Civic Foundation expands impact through dynamic partnership with North Carolina Small Business Center Network

Civic Foundation is proud to announce an exciting and impactful partnership with the North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN). Together, we are expanding the reach and effectiveness of our community grants by offering grant recipients direct access to expert business counseling services. This collaboration underscores the Foundation’s commitment to not only fund but also fortify the efforts of small, local nonprofits working at the frontlines of community change.

Through this partnership, the SBCN — housed within North Carolina’s robust community college system — will provide free, confidential counseling from credentialed business advisors to all Civic Foundation grantees. These services are designed to build capacity, strengthen organizational sustainability, and enhance the long-term success of vital community initiatives.

At the heart of this collaboration is the belief that strong partnerships drive meaningful progress. Civic Foundation is actively working to bridge the gap between small nonprofits and local government resources. By connecting grantees with the SBCN and other community-based professional development opportunities, the Foundation is fostering intentional relationships that uplift grassroots leaders and amplify their impact where it matters most.

Second quarter grant application period

The second-quarter grant application period opens on April 10, 2025, and closes on May 15, 2025. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that have been operating for 10 years or less and maintain an annual budget under $1 million. Each quarter, Civic Foundation awards three $25,000 grants to nonprofits focused on one or more of the following critical areas: hunger, health care, housing, and human services.

This is more than a grant — it’s a gateway to connection, empowerment, and sustained growth. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the grant application information page.