How to apply
Accepts applications
The return gives an application contact and rules, as below.
- Contact
-
NC Idea
411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 941-5600
- Form and materials
- The organization's $10,000 micro grant provides small amounts of funding to entrepreneurs who are testing a big, new business idea. Through small, project-based grants, the organization grants micro awards funding up to $10,000 to young companies looking to validate and advance their idea. Management has found that funding, paired with mentorship and guidance, early in a company's lifecycle, can make a significant impact on future success. When evaluating each application, NC idea will make an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each applicant company in the following areas: idea, technology, team, market, competition, strategy, funding, and impact. Additional details on the evaluation criteria can be found here: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-micro/
- Deadlines
- Additional details on the submission timeline can be found at: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-micro/
- Restrictions
- For micro grants, NC idea's evaluation process is rigorous and competitive. Companies must meet criteria related to geography, industry, stage of development, team, market opportunity, and prior and future investment in order to be considered. Additional details regarding eligibility can be found at: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-micro/ submission deadlines: NC idea's micro grant program has two grant cycles each year. Our spring grant cycle typically opens in mid-february, while our fall grant cycle opens sometime between mid-august and early september.
- Contact
-
NC Idea
411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 941-5600
- Form and materials
- The organization's $50,000 seed grant offers early stage companies the critical funding, they need to scale faster. NC idea seed grants are awarded to innovative startups with a proven concept, even if they are not yet profitable. The funds, along with mentorship and guidance, push companies forward and reduce risk associated with growing startups. When evaluating each application, NC idea will make an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each applicant company in the following areas: idea, technology, team, market, competition, strategy, funding, and impact. For the seed grants, funding is done in tranches based upon completion of targeted milestones and therefore, may or may not ultimately be paid out at the full potential value of the grant award depending upon the performance of the recipient.
- Deadlines
- Additional details on the submission timeline can be found at: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-seed/
- Restrictions
- For seed grants, NC idea's evaluation process is rigorous and competitive. Companies must meet criteria related to geography, industry, stage of development, team, market opportunity, and prior and future investment in order to be considered. Additional details regarding eligibility can be found at: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-seed/ submission deadlines: NC idea's seed grant program has two grant cycles each year. Our spring grant cycle typically opens in mid-february, while our fall grant cycle opens sometime between mid-august and early september.
- Contact
-
NC Idea
411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 941-5600
- Form and materials
- The organization's engage grant program supports individuals and organizations by helping them offer programs, organize events, and facilitate activity that brings like-minded folks together to celebrate and promote entrepreneurship. Through NC idea engage, the organization helps entrepreneurship advocates offer programs, pilot new initiatives and organize virtual and in-person events that bring people together to support entrepreneurial activity. The organization believes that entrepreneurial ecosystems and economically strong and diverse communities go hand in hand. When evaluating each application, NC idea will make an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each application based on whether the activities will promote entrepreneurship in north carolina as the primary goal. Submission deadlines: NC idea's engage grant program has a rolling award date, based on submission of application, which need to be submitted no less than 60 days prior to the proposed activity.
- Deadlines
- Additional info on submission deadlines can be found here: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-engage/
- Restrictions
- For engage grants, grantees must offer programs, organize events, and facilitate activity that brings like-minded folks together to celebrate and promote entrepreneurship in north carolina. Additional details regarding eligibility can be found at: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-engage/ submission deadlines: NC idea's engage grant program application cycle is on an ongoing basis.
- Contact
-
NC Idea
411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 941-5600
- Form and materials
- The organization's ecosystem grant program funds organizations across the state of north carolina that execute creative programs to support entrepreneurs and strengthen north carolina as a national exemplar for entrepreneurship. When evaluating each application, NC idea will make an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each application based on the organization's ability and desire to execute on innovative and transformational ideas that can strengthen north carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem. For the ecosystem grants, funding is done in tranches based upon completion of targeted milestones and therefore, may or may not ultimately be paid out at the full potential value of the grant award depending upon the performance of the recipient. Additional program details and eligibility details can be found here: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-ecosystem/ submission deadlines: NC idea's ecosystem grant program typically has one grant review and award cycle every second year.
- Deadlines
- Additional details on the submission can be found at: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-ecosystem/
- Restrictions
- For ecosystem grants, grantees must be either nonprofit or for-profit organizations within north carolina that primarily help people start and grow high potential firms. Additional details regarding eligibility can be found at: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-ecosystem/ submission deadlines: NC idea's ecosystem grant program has a grant cycle approxiamtely every two years.
