North Carolina Infrastructure Grants

This grant provides funding to recycling businesses and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina to enhance their capacity and efficiency in diverting materials from the waste stream and creating jobs.

The Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association have partnered to bring the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to Colorado newsrooms. This program is designed to provide in-depth training and coaching to help local news organizations develop journalism projects that address community priorities and can be funded through philanthropy. The initiative aligns with a broader goal of strengthening local journalism and supporting news organizations in their fundraising efforts, building on the success of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding which has helped over 100 U.S. news organizations raise more than $22 million since 2020. This collaborative effort, supported by the Google News Initiative, underscores a strategic priority to foster sustainable local news ecosystems through philanthropic support. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations that produce original, local news at least weekly. Priority is given to newsrooms with philanthropic giving programs less than five years old, or those with new staff who could benefit from this training. Local news partnerships or coalitions are also encouraged to apply, especially if they have a joint initiative seeking philanthropic funding. The impact goal is to equip these newsrooms with the skills and resources to secure philanthropic funding for local journalism projects that are responsive to community needs, thereby enhancing the quality and sustainability of local news in Colorado. The program's priorities and focuses include setting fundraising goals aligned with market size, developing prospect lists, creating pitch decks and campaign materials, and facilitating meetings with funders. Participants will also engage in the end-of-year #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign. Preference will be given to organizations with strong local leadership and community ties, a focus on high-quality local journalism, leadership-level buy-in, an organizational commitment of staff time and resources, and a value for staff and leadership diversity. These criteria highlight a strategic focus on building capacity within newsrooms that are deeply embedded in their communities and committed to journalistic excellence. Expected outcomes include newsrooms setting and working towards specific fundraising goals, developing robust fundraising strategies and materials, and actively engaging with funders. Measurable results will likely include the amount of philanthropic funding raised by participating newsrooms, the number of new donor relationships established, and the successful execution of fundraising campaigns. The program also aims to contribute best practices and lessons learned through case studies and an industry playbook, fostering a collective learning environment and promoting a theory of change where targeted training and support lead to increased philanthropic investment in local journalism, ultimately strengthening civic engagement and informed communities.

The Town of Carrboro administers the Green Neighborhood Grant Program to support resident led projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance ecosystem resilience, and benefit the community. The program seeks to educate and empower neighborhoods, build capacity for climate action, strengthen partnerships, leverage town and neighborhood resources, and direct resources to low income communities and communities of color disproportionately affected by climate change. Projects must demonstrate shared benefits and aim to reduce emissions, improve ecosystem resilience, or increase climate action awareness and engagement. Projects must be initiated, planned, and implemented by community members, completed within six months of award, and comply with permitting and insurance requirements as applicable. The maximum grant amount is 2,500 dollars. Eligible applicants are neighborhoods located within Carrboro’s town limits. Applicants may apply for funding in two consecutive cycles, and those not previously funded may receive feedback to strengthen future applications. Contractors must carry required insurance and groups may be asked to obtain liability insurance when necessary. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the town’s process. Funding duration beyond the six month completion requirement is not stated. Official information is available from the Town of Carrboro.

This program provides funding to rural health care providers in North Carolina to enhance telehealth services and improve access to care for underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to organizations in specific North Carolina counties for repairing stream damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

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

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 Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is offering its Economic Mobility Grant Program, aligning with its mission to foster a strong economic foundation for residents. The foundation is committed to funding organizations that focus on key areas designed to promote economic stability and advancement within Guilford County. This grant program is a direct reflection of the foundation's strategic priority to advance economic mobility. The target beneficiaries of this program are residents of Guilford County who require support to become economically mobile. The impact goals are to support organizations whose work encompasses workforce development and education, small business and entrepreneurship, and access to workforce housing. By investing in these areas, the foundation aims to create a more equitable and opportunity-rich environment for individuals and families in the community. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Priority is given to grant proposals that concentrate on long-term strategies to advance and sustain economic mobility in Guilford County. This emphasizes a commitment to lasting change rather than short-term fixes. While the description doesn't explicitly state expected outcomes and measurable results in a quantitative sense, the focus on "long-term strategies to advance and sustain economic mobility" implies a desire for measurable improvements in employment rates, business creation, and access to affordable housing as indirect outcomes. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that a strong economic foundation is crucial for residents to achieve economic mobility. By funding organizations engaged in workforce development, supporting small businesses, and ensuring access to housing, the foundation seeks to address systemic barriers to economic progress. The consideration of board and staff diversity and total operating budget in the grantmaking process also highlights a commitment to equity and inclusivity in achieving its goals, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development.

