Grants for City or township governments - Arts

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting organizations that address the needs of individuals within the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. This grant program is designed to align with the foundation's broader mission of fostering community well-being by channeling resources to critical areas of need. The fund's strategic approach emphasizes targeted support for local initiatives, ensuring that grants directly benefit the communities they serve. The fund's primary beneficiaries are individuals residing in the Greater Portland area, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations. The grants are intended to create a tangible impact by supporting projects centered on youth, education, healthcare, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the scope, efficiency, or effectiveness of organizations, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents in Cumberland County. The Welch Charitable Fund has clearly defined priorities, including a particular interest in capital investments and select capital campaigns. This strategic focus aims to strengthen the long-term capacity of recipient organizations. Projects must serve the Greater Portland area and concentrate on the identified areas of youth, education, healthcare, recovery, and arts and culture. This ensures that funding is directed towards initiatives that address pressing community challenges. The expected outcomes of this grant program include an increase in the number of people served or services provided, as well as improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The median award of $10,000 suggests that the fund aims to provide meaningful support to a range of projects. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus on increasing scope and improving efficiency implies a commitment to quantifiable progress in the target areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that targeted financial support for vital community services will lead to stronger, more resilient communities.

This grant provides financial support to organizations hosting family-friendly events in Downtown Hagerstown to strengthen community ties and stimulate the local economy.

This grant provides financial support for music education programs and resources for children 18 and under in Grand Forks County, North Dakota.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program is designed to foster the success and long-term viability of small businesses. This initiative offers a distinctive opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with crucial support resources. A core component is a 12-week series of comprehensive workshops, during which participants will develop new business and marketing plans. This structured approach aims to equip businesses with the foundational tools needed for growth and stability. Upon successful completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10,000 grants. These grants are intended to empower businesses to expand their operational capacity and enhance their overall resilience. The program's mission aligns with supporting local economic development by strengthening the small business ecosystem, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable community. The program primarily targets small businesses across all parts of the city, with a particular emphasis on those located in low-to-moderate income areas. It also seeks to include businesses from multiple sectors, ensuring a diverse representation. The selection committee prioritizes businesses based on their readiness for the program and the potential impact that participation could have on their growth. A total of 25 businesses will be selected to participate in the full program, receiving grant awards upon completion. An additional 10 businesses will partake in the workshop series, with potential eligibility for grants if extra funds become available. The expected outcomes include a significant increase in business capacity and resilience for the participating businesses. Through the development of new business and marketing plans, and the infusion of grant funds, these small businesses are anticipated to achieve greater success and sustainability. The program directly contributes to community economic health by fostering job creation, local investment, and a more robust entrepreneurial landscape, aligning with a strategic priority of empowering local enterprises to thrive.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Montana cities, towns, nonprofits, and tribal governments for innovative urban forestry projects that enhance community forests and promote ecological resilience.

Art Project Program Grant Application Program Overview: The Art Project program provides funding of up to $5,000 to support relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community your organization serves. Support may be used to create, perform, exhibit, or publish artistic works; or to present arts events by contracting the services of other organizations or individuals. Important Dates for FY24: Open: April 1, 2024 Deadline: Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Project Start Date: July 1, 2024 Deadlines are firm, applicants are encouraged to finish in advance of the deadline. Assistance is available during normal business hours via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include: State-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations Accredited schools Tribal governments Units of government Eligibility Criteria: Organization must be primarily based (permanent address) in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County (outside Duluth) or of the four Tribal Nations within our region: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (within Itasca County) for at least six months. All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size. Organizations outside of Duluth with minimum prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 are eligible. No outstanding or overdue final reports from past funding. Applicants may apply only once per grant round and cannot receive funding from the same grant program twice in a fiscal year. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed for groups without non-profit, tax-exempt status. What Can I Fund? Art supplies Volunteer and administrative costs Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials Equipment or technology purchases (integral to the artistic project, <25% of total request) How Do I Apply? Applications must be completed using the ARAC Grant Portal. Submissions in any other format will not be accepted. Instructions for navigating the online system can be found by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button on our website. Ensure your application includes all required materials. Contact Us: For assistance or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] during normal business hours. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides funding for arts education projects in Warren and Washington Counties, NY, aimed at K-12 schools and community groups to promote hands-on artistic experiences.

This fellowship supports emerging and underrepresented women and non-binary artists in New York City by providing them with the opportunity to develop and exhibit their work, along with access to mentorship and professional development resources.

The Colorado Energy Office, in partnership with the Community Access Enterprise, is offering grants of up to $1.5 million for community-led electric mobility programs, covering costs such as electric vehicles, e-bikes, charging infrastructure, and operational costs, with eligible applicants including local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions.