- Contact
-
NC Idea
411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 941-5600
- Form and materials
- The organization's mindset grant program [sometimes called the ice house grant program] funds participants in the fundamental aspects of entrepreneurial thinking while immersing them in the process that will enable them to develop entrepreneurial skills. NC idea mindset is designed to develop creativity and critical thinking, effective problem solving, teamwork and other entrepreneurial skills enabling individuals to succeed regardless of their chosen path. Through deployment of the program alongside statewide education partners, the organization wants to bring the power of entrepreneurial thinking to 100,000 north carolinians.
- Deadlines
- N/A
- Restrictions
- The organization offers mindset facilitator training to individuals from selected organizations on an occasional basis. These organizations are drawn from educational institutions (particularly community colleges), entrepreneurial support organizations, economic development organizations, libraries, cdfis, government entities or other entrepreneurially minded entities. Eligibility details regarding how to become a mindset partner can be found here: https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-mindset/
Assets and giving by year
-
Tax year 2024
$2,569,331
- Grants listed
- 190
- Assets, end of year
- $51,637,053
-
Tax year 2023
$1,631,746
- Grants listed
- 176
- Assets, end of year
- $51,479,301
-
Tax year 2022
$3,479,170
- Grants listed
- 168
- Assets, end of year
- $52,864,812
-
Tax year 2021
$3,566,291
- Grants listed
- 207
- Assets, end of year
- $59,546,476
-
Tax year 2020
$2,992,086
- Grants listed
- 167
- Assets, end of year
- $61,717,458
-
Tax year 2019
$1,998,705
- Grants listed
- 141
- Assets, end of year
- $50,993,839
-
Tax year 2018
$2,115,051
- Grants listed
- 105
- Assets, end of year
- $53,627,716
Grants paid in 2024
As listed on the return.
-
Black Girl Magic MarketAngier, NC
Ecosystem grants
$65,000 -
First Flight Venture CenterDurham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$63,360 -
Forward CitiesDurham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$60,000 -
Ab CommunityDurham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$51,667 -
Matcha NudeArden, NC
Seed grants
$50,000 -
WheelpriceCharlotte, NC
Seed grants
$50,000 -
Atlantic Fish CoRaleigh, NC
Seed grants
$45,000 -
Hoppy Planet FoodsCharlotte, NC
Seed grants
$45,000 -
ProsperaCharlotte, NC
Ecosystem grants
$45,000 -
SunlightCary, NC
Seed grants
$45,000 -
VirnikaChapel Hill, NC
Seed grants
$42,502 -
GwenCharlotte, NC
Ecosystem grants
$40,000 -
Hatch Avl FoundationAsheville, NC
Ecosystem grants
$40,000 -
RiotRaleigh, NC
Ecosystem grants
$40,000 -
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance FoundationCharlotte, NC
Ecosystem grants
$35,000 -
Industrial CommonsMorganton, NC
Ecosystem grants
$35,000 -
Living Better LifeRocky Mount, NC
Ecosystem grants
$35,000 -
Academic Insight LabRaleigh, NC
Seed grants
$35,000 -
Redirection CDCGreenville, NC
Ecosystem grants
$35,000 -
Scale SocialRaleigh, NC
Seed grants
$35,000 -
Junction Business Services IncCharlotte, NC
Ecosystem grants
$34,000 -
FashivityCharlotte, NC
Seed grants
$31,250 -
VerenovoWilkesboro, NC
Seed grants
$30,000 -
Wayne Charitable PartnershipGoldsboro, NC
Ecosystem grants
$30,000 -
We Power FoodHillsborough, NC
Ecosystem grants
$30,000 -
Webb SquaredPittsboro, NC
Ecosystem grants
$30,000 -
Winston StartsWinston Salem, NC
Ecosystem grants
$30,000 -
XR TechnologiesCharlotte, NC
Seed grants
$30,000 -
Arclet LLCAsheville, NC
Seed grants
$26,500 -
WeyezeGreenville, NC
Seed grants
$26,100 -
Blush CoworkCary, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
FlexieCharlotte, NC
Seed grants
$25,000 -
GamefloNew York, NY
Seed grants
$25,000 -
GrowmetixCharlotte, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
HustleWinstonsalem, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
Mountain Bizworks IncAsheville, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
NC Central UniversityDurham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
Provident 1898Durham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
The Wright VillageRaleigh, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
Uncw CieWilmington, NC
Ecosystem grants
$25,000 -
3 Spark DesignHickory, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
Active DefenderCarthage, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
Vetoncodx LLCRaleigh, NC
Seed grants
$20,000 -
City of WilsonWilson, NC
Ecosystem grants
$20,000 -
Shannon AtkinsSanford, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
Cydoc CorpDurham, NC
Seed grants
$20,000 -
Ab CommunityDurham, NC
Engage grants
$20,000 -
NeliSanford, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Community Betterment FoundationAsheville, NC
Ecosystem grants
$20,000 -
OsrostrumGraham, NC
Seed grants
$20,000 -
PhiniteClinton, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
Pitt Community CollegeGreenville, NC
Ecosystem grants
$20,000 -
Renaissance FiberWinstonsalem, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
StemzWinstonsalem, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
That PitchCharlotte, NC
Seed grants
$20,000 -
Central Carolina Community CollageSanford, NC
Seed grants
$20,000 -
VerenovoWilkesboro, NC
Rural impact
$20,000 -
Cydoc CorpDurham, NC
Mindset grants
$17,500 -
KahminoRaleigh, NC
Seed grants
$15,100 -
Bristles IncDurham, NC
Seed grants
$15,000 -
Local Catch LLCWilmington, NC
Rural impact
$15,000 -
Optimist VenturesAsheville, NC
Ecosystem grants
$15,000 -
