Grants for Nonprofits - Employment Labor and Training

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to or beyond statewide averages by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural way of life. The fund, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, provides targeted investments in economic and community development programs. This aligns with a broader mission to encourage entrepreneurial activity, foster a balanced economy, and relieve unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, ultimately promoting the overall health and welfare of rural residents across the State. RMPIF targets all rural counties in Maryland, benefiting local governments, higher education institutions, regional councils, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural constituencies. The core impact goal is to facilitate sustainable rural development by enabling these organizations to leverage additional non-state resources. Key priorities include the retention of valuable farm and forest land, promotion of intergovernmental and public-private partnerships, enhancement of essential infrastructure (housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband), and support for rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The program's expected outcomes include increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce, a reduction in unemployment and underemployment, the productive use of farm and forest land, and improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. Measurable results for Fiscal Year 2025 include a State budget of $1,500,000 in General Funds specifically allocated for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. The fund's theory of change posits that strategic investments and collaborative efforts will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for rural Maryland, directly contributing to the well-being and economic stability of its residents. Eligible expenditures for RMPIF include salaries and wages, administrative costs (construction, leasing, renovation of buildings, purchase/rental of vehicles, equipment), and reasonable meal costs with justification. Administrative expenses, however, are capped at 25% of the grant request, and indirect administrative costs at 10%. Acquisition of land is not an eligible expense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years, ensuring the long-term impact and viability of the funded initiatives.

The Harford County Office of Economic Development administers the Harford Strides Fund as a temporary grant program to assist tourism related organizations in the infancy stage of program development. The fund supports organizations building models for long term sustainability that draw audiences from outside the county and encourage overnight hotel stays. Applicants must demonstrate success, lessons learned, and best practices, show clear intent to drive overnight stays, document hardship that jeopardizes program or operations but for county funding, and show pursuit of additional funding sources. Organizations must occupy a niche within tourism and may not apply if they have submitted to the Partnership Fund. Eligible applicants are Harford County 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in good standing with the state and registered as Maryland charitable organizations. The program has 220,000 dollars available and may provide support for up to two consecutive years, subject to eligibility and need. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant size is determined by need and available funds. Additional information is available from the Harford County Office of Economic Development.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. The fund's mission is rooted in the belief that arts and culture are vital for the development of healthy individuals and thriving communities. This grant program is designed to promote and sustain this sector by supporting organizational effectiveness, promoting local artists, and providing inclusive cultural experiences. The foundation's strategic priority is to enrich the life of metropolitan Baltimore through a lively creative environment and deepened civic connections. The program targets cultural organizations and their fiscal agents serving the Baltimore area, as well as individual artists using a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries also include residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Annes counties in Maryland, who will benefit from enhanced cultural experiences and strengthened community cohesion. The impact goals are to strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity, enhance residents' lives, and ensure programs are inclusive and outreach efforts are broad, welcoming people of all backgrounds. The fund's priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering cultural sector collaboration. Under "Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices," capacity programs are supported to improve internal management, board training, strategic planning, fundraising, and professional development for artists. "Innovative Programs" focus on initiatives that deepen audience engagement or attract new audiences, with specific small grants available for organizations with budgets under $75,000 and for professional artists. "Cultural Sector Collaboration" aims to support strategic alliances that enhance cooperation and strengthen organizational abilities within the cultural community. Expected outcomes include improved organizational and management practices for cultural groups, increased professional development opportunities for Baltimore artists, and the presentation of innovative programming that broadens audience engagement. The program also seeks to facilitate strategic alliances, leading to a more cohesive and effective cultural ecosystem. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing artistic funding, supporting organizational health, and encouraging collaboration, it can foster a vibrant cultural sector that enriches civic life, strengthens community identity, and ensures broad access to cultural experiences for all residents. The maximum grant size is $10,000, with applications accepted year-round, requiring a Letter of Inquiry.

Heritage Fund offers Organizational Excellence grants for Indiana-based organizations to fund activities such as strategic planning, board development, communications and fundraising planning, network and IT planning, succession planning, leadership development, organizational assessment, and productivity improvements. The grants can cover expenses like assessments, consulting fees, training, and executive coaching.

The Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) offers a Tourism Grant program aimed at increasing tourism-related offerings and visitor numbers in Yazoo County. This initiative directly aligns with the CVB's mission to promote tourism, which in turn fosters economic growth for all local businesses. The grant program is designed to support organizations that contribute to these goals, offering both financial reimbursement and expert guidance to ensure the success and growth of events, sites, attractions, or projects that enhance the county's tourism appeal. The CVB's strategic priority is to leverage grant funding to create a measurable increase in visitor traffic and the quality of tourism experiences. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations within Yazoo County that are involved in promoting tourism or preserving tourism-related sites. The impact goals are to significantly boost visitor traffic to Yazoo County and to enrich the quality and diversity of tourism offerings. The CVB offers two main types of grants to achieve these goals: Advertising & Promotion and Historical/Cultural Enhancement. The Advertising & Promotion grant focuses on attracting visitors from outside the immediate area (over a 100-mile radius or out-of-state) through paid advertising and public relations efforts. The Historical/Cultural Enhancement grant is dedicated to the repair and improvement of tourism or tourism-related sites and the placement of historical and/or cultural markers, such as Blues or Freedom Trail markers. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. For Advertising & Promotion, the emphasis is on external marketing, requiring organizations to purchase ads in various media, create brochures, and develop PR kits. Entertainment, labor, and clothing items are explicitly excluded. For Historical/Cultural Enhancement, the focus is on physical improvements to sites and historical preservation through markers, specifically excluding "bricks and mortar projects," salaries, or operating expenses. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate additional funding from other sources, indicating a strategic approach to maximizing the impact of the CVB's contributions and ensuring broader community and financial support. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in visitor numbers and an enhancement of Yazoo County's tourism infrastructure and attractions. Organizations receiving grants are expected to contribute to these outcomes, with requirements such as recognizing the CVB as a sponsor in all advertising and submitting proofs for approval. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in targeted advertising and the improvement of tourism assets, Yazoo County will become a more attractive destination, leading to greater visitor engagement and economic benefits for the entire community. Measurable results are derived from these efforts, with final reports and reimbursement requests required within 60 days of project completion, ensuring accountability and tracking of project success in relation to the CVB's tourism goals.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF) is offering a grant program designed to foster economic mobility in its priority communities and among specific groups. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting collaborative efforts that bring together individuals from diverse zip codes, races, and income levels. The program emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural and cross-socioeconomic engagement to achieve its economic objectives. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are low and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as Black and historically marginalized groups, including immigrants, residing in the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis County, Missouri. The program aims to strengthen the collaborative capacity of these diverse groups to work together effectively and, in doing so, improve their economic well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that fostering collaboration across differences can lead to tangible economic improvements. JSMF encourages proposals that implement approaches to strengthen collaborative capacity and create positive, long-term, and tangible impacts on the economic well-being of their priority populations. Examples of focus areas include youth mentorship across class divisions, networking support for first jobs, community investment clubs, business-to-business mentorship, and peer-to-peer lending. Expected outcomes include enhanced collaborative capacity among participants and improved economic well-being for JSMF priority populations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond these objectives, the foundation seeks proposals that will demonstrate a clear alignment with its mission and guiding principles, and that can achieve a positive and lasting impact. Grants range from $20,000 to $40,000, with awards totaling $200,000, and most grants will be for one to three years. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or have a fiscal sponsor, and proposals must bring people together across diverse backgrounds to partner for the first time.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and community organizations in Knoxville that provide engaging programs and employment initiatives for at-risk youth, particularly those involved with the juvenile justice system.

The Northland Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $31,800 to nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, and other entities in Clay and Platte counties, focusing on sustaining programs that improve the well-being of children, excluding individual needs, scholarships, capital campaigns, and several other categories.

