North Carolina Local Grants

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

The Art Committee Grant Program, established by the City of Gastonia, aims to foster public access to quality arts programs, promote diversity in the arts, and stimulate economic development and tourism within the city. This initiative is rooted in North Carolina General Statute, which empowers local governments to establish and support arts programs and facilities through appropriations to governmental agencies, public or nonprofit private associations, corporations, or organizations. The program aligns with the city's broader mission to enrich the cultural landscape for its citizens and drive local economic growth through artistic endeavors. The program primarily targets eligible nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) status that maintain a permanent office, practice/performance space, or physical address within Gastonia's municipal boundaries. The impact goals include expanding the reach of arts programs, increasing the diversity of artistic expressions available to the public, and ultimately contributing to the city's economic vitality and attractiveness as a tourist destination. By supporting these organizations, the program seeks to strengthen the local arts ecosystem. The core priorities and focus areas of this grant program revolve around supporting qualifying arts programs. The definition of "arts" is broad, encompassing performing arts, visual arts, and literary arts, including dance, drama, music, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, crafts, photography, film, video, architecture, design, and literature, when part of a performing, visual, or literary arts program. This wide scope ensures a diverse array of artistic expressions can receive funding, promoting comprehensive cultural development. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public engagement with the arts, a broader representation of diverse artistic forms and cultures, and a positive economic impact through tourism and local spending generated by arts events. While specific metrics are not detailed, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to local arts organizations, the City of Gastonia can directly enhance cultural accessibility and diversity, thereby creating a more vibrant community and stimulating economic benefits. The grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 per recipient. This funding mechanism is a direct implementation of the City Council's authority under Section 160A-488 of the North Carolina General Statute, reflecting a strategic priority to leverage local government capabilities for community enrichment. The program's design emphasizes support for organizations that are firmly rooted in the Gastonia community, ensuring that the investments directly benefit the city and its residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Fayetteville for projects that aim to reduce crime and violence, with grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 available to both recognized and grassroots groups.

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 Gaston Community Foundation's 2024 Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants program is a direct manifestation of its mission to improve the quality of life in Gaston County. This program honors Harold Townsend Sumner's conviction that independent charitable organizations, through collaborative efforts, are crucial for community betterment. By earmarking funds for the professional development of key staff members within these organizations, the Foundation ensures a lasting tribute to Mr. Sumner's vision and reinforces its own commitment to supporting the vital work of local non-profits. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the Foundation's broader strategic goal of fostering a vibrant and capable non-profit sector in the county. The grants specifically target independent charitable, cultural, or educational organizations within Gaston County. The primary beneficiaries are key professional staff members within these organizations who have at least one year of service, enabling them to pursue special professional training or educational opportunities. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the skills and capabilities of these individuals, which in turn strengthens the nominating organizations and ultimately improves the quality of life for residents of Gaston County. This program acts as a strategic investment in human capital within the non-profit sector, recognizing that skilled professionals are essential for effective community programs. A key priority for this grant program is training that is local or in-state, emphasizing a commitment to regional development and capacity building. The maximum amount awarded in this year will be $5,000, which the Foundation may distribute as one or more grants. Preference is given to training that directly benefits community programs. Importantly, governmental agencies, churches, and private schools are generally not eligible unless the individual applicant's duties are solely focused on community programs, rather than internal church or school activities. This reflects Mr. Sumner's belief in distinct funding sources for public charities versus other institutions. The expected outcomes of the Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants include a more highly trained and effective non-profit workforce in Gaston County, leading to enhanced services and programs offered by these organizations. Measurable results will be based on the non-profit staff member’s professional record and the potential for positive outcomes that directly benefit the nominating organization. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in the professional growth of individuals within the non-profit sector, it can catalyze improved organizational performance and, consequently, a higher quality of life across the county. This program serves as a tangible mechanism for the Foundation to implement its strategic priorities and achieve its community impact objectives.

The Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department offers small grants to local nonprofit agencies to enhance recreation opportunities within Chatham County, North Carolina. This program aligns with the department's mission to support and expand recreational access for all citizens, fulfilling the North Carolina Constitution’s public purpose requirement for the expenditure of public funds. The target beneficiaries are local nonprofit agencies that have been in operation for at least three years, excluding start-up agencies and those already funded by the county's operating budget. The program aims to increase and diversify recreational opportunities throughout the county, addressing community needs as outlined in the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Funding priorities for these recreation grants are recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee. The scoring of applications will be based on alignment with the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the specific goals and objectives of the Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. This ensures that funded projects contribute directly to the strategic vision for parks and recreation in the county. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information beyond the general goal of supporting recreation opportunities, the emphasis on the Master Plan and departmental goals suggests a framework for evaluating success. Agencies are expected to implement projects, programs, or services that Chatham County has the statutory authority to provide, ensuring that the grants lead to tangible public benefits. The overall theory of change is that by providing financial support to established nonprofit agencies, the county can leverage community-based efforts to expand and improve recreational offerings. The grant amounts, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a tentative FY25 allocation of $20,300, indicate a commitment to investing in a diverse range of projects that will contribute to the well-being and quality of life for Chatham County residents.

