Grants for City or township governments - Community Development

This program provides flexible funding to individuals and organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native nations to develop and implement innovative ideas that drive positive change in their communities.

The 2024 Choose Henry Fund-Community Grants, offered by the Henry County Community Foundation (HCCF), aim to address the broad needs of Henry County, Indiana. As a community foundation, HCCF's mission is to support diverse areas within the county, including health and medical, social services, education, cultural affairs, and civic affairs. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's overall mission to be responsive to changing community needs, be flexible, and focus on projects with the greatest benefit per dollar granted. The target beneficiaries of these grants are non-profit organizations serving Henry County, specifically those that have been selected through a letter of intent process. The impact goals are to support various programs and facilities that improve the quality of life within the county across the five key areas of interest. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting hospitals and rehabilitation centers, human service organizations, programs for children, youth, and the aged, educational initiatives from pre-school to post-secondary, cultural programs, and civic activities related to criminal justice, community development, and leadership training. The HCCF prioritizes change-oriented and problem-solving initiatives, emphasizing project support rather than ongoing general operating support. The foundation also encourages participation from other contributors through matching challenges and other grant techniques. Additionally, the HCCF aims to coordinate its programs with other funding sources, such as government, other foundations, and associations, to maximize impact. A key focus is to induce grant recipients to achieve objectives like increased efficiency, improved fundraising capabilities, and enhanced product or service delivery. Expected outcomes and measurable results are implicitly tied to the grant evaluation criteria. The foundation assesses whether there is an established need for the requested program or project, its appropriateness for HCCF funding, the adequacy of HCCF resources to respond, and the overall benefit to the community. While specific metrics are not explicitly detailed, the focus on "greatest benefit per dollar granted" and inducing recipients to improve efficiency and service delivery suggests an emphasis on demonstrable positive change and effective resource utilization within Henry County.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers grants to support projects that engage communities in meaningful dialogue, attract diverse audiences, and are participatory and engaging, applying humanities to everyday life. Grants support public humanities programs, exhibits, planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in various media. Regular grants : start at $2,500 to $10,000. Regular grants applications are accepted on May 1st and September 1st Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for community-focused projects that enhance well-being and have a broad impact.

The Certified Local Government (CLG) grant program, administered by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (National Park Service), aims to support historic preservation projects within Iowa. This program is specifically designed for Iowa cities, counties, and land use districts that have established a CLG Agreement with both the State of Iowa and the National Park Service. The overarching mission of the program aligns with the preservation of historical assets and cultural heritage, a key focus for both the state and national park service initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Certified Local Governments in Iowa that are in good standing and up-to-date with their annual reports. These entities are typically responsible for managing and protecting historic properties and districts within their jurisdictions. The impact goal is to facilitate the successful execution of historic preservation projects, ensuring the longevity and integrity of Iowa's historical sites and structures. By providing financial support, the program helps communities maintain their historical identity and contributes to broader cultural heritage preservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on supporting historic preservation activities. While specific project types are not detailed, the general scope indicates a commitment to projects that align with the principles of historic preservation as defined by the CLG agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, the restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes. The emphasis is on enabling local governments to address their unique preservation needs and challenges effectively. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of historic preservation projects across Iowa. The program anticipates an increase in the number of preserved historic sites, improved conditions of existing historic properties, and enhanced capacity within CLGs to manage their preservation responsibilities. The timely submission of draft and final applications by the specified deadlines (August 9, 2024, and September 3, 2024, respectively) are also key metrics of engagement and adherence to program guidelines.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Chesapeake & Coastal Service (CCS) offers grants to support the sustainable development and use of Maryland waterways. Funded by the Waterway Improvement Fund (WIF), the program supports projects that improve and promote the recreational and commercial capabilities, conditions, and safety of Maryland’s waterways. Eligible applicants, including county, town, or city governments and state or federal agencies, can apply for projects such as constructing or maintaining public boating facilities, dredging channels, and purchasing fire/rescue vessels. Applications are due by September 18, 2024, with funding available starting July 1, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction, renovation, or enhancement of arts facilities in Alabama, benefiting local arts organizations and communities.

