North Carolina Science and Technology Grants

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 Golden LEAF Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Open Grants Program. Donor Name: Golden LEAF Foundation State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas This program is for economic development projects aligned with the Golden LEAF priority areas. Job Creation and Economic Investment Workforce Preparedness Agriculture The Golden LEAF Foundation is committed to using the funds entrusted to it for projects that show the most potential for strengthening North Carolina’s economy, especially in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. Funding Information The Golden LEAF Board has indicated that most awards in the Open Grants Program will be for $200,000 or less. For projects that have certain characteristics, Golden LEAF will make awards of up to $500,000 from this program. Competitive Projects Competitive applications for projects include requests for funds to: Develop and implement a new workforce training program to meet demand from local employers Implement a career pathway at a high school for a high demand field Extend water, sewer, or road infrastructure to a site to enable industrial development that will create full-time jobs Support the development of new crops, expand markets for agriculture products, or provide training for farmers. Characteristics of Open Grants Projects Eligible for Funding of More Than $200,000 Golden LEAF expects that most grants in the Open Grants Program will be for $200,000 or less, and grants of more than $200,000 will be infrequent. To determine which projects will be eligible for consideration for an award of more than $200,000, Golden LEAF requires that the project include one or more of these characteristics: The applicant can clearly demonstrate and explain how the applicant would be able to achieve additional outcomes as a direct result of receiving more than $200,000 in funding, and the additional outcomes are commensurate with the additional funding. The project results from a planning process involving multiple organizations and members of the community that the project will serve, e.g., employers, and those organizations and individuals continue to be engaged in and will provide support to the project. The additional funding will build on a history of success and allow the applicant to scale a project to significantly increase the outcomes the project can achieve. The project is collaborative and includes some features that make the collaboration particularly compelling, such as the following characteristics: The collaboration is uncommon and includes innovative approaches. Golden LEAF funding will enable or encourage the collaboration. The project is regional, i.e., involves organizations in more than one county. A Golden LEAF award would leverage significant funding from other organizations, i.e., Golden LEAF is a small but important part of a larger project. The applicant has limited resources and has made efforts to secure funding from other sources. Implementing the project in phases would compromise its outcomes. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants are governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit Golden LEAF Foundation.

The Women’s Fund makes annual grants of up to $15,000 for organizations building economic security for women and girls in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Donor Name: The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem State: North Carolina County: Forsyth County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Based on research findings from 2020 Through A Gender Lens report and insights as a funding initiative, they know that systemic barriers have led to the gender and racial disparities they see in the community. They also acknowledge the challenges faced by smaller, newer, or women of color-led organizations in securing grant funding.  With this in mind, they prioritize funding for organizations that:  have an annual revenue of $250,000 or less. are led by women of color (more than 50% of decision-makers identify as women of color). actively engage women or girls in the design or implementation of their program or project.  Focus Areas  By supporting programs that create opportunities to improve the economic, educational, physical health, and emotional well-being of women and girls, they can improve the overall quality of life in the community. Eligibility Criteria They support grant proposals that: focus on increasing economic security and or mobility for women and girls. benefit and positively impact women and girls. are making an impact in Forsyth County, NC. are implemented by a 501 (c)(3) organization, a government or public agency, or a faith-based organization. (Organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) may utilize an organization with one to serve as its fiscal agent.) For more information, visit TWF.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) supports diverse programs with a common goal: to enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities for K-12 students and pursue inquiry-based exploration in BWF’s home state of North Carolina. Donor Name: Burroughs Wellcome Fund State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. Since the program’s inception in 1996, BWF has awarded 288 grants totaling $43.3 million to 136 organizations that reach more than 43,000 North Carolina students. Program Goals In line with the mission of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, projects that are funded under SSEP must seek to attain three goals: improving students’ competence in science and mathematics nurturing student enthusiasm for science and mathematics interesting students in pursuing careers in research or other science-related areas. Funding Information The grant provides up to $60,000 per year for three years for a maximum of $180,000. Eligibility Criteria  The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) is open to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina. Eligible organizations include public and private schools, colleges and universities, community groups, museums, zoos, scientific groups, and others that can provide experiential activities for K-12 North Carolina students. Individuals and nonprofit organizations that offer religious programming are not eligible for SSEP awards. Guidelines  Successful projects generally include the following examples of activities to achieve these goals: helping students learn the basic process skills in scientific inquiry—observing, comparing, measuring (using apparatus), communicating, analyzing, generating, and evaluating providing students with opportunities that will increase their insight into and appreciation of the investigative process supplying students with STEM-related career information and introducing career prospects connecting science and mathematics to students’ daily lives and providing an opportunity to use technology in project activities enabling students to interact with scientists and other STEM professionals providing students with opportunities to explain their knowledge of STEM to others providing guidance on how students may connect with other ongoing STEM-related programs involving parents in program activities For more information, visit Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

