Window of Opportunity (WOO) Grants
Eligibility
North Carolina K-12 schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and community organizations may apply. Projects must focus on community beautification, litter reduction, recycling, or environmental education in North Carolina. Organizations must be based in North Carolina and demonstrate a clear public environmental benefit from the project.
Program Goals
Keep North Carolina Beautiful's Window of Opportunity grants fund community projects that improve North Carolina's environment through beautification, litter prevention, recycling, and environmental education. School projects that engage students in hands-on environmental stewardship are a strong fit for this grant. The program has funded hundreds of projects statewide, engaging communities in caring for North Carolina's natural beauty.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted online through the Keep NC Beautiful website. The fall 2026 window opens August 24 and closes December 18, 2026. Applications require a project description, expected community impact, timeline, and budget. Funded projects must be completed within the approved grant period.
Cycle Notes
WOO Grants run on an annual fall cycle. The 2026 window is August 24 to December 18. Visit keepncbeautiful.org to apply and confirm current deadlines.
Grant Award Amount
WOO Grants award up to $3,000 per project. Funds cover materials, supplies, and direct project costs related to the approved beautification, litter, recycling, or environmental education activity.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental monitoring for student-led outdoor stewardship projects
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data collection tools for environmental science and monitoring programs
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — sustainable plant science aligned to environmental stewardship projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for WOO Grants in North Carolina?
NC K-12 schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and community organizations may apply. Projects must focus on environmental stewardship, beautification, or environmental education in NC.
How much funding is available through WOO Grants?
Awards are up to $3,000 per project for materials and direct project costs.
Can WOO Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. WOO Grant 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 WOO Grants?
Apply online at keepncbeautiful.org between August 24 and December 18, 2026. Submit a project description, community impact plan, timeline, and budget.
How can Forward Education help with WOO Grant 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 WOO 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
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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