The Arts Operating Grant provides financial support to arts organizations in Vermont, aimed at those offering year-round, high-quality arts programs and services that align with the mission of advancing arts and creativity throughout the state. This initiative supports Outcome Three of the Arts Council's Strategic Framework, focusing on building vibrant and creative communities through organizations and artists. For FY2025, the grant offers one-year operating funds to eligible organizations demonstrating significant community involvement and partnerships with civic, non-arts, and educational entities to ensure broad access to arts and creativity. Applicants must choose between applying for an Arts Operating Grant or an Arts Project Grant and cannot be current three-year operating grantees. Grant renewed every year.

This program provides financial support for a variety of arts-related projects in Iowa, targeting organizations and initiatives that promote regional and statewide arts events or align with strategic arts goals.

This funding provides financial support for nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist attacks to enhance their physical security and integrate their preparedness efforts with local and state initiatives.

Propeller’s Impact Accelerator is a 5-month program designed to support mission-driven entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through coaching, community building, curriculum, and technical assistance. The program aims to catalyze transformational growth by connecting entrepreneurs with contract opportunities, markets, and customers. It is sponsored by the Clif Family Foundation, Capital One, Nasdaq, RosaMary Foundation, WK Kellogg Foundation, and Baptist Community Ministries, aligning with their missions to foster economic development, education, and community well-being by empowering local businesses. The Impact Accelerator targets growth-stage entrepreneurs in five key areas: community economic development, education, food, health, and water. Specifically, it supports BIPOC entrepreneurs operating brick-and-mortar establishments in underserved New Orleans corridors for economic development; early childhood education and care providers for education; CPG brands emphasizing sustainable, healthy, and affordable products for food; direct health and wellness service providers, especially those serving BIPOC clients, for health; and entrepreneurs in green infrastructure, stormwater management, native plant cultivation, and coastal restoration for water. The program's overarching impact goal is to facilitate the scaling of revenues and teams, while also embedding racial equity, social, and environmental impact goals into business operations. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated within each sector. For community economic development, the focus is on Black-owned brick-and-mortar storefronts in specific New Orleans neighborhoods, aiming for job creation and community ties. In education, the priority is on increasing enrollment, growing staff, and expanding business locations for early childhood education providers. For food, the emphasis is on CPG brands that are environmentally sound, locally sourced, healthy, or have compelling social/environmental impacts, with a prioritization of BIPOC-led companies. Health focuses on direct clinical care and services impacting social and physical determinants of health, especially for BIPOC client bases, striving for increased accessibility and staff growth. The water sector prioritizes green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, native plants, and coastal restoration, seeking to increase the supply of native plants for green infrastructure. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants setting ambitious yet achievable goals for growth and long-term sustainability, an increase in business revenues and staff, and the successful attainment of social/environmental impact goals. Entrepreneurs receive over 16 hours of lead mentor office hours for goal setting, 12+ hours of business development curriculum during meetups, and 20+ hours with subject matter experts for project assistance. Additional benefits include a detailed work plan, coaching on racial equity and impact goals, introductions to stakeholders, free coworking space, and membership in a network of over 250 alumni. These structured interventions are designed to remove growth barriers and accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ventures, leading to tangible economic and social improvements within the targeted communities and sectors.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers surplus vanpool vans to not-for-profit organizations and government entities through the Community Van Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options by providing retired vans to organizations that can address community transportation needs unmet by WTA services. Eligible applicants include Whatcom County community organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government organizations. The program is competitive due to the limited availability of vehicles. Selected recipients will receive the vehicle title upon award and must submit performance reports for the first year. Up to eleven retired vanpool vehicles will be available in 2024, with a deadline for applications on August 23, 2024.

