Grants for Independent school districts - Business and Commerce

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) Program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the program will fuel long-term economic development and opportunities in rural America. The ReConnect Program is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141), which directs the program to be conducted under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq ). The policies and procedures for the ReConnect Program are codified in a final rule, 7 CFR part 1740, that was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR 11603). The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce that it is accepting applications for the ReConnect Program. In addition, the NOFO defines requirements that are determined at the time a funding announcement is published, as outlined in the regulation. Beginning on March 22, 2024, applications can be submitted through the RUS on-line application portal until 11:59 a.m. Eastern on May 21, 2024. Applications will not be accepted after May 21, 2024 until a new application opportunity has been opened with the publication of an additional NOFO in the Federal Register . The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities: Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure. Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects. Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the ReConnect Program Application Guide and program resources. This Program Guide and program resources can be found at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/forms-and-resources. Applications must be submitted through the RUS on-line application system available on the program web site at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/. Please submit any ReConnect questions or comments using our Contact Us Form.

The Infrastructure Grants, part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, aim to enhance the middle of the food supply chain through improved aggregation points, food processing infrastructure, and storage facilities. This grant supports projects that upgrade equipment, facilitate transition to licensed spaces, and expand storage capacities to boost local food production. Priority is given to projects that benefit underserved and veteran farmers, and socially disadvantaged individuals. Funding is prioritized for needs such as food hubs, cooperative developments, and increased cold storage, especially in urban areas.

The Go Outside Fund by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers grants between $100 and $500 to teachers and organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to facilitate outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for children aged pre-K to 12 by covering costs such as field supplies, transportation, and educator costs.

Grant program designed to train underrepresented population to successfully enter the construction industry and the trades. The program focuses removing barriers for entry and transitioning graduates to DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. The goal of the Illinois Works Act is to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to State capital projects and careers in the construction industry and building trades, as well as provide contracting and employment opportunities to historically underrepresented populations in the construction industry and the trades. The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship NOFO and program is a critical component in the success of the Act, by increasing the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color, veterans or from otherwise underrepresented populations (as defined by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act) and preparing them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in construction and the building trades.

The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that protect or restore water quality in the Savannah River watershed, increase citizen awareness, and empower communities to collect and share water quality data, with priority given to proposals closest to the spill site.

This grant provides funding for projects that enhance community and economic growth in Huron County by supporting workforce development, vibrant community initiatives, and business development, among other areas of interest.

The Anderson Water Council is currently accepting applications for grants focused on the protection and remediation of water resources within Anderson County, specifically within Georgia and South Carolina. This grant program is designed to align with the Anderson Water Council's mission to assist Savannah Riverkeeper and Upstate Forever in identifying, prioritizing, and funding projects that empower citizens to address existing and emerging threats to water resources. The core objective is to restore water quality in the impacted areas of the Savannah River watershed. The target beneficiaries for this grant funding include not-for-profit charitable corporations or trusts authorized to operate in South Carolina or Georgia with a mission aligned with the Water Council's goals. Additionally, the Georgia and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Commissions, and Departments of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism are eligible. Educators, municipalities, school systems, and any agency, commission, or instrumentality of such a municipality in the impacted areas are also encouraged to apply. The impact goals are centered on empowering local communities to take action and collect and publicly share water quality data, ultimately leading to improved water quality. The program prioritizes projects that empower local communities to actively participate in water resource management, particularly those focused on data collection and public sharing of water quality information. Funding is also available for water restoration projects. The Water Council is particularly interested in initiatives that foster citizen engagement and education around water resource issues. The expected outcomes include a more engaged citizenry, increased awareness of water quality threats, and the implementation of effective water restoration efforts. Measurable results for citizen empowerment and education projects typically see average individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, while water restoration projects can receive up to $100,000. Grants may also include multi-year awards, not exceeding three years. The Anderson Water Council's strategic priority is to support initiatives that contribute directly to the restoration and protection of the Savannah River watershed, with a strong emphasis on community-led solutions and data-driven approaches. Their theory of change suggests that by empowering local communities with funding and support for data collection and restoration, significant improvements in water quality and resource protection can be achieved.

The Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals within Vernon County through diligent grantmaking and strong community leadership. Governed by a Board of Directors with deep local knowledge, the foundation's core mission is to manage a flexible community grantmaking program. This program is designed to address the community's most pressing needs at any given time, a flexibility made possible by the generosity of charitable donors who establish unrestricted or field-of-interest funds, entrusting decision-making to local leaders on the Board, alongside funds raised by the foundation itself. The grant program is specifically funded by the Nevada/Vernon County Philanthropic Society. This society operates with a mission to gather annual membership gifts from up to 100 individuals, couples, and businesses residing in Nevada/Vernon County. These pooled resources are then distributed to support local projects that aim to improve both the services available and the overall quality of life within the community. The strategic priority here is to empower local initiatives that have a direct, positive impact on the well-being of Vernon County residents. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals within Vernon County, with the overarching impact goal of improving their quality of life. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus is clearly on supporting projects that demonstrably enhance community services and living conditions. The foundation operates on a theory of change that by investing in local projects identified by community leaders, significant and meaningful improvements can be made across various facets of community life. This approach ensures that funding is directed towards areas where it can have the most substantial benefit. Eligibility for these grants extends to 501(c)3 organizations and other IRS-approved entities, including government bodies, school districts, and churches, all of which must serve the Nevada/Vernon County area. The maximum grant request amount is $25,000, ensuring that a diverse range of projects can be supported. Grant proposals are reviewed according to an announced timetable, with recommendations made as funds become available, reflecting a thoughtful and structured approach to community investment.

The Economic Development Match Grant, offered by the Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD), aims to foster collaboration among funders and support economic development projects in Woodbury County, Iowa. This grant is specifically designed for initiatives requiring substantial funding and partnership, aligning with MRHD's mission to stimulate local economic growth. The MRHD's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's focus on creating and retaining jobs, developing a critical job force, supporting new projects or services with significant community impact, and improving the overall quality of life and community development. The grant targets educational entities, local governments, and tax-exempt organizations whose principal place of business and project are located within Woodbury County, IA. The intended beneficiaries are the citizens of Woodbury County, with a strong emphasis on projects that demonstrate a lasting impact on the community's economic development and/or the specific target population. The grant seeks to achieve measurable impact by funding projects that are sustainable beyond the grant period, have clearly stated and measurable outcomes, and, if applicable, a sound evaluation process. Proposals must align with at least one of MRHD's four economic development focus areas: job creation and retention, critical job force development, new projects or services with substantial community impact, and improved quality of life and community development. Furthermore, projects must be a demonstrated priority by the community, leveraging private, public, and/or community resources, and maximizing stakeholder collaboration. This approach reflects MRHD's theory of change, which posits that by fostering partnerships and supporting impactful, sustainable projects, they can drive significant and lasting economic and social improvements within Woodbury County. Expected outcomes include projects that are sustainable long-term, do not require additional grants for maintenance, and have clearly stated, measurable outcomes with a sound evaluation process. Successful proposals will also demonstrate a strong community priority, utilize local resources, and provide a detailed project budget with evidence of a match. With a total of $1,000,000 available for the FY24 grant cycle, and maximum awards ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, the MRHD is committed to investing in high-impact projects that align with its vision for a thriving Woodbury County.

