NC Idea

Giving by year

79% of 2024 grantees were new to this funder

Amount and number of grants we hold records for in each year, which can be less than everything the funder gave. The current year is incomplete.

Where it gives

All years we hold. Grants with no recorded place are left out.

Latest grants made

How to apply

How to apply

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

Address

411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2, Durham, NC 27701

Phone

9199415600

How to apply

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

Address

411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2, Durham, NC 27701

Phone

9199415600

How to apply

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

Address

411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2, Durham, NC 27701

Phone

9199415600

How to apply

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

Address

411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2, Durham, NC 27701

Phone

9199415600

How to apply

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.

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/

Contact

Nc Idea

Address

411 W Chapel Hill Street Suite C2, Durham, NC 27701

Phone

9199415600

From the funder's IRS Form 990-PF for the year to 30 Jun 2025.