Employment Labor and Training Grants

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is offering a grant to establish a hub for Early Head Start (EHS) supports and services. This initiative aligns with OSSE's Start Early strategic priority and aims to meet Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and achieve QIN program goals. The grant seeks organizations, institutions, and agencies with the capacity to provide comprehensive EHS services. The purpose of the QIN hub grant is to deliver high-quality and comprehensive services to participating QIN child care partners (CCPs), encompassing eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance (ERSEA), early education and child development, health, family engagement, and disabilities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are EHS-eligible children, families, and CCPs across all Wards of the District. The hub model can be implemented through child development centers, child development homes/expanded child development homes, or a combination of both. The impact goals include ensuring access to high-quality early childhood education and development, promoting family engagement, and providing necessary support for children with disabilities. The program prioritizes delivering services directly or through contractual agreements, ensuring a District-wide reach for EHS services. The grant focuses on several key areas, including early childhood education, EHS, financial management, quality assurance, and ongoing monitoring of program deliverables. Eligible applicants, including non-profits, for-profits, and faith-based organizations, must demonstrate expertise and previous experience in providing supports related to education and child development, health, family engagement, transition services, disability services, program management, quality improvement, and human resources within the District’s early care and education system. Successful applicants must also have a track record of serving EHS-eligible children, families, and CCPs in Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and the capacity to leverage community partnerships, establish collaborative relationships, provide technical assistance, and support underserved populations. Expected outcomes include improved child development and health outcomes for EHS-eligible children, enhanced family engagement in their children's education, and a strengthened early care and education system within the District. Measurable results will be tied to the successful implementation of ERSEA, delivery of comprehensive services, and the effectiveness of training and technical assistance provided to CCPs. The program also expects to see increased capacity among child development centers and homes to meet HSPPS. This grant represents OSSE's strategic priority to "Start Early" by investing in foundational early childhood programs, with the theory of change being that comprehensive and high-quality EHS services delivered through a well-supported hub will lead to long-term positive developmental outcomes for children and families.

The Gaston Community Foundation's 2024 Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants program is a direct manifestation of its mission to improve the quality of life in Gaston County. This program honors Harold Townsend Sumner's conviction that independent charitable organizations, through collaborative efforts, are crucial for community betterment. By earmarking funds for the professional development of key staff members within these organizations, the Foundation ensures a lasting tribute to Mr. Sumner's vision and reinforces its own commitment to supporting the vital work of local non-profits. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the Foundation's broader strategic goal of fostering a vibrant and capable non-profit sector in the county. The grants specifically target independent charitable, cultural, or educational organizations within Gaston County. The primary beneficiaries are key professional staff members within these organizations who have at least one year of service, enabling them to pursue special professional training or educational opportunities. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the skills and capabilities of these individuals, which in turn strengthens the nominating organizations and ultimately improves the quality of life for residents of Gaston County. This program acts as a strategic investment in human capital within the non-profit sector, recognizing that skilled professionals are essential for effective community programs. A key priority for this grant program is training that is local or in-state, emphasizing a commitment to regional development and capacity building. The maximum amount awarded in this year will be $5,000, which the Foundation may distribute as one or more grants. Preference is given to training that directly benefits community programs. Importantly, governmental agencies, churches, and private schools are generally not eligible unless the individual applicant's duties are solely focused on community programs, rather than internal church or school activities. This reflects Mr. Sumner's belief in distinct funding sources for public charities versus other institutions. The expected outcomes of the Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grants include a more highly trained and effective non-profit workforce in Gaston County, leading to enhanced services and programs offered by these organizations. Measurable results will be based on the non-profit staff member’s professional record and the potential for positive outcomes that directly benefit the nominating organization. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in the professional growth of individuals within the non-profit sector, it can catalyze improved organizational performance and, consequently, a higher quality of life across the county. This program serves as a tangible mechanism for the Foundation to implement its strategic priorities and achieve its community impact objectives.

