Employment Labor and Training Grants

The City of Newport News is offering a Gun Violence Intervention Grant to fund or enhance evidence-based strategies and projects that reduce gun violence within the city. This grant program aligns with the city's commitment to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to interrupt cycles of violence and support those at the highest risk. The program represents the third and final year of the GVIP cohort that began in FY 2023, with an allocation of $1,000,000 in the City Manager’s recommended operating budget for FY 2025. Organizations may be eligible for future funding through the annual City of Newport News Community Support Agency Grant program, which opens in October 2024. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children, youth, young adults, and families residing in Newport News. The impact goal is to significantly reduce gun violence by implementing or enhancing effective, evidence-based strategies. Proposals are expected to demonstrate the utilization of such strategies and have a clear sustainability plan that includes sources of funding beyond the City of Newport News. Applicants for continuation funding must show progress and success from their FY 2024 projects. The grant prioritizes efforts around seven critical areas: Effective Conflict Resolution, Healthy Family Functioning, Economic Prosperity, Gun Control & Safety, A Caring Community, Mental Wellness & Healing, and Effective Deterrence & Adjudication. Projects eligible for continuation funding must address one or more of these critical areas, or focus on concentrated poverty, access to guns, desensitized communities, the judicial system, mental health/unaddressed trauma, family dysfunction, or poor conflict resolution. Additionally, projects relating to youth violence prevention or early intervention should align with CDC guidelines on individual, family, community, peer, and social risk factors. Collaboration among organizations is strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include a reduction in gun violence within Newport News through community-based and evidence-based prevention and intervention projects. Measurable results will stem from addressing the identified critical areas and risk factors. The city's strategic priorities are to support CBOs in their violence reduction efforts using best practices. The theory of change is that by funding and partnering with these organizations to implement targeted, evidence-based interventions in critical areas, cycles of violence can be interrupted, and the well-being of those most at risk can be improved, leading to a safer community. The grant period is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

The Golden LEAF Foundation's Open Grants Program is designed to strengthen North Carolina's economy, particularly in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. This program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to use its entrusted funds for projects with the highest potential for economic impact. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are available to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across all North Carolina counties. The program targets communities and organizations capable of driving economic development in three priority areas: Job Creation and Economic Investment, Workforce Preparedness, and Agriculture. The impact goals are to foster economic growth and create opportunities in these specific sectors, ultimately benefiting the residents and businesses within the designated communities. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in projects that demonstrate a clear potential for strengthening the state's economy. Competitive projects are those that seek funds to develop new workforce training programs, implement career pathways in high schools for high-demand fields, extend infrastructure to enable industrial development and job creation, or support new crops, expand agricultural markets, and provide farmer training. These focuses reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these areas will lead to measurable economic improvements. While most awards are expected to be $200,000 or less, projects eligible for grants over $200,000 must demonstrate additional outcomes commensurate with the increased funding, result from multi-organizational planning with continued community engagement, build on a history of success to scale projects, be collaborative with innovative or regional features, leverage significant funding from other organizations, or be from applicants with limited resources where phased implementation would compromise outcomes. The expected outcomes are the creation of full-time jobs, enhanced workforce skills, improved agricultural practices, and overall economic revitalization in North Carolina.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations, as well as rural community colleges, that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education. The core mission of this program is to increase the overall capacity of these organizations and community colleges to address a wide array of rural development challenges. A key aspect of the fund's strategy is to help these entities establish new public/private partnerships, which are crucial for leveraging non-state sources of funding and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) serves as the administrative agency for this grant, managing applications and disbursing funds. The target beneficiaries of MAERDAF are rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges. These entities work with communities across Maryland's state-determined rural counties, including Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen rural Maryland through enhanced education, economic opportunities, and community development. By supporting organizations that directly serve these areas, MAERDAF aims to foster a more resilient and prosperous rural landscape. For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has outlined several key priority areas for applications. These include Agriculture & Forestry (Agricultural Education, Regional Food System Development, Forest Industry Development), Energy (Combined Heat Power, Energy Efficiency, Biomass), Rural Broadband (Rural Broadband Expansion Efforts, Digital Inclusion Programs), Youth Engagement & Leadership Development (Career Technology Centers, Youth Enrichment Programs), Economic Development (Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, Education & Workforce Development, Regional Marketing Efforts & Tourism Projects), and Community Development (Rural Transportation, Housing repairs, Housing counseling, Poverty Alleviation Efforts). These focus areas reflect the most pressing needs and strategic opportunities for rural growth and improvement in Maryland. The expected outcomes and measurable results from MAERDAF grants are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in rural areas. Projects are expected to contribute to the growth of agricultural and forestry sectors, increase energy efficiency, expand rural broadband access, and enhance youth engagement and leadership. In economic development, anticipated outcomes include the creation of entrepreneurship ecosystems, improved workforce development, and increased regional tourism. Community development efforts are designed to result in better rural transportation, improved housing conditions, and a reduction in poverty. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on these clear outcome areas indicates an expectation of measurable progress in each. MAERDAF's strategic priorities are deeply aligned with a theory of change that posits that by empowering and funding rural-serving organizations and community colleges, a ripple effect of positive development will occur. The funding, budgeted at $878,964 for Fiscal Year 2025 with a maximum grant amount of $45,000, is intended to build the capacity of these local entities. The encouragement of new public/private partnerships further demonstrates a belief that diversified funding and collaborative efforts are essential for long-term impact. The emphasis on a broad range of development areas reflects a holistic approach to rural well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, education, economy, and community health.

