Employment Labor and Training Grants

The Veridian Credit Union’s Successful Financial Future Grants, administered in partnership with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aim to support nonprofit organizations that are crucial in fostering successful financial futures within Veridian Credit Union’s service areas in Iowa and Nebraska. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of strengthening communities by addressing fundamental barriers to financial stability. These grants specifically target individuals in Iowa and selected Nebraska counties (Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington) who face challenges to financial stability. The primary impact goal is to empower these individuals through enhanced financial literacy and/or employment readiness. The program seeks to support organizations that are fully engaged in this work, rather than funding individual projects or programs. Priority funding will be given to applicants demonstrating a proven track record of success in improving financial literacy and increasing employability. Organizations that utilize evidence-based approaches and data-driven decisions in their work are also favored, along with those demonstrating financial and organizational strength, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a collaborative approach. The expected outcomes include individuals achieving greater financial stability and increased employability within the communities served. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating grant structure of up to $5,000, the emphasis on evidence-based approaches suggests a commitment to tracking the effectiveness of the funded organizations' work in these areas. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on supporting nonprofits that actively work to reduce barriers to financial stability. This grant program embodies a theory of change that posits by investing in organizations focused on financial literacy and employment readiness, individuals will be better equipped to achieve financial independence, thereby contributing to stronger, more stable communities.

The Proposition 47 Grant Program Proposal Package submission is available through an online portal submission process. Applicants must submit proposals through the BSCC Submittable portal by 5:00 P.M. (PDT) on June 10, 2024 Any technical questions concerning the RFP, the proposal process or programmatic issues must be submitted by email to: [email protected] A virtual grant information session will be held on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. to provide clarity on RFP instructions and answer technical questions from prospective applicants. See the BSCC website for more information. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR BSCC’s PROPOSITION 47 GRANT•Incorporate community partnerships and collaborations.•Encourage culturally competent services and approaches that foster the principles of restorative justice.•Define target populations, especially those populations that are:-traditionally underserved or inappropriately served through mental health and substance use disorder service providers, or-overrepresented within the criminal justice system, or-experiencing or at risk for homelessness•Expand access to culturally congruent quality mental health and substance use disorder services, including services for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder needs and the use of evidence-based or community defined practices.•Identify and address known barriers to serving target populations, such as:-lack of jobs, housing, or employment•Prioritize client-focused/client-centered holistic programs and approaches, including healing strategies and trauma-informed care.•Expand and improve on efforts to divert individuals away from criminal justice involvement through increased diversion programs and improved behavioral health services or community supports.•Include community-based organizations with diverse staffing, including those who are system-impacted individuals, or who have varying educational levels and life experiences.•Demonstrate capacity building for service providers at every level.•Be mindful of regional equity and geographic diversity, including smaller and rural counties.•Collect program data and measure/evaluate outcomes and publish and share information.•Encourage community engagement, where members of the community participate in the identifying, informing, and shaping of policies, goals, services, and solutions. Services and programs proposed in response to this RFP must be designed to serve people who have been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense and have a history of mental health or substance use disorders. Eligible applicants are public agencies located in the State of California.  To be eligible, a Lead Agency must subcontract with one or more non-governmental, community-based organization(s) for a minimum of 50 percent of the total grant award to demonstrate a shared partnership rooted in community engagement and economic equity. Small scope applicants can apply for up to $2M and large scope candidates can apply for $2-8M. The grant period is 10/1/24-6/30/28, the last 3 months to be used to finalize and submit the required Local Evaluation Report and program-specific compliance audit.

In accordance with the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, the Superintendent of the National Fire Academy (NFA) delivers training in cooperation with the State fire service training agencies. This cooperation includes the State Fire Training Systems Grant (SFTSG) program providing grants to pay for: the direct delivery of government-funded coursed in the states; the distribution and sharing of Student Manuals, Instructor Guides, and other course materials; and funding to the states to help supplement and tailor their training delivery needs using NFA courses and programs. Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/

