Ribbon of Hope Grants
Eligibility
Nonprofit organizations and public school districts in North Carolina may apply. Programs must focus on science education, health literacy, STEM, or workforce development in health and science fields. Geographic priority is given to communities near GSK facilities in North Carolina, including the Research Triangle and surrounding counties. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or public entities.
Program Goals
The NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation's Ribbon of Hope Grants fund programs that advance science education, health literacy, and STEM workforce development in North Carolina. As a science-based company, GSK invests in building strong science education pipelines in NC communities. Grants support K-12 science programs, health education initiatives, teacher professional development in science, and STEM access programs for underserved youth.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
The Ribbon of Hope program uses a Letter of Intent (LOI) process with three review rounds per year. Round 1 LOIs are typically due in October. Applicants submit a brief LOI, and if invited, complete a full application. Contact the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation or monitor the GSK Foundation website for current cycle dates and submission instructions.
Cycle Notes
Ribbon of Hope Grants have three review cycles per year, with Round 1 LOIs typically due in October. Full applications are invited after LOI review. Visit the GSK Foundation website for current cycle dates and to access the LOI portal.
Grant Award Amount
Ribbon of Hope grants award up to $30,000 per project. Funds support science education curriculum, equipment, professional development, and program costs directly tied to the approved science or health education program.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing and coding for K-12 science education programs
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and health technology literacy for GSK Foundation education grants
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental science and data collection aligned to science education goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Ribbon of Hope Grants in North Carolina?
NC nonprofits and public school districts may apply. Programs must focus on science education, health literacy, or STEM workforce development. Geographic priority is given to communities near GSK NC facilities.
How much funding is available through Ribbon of Hope?
Grants award up to $30,000 per project for science education and STEM curriculum, equipment, and program costs.
Can Ribbon of Hope funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Ribbon of Hope funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do North Carolina schools apply for Ribbon of Hope Grants?
Submit an LOI through the GSK Foundation portal during one of the three annual review cycles. Round 1 LOIs are typically due in October. Full applications are invited after LOI review. Monitor the GSK Foundation website for current cycle dates.
How can Forward Education help with Ribbon of Hope funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Ribbon of Hope Grants fund. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — North Carolina standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more North Carolina funding resources
View all North Carolina AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
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