North Carolina Private Grants

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in western North Carolina to enhance youth mental health and resilience through collaborative, youth-led initiatives, particularly in areas affected by economic distress and natural disasters.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corp. (BEMC) offers Community Grants for a wide array of programs within its service areas, including Brunswick and Columbus counties, as well as parts of Bladen and Robeson counties in North Carolina. These grants support various initiatives, such as family service programs, civic and community programs, cultural and arts programs, emergency services, and economic development activities aimed at enhancing the community's well-being. The grant aims to fund projects and programs that offer significant benefits to the BEMC service area, prioritizing those that cater to families, children, the elderly, and economic health. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: December 1st to February 15th.

The Craven Arts Council & Gallery is seeking applications for its Grassroots Project Grants. Donor Name: Craven Arts Council & Gallery State: North Carolina County: Craven County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grassroots Arts Project Grants are made possible by the North Carolina Arts Council and dispersed to each county by their local arts council. Non-profit organizations who implement arts projects in Craven County may apply for the Grassroots Arts Project Grant. Funding Information Grant amounts range from $500 to $4000.  All projects must take place between July 1, 2024 and June 15, 2025. Eligibility Criteria All 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 apply. All organizations must reside and carry out projects within the county they are applying for funds. Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds. Applications and support materials must be completed and received by the due date. For more information, visit Craven Arts Council & Gallery.

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is accepting applications for its Cultural Vibrancy Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro State: North Carolina County: Guilford County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A culturally vibrant Greensboro is a community where all residents have access to diverse cultural, educational, and natural resources. The region’s vibrant culture is built upon inclusive community dialogue and civic engagement in its various forms. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is particularly interested in funding organizations which bolster cultural vibrancy through: Increasing access to and appreciation for the arts, cultural opportunities, and natural assets such as parks, especially for students and residents at or below the federal poverty line in Guilford County Investing in cultural education and events that appeal to diverse and multi-generational audiences in Guilford County Facilitating dialogue and community engagement that deepen understanding among and between Greensboro’s diverse communities and cultures in Guilford County Eligibility and Requirements Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in or serving the respective areas indicated above. Grants are not awarded to organizations with outstanding grant reports due. Grants are not awarded to individuals. As they work to prioritize equity in grantmaking process, board and staff diversity along with total operating budget will be considered by staff and respective grantmaking committees; all applications will be reviewed regardless of budget size. Typically, multi-year grant applications are not considered. Typically, public schools or other public agencies will not receive grants, although they may be involved as partners in funded efforts. Priority is given to grant proposals that focus on long-term strategies to advance and sustain cultural vibrancy in Guilford County. For more information, visit Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

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.

Mountain BizWorks in North Carolina is offering 20 micro-grants of $2,500 each to startups and emerging businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups, aiming to support their growth and contribution to the local community.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is seeking applications to expand access to mental and behavioral health services and resources for youth through models that are effective in the short term (1-3 years), and which leverage a trained workforce that goes beyond specialty trained behavioral health care clinical and professional roles. Donor Name: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The trained workforce may include a variety of health and other professionals who regularly work with or on behalf of youth and are trained to identify, understand, and respond to the signs/symptoms of distress, trauma, mental health changes, or substance use and provide initial support and connection to resources for youth. Approaches should be effective at engaging communities that have significant barriers in access to care and may operate in communities, schools, health systems, faith-based settings, or other settings. Funding may support, among other things, strengthening organizational capacity or infrastructure, connecting care across settings, increasing access to training opportunities, and/or increasing access to culturally and linguistically relevant resources and materials for youth mental and behavioral health. Funding Information To support a variety of approaches, proposals can range from $75,000 to $500,000 per year, for up to three years. Grant Period Grant start date By November 1, 2024. Grant end date By November 30, 2027. Eligibility Criteria  Organization Size There are no limitations or minimum requirements with regard to an entities’ operating budget. Organizations of all sizes are eligible to apply. Organization Type Nonprofit: An organization that is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a). Fiscally sponsored program: A group or project with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization acting as a fiscal sponsor. Please note that the fiscal sponsor is considered the grantee and is responsible for all legal aspects of the project including reporting and financial management. Government entity or public instrumentality: This can include schools, tribal governments, etc. Coalitions: Applications involving more than one group or organization are welcome; however, one organization will be the recipient of the grant and must meet any of the criteria above. If a coalition applicant is invited for a finalist conversation, all coalition partners are expected to participate in the interview. Letters of support are not required for application submission. Organizations and coalitions of any size are eligible to apply if the other eligibility criteria have been met. For more information, visit BCBSNCF.

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

Applications are now being accepted for the Duplin County Community Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Duplin County Community Foundation (DCCF) State: North Carolina County: Duplin County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/30/2024 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. 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 from the community grantmaking fund 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 Community Foundation offers Human Services grants up to $20,000 for programs or projects that promise significant help for economically-disadvantaged people in mountain communities. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Human Services objectives are to: Address a timely community need or opportunity not being addressed by other agencies Continue, replicate or expand a proven program or project Increase cooperation and coordination among program providers Build the internal capacity of an organization to be more self-sufficient or efficient Purchase equipment that provides an immediate and substantial benefit. Eligibility Criteria Organizations are eligible to apply for Human Services grants if they: have missions or programs focused on serving economically-disadvantaged people; are financially sustainable; are tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or governmental entities; are located in and serving one or more of these WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey; did not receive a Human Services grant during the most recent Human Services grant cycle. What they don’t Fund  general operating expenses (except for costs directly related to the proposed project or program) capital support for new buildings or major expansions recreational programs and equipment, including playgrounds private primary and secondary schools (except for projects or programs that are not directed toward the school’s students or staff and that directly address community needs) and private clubs festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers scholarships activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made sectarian religious purposes partisan political purposes endowment, deficit funding or debt retirement state or national organizations, unless (1) funding is sought for a portion of the program or project that directly benefits WNC, and (2) local people assume leadership of the program or project For more information, visit CFWNC.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Western North Carolina that enhance community services for older adults and their caregivers, focusing on health, housing, food security, transportation, mental wellness, and social connectivity.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Cumberland and surrounding counties for projects that benefit children from birth to 18 years old.

