North Carolina Local Grants

The Green Neighborhood Grant Program seeks to help bring neighbors together to pursue projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create natural areas that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and ultimately benefit the entire community. Donor Name: Town of Carrboro State: North Carolina Town: Carrboro Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Goals Educate and empower neighborhoods to address climate change. Build neighborhood capacity to engage in climate action. Develop and enhance community and Town partnerships. Leverage Town and neighborhood involvement and resources Distribute resources to low-income communities and communities of color who are disproportionately affected by climate change. Funding Information Maximum grant amount: $2,500. Eligible Projects Projects that demonstrate shared benefits with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or contributing to ecosystem resiliency. All projects must achieve the following: Reduce emissions, enhance ecosystem resiliency, or contribute to climate action awareness or engagement Be completed within six months of grant award Be initiated, planned, and implemented by community members Obtain Town permits required for construction, if applicable. Any contractors must carry required insurance. Group/fiscal agent must obtain adequate liability insurance if deemed necessary by the Town (e.g. event insurance) Eligibility Criteria Neighborhoods must be located within Carrboro’s Town Limits. Applicants may apply for funding in two consecutive grant cycles. Applicants who have not been awarded a grant will be provided with information from project evaluation to help develop a better application. For more information, visit Town of Carrboro.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers in Orange County, North Carolina, to support innovative agricultural projects that enhance income and market access.

Applications are now being accepted for the Art Committee Grant Program to promote and provide expanded public access to quality arts programs, promote diversity in the arts and produce economic development and tourism for the citizens of the City of Gastonia. Donor Name: City of Gastonia State: North Carolina City: Gastonia Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: North Carolina General Statute authorizes local governments to establish and support arts programs and facilities; and, to appropriate funds to any governmental agency, public or nonprofit private association, corporation, or organization for the purpose of establishing and supporting such arts programs and facilities. Pursuant to the authority granted in Section160A-488 the City Council of the City of Gastonia has established the Gastonia Arts Committee Grant Program. The Arts Committee Grant Program will provide grant funding to eligible nonprofit organizations for the support of qualifying arts programs. Funding Information The grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Any arts organization with 501(c)(3) status under the United States Internal Revenue Code, which maintains a permanent office,practice/performance space, or physical addresswithin the municipal boundaries of the City of Gastonia. North Carolina General Statute Section160A-488 refers to “arts” to include the performing arts, visual arts, and literary arts and includes dance, drama, music, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, crafts, photography, film, video, architecture, design, and literature, when part of a performing, visual or literary arts program. For more information, visit City of Gastonia.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Fayetteville for projects that aim to reduce crime and violence, with grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 available to both recognized and grassroots groups.

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 Gaston Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for 2024 Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants to improve the quality of life in Gaston County. Donor Name: Gaston Community Foundation State: North Carolina County: Gaston County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Harold Townsend Sumner demonstrated in words and actions his belief that good citizens working together through independent charitable organizations are critical to improving quality of life in Gaston County.                                                     The Foundation sees this plan as a permanent tribute to Mr. Sumner’s service that is consistent with his vision for the community and the Foundation’s own mission. Requirements The Program: Annual grants by the Foundation to an independent charitable, cultural, or educational organization in Gaston County, earmarked for special professional training / educational opportunity for a key professional staff member with at least one year of service in the nominating organization. Preference is giving for training that is local / in-state. The maximum amount awarded in this year will be $5,000. The Foundation may grant either one or more grants from that total amount. However, no grant will be made if, in the Foundation’s sole discretion, no deserving applications are received. Awards will be based on direct nomination by a tax-exempt community organization meeting normal Foundation standards for grants from its unrestricted Funds on behalf of one of its staff members. An organization receiving a grant in one year will not be eligible to apply for the following year. Governmental agencies are not eligible for grants. Neither churches nor private schools can apply unless the duties of the individual applicant are clearly and totally in community programs as opposed to internal programs of the church or school. (These exclusions are consistent with Mr. Sumner’s belief that churches and governmental agencies are important – but should have their own sources of funding not overlapping with public charity.) The Foundation will establish a committee to select recipients in a fair and competitive manner. Key criteria will include the non-profit staff member’s professional record and the potential for positive results to benefit the nominating organization. For more information, visit Gaston Community Foundation.

