Funding Opportunities

Annual Grants

The John William Pope Foundation’s philanthropic vision is rooted in improving the well-being of North Carolinians through the advancement of individual freedom and personal responsibility. The Foundation’s giving is directed to four grant priorities to achieve this vision: public policy, education, human services, and the arts.

Grants are issued twice a year — in the spring (public policy and higher education) and the fall (human services, K-12 education, and the arts). The board may consider proposals that fall between meeting times at their discretion. Specific deadlines are shared on our Annual Grants page.

Future of Freedom Initiative

The Future of Freedom Initiative is a new project-specific grant program and is open to public policy groups and think tanks doing work in a variety of capacities. With the program, we aim to fund projects that work to refresh, rebuild, and revitalize the conservative movement in America. 

We awarded an initial set of grants in 2022. In 2023, the program will operate on an invite-only basis.

Joy W. Pope Memorial Grants in Art & Human Services

The Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant Program is an annual grant opportunity for organizations in the arts and human services. Through two grant funds, the Foundation seeks to foster innovation and attract attention to solutions that are making a difference. Since 2015, the Pope Foundation has awarded over $1 million to nonprofits across North Carolina.

The two grant funds, one for human service organizations and one for arts organizations, offer awards up to $100,000 in project-specific funding. Applicants can request funding of any amount between $20,000 – $100,000. We will accept applications for the 2023 grants between July 1 – September 15, 2022.

Additional details and application instructions are shared on the Joy W. Pope Memorial Grants page.