The Ulster County Food Security and Resilience Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Ulster County and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to address food insecurity within Ulster County, New York. This program aligns with the findings of the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN) Report, indicating a shared commitment to improving food access and resilience in the region. The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley acts as the donor, facilitating the distribution of funds to eligible organizations. The grant program targets tax-exempt organizations, including faith-based organizations, that are either located in or provide services to Ulster County. These organizations must have operated as a nonprofit for at least one year with 501(c)(3) status or have an established fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and communities within Ulster County experiencing food insecurity, particularly in critical geographic areas with limited provider access. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and resilience across the county. Funding priorities and focuses include proposals that effectively address food insecurity, leverage existing resources, expand emergency food services, and increase the capacity to collect, store, distribute, and provide food to those in need through equipment or personnel. A key focus is also on ensuring the sustainability of organizations working on food insecurity and supporting those operating in underserved areas. The grant program seeks to support "change-oriented" programs that address root causes rather than just immediate needs, aligning with a strategic approach to long-term community impact. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in food insecurity, improved access to emergency food services, increased capacity within food assistance organizations, and enhanced sustainability for these providers. The review criteria emphasize the quality of the program/project, the organization's capacity and stability, the clarity and realism of the budget, and the potential for significant impact and measurable results. Organizations are expected to have viable evaluation plans to demonstrate the likelihood of successfully measuring their impact, ensuring accountability and effective resource utilization.

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from eligible non-profit organizations, local and state government agencies, private sector firms, and institutions of higher education to provide quality training and counseling to veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs. A key component of this Funding Opportunity is for applicants to provide training to transitioning military personnel and spouses through the Boots to Business (B2B) Training Program, and to veterans and military spouses through the Reboot and Military Spouse Pathway to Business Training Programs. Additionally, applicants will provide counseling, training, technical and financial skill development, comprehensive business assessments and mentoring services to veteran, active duty, Reserve, National Guard, military spouse and family member entrepreneurs, and small business owners interested in starting, expanding and diversifying small businesses. This Funding Opportunity is subject to the availability of funding.

The Agrivoltaics Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), is designed to foster innovation and research within the agrivoltaics industry. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to support agricultural producers and advance Colorado's renewable energy transition. The program seeks to integrate solar energy production with agricultural practices, aiming to create mutually beneficial outcomes for both sectors. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text specifies the "Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA)" as the donor. Therefore, the alignment is with the CDA's objectives for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, rather than an external foundation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse and include tribal or local governments, colleges and universities, other research organizations, energy providers (electric cooperatives, utilities), 501(c)3s, for-profit entities, and individual farmers and ranchers. The impact goals are centered on understanding and demonstrating the potential benefits and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics in Colorado, contributing to both the state's agricultural economy and its renewable energy targets. The program aims to encourage innovative projects that can directly contribute to these goals. The program prioritizes and focuses on several key areas, including the construction and expansion of agrivoltaics systems and demonstration projects, research projects aimed at understanding the benefits, incremental costs, and tradeoffs of such systems, and outreach and communication campaigns to disseminate information about agrivoltaics benefits and obstacles. The grant encourages a comprehensive approach to agrivoltaics, from practical implementation to scientific inquiry and public education. Up to $500,000 is available for projects that study the potential, benefits, and tradeoffs, with a maximum grant award of $249,000 for a single project application. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of innovative agrivoltaics projects, the generation of research findings that deepen the understanding of agrivoltaics' viability and impact, and increased awareness and adoption of agrivoltaics practices among the target audience. Eligible expenses are directly tied to these outcomes, covering salaries, travel, direct costs like construction and research supplies, equipment, marketing, permitting, project assessments, and contractor payments, with indirect costs capped at 5% of the grant award. The program's success will ultimately be measured by its contribution to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector and a stronger renewable energy infrastructure in Colorado.