The Women Working Wonders Fund (WWWF), an endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), is currently accepting proposals to empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. The GLCF's mission, through the WWWF, is to advance the contributions of women and girls, fostering their development and impact within the Greater Lowell area. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community-led initiatives and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The primary beneficiaries of the WWWF grants are women and girls within the community. The fund aims to achieve several impact goals, including assisting women in transition, providing leadership development opportunities for women and girls, and contributing to environmental beautification efforts that specifically benefit women and girls. These goals are designed to address key areas of need and opportunity for this demographic, fostering self-sufficiency, leadership skills, and an improved living environment. The WWWF focuses on programs and projects that directly empower women and girls. Specific priorities include initiatives that offer support during transitional periods, such as career changes or life events, and programs that cultivate leadership abilities from a young age. Additionally, the fund supports projects that enhance the local environment, with a particular emphasis on creating spaces that are beneficial and safe for women and girls. This strategic focus ensures that the grants create tangible and lasting positive changes. Expected outcomes for funded programs include measurable improvements in the lives of women and girls, such as increased access to resources for those in transition, enhanced leadership skills among participants, and visible improvements in community spaces benefiting women and girls. The WWWF will award five grants of up to $10,000 each, aiming to support diverse projects that align with its mission. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in programs that directly address the needs and potential of women and girls, a stronger, more equitable, and thriving community will emerge. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply, and further information is available through the GLCF.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1 million in California State General Funds for the Evaluation and Technical Assistance (ETA) for the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund (DOGWF). The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 awardee will be responsible for providing evaluation and technical assistance for DOGWF PY 23-24 program awardees as they pioneer initiatives that guide displaced oil and gas workers into new jobs and career trajectories by extending beyond singular sectors, committed to securing stable, well-compensated, and gratifying roles for these workers across diverse industries. The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 grant aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of DOGWF projects. The initiative seeks to fund an organization with expertise in assessing program and operational capacity, facilitating Communities of Practice (CoPs), conducting a developmental evaluation for continuous learning and improvement, and addressing the needs of displaced workers impacted by energy sector shifts for future policy and program planning. In addition, the ETA awardee will support program grantees with developing and implementing strategies for partnership development, participant assessment, skills transfer, career navigation, administering training stipends, providing wrap-around support, identifying relevant career pathways and training programs, and guidance on participant tracking and performance outcomes reporting. Applicants for the DOGWF ETA must be organizations with the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver ETA to grantees across the state. Proposals from non-profit or for-profit consulting, technical assistance, evaluation, capacity-building organizations, labor organizations, community colleges, adult education providers, workforce boards, and education and training providers will be accepted. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PST on July 22, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on June 25, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. PST.  Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by June 24, 2024 by 9 a.m. PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EOwky4VSQ06lWDMieX-9bA The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by July 1, 2024, at noon to [email protected]. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) and Embassy Tunis Assistance Unit seek proposals to address the social and economic hurdles facing repatriated Tunisian migrants voluntarily or forcibly returning to their home country. The proposals should focus on women and youth who encounter barriers to education, social support systems, and employment.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund), housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, aims to support individual artists in pursuing new work and achieving specific creative and career goals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting local talent and development. The fund's focus is on individual artist development, rather than community development, signifying a strategic priority to invest directly in the artistic growth of residents within the Foundation's service area in Greater New Haven. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants, one specifically for a Black artist and another open to all eligible artists. This targeting reflects a commitment to equitable support within the artistic community and addresses potential disparities. The grant's impact goals are centered on enabling artists to tackle major artistic development goals, take risks on new directions in their work, or advance their careers. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant artistic community with empowered individual artists. The fund prioritizes individual artists at a significant point in their personal development, encouraging both established artists with a substantial body of recent work and those emerging in their field to apply. This inclusive approach to eligibility ensures a broad reach within the artist community. The focus is on supporting a wide array of creative disciplines including dance, music, theater, visual arts, design, craft, literary arts, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Measurable results would be evidenced by artists successfully utilizing the funds for approved uses such as purchasing materials, compensating for time spent developing projects, hiring others, covering performance or touring costs, travel for proposals, renting studio space, and production expenses. Ultimately, the Bitsie Fund's theory of change posits that by directly supporting individual artists in these ways, it will contribute to their personal and professional growth, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Greater New Haven.

The Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (OPA) invites Palestinian and American not-for-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs), associations, non-profit higher education institutions, or non-profit social enterprises based in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, or Gaza to submit proposals to design and implement a program to bridge the frequently-noted skills gap of Palestinian new college graduates, by fostering partnerships between universities, faculty advisors, syndicates, professional associations, and other private and public sectors institutions to team up in creating and implementing a viable strategy to prepare the workforce of the future by developing a sustainable capability and educational institutions for continuous upskilling and modernize selected universities to support their desire to become world-class institutions.. This program must be designed to implement activities that advance the applicants goals and the U.S. OPA-PD mission, including but not limited to:1) Building Palestinian institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, that effectively address the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people;2) Building a prosperous Palestinian economy, led by a thriving private sector, that provides equitable and inclusive economic opportunities and improves daily life for Palestinians. Education systems around the world are united in their awareness to the need to adapt and update their education programs to better prepare students for the future of work. Worldwide, there is a vital need to ensure young people at schools, universities and vocational education and training institutions are equipped with the skills and competences necessary to support the drive towards more sustainable, and inclusive economies. In the Palestinian territories and East Jerusalem, there are many additional factors that make preparing the students for a successful transition to work, even more challenging. High unemployment rates and general economic stagnancy contribute to political and social existing instability. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics - even before the most recent escalation in conflict decimated the Gazan economy and severely slowed the West Bank and Jerusalem economies - 27.3% of all Palestinians were unemployed. The proportion was higher among women (47%), Gazans (50%), and youth (45%). The investment climate does notattract foreign investors or encourage local private sector initiatives. Startups and small businessesare a successful driver of economic growth and job creation worldwide, but a thriving smallbusiness sector requires a better regulatory enabling environment, and a lobar forced with skillsthat match market needs. Youth are not finishing school, or university, with the skills andknowledge they need to be successful in the market. Culturally, families push their children towarduniversity and specifically, scientific subjects; however, the market cannot support the numbers ofgraduates that Palestinian universities are graduating. Vocational training is underutilized. Theresult is significant underemployment at the beginning of many peoples careers. Overviewplanning for labor market requirements is not provided on a national scale, and neither thegovernment nor the universities are engaging with students and families to encourage studyingnon-saturated fields. At the opposite end of the spectrum, difficult economic situation is oftendriving young people to take a low wage, non-skilled jobs in order to support their families, ratherthan enroll in even a short-term training course that could provide better long-term opportunities.On the other hand, innovation ecosystem is emerging but fragmented and disconnected. Whilemost universities have labs, makerspaces, incubation centers, entrepreneurship centers, theirinterconnectedness and connection with the private sector and investors, which forms the actualinnovation ecosystem, has not yet coalesced, and higher education research and developmentprograms are very limited. Without additional support, it is difficult for universities and othervarious players to successfully build the national innovation capacity and propel entrepreneurstowards greater success.Both the public and private sectors see the critical need to strengthen and build a workforce capableof working in a space filled with the crucial components of the countrys journey to self-reliance.In addition, workforce training needs are changing rapidly, and are in response to the emergingFourth Industrial Revolution and overall worldwide conversion to a digital landscape.Accordingly, the purpose of this program is to improve university curriculum and learningprocesses through well established and sustained partnerships with the private sector, consequentlycreating ways to ensure the workforce is trained and prepared for the new and evolvingtechnologies and modern markets needs.Applications should provide a detailed manifest of activities the implementing organization willconduct under the grant. The proposed program must include substantive engagement withAmerican people, institutions, ideas, and/or ideals in order to improve American-Palestinianrelations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation.As the activity name implies, a core principle is to seek, identify, develop and support partnershipsto achieve the program objectives. OPA encourages applicants to strategically engage with a widerange of partners from the public and private sectors who can support, advance, expand oraccelerate the programPriority Region: West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.Program Objectives: Working primarily at the local level and using an evidence-based approach, all proposed projects must aim to advance the OPA-PD mission goals stated above, contain a substantive American element, and achieve at least two of the following specific objectives:1. Universities develop and begin to implement a strategic plan to upgrade their education models to better prepare students for the labor market as evidenced by a new co-curricular program, designed by faculty to facilitate better access to employment for their students.2. Palestinian faculty and staff gain new knowledge, skills, and resources to design and implement curricular and co-curricular programs that better support their students' future employment and labor market needs.3. Development and implementation of integrated courses and academic programs; identify, develop, and implement appropriate and affordable technology platforms; and improve curriculum and pedagogy through universal design for learning.4. Improved research and innovation capacity: development and implementation of comprehensive university plans to improve faculty and student research and innovation which may include strategic partnerships with U.S. higher education institutions. This objective should also explore and support opportunities for the selected universities to generate and apply research to address local and national challenges. For any of the above objectives to be achieved, the Applicant must engage the private sector and facilitate effective collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

