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The Nexus Grant, offered by the City of Austin, is designed to support new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses in producing creative public projects. With an award of $5,000, the program aims to nurture the creative community by funding activities that enrich the city and its tourists through community-centered arts and collaboration. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural vibrancy and accessibility within Austin. The primary beneficiaries of the Nexus Grant are new and emerging applicants within the creative community, including artists, culturally specific groups, LGBTQIA and disability communities, nonprofits, and social advocacy organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting creative public activities, encouraging community engagement, and promoting cultural collaboration. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to strengthen Austin's artistic landscape and provide diverse cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. The program prioritizes applicants who represent, serve, and are accountable to communities at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin, and those that have been historically marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This includes communities such as Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. Additionally, priority is given to applicants who have not received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years, emphasizing support for truly emerging entities. Eligible activities for funding include exhibitions, performances, workshops with a performance or exhibition component, and public art projects accessible to the public. Grant funds can cover various expenses such as administrative and artist payments, space and equipment rentals, supplies, marketing, insurance, and fiscal sponsor fees. The expected outcomes are the successful production of these creative public projects, increased community engagement in the arts, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices within Austin's cultural sector. Measurable results would include the number and type of projects produced, audience reach, and the diversity of communities served, contributing to the city's strategic priorities of cultural equity and inclusion.

The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Tucson, and Pima County, is offering operating support grants for arts and culture organizations. These grants are part of a 3-year initiative designed to equitably rebuild arts economies in the borderlands and strengthen civic participation. The foundation's mission aligns with this program by stewarding local, regional, and federal funds to achieve these goals, thereby investing in the Southern Arizona arts economy. The target beneficiaries for this program are arts and culture organizations that are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or charitable arts organizations in good standing with the IRS, or federally recognized Indian tribal governments. Pima County arts organizations may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries must reside and provide services in counties and regions south of the Gila River, including Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, and southern portions of Pinal, Yuma, Greenlee, Graham, and Maricopa counties, and/or Native Sovereign Nations. The primary mission of these organizations must explicitly be to produce, present, teach, serve, or preserve through arts and culture, with over 51% of their programming and budget dedicated to the arts. The program focuses on two key impact goals: restoring/creating jobs and incentivizing arts & civic engagement. To achieve this, the grants will invest in Southern Arizona’s arts economy. Eligible expenses for Pima County Arts Organizations include operational expenses, while Southern Arizona 501(c)3 Arts Organizations can request funds for artist fees, contracts, or employment. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with specific funding information indicating $5,000 to $10,000 for eligible expenses, and a funding period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the creation and restoration of jobs within the arts sector and an increase in arts and civic engagement across Southern Arizona. Grantees are required to submit a final report 30 days after the end of the funding period, documenting expenses and providing a brief description of programming. They must also comply with all National Policies, including a Section 504 Self-Assessment, and appoint a Section 504 staff coordinator, ensuring accountability and adherence to program objectives.

The Youth Opioid Prevention Grant Program (YOPGP) in Oregon City is dedicated to preventing opioid misuse and reducing overdose deaths among young people through evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies. The program aligns with a mission to improve the community's overall quality of life by investing directly in youth-focused initiatives. It seeks to create a healthier environment for young individuals by addressing the critical issue of opioid-related harms. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the youth within the Oregon City community. The impact goals are twofold: to discourage or prevent the misuse of opioids and to prevent or reduce overdose deaths and other opioid-related harms. This is achieved by focusing on comprehensive prevention efforts and harm reduction strategies specifically tailored for young people, aiming to foster a safer and more resilient youth population. The program prioritizes two main areas: preventing opioid misuse and preventing overdose deaths and other harms. Under misuse prevention, strategies include media campaigns, corrective advertising, drug take-back programs, and evidence-based prevention in schools and communities. It also emphasizes addressing mental health needs of young people at risk of misusing opioids, including emotional modulation, resilience skills, and increased access to mental health services through schools and behavioral health workers. For harm reduction, the focus is on increasing the availability and distribution of naloxone and other overdose-treating drugs, alongside training and education for various community members and organizations. The expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in youth opioid misuse and a reduction in overdose deaths and other opioid-related harms in Oregon City. The program anticipates improved community well-being and a more informed and resilient youth population capable of making healthier choices. The strategic approach is rooted in a theory of change that posits that by implementing evidence-based prevention and harm reduction programs, providing mental health support, and increasing access to life-saving resources, the incidence of opioid misuse and its associated negative consequences among youth will significantly decline. The funding for the YOPGP comes from the Oregon City Budget Committee, which earmarks $40,000 annually. The City plans to distribute up to $40,000 in awards each year, with individual grants capped at $20,000 for a one-year duration (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, schools or institutions of higher learning, and local government advisory committees, departments, or coalitions. Projects must not involve major capital improvements, promote or inhibit religion, discriminate, or replace existing funding sources.

