The Michael & Laura Brader-Araje Foundation awards grants through its own initiative, seeking out programs and organizations that match its goals and priorities. The Foundation provides grants for start-up programs, as well as innovative programs within established nonprofit organizations.     The Foundation awards grants to support these main focus areas: • Community programs. Supporting community activities that make our neighborhoods more enjoyable and livable. • Education. Working to expand educational opportunities, enhance curriculum quality, and raise student achievement, with a special emphasis on enriching the lives of children and empowering women. • Entrepreneurship. Sparking new business growth in North Carolina by helping entrepreneurs succeed. • Environment. Working to preserve and protect the natural environment of North Carolina. • Health. Improving the health of our local community through innovative programs and research. • Special projects. Funding out-of-program grants for disaster relief and causes of special interest to the Brader-Araje family.     The Foundation supports 501(c)3 organizations based in North Carolina whose requests fall within Foundation guidelines. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted at this time.       See List of Grants.