The Montgomery County Office of Grants Management is offering its 2025 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program. This program aims to bolster food security for students and their families by funding initiatives co-located at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) sites. The overarching goal is to address critical gaps in healthy food access for children and families and to foster innovative approaches to integrate food assistance directly within school communities. The program aligns with a strategic priority to support projects that effectively tackle food insecurity and leverage school sites for broader community benefit, demonstrating a theory of change focused on direct, accessible, and community-embedded food support. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are students and families in Montgomery County who rely on school meals or face barriers to food access, such as transportation challenges. The impact goals are to increase nutrition security and provide convenient access to essential food resources. Successful programs are expected to demonstrate past experience in operating school-based food assistance programs with MCPS, propose quickly actionable program models for new schools, and identify potential zip codes, capacity, resource needs, and expansion formats. The program prioritizes projects that address significant needs in healthy food access for children and families and/or offer innovative models for co-locating food assistance at MCPS school sites. The Office of Food and Special Programs (OFSR) is collaborating with MCPS to identify priority school sites based on community need and the anticipated impact of new or expanded programming. This strategic focus ensures that funding is directed where it can have the most profound effect on alleviating food insecurity. The expected outcomes include the establishment or expansion of diverse food assistance models, such as choice pantries offering culturally relevant and healthy foods, pre-packed box/bag distributions with locally sourced produce, medically or preference-tailored prepared meal deliveries, and grocery gift card distributions to address transportation and other barriers. The total grant funding available is $1,250,000, with individual awards ranging from $40,000 to $300,000, and a performance period from approximately August 15, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This financial commitment and flexible programming range are designed to generate measurable results in terms of increased access to nutritious food and improved food security for the target population.

The Springfield Foundation's Competitive Grant Program aims to support the entire Clark County community through six focus areas: Arts & Culture, Civic Affairs, Education, Environment, Conservation & Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Services. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to foster a community with strong cultural vitality, engaged citizens, improved environmental awareness, quality education, better health outcomes, and a strong safety net for human needs. The foundation emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing various facets of community well-being and growth. The program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals of all ages experiencing art and culture, Clark County citizens for civic engagement, residents for environmental appreciation, children for early education and college readiness, individuals at risk of unintended pregnancies and STIs, those with mental health issues or chronic diseases, and families/individuals needing human services. The impact goals are to increase diversity and attendance at arts and culture events, improve civic knowledge and participation, increase environmental awareness and pet welfare, boost kindergarten readiness and college/career preparedness, improve reproductive and mental health, better manage chronic diseases, and achieve financial stability and positive outcomes for all people, especially youth and seniors. The foundation prioritizes increasing opportunities for artists and audiences, educating and engaging active citizens, fostering environmental appreciation and reducing homeless pets, increasing enrollment in early childhood programs and post-secondary preparation, impacting community health by addressing unintended pregnancies and STIs, improving mental health and chronic disease management, and assisting families and individuals with emergency needs, family breakdown prevention, economic self-sufficiency, and independent living. A key strategic priority is also promoting positive outcomes for all people, with specific attention to youth and seniors. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased diversity and attendance at arts and culture events, improved civic knowledge and participation, increased citizen participation in environmental activities, a decrease in homeless pets, more children enrolling in early childhood programs, increased parental involvement in education, more students in post-secondary preparation, improved mental health outcomes, decreased incidence of unintended pregnancies and STIs, better management of chronic diseases, and increased financial independence and overall quality of life for individuals and families. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by investing in these diverse focus areas, they can create a more vibrant, engaged, educated, healthy, and supportive community for all residents of Clark County.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, food pantries, schools, and farmers markets in Columbia County, New York, to improve access to fresh and healthy food for low-income households and address food insecurity.

The Granville Community Foundation in Ohio is offering grants to non-profit organizations and public agencies for projects that enrich the lives of Granville residents, with a focus on arts, culture, education, and social services, and prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, cultural opportunities, historical preservation, social support, public spaces, and youth experiences.

