North Carolina Grants

The Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge is offering Artist Support Grants of $500-$1000 to individual artists and small groups in select North Carolina counties for projects that enhance their skills, create new work, or improve their business operations, with applications due by October 5, 2024.

The Hickory Community Relations Council Grant Program, funded by the City of Hickory, offers $250 to $1,500 to tax-exempt organizations for projects that promote positive human relationships, equal opportunity, and conflict resolution among diverse groups in Hickory, excluding political or religious purposes, salaries, or construction costs.

The Tourism Grant Program offered by the Town of Matthews is designed to provide financial assistance to organizations that deliver events or programs promoting visitation and tourism in Matthews. Donor Name: Town of Matthews State: North Carolina Town: Matthews Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant is funded solely through tourism related taxes (hotel occupancy, prepared food & beverage, car rentals). Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must have a current non-profit status Promotion of tourism and visitation to Matthews must be a goal of the project listed on the application Programs should have short and/or long-term potential of attracting visitors to Matthews Organizations receiving grants are required to submit a post project report Programs listed on the application must take place between July 1, 2024 – June 13, 2025; Programs that take place prior to grant award decisions are eligible Grant funding remaining unspent must be returned to the Town of Matthews by June 30, 2025 Submitted applications must include all information requested. For more information, visit Town of Matthews.

The Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

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.

The North Carolina IOLTA is requesting applications for its Civil Legal Aid Grant Program. 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: 1 Year Details: NC IOLTA’s Civil Legal Aid Grant Program provides general support for a network of organizations, including both civil legal aid organizations and other agencies that provide civil legal aid, that together provide basic access to the justice system for indigent people residing in every county in North Carolina. Civil legal aid includes direct representation of eligible clients and client groups as well as related training and technical assistance. An organization or program may be providing services through staff attorneys and advocates or using volunteer lawyers on a pro bono basis. Areas of Funding Civil Legal Aid Grants  General Civil Legal Aid Grants are offered to legal aid organizations, defined as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code whose primary purpose is to provide civil legal aid to low-income clients. General Civil Legal Aid Grants are intended to provide general programmatic support to civil legal aid organizations to broadly support legal services for eligible clients. Project Support Grants are offered to legal aid organizations or other entities that run legal aid programs (such as social service providers, advocacy organizations, and other nonprofits that provide other non-legal services in addition to the legal services provided). Project Support Grants are intended to support programs focused on particular client subgroups or particular types of client services, especially where the clients served are not being reached or the program offers services that are not otherwise available through civil legal aid organizations. Pro Bono Support Grants. Pro Bono Support Grants are offered to support the development and expansion of efforts to engage lawyers and other legal professionals in the provision of voluntary legal services. Note that a pro bono program that does not focus their efforts specifically on indigent clients is not eligible for a Pro Bono Support Grant under the Civil Legal Aid Grant Program but may apply under the Administration of Justice Grant Program. System Support Grants. System Support Grants are offered to support efforts to improve the system of the delivery of civil legal aid by increasing program efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration. Examples of some efforts within this area of funding include training, research and evaluation, program innovations, website development or updates, online platforms or tools, and planning and sustainability efforts.  Funding Criteria Preference generally will be given to requests from applicants:  Providing direct representation of clients or client groups, including engaging in a range of services from extended representation to brief advice offered through a variety of methods, offering community legal education to clients, and supporting community economic development through services to client groups;  Who are staffed civil legal aid organizations, as the most effective and efficient means by which to deliver high quality legal assistance to the poor, including pro bono efforts as an important supplement to staffed legal services;  Who are current qualified providers over additional, separate programs except where a separate program can address client needs more effectively and efficiently;  Having diverse funding sources; 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.

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.