Sure LLCGreenville, NC
Rural impact
$15,000 -
Marla AmplificationAsheville, NC
Seed grants
$13,500 -
Boxyard RTP LLCDurham, NC
Engage grants
$13,500 -
First Flight Venture CenterDurham, NC
Engage grants
$10,500 -
ArgonetaDurham, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Array Community Development CorporationBeaufort, NC
Engage grants
$10,000 -
BleanRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Capwave AiNew York, NY
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Carolina InstrumentsChapel Hill, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
CircuitsaysNashville, NC
Rural impact
$10,000 -
Civic Reach AiRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Core AiCary, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
ResilncGreensboro, NC
Engage grants
$10,000 -
MedicporterDurham, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Mithrilai CorpCary, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Open SproutsRolesville, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Pump for JoyDavidson, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
RegvueDurham, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Scale Social AiRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Selah InnovationsRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Soteria FormulationsRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Spice WitchAsheville, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
Voicir LLC DBA CircuitsaysNashville, NC
Micro grants
$10,000 -
The Boost PadCharlotte, NC
Mindset grants
$9,915 -
GrepbeatDurham, NC
Engage grants
$9,000 -
Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC
Ecosystem grants
$8,000 -
Ukranian BazaarRaleigh, NC
Engage grants
$8,000 -
AkalakaDurham, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
AzoiaCharlotte, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Carehome HealthWilmington, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Citrus OncologyCary, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
ClinavareGreensboro, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Coco FroDurham, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Focus CubesDurham, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
JubileagueCharlotte, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Linear-DetectionCary, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Otter ReadingConcord, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
TroodieWinstonsalem, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Tulsi CybersecurityRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Ver CoachingDurham, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Vibra PowerRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$7,500 -
Dnali Data Technologies IncCary, NC
Seed grants
$5,250 -
KC Squared LLCHuntersville, NC
Seed grants
$5,100 -
Alamance Community College SBCGraham, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Delphia McCoyWhiteville, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Aspire Community CapitalCharlotte, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Davidson Davie CCLexington, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Dei Directive IncCharlotte, NC
Seed grants
$5,000 -
Digi DiscoveriesRaleigh, NC
Mindset grants
$5,000 -
Durham Success SummitDurham, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Echo SystemDurham, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Economic Development Partnership of North CarolinaRaleigh, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Equity Over EverythingMills River, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Flex Desk 360Henderson, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Genesis Block FoundationWilmington, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
City of WilsonWilson, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
GwenCharlotte, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Hispanic LeagueWinston Salem, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Davidson CollegeDavidson, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
KCR ConceptsCharlotte, NC
Mindset grants
$5,000 -
KeplerCharlotte, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Lead Girls of NCWinston Salem, NC
Mindset grants
$5,000 -
Mountain Bizworks (outdoor Conf)Asheville, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Mountain Bizworks (food Guide)Asheville, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Vance County Consolidated AccountHenderson, NC
Mindset grants
$5,000 -
NC Employee Ownership CenterDurham, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
NC State Teasurer- Ncsu Eft Clearing Account Bradford B Briner State TeasurRaleigh, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Nccu Technology Law and Policy CenterDurham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$5,000 -
NC School of Science and MathSan Francisco, CA
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Raleigh Durham Startup WeekChapel Hill, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
SBTDC1Chapel Hill, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
SC Atkins CDCWinstonsalem, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
SG Atkins CDCWinstonsalem, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
The African Think TankHouston, TX
Engage grants
$5,000 -
The NC FellowshipRaleigh, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Narkie NarteyMorrisville, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Tie CarolinasMorrisville, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Tina Bailey ConsultingBenson, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Trusolace CounselingCharlotte, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