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.

The Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department is offering housing rehabilitation or reconstruction assistance. This program aims to improve substandard housing conditions for lower-income households. The initiative aligns with a broader mission of community development, likely focusing on enhancing living standards and economic stability within the region by addressing critical housing needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are lower-income households residing in substandard housing within Lee County. The program targets homeowners who are current occupants of their homes, have up-to-date real estate taxes, and possess a clear title to their property. The impact goals include providing safe and decent housing, improving the overall quality of life for residents, and contributing to the revitalization of the community. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, specifically for those most in need due to their income level and housing conditions. The department is applying to the N.C. Department of Commerce for a 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-NR Project, indicating a strategic focus on leveraging state and federal funds to achieve local community development objectives. The expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in housing quality and safety for the participating households. By providing essential repairs and reconstruction, the program aims to reduce the number of substandard homes in Lee County. While specific measurable results are not detailed, a typical outcome would involve tracking the number of homes rehabilitated, the cost-effectiveness of the repairs, and the subsequent impact on the residents' well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities, as indicated by their application for CDBG funds, likely involve addressing poverty, improving infrastructure, and fostering community resilience. This approach aligns with a theory of change that posits by providing direct housing assistance to vulnerable populations, the department can stimulate broader positive social and economic ripple effects within the community, such as improved health outcomes, increased property values, and enhanced civic engagement.

This funding opportunity provides zero-interest loans with principal forgiveness to local governments and eligible water corporations in North Carolina for repairing and improving water and wastewater infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants program is designed to support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things, directly aligning with the foundation's mission of promoting conservation and sustainability, seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating to maximize impact. This program is funded through the “Quarters for Conservation” initiative and supports both local conservation projects in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as national and international endeavors. The target beneficiaries are free-ranging wildlife and their habitats, as well as communities and individuals who can be educated or empowered in conservation. The program aims for several impact goals, including the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems, increased public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, and the transfer of conservation skills and technology. Expected outcomes include a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, successful reintroduction programs, improved water quality, and the creation of new conservation leaders. The program prioritizes projects focusing on Field Conservation, Conservation Research, and Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding, and greater weight is given to applications addressing species and habitats at risk. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed to areas with the most urgent needs and potential for significant impact, reflecting the zoo's commitment to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species. The funding structure includes a New Grants Program for first-time applicants, offering $300 to $1,500, and a Continuing Grants Program for established partners, providing up to $3,500. This tiered approach supports both emerging and ongoing conservation initiatives, fostering long-term relationships with successful grantees. The overall theory of change is that by investing in scientific research, education, and direct field action, the program can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for wildlife and natural habitats.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant, offered by the City of Salisbury, aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots within the Innes Street Improvement District. This program is a matching grant, with the City providing up to $5,000 per project on a 50/50 basis. The grant seeks to align with the City's mission of urban beautification and economic development by incentivizing property and business owners to invest in their properties, thereby improving the overall appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District. The impact goals include fostering a more aesthetically pleasing and vibrant commercial area, attracting more visitors and businesses, and ultimately boosting local economic activity. By supporting a range of projects from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitations and the installation of new pedestrian amenities, the grant targets a broad spectrum of improvements that collectively enhance the district's appeal. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including the introduction of new pedestrian amenities like outdoor seating, planters, awnings, and lighting, as well as the installation of new façade elements and the restoration of storefronts. Other focuses include painting murals, repairing and replacing windows and doors, repointing brick, and implementing green building improvements such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Projects are expected to result in visible improvements to properties, increased pedestrian traffic, and a more positive perception of the Innes Street area. Measurable results could include the number of completed projects, the total investment leveraged through matching funds, and qualitative assessments of improved aesthetics and public engagement. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities for this grant center on urban revitalization and creating a more attractive and sustainable downtown area. The theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property enhancements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn leads to a cumulative positive effect on the district's economic vitality and quality of life for residents and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster community pride and encourage a vibrant local economy through targeted improvements that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