The Arc Fund, an initiative by CultureSource, is a $1.5 million grant program designed to support culture-workers of color in Southeast Michigan. Its core mission aligns with addressing historical disadvantages, underrepresentation, and oppression faced by these professionals due to their race. The fund aims to spur growth and provide opportunities for career advancement, contributing to a more equitable and vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in the region. The program specifically targets culture-workers of color living and working full-time in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in Southeast Michigan. Eligible beneficiaries include arts administrators, artists, arts organizers, curators, and arts programmers whose primary professional focus is advancing arts and culture in the region. The impact goal is to empower these individuals to make significant career leaps, fostering professional development and reducing financial or other obligations that limit their flexibility and growth. The Arc Fund prioritizes individuals prepared to invest in new skills, pursue novel artistic endeavors, or address financial burdens that hinder their career trajectory. It focuses on providing unrestricted awards, professional development experiences, and social networking opportunities. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to not only offer financial support but also to build capacity and community among culture-workers of color. The expected outcomes include the distribution of 74 unrestricted awards of $15,000 each, enabling recipients to fund various aspects of their professional growth. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of awards distributed, the engagement in professional development, and the overall career advancement reported by the awardees. While a formal theory of change is not explicitly detailed, the initiative implicitly operates on the theory that targeted financial support, skill-building, and networking will directly counter historical inequities, leading to significant career progression and a more inclusive cultural landscape.

The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Nevada Heritage Fellowship, offered by the Nevada Arts Council (NAC), is designed to recognize and honor tradition bearers in Nevada who have made significant contributions to the state's traditional arts heritage. This fellowship serves as an honorarium, providing financial support without specific spending restrictions, thereby promoting public awareness and appreciation for the role of traditional arts in society. The NAC's mission to support and elevate the arts aligns directly with this program's goal of preserving and celebrating Nevada's cultural heritage through its traditional art forms. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists who are current Nevada residents (for at least one year prior to application), U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and at least 21 years old. They must be actively practicing in their traditional art discipline and not currently enrolled as degree-seeking students. Artists who have previously received two or more fellowships from the Nevada Arts Council are ineligible. The primary impact goal is to acknowledge outstanding cultural and artistic accomplishments across a body of work, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for traditional arts within the community. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate excellence and significance within their tradition, as well as evidence of artistic impact or contribution to living cultural heritage. The review process is concealed, with applicants identified by number, and a panel adjudicates and scores applications based on these criteria. Each criterion—clear demonstration of the artist’s excellence, clear demonstration of the artists’ significance, and evidence of artistic impact or contribution—is weighted at 10 points. The expected outcome of the Nevada Heritage Fellowship is the recognition and financial support of deserving tradition bearers, which in turn helps to preserve and promote Nevada's rich cultural heritage. Measurable results include the number of fellowships awarded annually and the public awareness generated through the acknowledgment of these artists. The $5,000 award, requiring no match, directly supports these artists, allowing them to continue their work and contribute to the state's artistic landscape. The grant duration is one year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting Innovative Quality of Life Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Maximum funding amount for each grant is $25,000. MSCDD expects to fund five or more new grants. Deadline for the application is June 5, 2024 at noon. Eligibility and more details are stated in the application. Applications should address one or more of the following expected outcomes from the current state plan: Developing and Strengthening Self-Advocacy and Leadership Developing or Improving Approaches to Services and Systems Meeting Other Needs of People with Developmental Disabilities and Families Planning of the Future Care for Aging Adults with Developmental Disabilities