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 Bunbury Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations in central New Jersey, particularly Mercer County, enabling them to effectively pursue their missions and achieve sustainable organizational maturity. The foundation's core mission revolves around "capacity building," which is defined as work that enhances an organization's ability to deliver its mission with increased confidence. This strategic alignment ensures that grants directly contribute to the long-term effectiveness and stability of recipient organizations. The fund targets non-profit organizations that operate and provide services within the geographic region covered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This includes Mercer County, Eastern Bucks County (PA), Northern Burlington County (NJ), Southern Hunterdon County (NJ), Southern Middlesex County (NJ), and Southern Somerset County (NJ). The primary impact goal is to strengthen the ability of these non-profits to "do their best work" by empowering them with the necessary resources and strategies. The fund encourages projects that prioritize anti-racism strategies and embed racial equity at the core of their work, signifying a commitment to inclusive and equitable community development. The Bunbury Fund offers various grant types with specific focuses. One-year capacity-building grants, up to $50,000, support areas such as board governance, leadership succession planning, strategic partnerships, scenario planning, systems upgrades, racial equity and inclusion practices, human resources, and technology improvements. Multi-year capacity-building grants, up to $150,000 over three years, are designed for comprehensive, phased projects that require extended development for organizational effectiveness. Additionally, planning grants of up to $10,000 are available to help organizations evaluate the resources needed for more extensive capacity-building initiatives, acting as an initial step in assessing viability. The expected outcomes include enhanced organizational effectiveness, improved service delivery, and a greater ability for non-profits to achieve their missions with confidence. Measurable results would stem from the specific capacity-building areas addressed by the grants, such as improved governance structures, stronger leadership, more efficient systems, and the successful implementation of racial equity strategies. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower non-profits through capacity building, operating on the theory of change that by strengthening the internal capabilities of these organizations, they will be better equipped to serve their communities and create lasting, positive impact, particularly through the lens of racial equity.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has established the Women's Fund Grant Program with the mission to support organizations and programs that benefit women and girls in Black Hawk County. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering long-term change and addressing critical issues within the community. The grant specifically targets issues that lead to systemic change for women and girls, aiming to create lasting positive impacts rather than just providing short-term aid. The primary beneficiaries of this program are women and girls residing in Black Hawk County, Iowa. The grant seeks to achieve significant impact by focusing on several key areas. These include enhancing leadership, cognitive, and knowledge skills through education and literacy programs; identifying and addressing healthcare issues specific to women and girls, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical health; providing concrete assistance for women and girls dealing with poverty and homelessness to help them secure housing and move out of poverty; and focusing on the safety of women and girls through violence prevention efforts in homes, schools, and communities. The Women's Fund Committee prioritizes grant requests based on several criteria to maximize its strategic impact. Top priority is given to requests that address barriers to racial equity and work to reverse systems of racism for women and girls in Black Hawk County. Additionally, the committee favors requests that address critical and urgent needs with solution-based approaches, demonstrate effective programming with significant direct impact, show innovative approaches to advancing women's and girls' growth and success, and leverage other funding or community support to amplify the grant's reach. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets within the provided text, the focus areas and funding priorities imply a commitment to creating tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls. The "long-term change" emphasis suggests a strategic theory of change centered on addressing root causes of inequality and vulnerability. By funding initiatives in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and safety, the foundation aims to empower women and girls, improve their overall well-being, and contribute to a more equitable and supportive community environment in Black Hawk County.

The U.S. Embassy in Amman announces an open competition for not-for-profit organizations registered in Jordan or the U.S. to submit applications to carry out a program to organize the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program. Please follow all instructions in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The objective of the proposed inaugural Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in Jordan is to drive inclusive economic growth and build the capacity of 24 women-led and owned experiential tourism businesses. The program will focus on growing participants business offerings and expanding their ability to promote sustainable and community-led experiential tourism (particularly in the eco-tourism and adventure tourism). It aims to achieve this by incubating 12 existing experiential tourism small businesses and 12 emerging experiential tourism small businesses through a tailored six-month program that targets a total of 24 women entrepreneurs from 12 governorates and utilizes a Training of Trainers (TOT) capacity building model.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in Washington, DC, that provide programs in education, community safety, and economic development to improve the quality of life for local residents.

The Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) is accepting applications for the Digital Equity Fund (DEF), a grant program designed to foster community-led digital equity outreach, digital inclusion planning, and implementation within Baltimore City. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to bridge the significant digital divide experienced by many Baltimore residents, where over 25% lack a digital device and more than 40% lack internet access. The program's strategic priority is to address these gaps through targeted interventions, aiming for a theory of change that by investing in digital education, inclusion programming, and IT skills, vulnerable populations will gain the essential tools to fully participate in the modern digital world. The DEF focuses on providing digital education training, digital inclusion programming, and initiatives specifically in low digital inclusion communities throughout Baltimore. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable residents: those in low digital equity communities, people with disabilities, older adults, immigrants and non-English speakers, racial or ethnic minority groups, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, people experiencing homelessness, and families with children under five. The impact goal is to empower these communities by enhancing digital literacy and skills, thereby reducing the disparities caused by decades of disinvestment and the digital divide. The program is structured around three distinct grant categories, each with a maximum award of $200,000, and a grant period from September 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Tier 1, "Digital Literacy Education Training," supports initiatives for older adults and the wider community through tech hubs at recreation centers, focusing on basic computer skills, internet usage, and digital skills for job seekers. Tier 2, "Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming," aims to provide IT fundamental skills training and certification, such as Cisco IT Essentials or CompTIA certifications, to residents aspiring to IT careers. Tier 3, "Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming," encourages education in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing at local recreation centers. Expected outcomes for the DEF include increased digital literacy and skills across the target populations, enhanced access to digital devices and internet for underserved households, and improved employment opportunities for residents through IT certification. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals receiving training, certifications earned, and participation in digital creative programs. The ultimate goal is to see a significant reduction in the digital divide in Baltimore City, enabling more residents to engage effectively in the digital world and addressing the systemic inequities faced by the most vulnerable.

The Town of Bladensburg Community Grant Program aims to support non-profit organizations through operating and/or capital grants. Operating grants provide funds for the day-to-day costs of running an organization, while capital grants assist with the purchase of equipment, supplies, or capital improvements. The program's mission aligns with enhancing community well-being by funding initiatives that empower youth, families, and individuals towards an improved quality of life and self-sufficiency, preserve and enhance community character, contribute to a vibrant economy, and promote community revitalization, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The target beneficiaries are non-profit organizations that provide services to the Bladensburg community. The program seeks to impact youth, families, and individuals by improving their quality of life and fostering self-sufficiency. Additionally, the program aims to benefit the community at large through programs that preserve local character, stimulate the economy, and promote revitalization and sustainability. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate administrative and financial capacity, align with the outlined criteria, provide maximum public benefit in relation to cost, and leverage additional funds. While the grant size can range from $1,000 to $10,000, the maximum funding available per applicant is up to $2,000, subject to the final FY24 approved budget. Expected outcomes include improved quality of life and self-sufficiency for residents, enhanced community character, a more vibrant local economy, and successful community revitalization and environmental sustainability initiatives. Measurable results would be determined by the specific projects funded, but generally relate to the number of individuals served, improvements in community assets, economic growth indicators, and environmental impacts. The Town of Bladensburg's strategic priorities for this grant program are clearly rooted in fostering a thriving and sustainable community. Their theory of change is that by investing in non-profit organizations that align with their core criteria—empowering individuals, enhancing community character, contributing to the economy, and promoting revitalization and sustainability—they can achieve significant public benefit and drive positive, lasting change within Bladensburg. This approach emphasizes leveraging local organizations' expertise to address critical community needs.

To provide guidance for the funding and management of the FY 2024 annual grant allocations in order to perform FLC program activities. Questions regarding this TEGL may be emailed to [email protected].