The Community Impact Fund is the competitive grantmaking process of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations. This fund aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the Texas Hill Country by investing in critical areas. It offers both general operating support for administrative and organizational needs, and program support for specific initiatives, with requests not exceeding $15,000. The fund targets residents within ten specific Texas Hill Country counties: Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Real, and Uvalde. The primary impact goal is to address key community needs and foster development across four focus areas: Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Environment, and Youth Development, ultimately improving the quality of life for the region's diverse population. The Community Impact Fund's priorities are clearly defined within its four focus areas. In Arts & Culture, it supports organizations that present, produce, or provide arts programming, as well as those preserving the Hill Country's history and culture. Basic Needs addresses hunger, poverty, literacy, neglect, family violence, lack of medical care, homelessness, and the needs of seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities or chronic illness, and animal welfare. The Environment focus supports stewardship and education, with priorities including nature education, conservation, land stewardship, wildlife protection, recycling, and maintaining dark skies. Youth Development aims to support children and youth from birth through age 21, fostering their growth and well-being. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the fund's theory of change. For Arts & Culture, grantees will report on audience participation and demonstrate efforts to reach diverse audiences. Basic Needs grantees will track the number of unduplicated residents served and document collaborative efforts. Environment grantees will measure unduplicated residents served, acres or geographical areas affected, and economic and environmental impact where appropriate. Youth Development grantees will report on the number of unduplicated children and youth served, the quality of safe environments, and levels of youth interaction and engagement. These metrics ensure accountability and demonstrate the tangible impact of the grants, reinforcing the foundation's strategic priorities for community improvement.

The Hadassah Foundation is inviting grant proposals from organizations dedicated to strengthening the leadership capacity and role of self-identifying women and girls within the U.S. Jewish community. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to empower this demographic, especially in a time marked by increased antisemitism, social and political polarization, and the erosion of policies that disproportionately affect women and girls. The program seeks to foster leadership that can address these pressing challenges. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are self-identifying women and girls in the U.S. Jewish community. The impact goals are to empower these individuals with education and tools to navigate conflict and bias, and to strengthen networks that promote widespread change and policy advocacy. The Foundation is particularly interested in advancing leadership that equips women and girls to influence and guide others in these areas, or to build robust communities and networks for collective action. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on gender equity and community building within the Jewish context. Organizations applying for general operating funding must demonstrate a gender lens throughout their work, ensuring all efforts advance gender equity. The theory of change suggests that by investing in the leadership development of Jewish women and girls, the Foundation can contribute to a more resilient, equitable, and influential Jewish community capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges. Grants of $80,000, distributed over three years, will be awarded for unrestricted or program support. The funding structure includes payments of $30,000 in December 2024 (Year 1), $30,000 in December 2025 (Year 2), and $20,000 in December 2026 (Year 3), with the grant cycle concluding in December 2027. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant amount and duration, the expected outcomes involve enhanced leadership capacity, greater influence in addressing conflict and bias, and stronger networks promoting advocacy and change among the target population.

The Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona is offering Innovative Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to tax-exempt organizations and government entities, aiming to fund projects that promote community health and wellness through innovative solutions and collaborations, with a focus on addressing various aspects of community wellbeing and resilience.

The City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture's 2024-25 Artists at the Center Grant program aims to fund individual artists, groups, and organizations for pop-up performances at Seattle Center between October 2024 and September 2025. This initiative is designed to support vibrant arts communities by introducing emerging and established artists to a revitalized Seattle Center campus, while broadening arts and cultural experiences in the Uptown Arts & Cultural District. The program's mission aligns with fostering cultural diversity and providing unique performance opportunities for artists. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists, groups, and community-based organizations located in or regularly presenting work in Seattle. The program targets a diverse range of artistic genres, including music, dance, theater, demonstrations, and multi-disciplinary work. The impact goals include providing artists with technical production support, connecting them with new audiences, and offering a platform to showcase their talents, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape for visitors to the Seattle Center campus and surrounding neighborhood. The program prioritizes performances that are free and open to the public, last 90 minutes or less, and have event insurance. Eligible applicants must have a Federal Tax ID number and be based in Seattle or have active programming within the city. Groups are not required to be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or use a fiscal sponsor. A key focus is on ensuring a diverse representation of artists that reflect the city's cultural makeup. Awardees from the 2023-2024 season are not eligible for the 2024-2025 season, encouraging new participation. Expected outcomes include increased public access to diverse artistic performances at Seattle Center, enhanced visibility and opportunities for local artists, and a more vibrant and engaging cultural district. Measurable results will likely involve the number of performances staged, the number of artists and groups supported, and the engagement of new audiences. The funding levels, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 based on artist/group size and scope complexity, along with in-kind production support, demonstrate a strategic approach to resource allocation that aims to maximize artistic output and reach within the community.