UNC PembrokePembroke, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Vision to VentureWinstonsalem, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Wilkes County Community CollegeWilkesboro, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Winston Salem State University FoundationWinston Salem, NC
Engage grants
$5,000 -
Libree ServiciosRoanoke Rapids, NC
Mindset grants
$4,966 -
National Institute for Minority Economic DebeDurham, NC
Engage grants
$4,225 -
County of WarrenWarrenton, NC
Ecosystem grants
$4,150 -
National Institute of Minority Economic DevDurham, NC
Engage grants
$4,000 -
Redirection CDCGreenville, NC
Mindset grants
$3,600 -
Innovate CharlotteCharlotte, NC
Engage grants
$3,500 -
Triad Local FirstGreensboro, NC
Engage grants
$3,500 -
Durham Success SummitDurham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$3,400 -
Pamlico Business Resource CenterWashington, NC
Engage grants
$3,300 -
Justin MinottDurham, NC
Ecosystem grants
$3,147 -
Tasha WilliamsRocky Mount, NC
Mindset grants
$2,819 -
Arclet LLCAsheville, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Artificially Digital LLCCary, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Blockchain PowerResearch Triangle Park, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Bujoy MediaCreedmoor, NC
Engage grants
$2,500 -
Charlotte Mecklenburg LibraryCharlotte, NC
Engage grants
$2,500 -
Copy and Post LLCSwannanoa, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Dexit Digital Account Services LLCCharlotte, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Dishefs LLCWaxhaw, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
KahminoCary, NC
Ecosystem grants
$2,500 -
Launch GreensboroGreensboro, NC
Engage grants
$2,500 -
Local Catch LLCWilmington, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Loom 3DRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
MesaDavidson, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Neighbors for Better NeighborhoodsWinston Salem, NC
Engage grants
$2,500 -
Nicelle TechnologiesRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Parking Pin LLCCary, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
PreviewedincGreensboro, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Purpose Learning LabDurham, NC
Engage grants
$2,500 -
Razored TechnologiesConcord, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
The Future Rich AuntiesFayetteville, NC
Engage grants
$2,500 -
TheralinqllcRaleigh, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Vance Granville Community CollegeHenderson, NC
Engage grants
$2,500 -
Varsity Bridge LLCCary, NC
Micro grants
$2,500 -
Central Carolina Community College SBCSanford, NC
Mindset grants
$2,442 -
V & Co Coaching & Consulting LLCChapel Hill, NC
Engage grants
$2,415 -
Fayetteville Operation InasmuchFayetteville, NC
Mindset grants
$2,223 -
Kate MaynardCharlotte, NC
Engage grants
$2,000 -
Triangle Tech NightRaleigh, NC
Engage grants
$2,000 -
Webb SquaredPittsboro, NC
Engage grants
$2,000 -
Nash Community CollegeRocky Mount, NC
Mindset grants
$1,750 -
Madison Consulting FirmSpring Lake, NC
Mindset grants
$1,600 -
Central Carolina Community College SBCSanford, NC
Engage grants
$1,500 -
STEM WestClaremont, NC
Mindset grants
$1,500 -
Johnston Community College SBCSmithfield, NC
Mindset grants
$1,050
Where the money goes
By cause: grants to organizations we matched to the IRS list of exempt organizations, by their category.
- Community development15 grants $374,24257% of the total
- Philanthropy and grantmaking5 grants $107,50016% of the total
- Youth development3 grants $43,6007% of the total
- Public affairs3 grants $42,4007% of the total
- Jobs and employment2 grants $40,0006% of the total
- Education5 grants $20,0003% of the total
- 3 other causes4 grants $24,0004% of the total
By State
Grants to organizations with a US address, latest year.
- North Carolina185 grants $2,519,331
- New York2 grants $35,000
- California2 grants $10,000
- Texas1 grant $5,000
Officers, directors and trustees
As filed on the return, with average hours per week and pay from the foundation.
- Thomas R RuheCEO Hours 40Pay $410,265
- Heather McWhorterBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
- David MorrisBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
- Tom SnyderBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
- Spencer DisherBOARD CHAIR Hours 0.5Pay $0
- Sonja EbronBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
- Jerry Edmonds IIIBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
- Jose AlvarezBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
- Krista CoveyBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
- Keith LuedemanBOARD MEMBER Hours 0.5Pay $0
The return
More foundations
- Private foundations in North Carolina
- Private foundations in Durham
- Foundations that fund community development in North Carolina
- Foundations that fund philanthropy and grantmaking in North Carolina
- Foundations that fund youth development in North Carolina
Similar foundations
Same main cause (community development), giving between a quarter and four times this foundation’s where possible, nearby first.
- The Joseph M Bryan Foundation 59 grants Preselected only $2,859,563 giving
- The Gambrell Foundation 28 grants Preselected only $5,229,559 giving
- The Charles Rowe Family Foundation 3 grants Preselected only $650,000 giving
- Jacobs Family Foundation 1 grant Accepts applications $2,550,000 giving
- The Derald H Ruttenberg Foundation 95 grants Preselected only $2,606,234 giving