potential for attracting visitors, ensuring a sustainable impact on the town's tourism landscape. Key focuses for successful applications include demonstrating a clear goal of promoting tourism and visitation to Matthews, as well as outlining how the proposed program will achieve this. Eligibility criteria emphasize that organizations must hold current non-profit status and that their programs must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 13, 2025. This timeframe allows for the support of both upcoming and recently concluded initiatives that meet the program's objectives. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of visitors to Matthews and the successful execution of tourism-promoting events and programs. Measurable results will be assessed through mandatory post-project reports submitted by grant recipients. These reports will likely detail attendance, visitor origin, economic impact, and other relevant metrics, providing data to evaluate the program's effectiveness. Any unspent grant funding must be returned by June 30, 2025, ensuring accountability and efficient use of public funds. The program’s strategic priority is to leverage local events and programs as catalysts for sustained tourism growth, aligning with a theory of change where targeted financial support for tourism initiatives directly translates into increased visitor numbers and economic benefits for the community.

The Jackson County Community Foundation is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations that serve the local community within Jackson County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs, supporting essential services and development within the community. The grants are intended to foster local initiatives that improve the well-being of residents and strengthen community infrastructure across various sectors. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing individuals and groups benefiting from human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts programs. The impact goals are to meet a wide array of community needs, providing support to vulnerable populations, enhancing educational opportunities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and enriching cultural experiences. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach programs. The program focuses on funding initiatives that provide tangible benefits to the community-at-large, with a particular emphasis on services that are accessible and non-discriminatory. Expected outcomes include improved access to essential services, enhanced community programs, and a strengthened local support network. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the range of grants, the implied results are the successful implementation of programs in the areas of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The Jackson County Community Foundation's strategic priorities are to address local needs comprehensively through community-focused grantmaking. Their theory of change appears to be that by funding a diverse range of charitable organizations and public service entities, they can collectively create a more resilient, educated, healthy, and culturally vibrant community. The grant size typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, indicating a focus on supporting numerous local projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public schools and nonprofit organizations in Durham County for innovative educational programs that promote equity and enhance college or career readiness for young people.

The Community Foundation for Randolph County (CFRC) is currently accepting grant applications from qualified charitable organizations, aiming to support a broad spectrum of local needs. This grantmaking program aligns with CFRC's mission to enhance the well-being of the Randolph County community by funding initiatives in human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. Grants will be disbursed from both the general community grantmaking fund and the Randolph Health Community Foundation Endowment, with the latter specifically dedicated to health-related programs serving Randolph County. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are residents of Randolph County, particularly those served by 501(c)(3) non-profits, organizations with fiscal agents, local governments, fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goal is to address a wide range of community challenges and improve the quality of life for local residents. The program prioritizes organizations that serve counties within CFRC's affiliate network and offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. The program's focus areas are diverse, encompassing human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. Within the health sector, particular emphasis is placed on programs supported by the Randolph Health Community Foundation Endowment. The foundation's strategic priority is to respond to identified local needs through a flexible and responsive grantmaking approach, empowering local organizations to implement effective solutions. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes include improved access to vital services, enhanced educational opportunities, increased youth engagement, better health outcomes, reduced food insecurity, and a more vibrant arts community within Randolph County. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in a diverse array of community-based initiatives, it can foster a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community for all residents. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, providing accessible funding for a variety of projects.

This grant provides funding for creative individuals to develop and deliver free cultural programming in underserved neighborhoods of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, fostering community engagement and access to the arts.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

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 program provides financial assistance to residents, homeowners associations, and property owners in Holly Springs for planting and replacing street trees to improve the town's urban forestry and enhance neighborhood aesthetics.