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) is offering a grant program aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of the dental workforce within the District. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of enhancing public health by addressing critical shortages in dental care, particularly in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). By strengthening the dental workforce, DC Health seeks to ensure greater access to oral health services for all residents, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are dental professionals practicing or intending to practice in dental HPSAs. The impact goals are to alleviate the shortage of dental workers, reduce burnout among existing staff, and create more stable and effective dental care environments. The grant prioritizes the implementation or development of targeted training programs, the creation of initiatives to address organizational gaps impacting oral health workforce retention, and other strategies designed to combat burnout within the dental field. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of dental professionals working in HPSAs, a reduction in staff turnover rates, and the establishment of sustainable and scalable approaches to meet the needs of dental organizations. Measurable results will likely involve tracking recruitment numbers, retention rates, and the successful implementation of new programs aimed at improving workforce stability. The goal is to identify and address the drivers of administrative and clinical support staff retention, ensuring a robust and resilient oral health workforce. The funding available for this project is substantial, with an anticipated amount of $80,000, and individual awards ranging from $60,000 to $80,000. The project period is set to begin on August 1, 2024, and conclude on July 31, 2025. Eligibility is extended to Federally Qualified Health Centers and dental clinics currently providing care in dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. This strategic investment reflects DC Health's commitment to a theory of change that posits by directly supporting the dental workforce, the District can achieve significant improvements in oral health equity and access.

The Junior League of Detroit is offering Community Assistance Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to tax-exempt organizations in Wayne County, Michigan, that aim to improve children's health and welfare, particularly through programs addressing food insecurity, with a focus on education, nutrition, and accessibility.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Alabama RC&D Grants program focuses on enhancing human and natural resources to improve the quality of life for citizens across all counties in Alabama. This initiative, supported by the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with funding information specifying awards between $5,000.00 and $25,000.00. The program aims to align with a mission of fostering community well-being through strategic project investments. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are local Alabama citizens, with a broad impact goal of improving their overall quality of life. The program achieves this by supporting projects in various key areas, including natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, tourism, and economic development. These projects are intended to create tangible benefits that directly address community needs and promote sustainable growth. The program's priorities for FY 2024-2025 are structured into three main categories: General Funds, Education Funds, and Workforce/Community Training. General Funds prioritize projects related to natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, and tourism and economic development. Education Funds focus on K-12 outdoor education, education benefiting small farmers and community gardens, and K-12 technology. Workforce/Community Training emphasizes projects covering multiple council regions, with a preference for those submitted by RC&D councils or partnering organizations. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural environments, improved community infrastructure, stimulated local economies, and increased educational opportunities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the broad impact goals, the focus on distinct project categories suggests that success will be measured by the successful implementation and observable benefits within these areas. Eligibility requires applicants to be registered 501c3 non-profits or governmental units/sub-units, ensuring that funded projects are implemented by established and accountable entities. The program has clear restrictions, disallowing funding for operational/administration phases, salaries, endowment campaigns, religious purposes, individuals, development/public relations activities, land/property purchases, or post-event situations. These restrictions help ensure that grant funds are directed towards new, impactful projects rather than ongoing operational costs or activities outside the program's core mission. This strategic allocation of resources reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted project funding in these key areas will lead to a better quality of life for Alabama citizens.