The Helen Kimberly Jones Charitable Trust provides grants to promote the charitable purpose of preventing cruelty to animals primarily in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Donor Name: The Helen Kimberly Jones Charitable Trust State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas  Environment Animals Funding Information Average grant size: $5,000. Average total giving per year: $40,000. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funds must be used for programs or services devoted to the prevention of cruelty to animals. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This funding opportunity supports university researchers in developing and commercializing life sciences inventions to advance their practical applications and attract potential investors.

This program provides funding for academic and nonprofit institutions in North Carolina to purchase shared research equipment, promoting innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector.

This program provides quick funding to researchers at North Carolina universities and nonprofit institutes to develop innovative life sciences projects that show strong commercial potential.

This program provides quick funding to researchers at North Carolina universities and nonprofit institutes to develop innovative life sciences projects that show strong commercial potential.

The Flash Grant program, managed by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech), aims to energize innovative ideas in the life sciences field that show early signs of exceptional commercial potential. Flash grants provide a quick infusion of funding at critical early stages to help shape innovative research ideas into high-potential life sciences technologies. The grants support short, focused research projects that generate initial exploratory, proof-of-concept, or feasibility data, or that conduct final experiments to advance research into the translational phase. These micro-grants target projects too early for traditional grant funding mechanisms and are available to researchers at any North Carolina university or nonprofit research institute.

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is accepting applications for its Economic Mobility Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro State: North Carolina County: Guilford County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: For residents to become economically mobile, they must have a strong economic foundation. With that, the Community Foundation is committed to funding organization’s whose work encompasses the following: Workforce Development and Education Small Business and Entrepreneurship Access to Workforce Housing Eligibility and Requirements Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in or serving Guilford County. Grants are not awarded to organizations with outstanding grant reports due. Grants are not awarded to individuals. As we work to prioritize equity in grantmaking process, board and staff diversity along with total operating budget will be considered by staff and respective grantmaking committees; all applications will be reviewed regardless of budget size. Typically, multi-year grant applications are not considered. Typically, public schools or other public agencies will not receive grants, although they may be involved as partners in funded efforts. Priority is given to grant proposals that focus on long-term strategies to advance and sustain economic mobility in Guilford County. For more information, visit Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Grant. Donor Name: Haywood County Tourism Development Authority State: North Carolina County: Haywood County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grant Categories  Legacy Event Sponsorship: This grant category provides financial support for established events in Haywood County that have a demonstrated track record of attracting visitors and contributing to the local tourism industry. These events must showcase the unique aspects of Haywood County and its communities. Tourism Promotion Grant: This grant category focuses on funding marketing and promotional initiatives specifically aimed at enhancing the overall tourism image, visibility, and visitation of Haywood County. These grants support innovative campaigns, advertising efforts, and promotional activities that effectively reach target markets and attract visitors to the area. Grant applications must be a minimum of $2,000 to be considered for funding. Grant Period The HCTDA grant program operates on a fiscal year basis from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Funding Criteria  This grant program is sustained by room tax revenue generated from overnight stays in Haywood County. Therefore, preference is given to applications for initiatives expected to attract visitors from outside a fifty (50) mile radius. These initiatives should demonstrate the potential to generate overnight stays and create economic and destination impact while also enhancing the quality of life for local residents. Eligibility Criteria  Legacy Event Sponsorship Eligible applicants include Haywood County non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, governmental agencies, and other tourism-related entities. Tourism Promotion Grant Not-for-profit organizations, museums, attractions, governmental agencies, or other non-profit tourism entities. Not-for-profit organizations must have a minimum grant match of 50%. For-profit, tourism-based organizations may apply with a minimum grant match of 100%. For more information, visit HCTDA.