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

The Moore County Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Moore County Community Foundation (MCCF) State: North Carolina County: Moore County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking program funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that includes things like human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $4,000. Eligibility Criteria  An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS Organization with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS Local governments (including public schools) Fire and rescue department Religious entities, including churches, congregations and other houses of worship, and/or faith-based organizations whose core functions/operations promote religious doctrine or are restricted to members of a particular faith may apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs to benefit the community-at-large, but they may not apply for general operating support. Only those organizations that serve the counties within the affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within the network, that organization may complete a separate application for each of those affiliates. Organizations must offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief. For more information, visit NCCF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits and faith-based organizations in Raleigh that assist low-to-moderate-income individuals in achieving self-sufficiency.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Hickory that deliver public services to low- and moderate-income individuals, focusing on the needs of the city's most vulnerable residents.

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.

The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) awards Grassroots Arts grants to non-profit organizations conducting arts programs each year. Donor Name: Rowan Arts Council (RAC) State: North Carolina County: Rowan County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The NC General Assembly, on a per capita basis through the NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program, makes these grassroots grants available. In Rowan County, the Rowan Arts Council serves as the Designated County Partner, as nominated by the Rowan County Commissioners and approved by the NC Arts Council. The goals of the Grassroots Arts Program are to enhance and strengthen the cultural community and broaden the artistic services offered to Rowan County citizens. Funding Priorities The first priority in awarding grassroots grant funds is to provide program or operating support to qualified arts organizations (where they exist) including theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writer’s groups and arts festivals, among others. Grassroots funds are not generally awarded to arts organizations that receive funding through the N. C. Arts Council’s State Arts Resources. The second priority in awarding grassroots grant funds is to support arts learning and arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in the schools, after school summer camps or adult arts learning classes. Grassroots funds may not be used for activities associated with a school’s internal arts programs such as in-school student performances, the purchase of art supplies, or student arts competitions and publications. The third priority in awarding grassroots grant funds includes grants made to other community organizations that provide quality art experiences for the greater community. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists. Uses of Funds  Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used to support programs in the visual arts, crafts, dance, drama, film and video, folk arts, literature, music, photography, architecture and the visual environment. Typical uses of Grassroots funds include program expenses (such as artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, publicity, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, art supplies, and equipment) or program administration and operating expenses. (Such as program salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent utilities, insurance). As a general rule salaries and equipment should be very limited for Grassroots money. Eligibility Criteria  The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) awards Grassroots Arts grants to non-profit organizations conducting arts programs within Rowan County. Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, organizations that are nonprofit in nature may also receive Grassroots Arts Program grants. Unincorporated nonprofits may be required to have a fiscal agent to receive the funds on their behalf. Costs Not Allowed Grassroots Arts Program funding may not be used for the following kinds of expenditures: permanent (full or part-time) personnel, deficit reduction, contingency funds, food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions, interest on loans, fines or litigation costs, lobbying expenses, tuition for academic study, indirect cost rate expenses, capital expenditures, history projects (such as historical research, documentation, exhibits, publications or historic preservation), science projects, or other specific non-arts areas (Acrobatics, Aerobic dance, Beauty pageants, Clowning, Comedy, Cosmetology, Essay contests, Fashion shows, Juggling, Magic Shows, Martial arts, Mineralogy/gemology, Modeling, Nature presentations, Quiz bowls, or travel presentations). For more information, visit RAC.

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 Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department is accepting applications for housing rehabilitation or reconstruction housing assistance. Donor Name: Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Lee County is applying to the N.C. Department of Commerce for a 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-NR Project for $950,000 from the department’s Rural Economic Development Division community development funds. Households with lower incomes who occupy substandard housing will be considered. The applicant must be the homeowner and must be the occupant of the home. Eligible applicants must be up to date on real estate taxes and have a clear title to the property. For more information, visit Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

The City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity (COO) program aims to foster thriving communities, build lasting legacies, and promote equitable growth across six key corridors. These corridors serve as vital links that connect people to essential resources and businesses. Key Partnerships The city collaborates with Business District Organizations (BDOs) to enhance the vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. The partnership involves building organizational capacity and providing business-support services, which are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy business environments. Funding Opportunity The program is leveraging a one-time funding opportunity through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Charlotte City Council has approved $1M to support this initiative. This funding will assist both established and emerging BDOs in enhancing their services and organizational capabilities. Application Period Open Date: Monday, May 6 Close Date: Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. How It Works Objective: Address the most immediate needs of BDOs within the COO through capacity building and tailored technical assistance. Funding Use: The grant supports organizational development, asset inventories, marketing communications, and development support services. Requirements: All applying organizations must complete strategic work and inventories or provide existing documentation. Eligibility Organizations: Must be non-profit with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation. Location: Must serve a business district within the COO. Representation: Must represent at least 10 businesses within the district. Registration: Active SAM.gov UEI or have a fiduciary/fiscal sponsor with an UEI. Application Process Access: Use the provided link to create a login and apply. Documentation: Include a Work Sheet template indicating the desired services for funding consideration. Submission: Ensure all documents are read and understood before submitting. Additional Information Webinar: A Q&A webinar will be held on May 16 at 11 am. Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link. Contact: Questions can be directed to [email protected].

