North Carolina Private Grants

The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation is offering a 2024 Grant for open space projects through the Morris County Preservation Trust. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to preserve land and water for recreation and conservation, protect ecologically sensitive areas, safeguard exceptional flora and fauna, and maintain areas of scenic, historic, and cultural value. The grant also supports passive and active outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as the protection of critical water supplies and the acquisition of historic sites. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include the thirty-nine municipalities within Morris County and charitable conservancies. The impact goals are to enhance and protect Morris County's natural resources, provide recreational opportunities for residents, and preserve the county's unique historical and cultural heritage. The program aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable assets for future generations. The program prioritizes projects that involve land or water areas for recreation and conservation, including parkland, natural areas, and greenways. It also focuses on the protection of ecologically sensitive areas such as freshwater wetlands, steep slopes, and stream corridors, as well as the preservation of lands with exceptional flora or fauna. Furthermore, the grant supports the preservation of areas with scenic, historic, and cultural value, and the protection of critical water supplies. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected open space, improved access to recreational facilities, and the safeguarding of vital ecosystems and historical sites. Measurable results will include the number of acres preserved, the number of historic sites acquired, and the extent of critical water supplies protected. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in land and water preservation, the county will foster a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a richer cultural landscape for its residents.

The 2024 Women in Motion Grant is a capacity-building grant offering operational funding to an organization serving women in the greater High Point community, including Archdale, Trinity, Thomasville, and Jamestown. Eligible organizations must have existed for five years or less or have an operational budget of $100,000 or less. The grant focuses on enabling women in the workforce to achieve economic and professional growth, with areas of focus including education, mentorship, resources, and wellness. The maximum grant request amount is $10,000. Women in Motion seeks to partner with community organizations to create solutions that support women's economic and professional growth, leading to increased leadership roles. The grant supports organizations that help women negotiate and advocate for themselves, provide networking and growth opportunities, tap into community resources for professional success, and balance personal wellness with professional demands.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Burke County, USA, focused on empowering women and families through collective giving and community initiatives.

This grant provides funding to governmental entities and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina for projects that promote economic development, job creation, and workforce training, particularly in rural and tobacco-dependent communities.

This funding opportunity provides $7,000 to community-based organizations in North Carolina to implement health-promoting programs for historically marginalized populations, focusing on chronic disease prevention and management.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Building Reuse Program is a grant initiative designed to transform older, underutilized buildings in communities into valuable assets for economic growth. This program aligns with a broader mission to attract new businesses, support the expansion of existing North Carolina companies, and foster the development of healthcare entities, thereby creating new, full-time jobs. By revitalizing vacant or underperforming properties, the program aims to stimulate local economies and improve the overall well-being of rural areas within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are local governments in North Carolina, who then act on behalf of businesses and healthcare entities. The program focuses on three main categories: the renovation of vacant buildings, the renovation or expansion of buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and the renovation, expansion, or construction of licensed healthcare entities. The impact goals are centered on job creation, economic development through business attraction and expansion, and improved access to healthcare services in rural communities. Priorities for funding include vacant buildings that have been unoccupied for at least three months. For existing businesses, companies must have operated in North Carolina for at least 12 months, meet weekly wage standards, provide at least 50% employee benefits, and be represented on the Priority Industry Table. In the rural health category, eligible applicants are units of local government in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties, with a priority for towns under 5,000 population in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties. A key requirement for all categories is a cash match equal to the grant request, with local government contributing at least 5% from local, non-state or federal resources. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in new, full-time jobs, the successful renovation and reuse of older buildings, and the expansion of business operations across the state. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of jobs created, the number of buildings renovated or expanded, the types of businesses supported, and the economic impact on local communities. The program's strategic priorities are clearly linked to fostering economic resilience and growth in rural North Carolina, with a theory of change that posits that by investing in physical infrastructure, the state can catalyze private sector investment, leading to job growth and improved community vitality.

Grant Opportunity: Burke Youth Organized Philanthropists Program and Intent: The Burke Youth Organized Philanthropists (BYOP) is a program operating under the Community Foundation of Burke County. It was created in 2016 with the aim of engaging and empowering youth to strengthen the community. BYOP consists of high school students from Burke County and recognized homeschools who develop philanthropy skills and gain a better understanding of the needs in the county. They conduct an annual grant cycle to evaluate applications from nonprofits serving children (ages 0-18) and their families. Funder: Community Foundation of Burke County Award Details: Funding guidelines for the 2024 Grant Cycle will be announced in February 2024. Specific award details are not provided. Eligibility: Nonprofits serving children (ages 0-18) and their families are eligible to apply for grants through BYOP. For more information on becoming a member of BYOP or becoming a donor, contact the Foundation Office at (828) 437-7105.

This funding opportunity supports North Carolina nonprofit organizations in addressing community-defined oral health needs and reducing disparities through advocacy and educational outreach.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in downtown North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to enhance their operations through equipment upgrades, physical space improvements, and e-commerce development.