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants to support recycling infrastructure projects. EGLE's mission is to protect Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, with a focus on addressing climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This grant program aligns with EGLE's broader mission by directly contributing to environmental protection through improved waste management and resource recovery, thereby supporting a healthier and more sustainable Michigan. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide range of Michigan-based entities, such as non-profit organizations, tribal governments, school districts, universities/colleges, local health departments, regional planning agencies, cities, villages, townships, charter townships, counties, municipal solid waste authorities, and resource recovery authorities. The impact goals are to increase access to recycling services and grow the statewide recycling rate, ultimately contributing to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s climate priorities. This program aims to achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and benefit environmental justice communities or underserved and vulnerable populations. The program priorities include supporting initiatives with the largest projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume, access, and participation. Preference is given to programs with sustainable funding mechanisms, robust and continuing education programs, and applicants demonstrating strong collaboration and partnerships with other groups and organizations. Additionally, projects that leverage concurrent funding from other sources, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or various foundations and businesses, are highly valued. Projects that directly support Governor Whitmer’s climate change priorities through measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are also a key focus. Expected outcomes include a higher statewide recycling rate, increased access to recycling services across Michigan, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The measurable results will be evaluated by the projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume, participation rates, and the quantifiable environmental benefits, especially in environmental justice communities. The maximum funding request is $1 million, with a minimum of $5,000, for eligible projects such as the transition to recycling carts, public space recycling containers, new or improved processing infrastructure, school and multifamily recycling projects, and collection vehicles. Ineligible projects include organics/food waste, household hazardous waste, electronic waste, scrap tire recycling, and one-day collection events, which further refines the program's strategic priorities.

ETA intends to distribute WOTC backlog awards to 13 states with the most critical needs for adopting or modernizing information technology for processing of certification requests, and/or assistance in alleviating processing backlogs. Questions regarding this funding opportunity may be emailed to Rahel Bizuayene ([email protected]).

FY 2024 Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant

Change 2 to Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 06-23 conveys the remaining balance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 WOTC funding allotments for State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) based on appropriated funding. Questions regarding this funding opportunity may be emailed to Rahel Bizuayene ([email protected]).