The GRC Bush Prize: Native Nations is an annual grant program designed to celebrate Native-led organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This initiative seeks to recognize and support organizations with a proven track record of successfully addressing community challenges. The Giving Relatives Collaborative (GRC) aligns its mission with fostering innovation and community-powered solutions, providing flexible, general operating funds to support the ongoing work of these highly-valued Native-led entities. The target beneficiaries are Native-led organizations based in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or one of the 23 Native Nations within that geography. To be eligible, organizations must be legally incorporated with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status, or have a fiscal sponsor. A key criterion is that at least 60% of board members and senior leadership/ED must identify as Native. The program aims to empower these organizations to continue their vital work in Native communities. The program prioritizes organizations that support a culture of innovation and have a history of building creative, community-powered solutions. The grant provides flexible, general operating funds, allowing recipients to use the money in the way that best suits their needs, thereby directly supporting their ongoing good work. This approach reflects a strategic priority of providing adaptable resources that enable organizations to achieve their specific goals. Expected outcomes include strengthening Native-led organizations and enhancing their capacity to address community problems. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant amount (up to 25% of the organization’s last fiscal year expenses, with a maximum of $500,000), the overall impact goal is to foster sustained community problem-solving and innovation within Native communities. The GRC's theory of change appears to center on providing substantial, unrestricted funding to established Native-led organizations, trusting them to effectively utilize these resources to achieve positive and lasting change.

The City of Tustin, through its Tustin Cares program, is offering the Main Street Digital Training and Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC). This initiative aims to provide training and funding to local retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits, collectively referred to as "Businesses," that are looking to enhance their social media presence and/or increase revenue. This program aligns with a broader mission of supporting local economic growth and resilience, particularly for entities impacted by external factors such as COVID-19, as indicated by the allowance for businesses not in good standing due to pandemic-related issues. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. These entities must also possess an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023 and have a minimum of two employees, including owners, and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023. Certain businesses are explicitly excluded, such as cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, largely cash-based businesses, and residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators. The program's impact goals center on empowering these eligible businesses to improve their digital marketing capabilities and ultimately boost their financial performance. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly on digital transformation and revenue generation through enhanced social media presence. By offering training, the program aims to equip businesses with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. The grant component provides crucial financial support, enabling businesses to implement these new strategies. This focus reflects a strategic priority to modernize local businesses and help them adapt to contemporary market demands, thereby strengthening the local economy from within. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the social media presence of participating businesses and a measurable improvement in their revenue. While specific metrics for "measurable results" are not detailed beyond "increase their social media presence and/or revenue," the implicit theory of change is that by providing targeted training and financial assistance for digital marketing, businesses will become more competitive, attract a wider customer base, and achieve sustainable growth. The program's success will likely be evaluated based on the number of businesses trained, the grants disbursed, and the reported improvements in their digital engagement and financial health.

The Oregon Arts Commission's Arts Learning Grants program aims to foster high-quality projects that enhance learning in and through the arts for K-12 students. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by promoting artistic engagement and education, recognizing the vital role of arts in student development. The program seeks to bridge the gap between artists and educators, facilitating a knowledge exchange that enriches both teaching practices and student experiences. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students who will gain responsive learning opportunities in the arts. The program also targets artists and educators, fostering collaboration and professional development. The overarching impact goals are to improve the achievement, skills, and attitudes of learners by providing access to high-quality arts education. This focuses on holistic development, recognizing that arts education contributes to academic success, critical thinking, and personal growth. Key priorities for this grant include the quality of learning opportunities, the responsiveness of the project to specific population needs, and the appropriateness of the selected teaching artists' skill sets. Artistic excellence and merit are also critical considerations. The program emphasizes strong project support, evaluating the readiness of staff, the viability of recruitment plans for target populations, and the commitment to supporting teaching artists throughout the project. The clarity and relevance of the project budget are also reviewed to ensure efficient and effective use of funds. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic skills, improved attitudes towards learning, and increased achievement among K-12 students. Measurable results will be assessed based on the articulation of changes in learners as a result of the project and the viability of the process used to measure these changes. This structured evaluation approach ensures that projects are not only well-intentioned but also demonstrably effective in achieving their stated goals. The Oregon Arts Commission's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen arts education across the state. While a specific "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, it can be inferred that the commission believes that by investing in high-quality arts learning opportunities and fostering collaboration between artists and educators, K-12 students will experience improved outcomes in their artistic abilities, academic achievement, and personal development, ultimately contributing to a more culturally enriched and educated populace.