This funding initiative provides forgivable loans to local governments and nonprofits in North Carolina for repairing and improving decentralized wastewater treatment systems damaged by Hurricane Helene.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that promote innovation and development in North Carolina's agricultural economy, targeting universities, non-profits, and businesses involved in agriculture.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to eligible organizations in specific North Carolina counties for repairing stream damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations in specific North Carolina counties to repair stream damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) aims to provide financial assistance for major tourism capital projects. Its core mission is to increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development within Buncombe County. The fund aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the region as a desirable destination. The target beneficiaries of the TPDF are non-profit organizations and government entities that develop major tourism capital projects. The impact goals are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, provide amenities for both residents and visitors, and ultimately increase overnight lodging stays in Buncombe County. Projects that directly increase lodging stays or support larger initiatives to do so are evaluated equally. The TPDF prioritizes capital investments, focusing on "brick and mortar" projects. Operational expenses are not considered for funding, though design fees already expended can count towards the required 1-to-1 funding match. Projects must be principally located in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase lodging patronage, and not solely benefit a single lodging owner or property. Applicants must also have legal control of the property and show how they will achieve a minimum 1-to-1 funding match. Expected outcomes include enhanced financial stability for requesting organizations, successful and sustainable project operations, and effective sales and marketing plans that draw visitation. The TPDF also seeks projects that differentiate the destination through brand alignment, uniqueness, and innovation, and those that promote the local creative sector. Measurable results are assessed by the ratio of overnight lodging generated to funding requested, and the project's ability to create new and incremental room nights, not just pull from existing visitors. Furthermore, the TPDF aligns with BCTDA’s strategic imperatives to deliver balanced recovery and sustainable growth by distributing visitors geographically and seasonally. Projects that encourage safe and responsible travel, and those that support engagement with and appeal to more diverse audiences, receive greater consideration. The overarching theory of change is that strategic capital investments in tourism infrastructure will lead to increased visitor numbers, economic benefits, and a more vibrant community, all while ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is offering its Cultural Vibrancy Grant Program to support a community where all residents have access to diverse cultural, educational, and natural resources. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster a vibrant culture built upon inclusive community dialogue and civic engagement. The program specifically seeks to bolster cultural vibrancy through strategic funding, aiming to create a more equitable and enriched environment for all residents of Guilford County. The grant program targets students and residents at or below the federal poverty line in Guilford County as primary beneficiaries, with a focus on increasing their access to and appreciation for the arts, cultural opportunities, and natural assets like parks. Beyond this, the program also aims to engage diverse and multi-generational audiences in Guilford County through cultural education and events. The broader impact goal is to deepen understanding and facilitate community engagement among Greensboro's diverse communities and cultures. Key priorities for the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro include investing in cultural education and events that resonate with a wide array of audiences. Furthermore, the foundation emphasizes facilitating dialogue and community engagement to foster deeper understanding among and between the city's diverse communities. The program also prioritizes proposals that demonstrate long-term strategies for advancing and sustaining cultural vibrancy within Guilford County, highlighting a commitment to lasting impact. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in or serving the specified areas, and priority is given to those with long-term strategies. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes involve increased participation in cultural and natural resource activities, enhanced cultural education, and strengthened community cohesion. The foundation's strategic priority is to achieve equity in its grantmaking process, considering board and staff diversity and total operating budget in its review process to ensure broad and inclusive support, regardless of the applicant's budget size.