The Innes Street Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information The grant is awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000.00 per project.  Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Innes Street Improvement District Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation  Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

This grant provides opportunities and funding for visual artists residing in Greensboro to showcase their work in public spaces and contribute to the city's cultural landscape.

The North Carolina IOLTA is requesting applications for its Civil Legal Aid Grant Program. Donor Name: North Carolina State Bar State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: NC IOLTA’s Civil Legal Aid Grant Program provides general support for a network of organizations, including both civil legal aid organizations and other agencies that provide civil legal aid, that together provide basic access to the justice system for indigent people residing in every county in North Carolina. Civil legal aid includes direct representation of eligible clients and client groups as well as related training and technical assistance. An organization or program may be providing services through staff attorneys and advocates or using volunteer lawyers on a pro bono basis. Areas of Funding Civil Legal Aid Grants  General Civil Legal Aid Grants are offered to legal aid organizations, defined as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code whose primary purpose is to provide civil legal aid to low-income clients. General Civil Legal Aid Grants are intended to provide general programmatic support to civil legal aid organizations to broadly support legal services for eligible clients. Project Support Grants are offered to legal aid organizations or other entities that run legal aid programs (such as social service providers, advocacy organizations, and other nonprofits that provide other non-legal services in addition to the legal services provided). Project Support Grants are intended to support programs focused on particular client subgroups or particular types of client services, especially where the clients served are not being reached or the program offers services that are not otherwise available through civil legal aid organizations. Pro Bono Support Grants. Pro Bono Support Grants are offered to support the development and expansion of efforts to engage lawyers and other legal professionals in the provision of voluntary legal services. Note that a pro bono program that does not focus their efforts specifically on indigent clients is not eligible for a Pro Bono Support Grant under the Civil Legal Aid Grant Program but may apply under the Administration of Justice Grant Program. System Support Grants. System Support Grants are offered to support efforts to improve the system of the delivery of civil legal aid by increasing program efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration. Examples of some efforts within this area of funding include training, research and evaluation, program innovations, website development or updates, online platforms or tools, and planning and sustainability efforts.  Funding Criteria Preference generally will be given to requests from applicants:  Providing direct representation of clients or client groups, including engaging in a range of services from extended representation to brief advice offered through a variety of methods, offering community legal education to clients, and supporting community economic development through services to client groups;  Who are staffed civil legal aid organizations, as the most effective and efficient means by which to deliver high quality legal assistance to the poor, including pro bono efforts as an important supplement to staffed legal services;  Who are current qualified providers over additional, separate programs except where a separate program can address client needs more effectively and efficiently;  Having diverse funding sources; Grant period January 1 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  In addition to meeting the stated eligibility for all NC IOLTA grants, to be eligible for funding from NC IOLTA under the Civil Legal Aid Grant Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:  Serve North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or who are eligible to receive public assistance through a government program for the indigent. In addition to income, programs may consider other relevant factors in determining financial eligibility for services, including access to liquid assets, fixed debts and obligations, and family size for example.  The organization may also consider availability of income, i.e., whether the individual seeking assistance has direct and unfettered access, without having to obtain the consent or cooperation of another person over whom the individual does not have control and who does not in fact consent or cooperate.  If an organization uses a definition of indigent or low-income clients, for all or a portion of its clients that is different from the above, it must be able to show that a majority of its clients fall within the stated NC IOLTA definition.  Provide services without charge to the client. An organization will not be disqualified from receiving funds from NC IOLTA for charging nominal fees as long as the organization allows for the complete waiver of fees in cases where clients cannot pay the fee. The Board reserves the right to approve grants to an organization charging significantly reduced fees in areas of law where services are otherwise unavailable to low-income clients. Grantees that charge fees, whether nominal or reduced, are required to provide a copy of their client fee policy and schedule to NC IOLTA and include information on fees received in their regular financial reports to NC IOLTA, including information about the number of fee waivers provided to clients. For more information, visit North Carolina State Bar.