The Landfall Foundation is currently accepting applications from eligible organizations for the Project Grants. Donor Name: Landfall Foundation State: North Carolina County: Brunswick County (NC), New Hanover County (NC), Pender County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Grant Categories Health & Welfare Education Arts Funding Information The maximum funding is $10,000. Project Grants have a specific purpose to be completed in one or two years. Eligibility Criteria Organization must be a non-profit and tax exempt as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and must include a copy of your IRS Tax Exemption letter. The grant request must be to partially or fully fund a project in the areas of arts, health and welfare and/or education. Your organization is NOT eligible for a grant if: Beneficiaries of your project are not within New Hanover, Pender or Brunswick counties. The organization operates as a private non-operating foundation. The application is for direct aid to individuals. The grant is primarily for operating expenses, such as administrative costs, general overhead, advertising or signage, principal and interest payments on debt. The grant is for costs of capital items already acquired or the purchase of real property. The grant is for a start-up organization (the date of your IRS determination letter must be two years before the date of submission of this application) The organization is engaged in any way in the promotion or advancement of political or religious beliefs. The organization will transfer any portion of a Landfall Foundation Grant Award to any other organization The organization is a local branch of a national organization with internal fundraising staff. The organization discriminates on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The grant application is for research, feasibility studies or engineering and planning. The organization received a program grant award in the previous year and has not submitted a final or preliminary report by May 15, 2023. The organization received a capital grant award in the current year. For more information, visit Landfall Foundation.

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.