The Watauga Arts Council is seeking applications for its Grassroots Grants to provide support for high-quality programming in the performing, visual, literary, and traditional arts. Donor Name: Watauga Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Watauga County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programming choices are responsive to community needs and demonstrate improvement and innovation. Programming choices also engage constituents across geographic, cultural, social, and economic strata. Fosters collaborative relationships with and provide services and support to county arts organizations and other arts resources. Supports individual artists in the county through services and opportunities and compensates artists appropriately. Funding Priorities The directive is to prioritize funding for the following: Provide program or operating support to qualified arts organizations. Provide funds to support arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, after-school programs, summer camps, or adult arts learning classes. To support other community, civic, and municipal organizations that provide high-quality experiences for the greater community. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists. Funding Information Typical requests range from $800 – $4,000. Uses of Funds The three primary uses of Grassroots funds are as follows: Provide program or operating support through subgrants to arts organizations that do not receive operating support from the North Carolina Arts Council. Grassroots partners located in counties with 50,000 or more residents are required to subgrant at least 50 percent of their Grassroots allocation to other organizations in their counties to conduct arts programs. Grassroots partners located in counties with fewer than 50,000 residents must use 50 percent of their funds for arts programs that they conduct OR for subgrants to other organizations for arts programs using qualified artists. In either case, Grassroots partners are expected to provide support to qualified arts organizations in their counties that consistently present high-quality arts programs and that are not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council. Support high-quality arts programs that reach and impact a broad cross-section of the county’s citizens and youth. Eligibility Criteria 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 receive Grassroots Arts Program subgrants. Unincorporated nonprofits may have a fiscal agent or sponsor to receive the funds on their behalf. Watauga County nonprofit arts organizations such as, qualified arts organizations (where they exist), such as theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts, societies, writer’s groups, and arts festivals. Applicant/organization must not be late on tax payments. Subgrants of Grassroots funds may not be awarded to arts organizations that already receive operating support directly from the N.C. Arts Council. For more information, visit Watauga Arts Council.

The Watauga Arts Council is currently accepting applications for its Artist Support Grants for working artists who seek to advance their careers through professional development, studio improvements, new projects, promotion, and more. Donor Name: Watauga Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Watauga County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information  Grant awards to artists generally range from $500 to $2500. Eligibility Criteria  The artist support grant is intended to support working artists. They do not recommend applying if you are a beginner or hobby artist unless you want to transition into the career and have a strong body of work to support that endeavor. Professors may only apply if it supports their career as an artist, not to support work for their university or classes they teach. For more information, visit Watauga Arts Council.

The Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants, administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives in North Carolina’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, and rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties. The grants aim to help local governments enhance downtown districts as economic assets, improve public infrastructure, support public building renovations, and promote mixed-use development. Grants can be up to $850,000 per grantee, with no minimum amount, and must be matched with at least 5 percent local funds. The application deadline is August 22, 2024, and projects must be completed within 36 months of the award.

The Great Trails State Program (GTSP) provides funding for new trail development and extension of existing trails within North Carolina. This includes paved trails, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and other types recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. One grant cycle will distribute $25 million in non-recurring funds. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, regional councils of government, public authorities, and nonprofits with local government support. Project types include planning and feasibility, design and engineering, acquisition, construction, and maintenance.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that help families experiencing homelessness access quality child care and educational programs.

This program provides financial support to non-profit and municipal science museums in North Carolina, particularly those in economically distressed areas, to enhance science education and literacy through diverse learning experiences.

This funding opportunity assists recognized rescue and EMS organizations in North Carolina with purchasing equipment and making capital improvements to enhance their emergency response capabilities.

This program provides financial assistance to marinas and boat docking facilities in North Carolina's coastal counties for installing or upgrading sewage pumpout stations to improve water quality.

This funding program provides financial support to public libraries in North Carolina to enhance their services and ensure professional management, benefiting communities across the state.

This program provides financial assistance to production companies organizing esports events in North Carolina, promoting economic growth through local spending and job creation.

This program provides funding to various organizations, including law enforcement and local governments, to implement projects that enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents across North Carolina.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist non-profits and local governments in North Carolina in providing essential services and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

The Futrell-Mauldin Community Foundation for Greater Rocky Mount is seeking applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Futrell-Mauldin Community Foundation for Greater Rocky Mount State: North Carolina City: Rocky Mount Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 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 $7,500. 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.