North Carolina Private Grants

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

Applications are now being accepted for the Warren County Community Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Warren County Community Foundation (WCCF) State: North Carolina County: Warren County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funds are available for qualified charitable organizations serving the local community with special preference for proposals focusing on education or food insecurity. The community grantmaking funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500. Eligibility Criteria An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit 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 departments. 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 affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within 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 supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Arts in Bloom Educator Grant, funded by the Union County Community Arts Council in North Carolina, offers less than $1000 to public and charter school teachers in Union County for the development of new, innovative arts education projects for students, with applications evaluated on creativity, artistic need, student engagement, cultural appreciation, and budget clarity.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things. Donor Name: Greenville Zoo State: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation have many values that support the mission, including promoting conservation and sustainability, actively seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating with others to maximize the impact and achieve greater goals. In fulfillment of the mission, the Greenville Zoo has established a fund for local conservation projects (those occurring in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) as well as national and international projects by utilizing funds from the “Quarters for Conservation” program.  Conservation grants are awarded to projects that focus on Field Conservation (the conservation of free-ranging wildlife or habitat), Conservation Research, or Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding priority. Projects including species and habitats at risk will be receive greater weight in application review. Grant Categories Conservation Research   – Projects that involve the scientific method with a primary focus on studying questions relevant to free-ranging wildlife or habitat conservation (i.e., hypothesis or question-driven, with systematic data collection and analysis with conclusions that can be applied to conservation efforts). Examples include health/physiologic assessment of a species, collection of environmental data such as water quality, etc.) Conservation Education – Projects that raise public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, stimulate conservation action, transfer skills and technology, and/or empower new conservation leaders, particularly those locally-based (e.g. create/print instructional materials, formal or informal education classes or curricula, capacity-building efforts, etc.) Field Conservation – Projects that directly and actively contribute to the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems and habitats. These projects can either impact wildlife directly or the habitats within which they live (e.g. population management, breeding and reintroduction programs, human-wildlife conflict, restoration or maintenance of a natural area, reforestation/ tree-planting, field studies of free-ranging species, etc.). Certain ex-situ efforts that provide a positive impact on imperiled species and their sustainability may be eligible for this category. Funding Information New Grants Program: $300 to $1,500 Awarded to applicants whose projects they have never supported before Grant request cannot exceed $1,500 Continuing Grants Program: Up to $3,500 For applicants with whom the Greenville Zoo has an established relationship. An established relationship includes those applicants who have received funding from us in the past. (e.g., applicants who have received grant funding from us previously and have successfully fulfilled the requirements of the grant awardee, including providing regular updates on project progress). Application Requirements  Application package should include: Completed application. If available, a full proposal is encouraged to be attached for reference, but all questions in the body of the application still need to be fully answered. Answers of “See attached” or similar will cause the application to not be considered. A detailed budget (estimates are acceptable). If there is a particular line item(s) that you would like funded by this grant, please specify. Three photos, diagrams, or other images with captions related to the proposed conservation project. List a minimum of three professional references with contact information and affiliations. Letter(s) of reference can also be provided.  At least one letter of support or collaboration is required. These should originate from an academic institution with which the applicant is working (e.g. thesis project) or from an agency and/or range country within which the project is being held to indicate collaboration and/or permission for its implementation there. Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) and those of the principal investigator(s) if different than applicant If applicable: A map of the research or conservation site. If applicable (i.e., the project involves manipulation and/or handling of live animals): Please include a copy of your institution’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Policy (IACUC), your project’s IACUC submission and approval along with the full project design or proposal. Optional: Additional articles, cited literature references, and other documents that assist in project justification or description can strengthen the application. Additional details regarding your project may be requested by the Conservation and Research Committee before a decision is made. For more information, visit Greenville Zoo.