The Career Readiness and Educational Access Grant Program, spearheaded by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, aims to bolster the economic well-being of residents within its 33-community region. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance economic wellness by enhancing access to education and effective career development. The program's core objective is to prepare local residents for family-supporting jobs through targeted career-related training, post-secondary education, and other educational initiatives, thereby fostering a stronger, more skilled workforce in North Central Massachusetts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of North Central Massachusetts who seek to improve their career prospects and access higher education. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing educational attainment and career readiness, ultimately leading to greater economic stability for individuals and families. By focusing on critical areas such as scholarship programs, career exploration, and work-based learning, the Foundation seeks to create clear pathways to career advancement and ensure that residents are equipped with the necessary skills for in-demand jobs. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include funding scholarship programs that directly foster career pathways, initiatives that promote career exploration, and robust career navigation support systems. Additionally, the grant supports work-based learning programs that provide practical experience and intermediaries that connect stakeholders to essential career advancement resources and services. These priorities collectively form a comprehensive strategy to address various facets of career development and educational access. Proposals for competitive grants under this program are expected to adhere to specific principles that underscore the Foundation's strategic approach. Applicants must demonstrate a clear capacity for achieving and sustaining long-term impact, ensuring that investments yield lasting benefits. A detailed plan of action with evidence of its likelihood to achieve intended outcomes is also required. Furthermore, proposals must include measurable objectives and outcomes, alongside a robust plan for monitoring progress, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to accountability and data-driven results. This framework ensures that funded initiatives are not only impactful but also contribute to the Foundation's overall theory of change, which posits that increased access to education and career development opportunities will directly lead to improved economic wellness for the community.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky's Shaping a Healthy and Inclusive Future Together (SHIFT) Grant Program aims to transform fragmented communities in Kentucky into inclusive environments for individuals engaging in substance use or experiencing chemical dependence. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to build a healthy, inclusive, and connected Kentucky by addressing the critical need for harm reduction and racial equity. The foundation seeks to foster a culture of acceptance and support, moving away from punitive approaches and integrating more compassionate, effective strategies into mainstream services. The SHIFT program targets community-based organizations that primarily serve under-resourced communities of color. These organizations must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through BIPOC leadership within their staff and board. A crucial eligibility criterion is that applicants must not mandate sobriety for individuals to receive services, emphasizing an inclusive approach. The primary impact goal is to shift communities towards greater inclusion and better support for individuals with substance use challenges, particularly those who have experienced systemic oppression due to the War on Drugs. The grant program prioritizes the integration of harm reduction programming into communities. This includes a variety of project examples such as distributing naloxone, safe use kits, syringe exchanges, and testing strips, as well as community organizing and advocacy that empower individuals with lived experiences. Stigma reduction trainings are also a focus, aimed at helping the public understand and articulate the importance of harm reduction models. Other priorities include developing coalitions of local businesses to provide harm reduction supplies, building partnerships with medication-assisted treatment providers, and integrating peer support professionals into staff positions. Expected outcomes of the grant program include the introduction of new harm reduction service modalities into mainstream services and the increased inclusion of people who use substances into these services. The program offers 10-15 grants, ranging from $10,000 for piloting new programming to $50,000 for supporting ongoing harm reduction and racial equity work. This funding structure supports both innovative new initiatives and the sustained growth of existing effective programs, demonstrating the foundation's strategic commitment to long-term impact and systemic change within Kentucky's communities.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES) Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2024. States should e-mail all submission questions to Janice Sheelor, Grants Management Specialist, at [email protected]. The email must reference the specific Funding Opportunity Number, and include a contact name, email address, and phone number.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is offering the Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program. This grant program is designed to fund projects that align with and support the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. The core mission is to enhance existing resources, tools, or methodologies, or to create new ones, all in furtherance of the REA's goals. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster innovation and practical advancements in recycling within New Jersey, reflecting a theory of change that posits that targeted research and development will lead to improved recycling practices and outcomes for the state. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are New Jersey institutions of higher education. These institutions may implement projects in conjunction with, or by subcontracting or partnering with, other entities as permitted by law. The primary impact goal is to support the objectives of the REA through various projects. This includes enhancing the capabilities of the higher education sector to contribute to environmental sustainability, specifically in waste management and recycling. The program aims to leverage academic expertise to generate solutions that have tangible benefits for the state's recycling infrastructure and policies. The grant prioritizes projects in several key areas: recycling demonstration, research, or education, including professional training. This focus allows for a broad range of initiatives, from practical applications and pilot programs to in-depth academic studies and workforce development. The expected outcomes include the development of new or improved resources, tools, and methodologies that directly contribute to the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. Measurable results could include, but are not limited to, new recycling technologies implemented, increased public or professional understanding of recycling best practices, and data-driven insights that inform future policy decisions. Approximately $1 million in grant funding has been allocated for this opportunity, with individual grant amounts ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Awardees and grant amounts will be determined based on the strength of the proposal, adherence to selection criteria, and the availability of funds. The grant is designed to cover personnel costs (salaries/fringe benefits), other direct costs such as supplies, printing, mailings, mileage, and contractual services, as well as indirect costs. Indirect, fringe benefits, or administrative costs should be estimated using an approved negotiated cost agreement, or a rate of 10% of modified total direct costs if such an agreement is not available. This structure ensures that funded projects are adequately resourced to achieve their stated objectives and contribute effectively to the REA.