The Green Transportation Capital Grant Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation, aims to fund cost-effective capital projects for transit authorities. Its core mission is to reduce the carbon intensity of Washington's transportation system, aligning with broader climate action efforts supported by the state's Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA's strategic priority is to decrease climate pollution, create jobs, and enhance public health, making this grant a direct mechanism to achieve these goals by investing in sustainable transportation solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are transit agencies within Washington state, including various city, county, metropolitan, public, unincorporated, regional, and special purpose district transit systems. The impact goals are centered on transforming public transportation infrastructure to be more environmentally friendly. This includes the electrification of transit vehicle fleets and the development of necessary supporting infrastructure, such as charging and fueling stations, and associated electrical system upgrades. The program prioritizes capital projects that directly contribute to fleet electrification and the transition to zero-emission transportation. Eligible projects encompass the acquisition of battery and fuel cell-operated electric vehicles, modification of facilities for electrification or hydrogen refueling, and the construction of new facilities that primarily support electrified fleets. Additionally, it covers essential upgrades to electrical transmission and distribution systems, in-house staff managing capital construction, and property rights acquisition for these projects. The expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant reduction in carbon emissions from the Washington transportation sector, directly contributing to the state's climate goals. Historically, the program has awarded between $12 million and $50 million per biennium, indicating a substantial investment in achieving these outcomes. The project period for most applications is two years (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027), with construction projects potentially extending to four years, allowing for tangible progress in transitioning to green transportation.

The LA County Department of Arts and Culture is offering a two-year Organizational Grant Program for Los Angeles County nonprofit arts organizations to fund projects that increase accessibility, sustainability, and capacity in arts programming, with eligibility criteria including tax-exempt status, a primary mission in arts programming, and a minimum of two years of programming history in the county.

The Creative Economy Fund, formerly known as the Creative Industries Incentive Fund, is an initiative by the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI). CCI is a nonprofit intermediary dedicated to the economic security of individuals in the arts. The fund awards project grants to arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses located within the City of San José. These businesses can be involved in the production or distribution of the arts, encompassing manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers. The program's mission is aligned with enhancing San José’s creative economy and bolstering the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses, as well as providing financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs across all disciplines, both non-commercial and commercial. The primary target beneficiaries of the Creative Economy Fund are commercial enterprises, including small businesses (defined as those with 35 employees or less by the City of San José) and sole proprietorships. These businesses must be based in San José and primarily provide a cultural, creative, or arts-related service or product. They must also be in good standing with the City of San José, holding an active business tax certificate. The fund explicitly supports projects and activities aimed at building successful arts, cultural, and creative-based small businesses, fostering economic stability and growth within the creative sector. For the 2024 grantmaking round, a total of $40,000 is available, with grants of up to $8,000 awarded through a competitive application process. The program prioritizes applicants who contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for project implementation, and show potential for growth and greater financial resilience. A key focus is on demonstrating economic impact, such as attracting visitors, generating sales tax, and creating jobs within San José. Competitive applicants are also expected to reflect the City’s diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape, ensuring equitable and inclusive support for the creative sector. The expected outcomes and measurable results include enhancing the creative economy, increasing the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses, and providing financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs. The period of support for projects is from September 2024 to September 2025. The fund's strategic priorities are to strengthen the economic foundation of San José's creative sector, facilitate business development, and promote cultural vibrancy. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support and capacity building to creative businesses and entrepreneurs, the fund will stimulate local economic activity, create jobs, and enrich the cultural landscape of San José, ultimately leading to a more robust and resilient creative economy.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is offering Community Needs Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, to fund projects addressing community needs in areas such as education, arts, environment, human services, animal welfare, and civic affairs, with applications evaluated based on community impact, organizational capability, and project feasibility & sustainability.

