Disclosed are methods for making monolithic carbon materials as single bodies containing networks of pores in the mesopore and macropores that incorporate nanoparticles of various metals and metal oxides. The disclosed methods have the advantage that such single bodies can be made by mixing the carbon precursors and metal salts together in a single pot followed by appropriate processing. The materials produced are particularly suitable for use as heterogeneous catalysts, particularly in fixed bed and monolithic reactors.