The "Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program," launched by the City of Long Beach, is an initiative designed to enhance the success and sustainability of small businesses. While the description doesn't explicitly detail a "foundation mission alignment," the program itself aligns with the broader civic mission of economic development and community prosperity. By empowering local entrepreneurs, the City of Long Beach aims to strengthen its local economy and foster a vibrant business environment, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of its residents and community. The program targets small businesses located and operating within Long Beach, California, with a storefront accessible to the public. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of three years as of April 23, 2024, be independently-owned for-profit entities (including sole proprietorships, LLCs, or Corporations that are not publicly traded), or 501(c)3 nonprofits. They must hold an active or delinquent City of Long Beach business license, be currently open and active, and earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue. Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships must have an "ACTIVE" status with the California Secretary of State. The program excludes businesses without a physical location, permanently closed businesses, government entities, political/lobbying activities, passive businesses, religious organizations, financial lending businesses, landlords/property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business), illegal activities, socially undesirable activities (e.g., check cashing), businesses with active code enforcement/COVID-19 Health Order violations, and cannabis-related businesses. The program's priorities and focuses include igniting growth and fostering excellence among Long Beach's small businesses. Through no-cost training sessions, participants will receive comprehensive support in strategic business planning, marketing, branding, social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement, permitting/licensing, merchandising, networking, biz-to-biz mentorship, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling. A selection committee will determine program participants and grant awards based on representation across all parts of the city (with priority for low-to-moderate income areas), representation across multiple sectors, and business readiness and potential impact of program participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants becoming eligible to apply for $10,000 grants upon completion of the program, which are intended to empower them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. The City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 25 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. The focus on comprehensive workshops and subsequent grant eligibility directly aims to translate the acquired knowledge and resources into tangible business expansion and increased sustainability. While specific quantitative metrics for growth and resilience are not detailed, the program's structure implies that the successful utilization of the grants and learned strategies will be key indicators of impact.

The City of Leavenworth's 2025 General Fund Grant Program offers funding to non-profit organizations to benefit its residents. This program is rooted in the city's commitment to enhancing community well-being and development, aligning with a broad mission to support local initiatives. The funding, sourced from the city's General Fund, is strategically allocated to address various community needs and foster a vibrant, supportive environment within Leavenworth. The program primarily targets non-profit organizations that serve the Leavenworth community, with a focus on youth and seniors, event and activity implementation, organizational development, capacity building, and capital improvements. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Leavenworth residents through a diverse range of projects and services. This includes expanding youth programs, supporting essential services like food assistance, strengthening non-profit infrastructure, and investing in community-benefiting capital projects. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. It emphasizes Youth and Senior Services, aiming to support non-profits that specifically benefit these demographics. Another key area is Events and Activities, providing funding for the operational costs of programs and services, such as food assistance. Organizational Development and Capacity Building is also a focus, supporting community-focused education and program planning. Finally, Capital Improvements are supported for projects that directly benefit the Leavenworth community. Expected outcomes include an increase in available services for youth and seniors, more robust community events and activities, enhanced organizational capabilities for non-profits, and tangible capital improvements within the city. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure suggests a focus on the successful implementation and reach of funded projects. The strategic priority is to allocate a total of $62,000, with a maximum grant request of $5,000 per applicant, not exceeding 50% of the program cost. This ensures a broad distribution of funds and encourages co-investment from applicants. The theory of change is that by investing in non-profit initiatives that directly benefit residents, the city can foster a stronger, more supportive, and enriched community.