WNC Community Enhancement grants will be awarded to qualified charitable organizations or eligible public agencies to fund projects in downtowns or commercial corridors or districts that enhance physical appearance and pedestrian experience. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Priority will be given to projects located in rural or other under-resourced areas. Generally, the Foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 for projects not exceeding a total cost of $50,000. The Foundation may make exceptions to these limits at its discretion. Projects should be completed within one year of the award. An eligible organization may only submit one application per year. Project Eligibility Funded projects will be a “stand-alone” project rather than a small part of a larger and longer-term project. CFWNC anticipates that most approved projects will fall under one of the following broad categories: pedestrian/multi-modal improvements; beautification; infrastructure; or economic activities. Examples may include: Pedestrian/Multi-Modal Improvements – pedestrian signals, decorative crosswalk treatments, shade structures, pedestrian refuges/bump-outs, planters, benches, bicycle racks, parklets Beautifications – paint, plants/landscaping, public art, awnings, power washing, picnic tables, wayfinding signs, flags/banners, educational displays, trash receptacles Infrastructure – public access (steps/piers/walkways), lighting, permeable pavers, stormwater management Economic Activities – outdoor markets, food truck parking Eligibility Criteria Organizations must be: (1) tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public agencies or faith communities; and (2) located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey. For more information, visit CFWNC.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Guilford County that empower women and girls through career development, education, and leadership initiatives.

The North Carolina IOLTA’s Administration of Justice Grants provide support for programs seeking to improve the administration of justice in North Carolina. 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: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Funding A goal of NC IOLTA is to focus grants in areas where they can have a measurable impact. Therefore, IOLTA grants for improvements in the administration of justice are made in the areas outlined below with emphasis on how the justice system can operate more effectively and expeditiously. Improvement in the operation and management of the justice system;  Public education and understanding about the law, including law-related education;  Promotion and support for a full range of dispute resolution techniques and alternatives;  Promotion and support for public interest legal representation.  Funding Criteria Preference will generally be given to:  Applicants seeking start-up funds or seed money for new projects or programs;  Programs that seek to offer services to individuals who do not qualify for civil legal aid based on their income but who are unable to afford legal assistance, including pro bono programs;  Programs with demonstration value or replication potential;  Programs that will have statewide significance; and/or  Requests for matching funds.  Administration of Justice Grants typically do not fund:  Direct service programs (e.g., counseling);  Replicas of established programs;  Local community groups unrelated to the practice of law;  Programs (or budget items) for which there is a governmental responsibility to provide funding; Continuing program support for local projects that exceed three years. 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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in specific eastern U.S. states for projects that focus on human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality.

This program provides funding to organizations that support innovative initiatives aimed at empowering under-served entrepreneurs in North Carolina, particularly those in rural areas, women, and minorities.

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 Haywood County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Haywood County Community Foundation State: North Carolina County: Haywood County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000. Eligibility Criteria An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit 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 departments. 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 affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within 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 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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Burke County, North Carolina, for charitable, humanitarian, or educational programs that support local residents, particularly underserved communities.

The Edgecombe Charitable Foundation is seeking applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Edgecombe Charitable Foundation State: North Carolina County: Edgecombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000 with a maximum of $10,000 for a single organization designated as an “Impact Grant.”  Eligibility Criteria An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit 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 departments. 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 affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within 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 Avery Community Foundation is seeking applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Avery Community Foundation (ACF) State: North Carolina County: Avery County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000. Eligibility Criteria An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit 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 departments 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 affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within 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 state, regional, and local economic development organizations to create full-time jobs in economically distressed areas of North Carolina.

The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation is seeking applications from qualified charitable organizations serving tribal members in Swain, Jackson, Cherokee, Graham and Haywood counties. Donor Name: Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation State: North Carolina County: Cherokee County (NC), Graham County (NC), Haywood County (NC), Jackson County (NC), Swain County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000. Eligibility Criteria An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit 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 departments. 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 affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within 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 up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake counties in North Carolina to address unexpected crises that disrupt their ability to deliver essential services.