The Vermont Community Foundation's grant program seeks proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities to close the opportunity gap by fostering inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to support local governments in removing structural barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse state. Developed in collaboration with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity, the program primarily supports communities participating in the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action, and Leadership) Vermont program, though limited grants are also available for non-participating communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are all people within Vermont communities, particularly those who may feel excluded, discriminated against, or fear visiting, living, or conducting business due to a reputation for exclusion, intolerance, or bias. The program specifically aims to benefit Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals by ensuring they feel safe and supported, thereby enabling their recruitment and leadership in businesses and local governing bodies. The overall impact goal is to cultivate communities where all residents feel connected and safe, regardless of their background or how long they have resided there. The program prioritizes a range of activities designed to meet locally defined community needs. These include funding for consultant-led work, such as introductory and implicit bias trainings, equity assessments, planning efforts, and reviews of hiring practices. Additionally, the program focuses on supporting community-wide conversations, the creation and work of municipal equity committees, and providing stipends for community members to ensure their involvement is appropriately compensated (e.g., for time off work, childcare, or transportation). This flexible approach acknowledges that communities are at different stages in their equity journey and require varied support. Expected outcomes include a reduction in feelings of fear or exclusion within communities, increased recruitment and leadership of BIPOC individuals in local businesses and governance, and enhanced capacity for educators, students, local leaders, and families to address discrimination and bias effectively. Measurable results will stem from the progress municipalities make in their learning and actions related to equity and inclusion. While not explicitly detailing a 'theory of change,' the Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to empower local governments as leaders in fostering a more equitable and inclusive Vermont by providing resources that facilitate ongoing progress rather than expecting a single project to resolve all challenges.

The Cultural Facilities Grants are designed to support Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities in enhancing, creating, or expanding the capacity of existing buildings to offer cultural activities to the public. These activities broadly include artistic, creative, aesthetic, historic, or scholarly events such as performances, exhibits, readings, film screenings, workshops, and more. Eligible projects may involve improvements to wiring, heating, lighting, plumbing, accessibility features, stage enhancements, permanent display installations, environmental controls, hazard mitigation, and energy efficiency upgrades. The grant period is set from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, and includes a mandatory match on a 1:1 basis with specific requirements for cash and in-kind contributions. Applications are encouraged from entities that own a facility in Vermont that has been in existence for at least ten years.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Farmland Preservation Grant program to purchase development rights on farmland so that it remains available for agriculture into the future. The program is part of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and was expanded by the Legislature in 2005 to include significant farmland preservation. Funding supports acquisition of conservation easements and related incidental costs, along with eligible enhancement and restoration that improve agricultural viability, and stewardship planning. Typical projects acquire easements on farmland threatened by development. Enhancement and restoration elements may not exceed one half of total acquisition costs including match, and farm stewardship plans may not exceed 10,000 dollars. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, nonprofit nature conservancy corporations or associations, and the State Conservation Commission. Ineligible activities include short term rights under 25 years, acquisition of land already owned by government, property obtained through condemnation, consumable supplies except for a one time application as part of restoration, elements not considered fixtures or capital items, cleanup of illegal activities, indoor facilities, operating or overhead expenses, purchase of maintenance equipment or supplies, restoration conducted before grant agreement, and transfer of development rights. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant limits are not otherwise specified. Further details are available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a Request for Applications (RFA) for its Low-Income Home Rehabilitation Grant Program. This program aims to provide grant funding to qualified entities for home repair services. The core mission of this grant is to address critical health, safety, and durability issues within existing housing for low-income households, particularly those located in rural areas of Washington State. This initiative directly aligns with broader strategic priorities focused on improving housing stability and quality of life for vulnerable populations within the state. The target beneficiaries for this program are low-income households residing permanently in single-family residential structures. A strong emphasis is placed on providing priority services to specific groups, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, families with children five years old and younger, and veterans. The primary impact goal is to enhance the living conditions and safety of these residents by addressing essential home repair and improvement needs, thereby promoting a healthier and more secure home environment. The program prioritizes entities capable of delivering comprehensive home repair services. Eligible applicants include rehabilitation agencies, approved Commerce grantees, Tribal Nations, Public Service Companies, Municipalities, Public Utility Districts, Mutual or Cooperatives, and other approved entities responsible for rehabilitating residences. Key focuses for applicants include being licensed to do business in Washington (or committing to become licensed), and possessing at least two years of experience in home renovation-related programs (such as housing rehabilitation and/or weatherization) as well as two years of experience in providing services through low-income home repair programs within the last five years. Expected outcomes include the successful rehabilitation and improvement of numerous low-income homes, leading to enhanced health, safety, and durability for residents. Measurable results will likely center on the number of households served, the types of repairs completed, and the improvements in living conditions for priority populations. The grant duration for successful applicants is approximately nine months, from November 1, 2024, to July 30, 2025, with a maximum grant amount of $500,000 per applicant, demonstrating a commitment to tangible and timely improvements.

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The 2025 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program, funded by Pierce County in Washington, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that preserve and promote the county's historical and cultural heritage, including the protection, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of significant structures or sites, and the preservation or interpretation of historically significant artifacts and documents.

This program provides $200 million in competitive funding to improve broadband access in underserved areas lacking reliable internet service of at least 25/3 Mbps.