The Moore County Community Foundation (MCCF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving the local community in Moore County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address local needs across a broad spectrum of purposes, ensuring the well-being and development of the community. The grantmaking program targets a wide range of beneficiaries through initiatives focused on human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The goal is to fund programs that meet essential local needs and create positive, measurable impacts within the community. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that address a diverse set of local needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on a broad range of purposes, including human services, education, and health, suggests a commitment to fostering holistic community improvement. Organizations are expected to offer programs and services without discrimination. The MCCF's strategic priority is to support organizations that can effectively serve the counties within its affiliate network. This indicates a localized approach to philanthropy, where the foundation aims to empower local non-profits, government entities, and even religious organizations (for social outreach programs) to drive positive change. The theory of change appears to be rooted in direct community investment and empowerment of local service providers to address pressing issues.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Hickory that deliver public services to low- and moderate-income individuals, focusing on the needs of the city's most vulnerable residents.

This funding opportunity supports Orange County nonprofits in creating arts and cultural projects that engage historically underrepresented communities and enhance the cultural life of Chapel Hill.

This funding opportunity provides up to $3,000 to established organizations in Edgecombe County that offer recreational services to enhance limited recreational opportunities for local residents.

The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) Grassroots Arts grants are provided annually to non-profit organizations operating arts programs within Rowan County, North Carolina. This program is funded through the NC General Assembly via the NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program, with the RAC acting as the Designated County Partner. The primary mission of these grants aligns with enhancing and strengthening the cultural community and broadening artistic services available to Rowan County citizens. The program focuses on fostering a vibrant arts scene and making arts accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the region. The grants target a diverse range of beneficiaries, including qualified arts organizations such as theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writer’s groups, and arts festivals. Additionally, the program supports arts learning and arts in education initiatives for students and adults, as well as community organizations providing quality art experiences. The expected outcomes include a more robust cultural landscape, increased participation in arts programs, and expanded artistic services. Measurable results could include the number of organizations supported, the number of individuals reached through various programs, and the diversity of artistic offerings. The program prioritizes funding in three key areas. The first priority is to offer program or operating support to qualified arts organizations that do not receive funding directly from the N.C. Arts Council’s State Arts Resources. The second priority is to support arts learning and arts in education programs, such as artist residencies in schools, after-school camps, or adult arts classes, provided these activities are not part of a school's internal arts curriculum or for the purchase of art supplies or student competitions. The third priority is to support other community organizations that provide quality art experiences for the greater community, ensuring these programs are conducted by qualified artists. Grassroots Arts Program funds can be utilized across various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, crafts, dance, drama, film and video, folk arts, literature, music, photography, architecture, and the visual environment. Typical uses of funds encompass program expenses like artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, and supplies, as well as program administration and operating expenses such. While salaries and equipment are allowable, their use is generally limited. The program strategically aims to build a strong, self-sustaining arts community in Rowan County by empowering local organizations and artists, which aligns with a theory of change that increased local investment in the arts leads to broader community engagement and cultural development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that serve disadvantaged groups, including youth, the elderly, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities, to help them improve their services and capacity.

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 program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

The City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity (COO) program aims to foster thriving communities, build lasting legacies, and promote equitable growth across six key corridors. These corridors serve as vital links that connect people to essential resources and businesses. Key Partnerships The city collaborates with Business District Organizations (BDOs) to enhance the vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. The partnership involves building organizational capacity and providing business-support services, which are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy business environments. Funding Opportunity The program is leveraging a one-time funding opportunity through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Charlotte City Council has approved $1M to support this initiative. This funding will assist both established and emerging BDOs in enhancing their services and organizational capabilities. Application Period Open Date: Monday, May 6 Close Date: Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. How It Works Objective: Address the most immediate needs of BDOs within the COO through capacity building and tailored technical assistance. Funding Use: The grant supports organizational development, asset inventories, marketing communications, and development support services. Requirements: All applying organizations must complete strategic work and inventories or provide existing documentation. Eligibility Organizations: Must be non-profit with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation. Location: Must serve a business district within the COO. Representation: Must represent at least 10 businesses within the district. Registration: Active SAM.gov UEI or have a fiduciary/fiscal sponsor with an UEI. Application Process Access: Use the provided link to create a login and apply. Documentation: Include a Work Sheet template indicating the desired services for funding consideration. Submission: Ensure all documents are read and understood before submitting. Additional Information Webinar: A Q&A webinar will be held on May 16 at 11 am. Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link. Contact: Questions can be directed to corridorsofopportunity@charlottenc.gov.

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.

This grant provides opportunities and funding for visual artists residing in Greensboro to showcase their work in public spaces and contribute to the city's cultural landscape.

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 opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County that provide essential services to residents, focusing on community connectivity, economic opportunities, health, and safety.