The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), with generous support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, is offering capacity building grants of $30,000 and customized technical assistance to 10 organizations. This program prioritizes organizations located in Wells Fargo’s priority geographic markets. The primary purpose of this award is to support a nationwide network of Latino- and immigrant-serving organizations to advance culturally relevant approaches to family financial health in low- and moderate-income Latino and immigrant communities. This aligns with the foundation's mission by strengthening the delivery of financial capability services within these communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are Latino- and immigrant-serving organizations, and ultimately, low- and moderate-income Latino and immigrant communities. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including integrating culturally relevant financial curricula into asset-building programs like homeownership and small business development services, intentionally utilizing financial coaching to prepare participants to access capital for asset-building activities, and improving organizational capacity to track and report financial health outcomes. The program focuses on several key priorities to achieve its goals. These include integrating culturally relevant financial curricula, utilizing financial coaching, improving organizational capacity to track and report financial health outcomes, and prioritizing access to innovative financial products. The financial health outcomes specifically target improving credit, increasing savings, increasing income, and reducing debt. Innovative financial products are also prioritized to boost family financial wellness, with a focus on increasing savings, decreasing debt, or building or establishing credit. Expected outcomes and measurable results include meaningful and measurable impact and change for Latino and immigrant financial health. This will be demonstrated through a comprehensive and specific strategy. The program also expects to strengthen the delivery of financial capability services through grantmaking, technical assistance, and training. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits that integrate, or plan to integrate, culturally relevant financial capability services into existing asset-building programs.

This competition provides financial support to young artists in Catawba County, North Carolina, to help them further their education and development in visual and literary arts.

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.

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

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro's Future Fund Grants program aims to support local nonprofits, aligning with the foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being in Guilford County, North Carolina. This program is specifically designed to address pressing community needs by providing financial assistance to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to impactful work. By focusing on specific fields of interest each year, the foundation ensures that its grantmaking efforts are strategic and responsive to evolving challenges, fostering a cycle of continuous improvement and community development within the region. For 2024, the Future Fund Grants program is prioritizing Healthcare Advocacy. This focus targets residents of Guilford County, particularly those who may benefit from enhanced access to healthcare services, education, or policy changes that improve health outcomes. The program seeks to empower nonprofit organizations dedicated to advocating for better healthcare, thereby addressing systemic issues and promoting a healthier community. The expected impact is a measurable improvement in healthcare access, equity, and overall public health within Guilford County. The Future Fund program typically awards grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, with a total of $60,000 distributed to local nonprofits. These are generally one-year grants, emphasizing immediate and tangible results. Successful applicants will be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, located in and serving Guilford County. A key eligibility criterion is that the applicant's budget allocation for legislative involvement must not exceed 5%, ensuring that the focus remains on direct program implementation and advocacy rather than extensive lobbying. The foundation's strategic priority through the Future Fund is to foster a responsive and effective nonprofit sector that can drive meaningful change. Their theory of change posits that by investing in organizations focused on critical areas like Healthcare Advocacy, they can catalyze improvements in the lives of Guilford County residents. Expected outcomes include increased community engagement in healthcare discussions, improved access to vital health resources, and the development of sustainable advocacy initiatives. For faith-based organizations, the foundation requires clear clarification on how religious beliefs integrate into the project and influence its implementation and outcomes, ensuring inclusivity and adherence to program goals.

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

This grant provides financial support to women in Western North Carolina who are starting or advancing careers in the food, beverage, agriculture, and hospitality industries, particularly those affected by Hurricane Helene.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation's 2024 Legacy Grant program is designed to honor Mrs. Sewall's enduring interests and philanthropic legacy. The foundation's mission alignment is rooted in supporting a select group of organizations with whom Mrs. Sewall had personal relationships and affinity, and who continue to advance the work she funded during her lifetime. This reflects a strategic priority to sustain and perpetuate the impact of her personal philanthropy, acting as a direct extension of her lifelong commitment. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant are organizations that align with Mrs. Sewall's historical funding priorities. These include 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, and Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. The impact goal is to ensure the continued vitality and effectiveness of these established partnerships, allowing them to further their work in areas important to Mrs. Sewall. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on maintaining the integrity of Mrs. Sewall's philanthropic vision. The grant specifically seeks to support organizations that demonstrate a continued commitment to the types of initiatives she championed. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the continuation of existing work, the expected outcomes revolve around sustaining the impact of these organizations over the grant duration, which can be 12, 24, or 36 months. The theory of change implicit in this program is that by providing consistent, multi-year funding to trusted partners, the foundation can ensure the long-term success and stability of programs that align with its founder's values. The foundation's strategic priorities are to honor its founder's legacy by supporting organizations that were meaningful to her, ensuring that her lifetime of philanthropy continues to resonate within the community. The Legacy Grant embodies this by providing stable support, allowing these organizations to focus on their core missions. This approach emphasizes continuity and relationship-building as key drivers for achieving sustained impact and honoring the philanthropic vision of Elmina B. Sewall.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

The Cashiers Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Cashiers, North Carolina. This grant program directly aligns with CFWNC's mission to support projects that benefit local communities. The fund provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for a variety of charitable purposes, including programmatic needs, capital campaigns, and operating expenses, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive community development. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, governmental, educational, and religious organizations with a documented history of substantial work in Cashiers. The impact goal is to support initiatives that yield significant community benefits, fostering a stronger and more vibrant Cashiers. Organizations that can demonstrate the greatest community impact through their proposed projects are given the highest consideration. The fund prioritizes projects that address direct community needs and offer sustainable benefits. While the grant details don't explicitly outline CFWNC's overarching strategic priorities or theory of change, the focus on community benefit and supporting established local organizations suggests a strategy of empowering existing infrastructure and initiatives to achieve local impact. The grants generally do not support annual giving campaigns, scholarships, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, endowment funds, deficit funding, debt retirement, one-time events, or private primary and secondary schools (unless the project directly addresses community needs outside the school's students or staff). Expected outcomes include improved services, enhanced community resources, and strengthened local organizations in Cashiers. The grant duration of one year, with funds to be expended within that timeframe, implies an expectation of timely implementation and measurable progress. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "greatest community benefit" suggests that successful applicants will be able to articulate and demonstrate the positive changes their projects will bring to the Cashiers community. For more information, interested organizations are directed to visit the CFWNC website.

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