Public Policy & Education Grants

The John William Pope Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the well-being of North Carolinians by promoting individual freedom and personal responsibility. Since its establishment in 1987, the Foundation has distributed funding across four primary areas: public policy, education, human services, and the arts. This opportunity focuses specifically on public policy and higher education grants, which are awarded through the Foundation’s annual spring grant cycle. The Foundation seeks to support initiatives that strengthen institutions, inform policy, and contribute to a free and prosperous society. The purpose of the public policy and higher education funding is to support organizations and programs that benefit the state of North Carolina. While priority is given to organizations based within the state, the Foundation may also consider proposals from organizations located elsewhere if their work clearly benefits North Carolina residents. Funding is flexible and may be requested for general operating support or for specific projects, depending on the applicant’s needs and alignment with the Foundation’s priorities. The Foundation does not provide funding to individuals or entities that do not meet nonprofit compliance standards. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations or operate under a formal fiscal sponsorship arrangement. All applicants must demonstrate that their work aligns with the Foundation’s mission and produces tangible benefits for North Carolina. Required application materials include an IRS determination letter for new applicants, the most recent IRS Form 990, financial statements or audit reports, a detailed proposal narrative, an organizational budget, and a list of board members. The Foundation does not require a letter of inquiry and does not mandate pre-application meetings or consultations. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online portal. The application process requires applicants to prepare all materials in advance, as there is no option to save and resume submissions. Once submitted, applicants receive confirmation both on-screen and via email. Program officers may review applications and contact applicants for clarification if needed before final board consideration. The Foundation’s board meets twice annually but reviews public policy and higher education proposals during the spring cycle. The application deadline for public policy and higher education grants occurs annually in early February. For example, the deadline for 2026 is February 2, and for 2027 it is February 1. Funding decisions are typically communicated by late May of the same year. The Foundation may fund proposals in full or in part and communicates all decisions via email. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in future cycles. Grant recipients are required to comply with reporting requirements outlined in their award agreements. This typically includes submission of updated financial documents such as IRS Form 990 filings and audits or financial statements, along with a narrative summary of activities during the grant period. Reporting requirements are generally not extensive but must be completed to maintain compliance. Applicants are encouraged to retain all award documentation for reference. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Foundation via email or phone. The Foundation also provides an FAQ section to address common questions. This funding opportunity is recurring annually and represents a consistent source of support for nonprofit organizations engaged in public policy and higher education initiatives that benefit North Carolina.

Ensure strong demonstration of benefit to North Carolina; align proposal with public policy or higher education priorities; prepare complete financial documentation; finalize materials before starting application due to no save feature