The 2024-2025 Ag Conservation Research Grants program, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, aims to fund agricultural conservation research. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting natural resources within the state. The funding, made available through the Clean Streams Fund Nutrient Management federal ARPA funds, underscores a strategic priority to improve water quality and address nutrient management challenges. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are researchers and institutions capable of conducting agricultural conservation research within Pennsylvania. The program's impact goals are to generate actionable data and recommendations that can inform and improve agricultural conservation efforts. This includes identifying sources of pollution, quantifying the effectiveness of various practices, and developing new methods for environmental protection. The program prioritizes several research topic areas, including identifying nuisance emissions in the mushroom industry and their mitigation, quantifying emissions from the mushroom industry, and measuring the impact of best practices. It also focuses on quantifying the impact of Manure Treatment Technologies (MTT) on water quality and providing recommendations for their improved utilization. Furthermore, the program seeks to quantify the impact of precision feeding on nutrient reductions and the climate benefits of best management practices installed through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program and Conservation Excellence Grant programs (ACAP & CEG). Expected outcomes include the development of new and improved conservation practices, a better understanding of the environmental impacts of agricultural operations, and evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice. Measurable results will stem from the quantification of emissions, nutrient reductions, and climate impacts, as well as the evaluation of technologies and practices. The department intends to make up to $1,500,000 available for grants under the program, with research to be conducted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil 2024–2025 Emerging Writer Fellowship is a grant program designed to support early-career fiction writers based in New York City. The Center for Fiction's mission, though not explicitly detailed in its entirety, aligns with fostering literary talent and providing crucial support to emerging voices in fiction. This fellowship specifically addresses a critical need for developmental opportunities for writers who are at an early stage in their careers and have not yet received significant recognition or traditional publishing contracts. The program directly supports the literary arts and contributes to the cultural landscape of New York City by nurturing its writing community. The primary target beneficiaries of this fellowship are emerging fiction writers residing in any of the five boroughs of New York City. These individuals are defined as those who have not yet published a novel or short story collection with a major or independent publisher, nor are they currently under contract for such a work. While prior publication in magazines, literary journals, or online is acceptable, it is not a prerequisite. The impact goal is to empower these writers by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and exposure necessary to develop their craft, revise their manuscripts, and connect with industry professionals, thereby helping them achieve major recognition for their work. The program prioritizes supporting writers whose work demonstrates promise of excellence, focusing on those in the early stages of their careers who lack the support needed for significant recognition. Key focuses include providing financial relief through a $5,000 grant, offering professional editorial mentorship to refine manuscripts, and granting access to a dedicated Writers Studio. Furthermore, the fellowship emphasizes professional networking opportunities through monthly dinners with editors, authors, and agents, and public readings to build a writer's profile. Expected outcomes include the professional development of the fellows, marked by revised and improved manuscripts, expanded professional networks, and increased visibility within the literary community. Measurable results could include the number of fellows who secure publishing contracts post-fellowship, the quality of their revised manuscripts, the success of their public readings, and the overall trajectory of their careers as fiction writers. While the document does not explicitly state the foundation's full strategic priorities or theory of change, it implies a belief that direct financial support, professional guidance, dedicated writing space, and networking opportunities are crucial catalysts for emerging writers to overcome barriers to entry and achieve success in the competitive publishing world.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is offering its Mental Health Matters Grant Program, aiming to bolster mental health resources across Arizona. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance community health by addressing critical health needs, in this case, mental well-being. The program's core objective is to expand statewide resources, which includes increasing access to mental health services and support systems throughout all counties in Arizona. The grant program specifically targets non-profit organizations and academic institutions that are working to improve mental health outcomes. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it easier for individuals to seek and receive necessary care. By connecting people to care that promotes positive mental health, the Foundation seeks to save lives and improve the overall well-being of Arizona residents. The program prioritizes mental health competitive grants, with individual awards up to $125,000. These funds are intended to support direct project-related expenses. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion of funding for lobbying, capital expenditures (such as buildings, construction, or renovations), and services that are otherwise billable. This focus ensures that the grant money is directly applied to program implementation and service delivery, maximizing its impact on mental health initiatives. The expected outcomes of the Mental Health Matters Grant Program include an increase in available mental health resources, a measurable reduction in mental health stigma, and a greater number of individuals successfully connected to mental health care services. The project period for these grants is from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a focused year of activity. This clear timeline and funding structure reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in direct mental health support and anti-stigma efforts will lead to improved community mental health and healthier lives for Arizona citizens.