The Community Foundation of White County is offering Mental Wellness Grants to support innovative approaches to community problems, unexpected opportunities, and collaborative projects. The Foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, aligns with improving the well-being of the White County community by focusing on mental health initiatives. This aligns with a strategic priority to foster a healthier community through targeted funding. The target beneficiaries of these grants are residents of White County, with a particular emphasis on youth, parents, and youth workers through education and training. The impact goals are to expand access to mental health services, reduce the stigma around mental health, build protective factors, especially in youth, and provide evidence-based programs that impact mental wellness. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate collaboration among agencies and reach as many people as possible, while also improving the ability of the organization to serve the community over the long term. These priorities reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investments in collaborative and far-reaching mental wellness initiatives will lead to sustained community-wide improvements in mental health. Expected outcomes include a more accessible and destigmatized mental health landscape in White County, with increased protective factors among youth. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "reach as many people as possible" and "improve the ability of the organization," successful applications will likely need to articulate their own clear metrics to demonstrate impact in line with the Foundation's interests. A total of $50,000 is available for the 2024 grants, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) is offering its 2025 grant program, aligning with its mission to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities serving Carroll County, Grayson County, and the City of Galax in Virginia. The foundation aims to promote and improve the health of citizens by addressing unmet needs, supporting health education, and funding programs geared toward improving and/or reducing illness and disease. This program offers three funding opportunities: Project-Based, Capacity Building, and Capital Needs applications. Target beneficiaries for these grants are the citizens of Carroll and Grayson Counties and the City of Galax, particularly those with unmet healthcare needs, those affected by obesity, health and nutritional issues, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. The impact goals include improving overall community health, strengthening organizations serving these areas, and fostering new projects that address critical needs not traditionally covered by other funding sources. The TCCF prioritizes projects that meet specific health-related needs such as unmet healthcare needs, obesity, health and nutritional issues, mental health, health education, substance abuse prevention, and environmental health. Additionally, the Board places importance on projects accompanied by matching funds, those with minimal administrative overhead (preferring support for direct staff positions over administrative roles), and those that are not recurring unless absolutely necessary. A key strategic priority is to encourage new and innovative projects. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in community health indicators, stronger and more sustainable non-profit organizations, increased access to vital services, and the development of new programs addressing identified health disparities. For example, Project-Based Grants require clear demonstrations of community need, measurable outcomes, and activities designed to meet those needs. Capacity Building Grants aim to strengthen organizational skills, abilities, processes, and resources, leading to more viable and impactful organizations. The TCCF's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in these key areas and supporting robust, efficient organizations, they can effectively contribute to a healthier and more resilient Twin County community.

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster nonprofits within the Chamber's five-county operational area. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by strategically investing in organizations that are vital to the community's progress in education, leadership, economic opportunity, and self-sufficiency. The fund specifically targets areas that address critical societal needs, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful and sustainable change within the region. The program's core focus areas are Education and Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development. In education, the fund prioritizes innovative programs designed to help low-income and at-risk students succeed academically, prepare for higher education, or enter the workforce. Key impact goals include reaching a broad student population, fostering community resource collaboration, promoting curriculum innovation, and supporting scalable models. The expected outcomes are improved academic achievement, increased access to post-secondary education or employment, and the development of replicable successful educational initiatives. For Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development, the fund supports nonprofits that drive economic growth. This includes initiatives for small business development and expansion, commercial revitalization, job creation, work-entry programs, specialized skills training, and transportation solutions. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more robust local economy and creating pathways to self-sufficiency for community members. Measurable results would include an increase in new businesses, job placements, individuals completing skills training, and improved access to employment opportunities. The eligibility criteria for applicants reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, requiring tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3, public charity status under Section 509, and registration with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. This ensures that funds are distributed to credible and well-governed organizations. The geographic scope, encompassing numerous municipalities within the Chamber's area, highlights a theory of change that local, targeted investments in key sectors will lead to broad community development and improved quality of life across the region. The one-year grant duration encourages focused, impactful projects with clear objectives within that timeframe.

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

The 2024 Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program, offered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, aims to increase the promotion and use of New York State produced foods in K-12 school cafeterias. This initiative seeks to build relationships between New York farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors with schools, ultimately benefiting school-age children by enhancing the quality of food served and fostering local agricultural connections. The program aligns with a broader mission of improving nutrition, exposing students to new, local culinary experiences, and increasing agricultural education opportunities. Target beneficiaries for this program include K-12 School Food Authorities, charter schools, not-for-profit organizations, and Indian tribal organizations within New York State. The impact goals are centered on increasing the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools and served in school meal programs. Secondary goals include fostering agricultural education and improving student nutrition through exposure to local foods. The program prioritizes projects that increase the purchase of New York specialty crops, build relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers, and encourage agricultural and nutrition education, gardening activities, and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged, highlighting a focus on strengthening the entire farm-to-school supply chain. Challenges addressed by the program include seasonality, inconsistent quality/quantity, processing/packaging needs, complex bidding processes, distribution logistics, lack of equipment/skills for fresh produce, connecting diverse populations with culturally appropriate foods, and insufficient training for culinary staff. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the increased procurement and serving of New York State farm products in school meal programs. The program, which has been in place since 2015, anticipates that successful projects will demonstrate a greater integration of local foods into school meals. While specific metrics are not detailed, the objective to "increase the volume and variety" implies a quantitative measure of growth in local food purchasing. The total funding available is $1,500,000, with individual grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, and $300,000 set aside for first-time recipients, indicating a strategic effort to expand participation and impact over the two-year project duration (September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026).

