League Offers Grant-Writing Support to Help NC Towns Access Vital Funding

The League’s MAS program, in collaboration with Witt O’Brien’s grant management team, supports NC towns by guiding them in the preparation and submission of successful grant applications. We are inviting towns who are interested in securing funding for a number of specific grant opportunities to participate in this program.

The League’s partnership with Witt O’Brien’s ensures that local governments have the expertise and resources needed to secure critical funding for infrastructure and community development projects. The League is prepared to work with interested towns by providing grant-writing services through Witt O’Brien’s. Interested towns should reach out to MAS@nclm.org for more information about how to participate. The grants available are listed below along with detailed information for each opportunity.

More than $2 million in grant funds have already been secured through the League's grant-writing assistance service line. One particular grant opportunity is through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) initiative, which provides funding for the planning and development of safer streets in our communities with a goal of stopping preventable deaths on our nation’s roadways. Notably, our grant-writing program has already helped secure more than $750,000 in SS4A grants.

Grant-writing in action

Last year, Hope Mills in Cumberland County received $96,000 in an SS4A grant that will be used to develop a new Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to help jumpstart significant improvements to several of the town’s streets. Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin emphasized the importance of the MAS grant-writing program as it has opened funding opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. 

Available Grants

  • SECU Foundation Grants: Community Development

  • Wells Fargo Community Giving

  • Golden LEAF: Economic Catalyst Grant Program

  • Safe Streets and Roads for All: Planning & Demonstration and Implementation

Additional Grant Details

SECU Foundation Grant Program 

Pre-proposal Deadline: Rolling-basis

The SECU Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofits and governmental organizations focused on local and community development in North Carolina. Grants are provided for high-impact projects in housing, education, healthcare, and human services. The Foundation funds capital projects, programmatic expansions, and mission development for capacity building. Preference is given to projects with statewide or regional impact, that improve the social and economic conditions of public employees, and those not primarily funded by government agencies.

Wells Fargo Community Giving

Grant Interest Form Deadline: Ongoing basis

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation partner with nonprofit organizations to address societal issues, focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. They prioritize initiatives that have a broad impact and support underserved communities. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or be a qualified governmental agency, tribal entity, or public school system. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate fiscal stability and provide services addressing critical community needs. Nonprofits that have not been invited to apply but align with their strategic focus areas and meet eligibility and outcomes reporting requirements may submit a grant interest form.

Golden LEAF: Economic Catalyst Grant Program

Application Due Date: Rolling

Golden LEAF will consider applications to assist eligible state, regional and local economic development entities with grants to support permissible activities in projects in which a company will commit to creating a specific number of full-time jobs in a tobacco-dependent or economically distressed area. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Golden LEAF staff to discuss the potential projects and conditions that may be applicable prior to applying. Golden LEAF funds are usually used for acquisition of training equipment or construction/renovation of space needed to provide the training.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) USDOT Grant Program

  • FY2025 NOFO
  • Two tracks: Planning & Demonstration and Implementation
  • Witt O’Brien’s has a 78% success rate with NCLM clients on winning SS4A Planning Grants for cities to create Safe Roads Action Plans
  • Due June 26, 2025

SS4A Planning and Demonstration Grants

  • 400-700 awards expected ($100k-$5M)
  • Local match of 20% (can be in-kind)
  • Funding to develop or update an Action Plan; includes safety planning, feasibility studies, and pilot projects
  • DOT will prioritize applications that: Address high fatality rates (17.5 deaths per 100k population)
    • Serve underserved or overburdened communities
    • Come from jurisdictions new to SS4A
    • Integrate public engagement
    • Combine supplemental planning and demonstration activities

SS4A Implementation Grants

  • Applicants must have an approved Action Plan already in place
  • 40-70 awards expected ($2.5M - $25M)
  • Local match of 20% (can be in-kind)
  • Covers design,

About the author

Stephanie Hughes

Communications & Multimedia Strategist - ARP

Supports the League’s communication strategies as to improving awareness of the American Rescue Plan.