The Community Foundation for Randolph County (CFRC) is accepting grant applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Community Foundation for Randolph County (CFRC) State: North Carolina County: Randolph 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. Grants will be awarded from the community grantmaking fund and the Randolph Health Community Foundation Endowment supporting health-related programs in and serving Randolph County. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000. 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.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina offers Learning Links grants up to $1,000 for public school teachers in selected counties to implement hands-on, innovative learning projects that align with the curriculum and aim to increase student enthusiasm for learning.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) was created to provide financial assistance through grants, loan guarantees, or pledges of debt service to major tourism capital projects that will increase patronage of lodging properties in, and further economic development in Buncombe County. Donor Name: Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pojects receiving TPDF investment have not only created jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents, but they have also provided amenities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Policies The TPDF Committee may utilize a waiver of any non-legislatively mandated eligibility criteria to advance a project if it represents a significant impact upon lodging demand and Buncombe County economic sustainability. All projects must meet all eligibility criteria and requirements stated in legislation. Projects which either directly increase overnight lodging stays by themselves or support a larger initiative that will increase room nights will be evaluated equally. TPDF funds cannot be the first funds committed to a project. BCTDA reserves the right to cancel the grant application cycle at any time and for any reason. BCTDA reserves the right to award or deny grant funding to any project for any reason consistent with the intent of the legislation. Recognizing that its resources are limited, BCTDA may grant funding that is less than that requested by the applicant. BCTDA will not make payment directly to any vendor or individual. Payment will only be made to the applicant organization as reimbursement. If the grantee is unable to fund and/or complete the project, BCTDA may revoke all or part of the grant. The grantee may be forced to return some or all funding plus interest if the recipient is found to have used the funding inappropriately, if the project was not completed, or if the project scope or design was changed without approval of BCTDA. All applications are subject to the requirements regarding “public records” found in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Submitted applications will be disclosed upon request. The applicant assumes the burden of all their expenses associated with this application. Uses of funds Funding must be for capital investments only (“brick and mortar” projects – design not included). Operational expenses will not be considered for funding. Design fees already expended will be considered as counting towards the 1-to-1 funding match. Project Eligibility Project must be principally located in Buncombe County. Project must be a major tourism capital project that furthers economic development of Buncombe County. Project must demonstrate ability to increase patronage of lodging facilities in Buncombe County by attracting tourists, business travelers, or both. Project must not solely benefit a single lodging owner, lodging property, or be situated on a lodging property. At time of application, applicant must have legal control of the property through recorded deed or long-term lease agreement. If property is owned by a municipal partner, such as the City or County, a non-profit organization may provide a letter of support or other agreement with the municipal partner. Applicant must show how a minimum of a 1-to-1 funding match to the requested grant amount (excluding in-kind goods and services) will be achieved. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be a federally recognized non-profit organization or government entity. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, the organization must have been in operation for at least 2 years at the time of application Evaluation Criteria Application will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Viability of Project and Organization Financial Stability of the Requesting Organization Each applicant organization will be evaluated for financial sustainability, and their perceived ability to raise additional funds as needed to bring the project to completion. Strength of Business Planning If applicable, the proposed business plan for the project will be evaluated on its accuracy, completeness, and likelihood to support a successful and sustainable operation once the project has opened. Strength of Sales and Marketing Plan/Investment If applicable, sales and marketing plans for projects will be evaluated upon the likelihood they will succeed in drawing visitation to the destination. Timeliness of the Project Projects which are “shovel ready” may rate more highly than those which are still two or more years from beginning construction. 1-to-1 Funding Match Exceeded While it is a requirement for applying organizations to have secured a funding match equal to the amount for which they are applying from the TPDF, projects that exceed the 1-to-1 requirement may receive particular Destination Differentiator Strength of Brand Alignment Projects will be evaluated on whether they are consistent with the Asheville destination brand and provide additional support for the brand promise. Uniqueness and Innovation of Project Attractions and activities which are new to the region or not available to visitors living in key feeder markets for the destination may be valued more highly than those which duplicate offerings already available to visitors. Ability to Promote and Support the Local Creative Sector Projects which promote and support the community’s creators and makers, and which enhance the destination will receive greater consideration. Project Impact Ratio of Overnight Lodging Generated to Funding Requested The amount of TPDF funding requested will be analyzed versus the potential return of new overnight lodging demand in Buncombe County to be generated by the project. Generator of New and Incremental Room Nights The room night impact of a proposed project will be assessed on whether the project is drawing new visitors to the area, or simply pulling from existing visitors in Buncombe County while not increasing the number of new lodging room nights. Scope of Market to be Served Projects that target audiences capable of filling area lodging are valued, but projects that draw new and untapped niche markets to Buncombe County may also be worthy of consideration. Scope of Impact Upon Lodging The impact of a project upon Buncombe County lodging will be considered not only in terms of demand generated, but also in terms of the geographic impact. Projects capable of generating lodging demand in more than one area of the county may rate more favorably. Ability to Serve as a Contributing Asset Projects which support an important generator of destination room nights, or which could stimulate additional activity, but which may not generate significant room nights by themselves will be considered. Applicants should demonstrate the potential for additional community benefit if their project is built. Project as a True Motivator of Visits Projects will be evaluated based upon their ability to motivate new room nights, proven through sound analysis and data. Alignment with BCTDA’s Strategic Imperatives Deliver Balanced Recovery and Sustainable Growth Projects will be evaluated based upon whether they lead to balanced and sustainable growth through distribution of visitors geographically across the county or seasonally throughout the year or days of the week. Encourage Safe and Responsible Travel Projects which encourage care and respect for natural, cultural, and human resources, or support the sustainability of outdoor recreation, will be given greater consideration. Supports Engagement with and Appeal to More Diverse Audiences The committee will assess the ability of a project to diversify audiences and support of place making, community connections, and business opportunities throughout the county. For more information, visit BCTDA.

The Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes with a preference for supporting education in medical science, promoting agriculture and conservation, and preserving wildlife. Donor Name: Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation State: North Carolina County: Davidson County (NC), Davie County (NC), Forsyth County (NC), Gaston County (NC), Iredell County (NC), Orange County (NC), Rockingham County (NC), Stokes County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Education Environment, animals Types of support Preference will be given to requests for the following: Requests from Wake Forest University School of Medicine with a strong preference for supporting long-time residents of the Piedmont region of North Carolina whose intent is to practice medicine in such region. Organizations to provide scholarships or other funding to help employees of Davis Regional Medical Center (Statesville, NC) or their family members pursue training in medical science. Organizations and programs promoting agriculture and conservation. Organizations and programs focused on preserving wildlife. Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt governmental units or charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. Limitations There are no geographic limitations; however, the foundation primarily supports the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The foundation does not make grants directly to individuals. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation offers $50,000 grants to North Carolina community-based nonprofit organizations for new projects or for expanding/enhancing existing programs in science, health, and education. Projects should address critical community needs identified through comprehensive assessments, align with local agency goals, and demonstrate sustainability post-funding. Grants do not support core mission, general operating costs, construction/renovation projects, medical services, or equipment. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

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.