The Strengthening the Sector grants program, offered by The Music Man Foundation, is designed to provide initiative-based support to organizations that are actively catalyzing systemic change at the policy level. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by focusing on efforts that reflect music within the organization's activities, underscoring a commitment to arts and community vitality. The foundation seeks to empower non-profit organizations that have a proven track record of mission-aligned programming and have sustained at least one paid employee since March 2023. This strategic focus ensures that the grants support established entities capable of driving significant and lasting change. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit organizations that are actively engaged in music-related efforts and operate with a service jurisdiction that includes Los Angeles County, the state of California, or the entire United States. However, it's crucial that programs not focused on California will not be eligible, highlighting a specific geographical priority for the foundation's impact. The primary impact goal is to foster systemic change at the policy level within the arts and community vitality sectors, with a particular emphasis on music's role. The foundation aims to support initiatives that lead to sustainable impacts and demonstrate a clear understanding of the systems they seek to influence. The program prioritizes initiatives that involve advocacy training and tools to build capacity for individuals to proactively influence issues impacting arts and community vitality. Additionally, it focuses on research collection and action plans designed at a scale that can impact policy and field-wide practices. Key focuses include demonstrating accomplishments in systems change, a clear connection between initiatives and systemic change, and a well-defined vision for future intentions. Music must be a primary component of the initiative's efforts, and strategic collaborations or partnerships that reflect intentional efforts to influence system dynamics are highly valued. Expected outcomes include organizations achieving demonstrable accomplishments in systems change and creating sustainable impacts through their programming. Grant recipients are expected to have a clear understanding of the system they aim to impact and be well-positioned to drive that change. Measurable results will stem from the organization's capacity to identify and track progress towards key milestones, both for the organization itself and for the broader system it is impacting. The Music Man Foundation's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in fostering policy-level systemic change, leveraging music as a core element, and supporting organizations with a strong capacity for execution and a clear theory of change that links their initiatives to tangible, lasting impacts.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund (WCCF), administered by The Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants to address various charitable needs throughout Vermont. Its mission aligns with the Foundation's goal of supporting communities by focusing on key areas like the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. A significant aspect of the WCCF's strategic priority is to support initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations within these focus areas. The fund also prioritizes proposals that foster cooperation, collaboration, and community building, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes collective impact for broader community benefit. The WCCF aims to benefit organizations serving either a statewide constituency with a unique contribution to Vermont, or those located in or serving the populations of Addison County or Brandon. Approximately 70% of available funds are allocated to programs and projects in/or serving the Addison County/Brandon area, with the remaining 30% supporting statewide initiatives. This targeted approach seeks to achieve impact goals of strengthening local communities while also addressing broader state-level needs. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to arts, improved educational opportunities, preserved historical sites, and strengthened social services, particularly for underserved groups. The fund offers both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $25,000) grant requests. Small grants can be used for program/project support or general operating support, while large grants are strictly for program/project-specific initiatives and are reserved for organizations serving Addison County or Brandon. This structured approach to grant sizing and scope allows for both flexible support for smaller, local needs and more substantial, focused investments in specific projects with measurable results in the designated areas. The WCCF typically will not fund an entire project, preferring projects that demonstrate support from a variety of sources, which encourages broader community investment and sustainability. Eligibility for WCCF grants requires organizations to be located in or serve the people of Vermont, and to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public agency or municipality in Vermont. Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation maintains a strict non-discrimination policy based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, and physical or mental ability, ensuring that its funding initiatives are inclusive and equitable. This commitment to non-discrimination reflects a core strategic priority to foster an inclusive Vermont where all individuals have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from community programs.