As part of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017, the State of Tennessee established the Broadband Ready Communities Program to foster county engagement in securing broadband infrastructure and access to their communities. Through TNECD, the program, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, utilizes a portion of the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund – American Rescue Plan to provide $10 million in assistance. A non-competitive grant opportunity is available for county and local governments to secure up to $100,000 dollars for broadband adoption activities. Application window is from October 2 - November 15, 2023.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program is a federally funded grant program that allows California to provide local and rural fire departments with minor firefighting, training, communications and safety equipment for their volunteer firefighters. The VFC Program is not intended for major equipment (fire engines, vehicles, etc.) or Capital repairs. The VFC Program has a 50/50 match requirement which means that the applying department must be able to meet the intended grant award, dollar for dollar. Awards for departments are set at a minimum of $500 with a maximum of $20,000. Amounts may be adjusted based on the grant funding available. For additional information please contact Megan Esfandiary at [email protected] or Bryan Giambrone at [email protected].

This funding opportunity is designed to help libraries in Ohio create innovative projects that address specific community needs while aligning with the State Library's strategic goals.

The Roundhouse Foundation's Open Call Grants aim to support organizations that contribute to the thriving of rural Oregon communities, including Tribal communities. These grants prioritize proposals that span 12-18 months, with funding amounts not exceeding $50,000; however, the median award is approximately $20,000. Preferred projects are innovative, collaborative, and align with the foundation's focus areas: Arts & Culture, Environmental Stewardship, Social Services, and Education. Proposals should demonstrate a commitment to rural Oregon, support sustainable practices, and foster economic resilience. Capital requests for facility development are not funded, but program-aligned infrastructure enhancements are considered. Grant renewed every year. 2 cycles per year

This grant provides funding to museums, tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations for projects that support the consultation, documentation, and repatriation of Native American cultural items and human remains.

This program provides funding to support the establishment and operation of specialized court systems in Pennsylvania that focus on reducing impaired driving through judicial training and dedicated probation officers.

The National Park Service (NPS), the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency (DoD) have a partnership focused on promoting the health and wellness of active-duty military service members and their families through positive engagement experiences with national parks, public lands, and waterways. These experiences will promote healthy lifestyle habits and inspire families to become environmental stewards of national parks.

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is offering grants to Santa Clara County municipalities, jurisdictions, arts, cultural, education, nonprofit, and community organizations to advance its vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC). This program aims to foster innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and diverse stakeholders. The overarching mission alignment is to support the implementation of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities within Santa Clara County, focusing on creating sustainable, inclusive, and transit-friendly environments. The grant program targets communities and organizations located within a half-mile radius of existing and planned VTA light rail stations, VTA transit centers, BART stations, and commuter rail stations served by Caltrain, ACE, and/or Capitol Corridor. The primary beneficiaries are residents and businesses within these transit-rich areas, particularly those with limited incomes, and community organizations striving to make these areas more equitable. Impact goals include empowering and strengthening communities, increasing transit ridership, reducing reliance on car trips, and supporting intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around transit hubs. The program prioritizes projects that support collaboration and fall under four key areas: Planning and Policy Implementation, Community Resilience, Education & Engagement, and Placemaking, Arts, and Activation. Planning and Policy Implementation focuses on advancing policies and regulations for equitable TOCs, including station area planning and equitable development plans. Community Resilience emphasizes anti-displacement efforts, affordable housing preservation, small business support, and promoting transit use among low-income individuals. Education & Engagement aims to increase community leadership and participation in TOC implementation through advocacy, capacity building, and culturally relevant engagement practices. Placemaking, Arts, and Activation seeks to improve the transit rider and community experience through public arts, cultural projects, and beautification initiatives that enhance safety and accessibility. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the adoption and implementation of equitable TOC policies and plans, tangible progress in anti-displacement efforts and affordable housing, enhanced community capacity and participation in transit-oriented development, and improved public spaces around transit stations. Measurable results will include the number of selected projects (14-20 projects are anticipated), the amount of funding distributed (up to $15,000 to $175,000 per project), and the commencement of projects between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The VTA's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering equitable development, encouraging transit ridership, and building strong community partnerships as a core theory of change to achieve sustainable and inclusive transit-oriented growth in Santa Clara County.