North Carolina Community Colleges

State Employees Credit Union Foundation

Raleigh, NC

The foundation funds capital projects, regional or statewide programs, and organizational capacity building that strengthen North Carolina communities; it favors projects with broad or replicable impact and does not fund operating budgets or shortfalls. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,250 to $1 million, with a median of $2,500. Applications are accepted at any time and typically reviewed semiannually.

John M Belk Endowment

Charlotte, NC

The John M Belk Endowment funds postsecondary education initiatives focused on access, completion, and workforce relevance, primarily in North Carolina. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $2.88 million, with a median of $5,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

The Golden Leaf Inc

Rocky Mount, NC

Golden LEAF funds economic opportunity projects—such as workforce training, job creation, agriculture, and community development—with particular focus on rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities in North Carolina. Its median grant was about $157,000, and its Open Grants Program offers awards up to $500,000; eligible government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply through that program.

Foundation for the Carolinas

Charlotte, NC

Foundation For The Carolinas funds nonprofits and other eligible organizations working in areas such as education, health and human services, the environment, youth development, and animal welfare, primarily across 13 counties in North and South Carolina. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grants are donor-recommended and have no application process, while some competitive programs accept applications under program-specific rules.

Duke Energy Foundation

Charlotte, NC

The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce development, local economic development and recovery, disaster resilience, conservation, and economic opportunity in communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It reports more than $30 million in annual charitable grants; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $25,000, and applications of $20,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should contact their local Foundation representative before applying.

Charles a Cannon Trust No 1

Concord, NC

The trust funds named beneficiaries in human services, higher education, healthcare, and community, primarily in North Carolina, with some support in South Carolina. In 2026, grants ranged from $5,000 to $6.45 million, with a median of $48,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests.

The Robert P Holding Foundation Inc

Smithfield, NC

The foundation supports charitable organizations in areas including community needs, education, health, youth services, conservation, and historic preservation, primarily in North Carolina, with some funding in Virginia. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,000 to about $1.3 million. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

NC Idea

Durham, NC

NC IDEA funds innovative, growth-oriented North Carolina companies and organizations that strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a focus on expanding opportunity for Black entrepreneurs and underserved communities. Company grants are typically $10,000 through MICRO or $50,000 through SEED; its 2025 grants overall ranged from $1,050 to $65,000. It accepts applications through grant-program cycles, generally held twice a year.

North Carolina Community Foundation

Raleigh, NC

The North Carolina Community Foundation supports local needs across North Carolina, especially in rural communities, including human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, arts, and scholarships. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $15,000, though amounts varied widely; organizations may apply through the relevant affiliate, giving circle, or community fund, with eligibility and deadlines varying by program.

The Cannon Foundation Inc

Concord, NC

The Cannon Foundation funds capital and equipment projects in human services, higher education, healthcare, and community programs, primarily for organizations with significant operations in North Carolina. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,500 to $500,000, with a median award of $50,000. Organizations begin with an online inquiry form; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Florence Mauboules Charitable Trust

Crowley, LA

Merancas Foundation Inc

Charlotte, NC

The Merancas Foundation funds nonprofits addressing economic hardship, especially through education, affordable housing, and services that support individual and community wellbeing. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $1.8 million, with a median of $50,000, and it focuses on the Charlotte, Atlanta, and Trenton metropolitan areas. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online “Are We a Match” process; full proposals are by invitation for pre-approved applicants and current partners.