North Carolina grants for Individuals

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This funding initiative provides financial support to graduate students conducting herpetological research focused on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians in the southeastern United States.

This grant provides funding for creative individuals to develop and deliver free cultural programming in underserved neighborhoods of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, fostering community engagement and access to the arts.

This grant provides financial support and professional development opportunities to exceptional scriptwriters residing in the Southern United States, celebrating their contributions to the region's cultural landscape.

This funding supports current students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in pursuing summer study, research, special projects, and performances that enhance their artistic and educational experiences.

This program provides financial assistance to residents, homeowners associations, and property owners in Holly Springs for planting and replacing street trees to improve the town's urban forestry and enhance neighborhood aesthetics.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to licensed dairy farms in the southeastern U.S. to improve their infrastructure and operational efficiency, enhancing profitability and sustainability in the dairy industry.

This program provides funding to community organizations and individuals in Fayetteville to implement innovative strategies that enhance public safety and reduce violent crime in high-violence areas.

This program provides funding to empower local neighborhoods, especially low-income households and residents of color, to engage in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.

This program provides funding and support to young civic innovators in select U.S. cities to develop creative projects that improve public spaces and engage their communities.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, schools, and individuals in Hickory, North Carolina, to implement projects that promote inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement among diverse populations.

This grant provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina for projects that enhance their artistic practice, promote their careers, and facilitate professional development.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects between arts organizations and non-arts entities in the Southern U.S. to creatively address health and wellness challenges in their communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that serve the communities of Beaufort and Hyde counties in North Carolina, supporting various local initiatives that address community needs.

This program provides funding for community-led projects in Durham that aim to strengthen neighborhood relationships and promote positive change through outreach, education, and small improvements.

This grant provides financial support to Southern writers and independent publishers for literary projects that celebrate the region's unique traditions and voices.

This grant provides financial support to individual artists and small artist groups in Guilford and Randolph Counties, North Carolina, to help them develop their creative projects and advance their careers.

The Artist Support Grant, funded by Dare Arts in North Carolina, offers $500 to $1,000 to individual artists and small artist groups for professional development, completion of new work, career promotion, training, travel, and artist fees, with eligibility limited to residents of selected counties who are not full-time students or recipients of other FY 2024-2025 N.C. Arts Council funding.

This grant provides financial support and recognition to exceptional visual artists in the Southern U.S. to enhance their artistic practice and promote their work through exhibitions and residencies.

This program provides financial support to individual artists in North Carolina to help them advance their careers through new projects, professional development, and necessary equipment purchases.