The Madison Community Foundation's Community Impact grants are designed to advance initiatives that create long-term positive impact on the community and the lives of its residents. This aligns with MCF's broader mission to strengthen innovative or high-performing nonprofits and invest in initiatives and natural and cultural assets that foster a thriving community. The grants are aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in greater Madison through five key focus areas: Arts & Culture, Community Development, Environment, Learning, and Organizational Capacity Building. The target beneficiaries of these grants are primarily residents and organizations within Dane County, Wisconsin. For example, Arts & Culture grants support Dane County's vibrant arts scene, while Community Development grants enhance quality of life by strengthening local assets and building community bonds. Learning grants support K-12 academic achievement and out-of-school programs, and Organizational Capacity Building grants aim to strengthen the infrastructure and long-term impact of Dane County nonprofits. The overarching impact goal is to create a more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable community. The program prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate a long-term impact on residents or physical environments in Dane County, with meaningful, reasonable, and measurable outcomes. Innovative approaches to community issues are encouraged, as are projects that strengthen community assets, build self-sufficiency, attract additional funding, and utilize partnerships or collaborations. The foundation's strategic priority is to support programs that are sustainable beyond the scope of the initial grant, fostering lasting change within the community. This indicates a theory of change that emphasizes empowering organizations and initiatives to create enduring positive effects. Grants are categorized into three broad types: Program Grants for new or expanding successful programs, Capital Grants for facility and land acquisition or renovation, and Endowment Challenge Grants to build capacity and sustainability by leveraging additional funds. Eligibility requires organizations to be public charities or governmental bodies (501(c)(3) exempt), located within Dane County (with an exception for endowment challenge grants if the fund resides at MCF), and to conduct business without discrimination. This ensures that the grants support a diverse range of impactful projects while adhering to strong ethical and operational standards.

The Platteville Community Fund, established in 2002 by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is a permanent, unrestricted charitable endowment dedicated to enhancing various aspects of community life in the Platteville area. Its mission aligns with supporting projects that enrich the arts, education, health and human services, the environment, and historic preservation. This broad focus allows the fund to address a diverse range of community needs and contribute to the overall well-being and cultural vibrancy of Platteville. Annually, a portion of the Fund's earnings is distributed back to the community in the form of grants. These grants target non-profit organizations, the local school district, and/or local government agencies that provide charitable programs or projects serving the community. The impact goals are centered on fostering community development and addressing specific concerns within Platteville, as evidenced by entities like the PHS Scholarship Fund, created in 2010, and the Platteville Excellence in Education Endowment Fund. The fund's strategic priorities include empowering local citizens to support charitable interests through various focused funds, as well as providing essential funding for the Platteville School District's educational needs not covered by the regular budget, exemplified by the EIE fund's inception in 2021. The theory of change suggests that by providing accessible grant funding and facilitating community-driven initiatives, the fund can significantly strengthen the social, cultural, and educational infrastructure of Platteville. The expected outcomes of these grants include improved access to arts and cultural programs, enhanced educational opportunities, better health and human services, a healthier environment, and preserved historical assets. While specific measurable results for all grant categories are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the existence of funds like the EIE fund with an initial grant of over $30,000 indicates a commitment to substantial financial support and measurable educational impact within the school district. The advisory board, composed of volunteer citizens, plays a crucial role in initiating fundraising and determining grant awards, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to achieve these community-focused goals.

The Outdoor Equity Fund is currently open for the 2023 grant cycle, with a total of $1.7 million awarded to 54 programs in 16 counties. This funding will provide outdoor experiences for approximately 20,000 kids. The grant cycle is open on a rolling basis until funds are expended, and additional funding is available for this cycle. The fund aims to support transformative outdoor experiences that foster stewardship and respect for lands, waters, and cultural heritage. Potential applicants are encouraged to complete their applications early as multiple rounds of reviews are anticipated. In previous years, the Outdoor Equity Fund has awarded over $800,000 to 48 organizations in order to get 12,391 kids outside through 2023. In 2021, the fund supported 57 recipients who will collectively engage more than 22,000 young New Mexicans in outdoor activities through 2022. In its inaugural year in 2020, the fund awarded over $270,000 to 25 applicants across the state. The Outdoor Equity Fund seeks to address the disparity in access to outdoor experiences for underrepresented youth and aims to provide opportunities for these individuals to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of New Mexico.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Kentucky's career and technical education programs and schools to foster innovation and improve student outcomes in alignment with workforce needs.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development in New York is offering a matching grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for a duration of 3 years to not-for-profit organizations, schools, governmental agencies, businesses, and landowners for the development of tourism events and attractions, with a focus on increasing visibility and visitor numbers.

The Oregon Community Foundation is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance economic vitality and workforce development in specified Oregon counties, with priority given to initiatives that improve prosperity, tax base, competitiveness, workforce skills, and image of the region, and can be used for equipment, facility upgrades, start-up costs, and other necessary services.