The Teaching with Primary Sources Program (TPS) is the Library of Congress's premier educational outreach initiative. Its fundamental mission is to enhance the ability of teachers to integrate digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress into instruction, thereby fostering student literacy, critical thinking skills, content knowledge, and the capacity to conduct original research. This core work is strategically aligned with and reflects the Library's broader outreach goals and its vision of connecting to all Americans, particularly as detailed in the institution's 2019-23 and 2024-2028 Strategic Plans. The current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Continuing Awards is specifically open only to existing, experienced TPS Program Consortium Members who have previously received grants directly from the Library. The target beneficiaries are educators and learners representing diverse groups, including specific professions, ethnicities, geographic locations, abilities, interests, affiliations, and other attributes. The primary impact goal for this continuing award is for successful applicants to expand the use and disseminate their existing teaching materials, tools, programming, and research to meet the needs of these learners, especially those populations they have identified as being underserved by the current TPS program. The NOFO focuses on soliciting project proposals that leverage and expand upon the teaching materials, tools, and strategies developed under previous TPS awards. Applicants must commit to several key priorities to achieve this expansion. These include reviewing and revising existing TPS products, modifying them to enhance their value to educators and learners, and developing new strategies and robust networks to facilitate effective outreach to the targeted, underserved populations. The expected outcomes and measurable results hinge on applicants submitting project proposals that clearly address the demonstrated educational needs of their specific recipient populations. The proposed solutions must be effective, as suggested by standard practice, documented experience, or research. The Library strategically values TPS Consortium members as "Connectors" who are essential to achieving the institutional vision of connecting to all Americans, viewing the program's success in dissemination and expanded outreach as a key mechanism for progress toward its broader strategic goals.

Burgum Foundation Grant Program for Nonprofit Organizations in North Dakota is offering funding for programs that focus on improving educational opportunities and quality of instruction for students in rural communities and disadvantaged backgrounds. The foundation also supports the provision of behavioral health services in rural schools by partnering with school districts and service providers to bring mental health professionals on-site, eliminating transportation barriers. Additionally, the program provides teacher leadership opportunities through collaborations between local districts and North Dakota Universities to offer a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership for teachers, benefiting numerous school districts across the state.

This program provides funding to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in Telluride for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability within the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that recruit and employ skilled workers aged 55 and older for various projects within the Department of the Interior, enhancing operational capacity in areas like infrastructure and environmental programs.

This program provides funding to local non-profits in St. Petersburg to improve food access and promote health equity for residents, particularly those in low-income areas.

The Jazz & Heritage Presenting Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, is designed to create job opportunities for Louisiana performing artists. This is achieved by providing financial support to local nonprofit organizations. The core purpose of the grant aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission: to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of Louisiana communities. By funding events that employ local musicians, dancers, actors, and other onstage performers, the grant contributes to the Foundation's strategic objective of supporting cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Louisiana-based arts nonprofit organizations and, by extension, Louisiana-based musicians and performing artists. The impact goal is to facilitate increased employment opportunities for these artists through festivals, concerts, and other public cultural events. The grant specifically focuses on live public performance fees, ensuring that the funds directly support artists' livelihoods. This strategic focus ensures that the grant's resources are channeled into direct artistic engagement and economic support for the performing arts sector. The grant prioritizes activities that occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, emphasizing a clear timeline for impact. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations or registered Louisiana nonprofits, with individuals and commercial organizations explicitly excluded. This ensures that the funding reaches established entities committed to public benefit and cultural development. The expectation is that successful applicants will demonstrate a strong alignment between their proposed activities and the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission, thereby contributing to the broader cultural fabric of Louisiana. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of paid performance opportunities for Louisiana artists and a greater proliferation of cultural events across the state. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on "job opportunities" and "employment opportunities" suggests a focus on the economic empowerment of artists. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting nonprofit organizations in hiring local talent, it can directly contribute to the sustainability of Louisiana's unique cultural heritage and provide economic stability for its artists. The maximum grant amount of $7,500 ensures that funds can support numerous smaller-scale initiatives, fostering a broad impact across various communities and cultural expressions.

Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation, offers Access Grants of up to $1,000 to support short-term arts and cultural activities for grades K-12 at a school site during the school day. These grants aim to bring high-quality arts experiences to students and are part of the Cultural Collaborations program. Cultural Collaborations Grants The Cultural Collaborations and Arts Educator Fellowship Programs are made possible through support from the Rasmuson Foundation, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. A school may apply for and receive an Arts Excursion grant, and a Project or Access Grant per school year. A school may also receive support for an Artists in Schools residency in the same school year, either as an individual school or through a district grant. For help in understanding the application process, assistance in how to develop an arts program in your school, or any other technical services please contact us with questions. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants Deadlines: June 1, for residency projects beginning no earlier than July 1; December 1 for residency projects starting no earlier than January 1. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are matching awards of up to $6,000 in support of high-quality arts and cultural programs for youth that emphasize skill acquisition and direct participation in settings outside of the school day/year, in Alaska. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Eligible projects/programs provide regularly scheduled sessions over an extended period of time. Nonprofit organizations, schools or school districts are eligible to apply. Partnerships in support of Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are encouraged. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grants Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; deadlines are rolling, at least 30 days prior to the planned activity. Excursion Grants, bringing Kids to Arts, are awards of up to $600 ($1,000 for eligible Title I schools,) to support transportation and admission costs incurred in attending arts and cultural events, and/or visiting recognized arts and cultural venues in Alaska. Cultural Collaborations Excursions Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Only public or nonprofit schools in Alaska may apply. A school may only receive one Excursion grant per school year, but may apply for multiple Excursion activities in one grant application. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grant Guidelines and Application Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grant Final Report Form Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Access Grants Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; deadlines are rolling, at least 30 days prior to the planned activity. Access Grants, bringing Arts to Kids, are awards of up to $1,000 to support high-quality, short term (generally, of a week or less) arts and cultural activities for grades K-12 at a school site, during the school day. Cultural Collaborations Excursions Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Alaska 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations, private nonprofit schools, and public schools or school districts are eligible to apply. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Access Grant Guidelines and Application Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Access Grant Final Report Form Word format PDF format Arts Educator Fellowships Deadline: March 15 Rasmuson Foundation initiated the Arts Educator Fellowships to encourage the reconnection of artists who are teachers to the practice of their art; Arts Educator Fellowship are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA), supported by funding from Rasmuson Foundation. The Arts Educator Fellowship program provides grants to certified, permanently-assigned, full and part-time K-12 teachers to immerse themselves in their own creative work, interact with professional artists, and stay current with new artistic practice. The Arts Educator Fellowship is meant to create opportunities for Alaska teachers to fill their own artistic wells. Eligible applicants may apply for up to $3,000 in support of Arts Educator Fellowship (AEF) activities, based on actual expenses.

This fully-funded program empowers Georgia-based entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders from underserved communities by enhancing their leadership skills and providing resources to scale their ventures and create local economic impact.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the greater Three Valleys region that are addressing critical community health needs, focusing on mental health, health equity, and environmental sustainability.

This grant provides financial support and consulting services to nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing, small business development, workforce development, and financial literacy in low- and moderate-income communities.

The Boise City Department of Arts & History Catalyst Grant program is a one-time funding opportunity designed to support small-scale and mid-sized arts, history, and cultural activities. These activities include public programs, events, projects, exhibitions, and tours throughout the year. This pilot program aligns with the Department of Arts and History's (A&H) mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. It achieves this by creating opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s creative economy, with an overall vision of bringing people together and building positive relationships to create "A City for Everyone." The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals or representatives of organizations or nonprofit Friends groups associated with a government agency. The projects must directly benefit residents living within Boise City Limits, and if an event is involved, the venue must also be located within Boise City Limits. The impact goals are to strengthen Boise’s cultural base, promote community engagement, and foster a creative economy. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to a distinct sense of place, celebrate Boise's diverse communities, and are accessible to all residents, adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and the Department of Arts & History's Equal Opportunity Statement against discrimination. The program focuses on a wide range of arts, history, or cultural initiatives. Examples of activities include public programs like presentations, workshops, walking tours, and trainings; events; performances; exhibits; educational opportunities; oral history projects; collaborations; innovative production that cultivates the cultural community; research, planning, and/or analysis available for Boise residents; and virtual/online projects with a clear intent to reach Boise residents. These diverse activities aim to achieve the broader strategic priorities of the A&H mission. The expected outcomes include the successful execution of numerous small-scale and mid-sized cultural activities that enrich the lives of Boise residents. Measurable results for this one-time pilot program include awarding a standard size of $2,000 per grant, with a total of $40,000 expected to be awarded in FY2024. Five applications are anticipated to be funded in each round. The theory of change for the Boise City Department of Arts & History through this Catalyst Grant is that by providing accessible funding for diverse cultural activities, they will foster a more vibrant and inclusive creative economy, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of community and a more interconnected "City for Everyone."