Eligible organizations for competitive grantmaking programs include:

• 501(c)3 nonprofits
• Congregations, Churches, and Religious Organizations
• Governmental agencies
• Educational institutions

If the organization conducting the project does not meet these criteria, you can apply for a grant under the fiscal sponsorship of an eligible organization.

Churches which do not have 501(c)(3) public charity status may still qualify as eligible charities.
Eligibility of churches to receive FFTC grants is determined using the guidance provided in IRS Publication 1828.

Requests typically not funded through our discretionary grants programs:

• Capital campaign requests
• Debt retirement/deficit funding
• Direct support of individuals (e.g. scholarships, hardship)
• Duplication of existing programs or services by new organizations
• Endowment funds
• Travel and conferences
• Publication of books
• Projects that are typically the funding responsibility of federal, state or local government
• Sponsorships or fundraisers
   

Requests ineligible for funding through our discretionary grants programs:

• Projects that promote specific political or religious views
• Political or lobbying activities

Step 1: Determine alignment
Before applying, please review our grant program investment areas and geographic guidelines. Visit the Online Grants Center to determine if your work aligns with one or more programs. To see Foundation For the Carolinas 2024 Competitive Grant Cycle information, click here.

Step 2: Complete the online application
Once you select a grant program, the application will request information about the needs your organization will address, how you will evaluate results and your budget, including other funding sources. For a sample application, click here.

Step 3: Grant applications reviewed
Your grant application will be reviewed by staff, a committee and/or a board of directors. During this process, our team may request more information or conduct a site visit. Program staff will notify you when to expect a decision.

Step 4: Award and decline decisions made
A final decision about your grant is made by the board or committee. Your organization may receive full or partial funding, or we may decline to fund your project. You will receive notification of the decision in writing or by phone.

Step 5: Reporting on the grant’s results
If your grant is approved, recipients are required to submit a report to help measure the impact of the program, and to confirm that the funds were used for the intended purpose.

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Sample Application