The Community Foundation of Burke County (CFBC) offers Community Grants to tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations that have programs benefiting the residents of Burke County. The grants aim to support programs and projects that promote cooperation and collaboration among organizations without duplicating services. Please note that proposals from outside of Burke County are not reviewed, and grants or loans to individuals are not provided. Funding guidelines for the 2024 Community Foundation Grant Cycle will be available in July 2024. For more information or inquiries, please contact the Foundation office at (828) 437-7105.

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

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is accepting applications for its Highlands Community Fund. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina City: Highlands Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Highlands Community Fund generally provides grants between $2,500-$10,000 for charitable purposes. Requests that exhibit the greatest community benefit will be given the highest consideration. If an organization other than the applicant will benefit from the grant, then the applicant should include a letter of endorsement from that organization. Grant funds should be expended within one year of the award. Eligibility Criteria Grants may be awarded to qualified 501(c)(3), governmental, educational, and religious organizations serving Highlands with a documented history of substantial work in Highlands that pre-dates the application. An eligible organization may only submit one application per year. What they don’t Fund  Grants generally do not support: scholarships, annual giving campaigns, endowment funds, deficit funding or debt retirement, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers, private primary and secondary schools (except for projects or programs that are not directed toward the school’s students or staff and that directly address community needs) and private clubs, or activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made. For more information, visit CFWNC.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

The High Point Community Foundation seeks to provide critical funding to nonprofits that respond to the needs in community. Donor Name: High Point Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information The maximum allowed will be $50,000 for grant requests both program and capital. Guidelines No waivers or exceptions to the policies set forth here will be allowed. Schools that are applying for a grant must have a project that will impact the entire school and not just a single classroom. They must also have the approval of their school principal. Only one grant request per organization is permitted. The Grants Committee will allow multiple schools and multiple departments within a municipality to apply, but has the ultimate decision authority. Nonprofit organizations must have their own 501(c)(3) status by the deadline of the grant application. During the review process, any grant request that the Committee cannot agree to fund to at least 50% of their total request will not be funded. If a grant is made as a “matching grant” the Foundation will not release a check to the grantee until the match has been made. Grantmaking Restrictions The High Point Community Foundation does not make grants for the following: costs already incurred, endowments, loans or mortgages, sectarian purposes, political purposes, or to individuals. State wide or national programs will not be considered unless funding is sought for a portion of the program that directly benefits the greater High Point area. Organizations may not submit more than application for funding per grant cycle and must have its own 501(c)(3). No waivers or exceptions will be allowed. All organizations must provide the appropriate annual financial statements using the following guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees: Grant applicants having an annual budget of $100,000 or less shall attach a copy of the most recent tax return (Form 990) or postcard which has been filed with the IRS. Grant applicants having an annual budget of more than $100,000 but less than $200,000 should attach a copy of the most recent federal tax return (Form 990) which has been filed with the IRS, which has been prepared and signed by an independent CPA, and a copy of financial statements together with a compilation report by an independent CPA. Grant applicants having an annual budget of more than $200,000 but less than $400,000 should attach a copy of the most recent federal tax return (Form 990) which has been filed with the IRS and has been prepared and signed by an independent CPA, and a copy of financial statements together with a review report by and independent CPA. Grant applicants having an annual budget of $400,000 or more should attach a copy of the most recent federal tax return (Form 990) which has been filed with the IRS and has been prepared and signed by an independent CPA, and a copy of financial statements together with an audit report by an independent CPA. Electronic signatures are now acceptable as previously approved. For more information, visit High Point Community Foundation.

Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) grants provide funding for program expenses for projects of high artistic merit including artist fees and travel, space rental, marketing, advertising, costumes, sets, props, music and equipment rental. Donor Name: Wilkes Art Gallery State: North Carolina County: Wilkes County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Grassroots Arts program is a partnership between local arts councils and the North Carolina Arts Council. Funding priority is given to qualified arts organizations (theaters, galleries, choral societies, festivals, etc.), arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists, and other community organizations that provide arts programs in the county.  Funding Information Projects and programs must take place between July 1st, 2024 and June 30th, 2025. Eligibility Criteria While nonprofit status is preferred, organizations that have been in operation for a least one year may apply.  All organizations must reside and carry out projects in Wilkes County. Grants does not fund Individual applicants  Art supplies  Fundraising events or expenses  Food or beverages  Prizes, tuition or scholarships  School band activities or equipment  Purchase of artwork  Internal programs for schools, colleges, universities, or libraries  Programs with religious content For more information, visit Wilkes Art Gallery.

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

The Jackson County Community Foundation is seeking applications for qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Jackson County Community Foundation State: North Carolina County: Jackson County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/06/2024 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 $1,000 to $3,000. 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.