North Carolina Workforce Development Grants

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is offering its Economic Mobility Grant Program, aligning with its mission to foster a strong economic foundation for residents. The foundation is committed to funding organizations that focus on key areas designed to promote economic stability and advancement within Guilford County. This grant program is a direct reflection of the foundation's strategic priority to advance economic mobility. The target beneficiaries of this program are residents of Guilford County who require support to become economically mobile. The impact goals are to support organizations whose work encompasses workforce development and education, small business and entrepreneurship, and access to workforce housing. By investing in these areas, the foundation aims to create a more equitable and opportunity-rich environment for individuals and families in the community. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Priority is given to grant proposals that concentrate on long-term strategies to advance and sustain economic mobility in Guilford County. This emphasizes a commitment to lasting change rather than short-term fixes. While the description doesn't explicitly state expected outcomes and measurable results in a quantitative sense, the focus on "long-term strategies to advance and sustain economic mobility" implies a desire for measurable improvements in employment rates, business creation, and access to affordable housing as indirect outcomes. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that a strong economic foundation is crucial for residents to achieve economic mobility. By funding organizations engaged in workforce development, supporting small businesses, and ensuring access to housing, the foundation seeks to address systemic barriers to economic progress. The consideration of board and staff diversity and total operating budget in the grantmaking process also highlights a commitment to equity and inclusivity in achieving its goals, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development.

This funding opportunity supports professional artists in Wilkes County, North Carolina, by providing financial assistance for projects that foster their artistic and professional growth.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

The Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department is offering housing rehabilitation or reconstruction assistance. This program aims to improve substandard housing conditions for lower-income households. The initiative aligns with a broader mission of community development, likely focusing on enhancing living standards and economic stability within the region by addressing critical housing needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are lower-income households residing in substandard housing within Lee County. The program targets homeowners who are current occupants of their homes, have up-to-date real estate taxes, and possess a clear title to their property. The impact goals include providing safe and decent housing, improving the overall quality of life for residents, and contributing to the revitalization of the community. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, specifically for those most in need due to their income level and housing conditions. The department is applying to the N.C. Department of Commerce for a 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-NR Project, indicating a strategic focus on leveraging state and federal funds to achieve local community development objectives. The expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in housing quality and safety for the participating households. By providing essential repairs and reconstruction, the program aims to reduce the number of substandard homes in Lee County. While specific measurable results are not detailed, a typical outcome would involve tracking the number of homes rehabilitated, the cost-effectiveness of the repairs, and the subsequent impact on the residents' well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities, as indicated by their application for CDBG funds, likely involve addressing poverty, improving infrastructure, and fostering community resilience. This approach aligns with a theory of change that posits by providing direct housing assistance to vulnerable populations, the department can stimulate broader positive social and economic ripple effects within the community, such as improved health outcomes, increased property values, and enhanced civic engagement.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, regional, and local economic development organizations to create full-time jobs in economically distressed areas of North Carolina.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County that provide essential services to residents, focusing on community connectivity, economic opportunities, health, and safety.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Guilford County, North Carolina, to support programs that promote economic mobility and long-term financial stability for individuals and communities.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in North Carolina that create innovative programs to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote economic growth.

The Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The purpose of the Rowan Chamber’s Small Business Assistance Grant pilot program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the City of Salisbury. By making these grants available, the Chamber is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity, and growth in our community. Accessibility to funding contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which in turn supports and nurtures small businesses. The Chamber recognizes the value of entrepreneurism/small businesses who bring innovation, quality of life, jobs, and investment to the community. Businesses who receive funding through this program will be those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to support their employees and other locally owned businesses. Applicants are not required to be Rowan Chamber investors (members) in order to participate. Since the funding is coming from the City of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within the City of Salisbury limits. Since there are already a number of downtown business grants, this small business grant is designed to focus on priority corridors outside of downtown, for example: West End, South Main St. & West Innes St. Small business grant overview: Businesses located in City of Salisbury limits with 10 or fewer employees (or full time equivalent). They must be a legal entity and registered with the NC Secretary of State and have appropriate permits to operate. They must submit a quality business plan (FREE assistance available from RCCC Small Business Center) Grant funds may be used for a fixed asset utilized for the business or permanent improvements to physical space (examples: manufacturing equipment, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, building signage, lighting, awnings, flooring) Grant funds may NOT be used for ongoing operational expenses (examples: rent, utilities, salaries, financing debt, inventory, memberships, legal fees) Grant requests may range from $5,000 – $10,000.

This funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations and community-based entities in Fayetteville, North Carolina, that are working to reduce opioid overdoses and improve health outcomes through various evidence-based programs and services.

This program provides $50,000 grants to early-stage North Carolina startups with innovative concepts and a strong market potential, along with mentorship and resources to accelerate their growth.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Greensboro and Guilford County to support projects that promote cultural vibrancy, economic mobility, and health and wellness for local communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This program provides financial assistance to production companies organizing esports events in North Carolina, promoting economic growth through local spending and job creation.

This grant provides $1 million to nonprofit organizations in Eastern North Carolina focused on improving health, education, and economic development, with a special emphasis on programs benefiting youth.