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."

The Spartanburg County Foundation offers Continuous Improvement Grants of up to $25,000, aligning with its vision to help all Spartanburg County residents achieve their human potential. These grants focus on three amplified areas: quality of life, educational achievement, and economic mobility. The Foundation's strategic priority is to support organizations that demonstrate alignment with this mission, provide services to Spartanburg County residents, respond to these three areas with data-informed approaches, utilize comprehensive measurement tools, and can leverage multiple funding sources. The target beneficiaries are residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Impact goals include improving overall well-being, reducing barriers to academic success, and enhancing potential for upward economic mobility within the community. The theory of change is that by supporting initiatives in these key areas, the Foundation can foster a community where residents have access to opportunities for personal and economic growth. The grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, such as community and cultural programs, activities promoting physical and mental health, and resources for household stability. Examples include accessible outdoor spaces, care for uninsured individuals, Spanish-speaking staff for diverse populations, mobile food markets, and assistance with housing and utilities. The expected outcomes in this area are improved physical and mental health, increased community engagement, and greater household stability for residents. Educational achievement is another key focus, aiming to reduce academic barriers and improve educational outcomes for K-12 students, provide access to post-secondary education and careers, and support return-to-learn adults. This includes mentoring, out-of-school programs, summer learning initiatives, internships, and access to GED completion, internet, and academic materials. Measurable results would include increased academic success rates, higher rates of post-secondary enrollment, and greater access to educational resources for all ages. Economic mobility initiatives are designed to improve financial self-sufficiency, promote asset building, and ensure access to affordable transportation. This involves supporting job training and certification, job search and placement services, financial coaching, small and minority business development, homeownership assistance, and programs to supplement or provide transportation in rural areas. The expected outcomes are increased financial stability, asset accumulation, and improved access to employment opportunities for Spartanburg County residents. The grant duration for all projects is one year.

The Trans Resilience Fund, a grant program of Gender Justice Fund, aims to bolster regional trans communities through a participatory grantmaking process. While the Gender Justice Fund's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the Trans Resilience Fund's focus on supporting trans communities directly aligns with a mission of promoting gender justice and equity. This initiative is a pooled fund, supported by several external funding partners, including the Claneil Foundation, Collective Future Fund, Homeless Assistance Fund, Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and Valentine Foundation for 2024. The collaborative nature of this funding mechanism suggests a strategic priority of collective impact and shared responsibility in addressing the needs of trans individuals. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are trans communities, with specific prioritization given to groups working in Philadelphia, those serving BIPOC trans communities, groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership, and organizations serving trans youth, disabled, and/or elderly trans individuals. The impact goal is to provide crucial financial and service-based support to these communities. For instance, smaller organizations exclusively serving trans communities can use funds for direct financial support (food, cash, transportation, medical, housing, utility costs), service provision, organizing, advocacy, and general operating support. This broad range of uses indicates a holistic approach to supporting the well-being and empowerment of trans individuals and groups. The grantmaking committee, comprised of trans and non-binary community members, sets the guidelines and makes funding decisions, embodying a strategic priority of community-led development and self-determination. This participatory approach ensures that funding decisions are informed by the lived experiences and most pressing needs of the target beneficiaries. Organizations with budgets under $250,000, even those not exclusively serving trans communities, can apply for funds for direct financial support, service provision, organizing, and advocacy, while larger organizations (over $250,000 budget) are limited to direct financial support for trans individuals, with 10% of the grant usable for administrative costs. This differentiated approach reflects a strategic awareness of organizational capacity and impact potential across various scales. Expected outcomes include improved health and safety for trans individuals through direct financial assistance, enhanced community support through services, and greater advocacy for trans rights and needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the program's focus on tangible support (e.g., covering medical, housing, or utility costs) and organizational activities (e.g., organizing and advocacy) suggests that success would be measured by the reach and effectiveness of these interventions. The program's theory of change appears to be that by empowering trans and non-binary community members to lead the grantmaking process and by providing flexible funding to a diverse range of organizations, significant positive change can be achieved within trans communities, particularly for those facing compounded vulnerabilities due to race, age, or disability.