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust's grant program aims to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This mission aligns with the foundation's core belief in supporting innovative projects that go beyond basic care, providing long-term benefits for animals today and in the future. The trust focuses on helping organizations deliver an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include homeless and abused companion animals, native wildlife, and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas or those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Impact goals include increasing successful adoptions, improving staff and volunteer care delivery, promoting humane education, enhancing access to medical care, and controlling pet and feral animal populations through spay/neuter initiatives. The program prioritizes several key areas: animal adoption, behavior training, and fostering; continuing education and training for staff and volunteers; humane and wildlife education; medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness care for animals; pet and feral animal population control through spay/neuter; equipment directly benefiting animals; and other animal care initiatives that celebrate the human-animal bond. Preferred projects include non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity, opportunities for staff and volunteer development, school and community programs addressing humane care, and assistance for owned pets from under-resourced households. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased successful adoptions, improved delivery of care by staff and volunteers, enhanced community understanding of animal welfare, better access to medical care for vulnerable animal populations, and a reduction in unwanted pet populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that lead to a high quality of life for individual animals and significant improvements for large numbers of animals. Their theory of change is that by funding innovative projects and supporting eligible organizations, they can foster better humane care, improve animal well-being, and address critical issues such as overpopulation and lack of access to care, ultimately creating a more compassionate environment for animals.

The Town of Glastonbury has established the 2024 Farm Assistance Program (FAP) to provide crucial financial assistance to local farmers. This reimbursable grant program aims to support eligible farmers who faced negative impacts from significant weather events in 2023. The program also encourages investments in the long-term viability of farm businesses within the town. The Glastonbury Town Council has allocated $220,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for this initiative, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the local agricultural community and fostering resilience against future challenges. The target beneficiaries of the FAP are eligible farm businesses within Glastonbury, CT. To qualify, farms must be current on property taxes, actively farm at least 10 acres of land in Glastonbury, be registered in the PA490 program, and gross at least $100,000 per year based on the total average gross of their three best years over the last five. Crucially, they must also have sustained a financial hardship due to the 2023 weather. The impact goals are to help these farmers overcome financial hardships caused by weather events and to enable them to make investments that will ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of their operations. The program prioritizes reimbursement for a range of essential expenses designed to address immediate needs and promote future stability. These eligible expenses include payroll, recruitment, training, rent or mortgage assistance, utilities, and other operational costs. Furthermore, the FAP encourages investments in equipment, technology, capital improvements, and marketing programs, all aimed at supporting farm business growth and improving overall viability. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to not only provide relief but also to empower farmers to adapt and thrive. The expected outcomes of the Farm Assistance Program include a reduction in financial strain for Glastonbury's farming community, increased operational stability, and improved long-term resilience against environmental and economic pressures. By providing up to $10,000 in reimbursement grants, the Town of Glastonbury aims to foster a stronger agricultural sector, contributing to local food security and economic vitality. The measurable results will be evident in the successful reimbursement of eligible expenses, the continued operation and growth of participating farm businesses, and the overall strengthening of the farming landscape in Glastonbury following the 2023 weather events.

The City of Dearborn's Small Business Grant Program aims to bolster the local economy by providing financial assistance to established small businesses. This program is designed to align with the city's broader mission of fostering a vibrant and sustainable business environment, recognizing the crucial role small businesses play in community development and job creation. By offering grants for business improvements, the city seeks to enhance the competitiveness and longevity of its local enterprises, contributing to overall economic stability and growth. The primary beneficiaries of this program are small businesses located in Dearborn, specifically those with 15 or fewer employees and a minimum of five years in operation within the city. These businesses must also be in good standing with the City, State, and IRS, and not currently in bankruptcy. The program targets businesses that are stable but could benefit from financial support to make improvements, thereby strengthening their operations and contributing to the local business landscape. Business owners must also not be listed on the MI State Police Sex Offender Registry. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: facade improvements (such as paint, windows, building face materials), awnings, and other exterior enhancements like signage, patios, walkways, and landscaping. The grant explicitly aims to improve the physical appearance and functionality of business premises, which can directly impact customer attraction and business viability. This focus on tangible improvements suggests a strategic priority to enhance the aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency of Dearborn's commercial districts. The expected outcomes include an improved physical appearance of small businesses, increased business competitiveness, and a stronger local economy. Businesses can receive $5,000 in assistance, with an expected $2,500 match from the business themselves, indicating a commitment to shared investment and responsibility for improvement. While specific measurable results like increased revenue or job creation are not explicitly stated, the focus on direct improvements implies a theory of change where enhanced business infrastructure leads to greater customer engagement, sustained operations, and ultimately, a more prosperous local economy.