The Blush Foundation's Giving Days program is designed to raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations working to improve communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to strengthen the nonprofit sector by leveraging online fundraising to create engaging, accessible giving opportunities. The program's expansion in 2024 to include organizations benefiting Native communities further emphasizes a commitment to equitable support across the region, reflecting a strategic priority to reach diverse populations. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities located within Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or the 23 Native nations sharing this geography. The program targets organizations that are currently hosting or intend to host a Giving Day, with an impact goal of enhancing their fundraising capabilities and overall community engagement. By supporting these events, the Blush Foundation aims to empower local nonprofits to generate significant financial resources and build stronger connections with their donor bases. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a strong ability to organize, host, and promote a Giving Days program within their region. A key focus is on building nonprofit fundraising skills, with selected organizations expected to commit to this development through provided tools and/or support. Furthermore, the foundation seeks organizations with the skills, staffing, and community networks necessary to reach and equitably serve a broad range of communities, underscoring a commitment to inclusive and far-reaching impact. Expected outcomes include an increase in funds raised by participating nonprofits, a strengthened capacity for online fundraising, and a broader reach within communities, particularly Native communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed beyond the annual funding amounts ($200,000 annually to selected organizations, plus an additional $10,000 this year), the emphasis on fundraising skill-building suggests a theory of change that by investing in the operational and promotional abilities of nonprofits, the foundation can catalyze sustainable growth and greater community benefit.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant, facilitated by the Rural Maryland Council, is accepting applications for its 2025 Regional Planning and Development Councils initiative. The overarching mission of RMPIF is to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. This grant program is a strategic investment designed to bolster economic and community development, foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, and enable local and nonprofit organizations to attract additional non-state resources for sustainable rural development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the five established regional planning and development councils: the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, and Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Additionally, multi-county efforts serving rural communities not covered by these councils are also eligible. The impact goals are broad, aiming to increase entrepreneurial activity, reduce unemployment and underemployment, retain valuable farm and forest land, and generally enhance the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunities, and general welfare of rural residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: encouraging a balanced economy, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships, enhancing infrastructure for housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications, and supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The grant specifically provides funding for projects and activities undertaken by the regional councils and other multi-county initiatives, with approved grant agreements reflecting strategic needs identified within the rural communities. Expected outcomes include stronger and more effective rural regions, the creation of economic development strategies, preservation and assistance for agricultural and resource-based industries, successful acquisition of federal funding for infrastructure, coordinated regional transportation projects (including public transit), and the development of support for diverse public policy initiatives. Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance, providing measurable financial support to achieve these objectives. The Rural Maryland Council's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that by investing in regional cooperation and targeted development, rural areas can achieve sustainable growth and a higher quality of life, ultimately benefiting the entire state.

The Administration of Justice Grants Program, funded by the Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF), is dedicated to fostering innovative projects that enhance the understanding and functionality of the American Justice system within Michigan. This program aligns directly with the MSBF's mission to support the administration of justice, by promoting legal education and conflict resolution. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on initiatives that demonstrate innovative approaches, benefit Michigan residents, and exhibit potential for independent financial and programmatic continuity. The underlying theory of change appears to be that by educating citizens and supporting legal aid, there will be an improved administration of justice and greater access to legal services for all. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Michigan children and adults, with an emphasis on educating them about their legal rights and responsibilities. Beyond education, the program also aims to create opportunities for conflict and dispute resolution and support civil legal aid for the poor. The impact goals are to increase public understanding of the legal system, reduce conflict through resolution methods, and ensure access to justice, particularly for underserved populations. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate innovative approaches, benefit Michigan residents, and have the potential for sustained impact. Key focuses include projects that show community support, collaboration, and partnerships, avoiding duplication of services, and leveraging multiple funding sources. The MSBF also looks for proposals that have potential for replication across the state and include meaningful evaluation components. Expected outcomes include a more informed citizenry regarding legal matters, increased utilization of conflict resolution mechanisms, and enhanced access to civil legal aid for low-income individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets, the criteria for grant proposals suggest that projects should include a meaningful evaluation component, indicating an expectation of demonstrable progress and accountability. The average size of recent grants ($12,000-$15,000) also suggests a focus on projects that can achieve significant impact with moderate funding.

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

The Artists 360 Creative Impact Award, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), is designed to uplift and empower artists in Northwest Arkansas. The program provides grants, entrepreneurship skill development, and networking opportunities within a dynamic regional artist community. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the M-AAA's overarching mission or theory of change, the Artists 360 program aligns with a strategy to strengthen the artistic ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas by investing directly in its creative talent. The program's structure suggests a belief that direct financial support combined with professional development and networking will lead to more robust artistic careers and a deeper, more vibrant arts community. The target beneficiaries of this award are mid-career or established artists based in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These artists must demonstrate exceptional work, be recognized professionally within Arkansas and nationally, and have contributed significantly to Northwest Arkansas's cultural landscape. A key focus is on artists who lack longstanding institutional support, emphasizing an equitable approach to fostering artistic growth. The program prioritizes artists committed to building and supporting the local arts community, fostering a collaborative and interconnected environment. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the artist’s career and deepen the arts community in Northwest Arkansas. This is achieved through unrestricted funds of $25,000, which provide significant financial support, and professional development opportunities. The program's priorities include identifying artists who exhibit a high level of artistic excellence, have a history of community impact, and possess a vision for leadership and mentorship within the regional artistic community. This holistic approach aims to cultivate not just individual artists but also the broader cultural infrastructure. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic practices, developed entrepreneurship skills among artists, and a more connected regional artist network. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the artists' participation in structured professional development activities, such as the Artists 360 Retreat, the Artists 360 Alumni Retreat, and the Full Circle Showcase. These events facilitate network building, provide platforms for sharing work and insights, and offer opportunities for leadership. The commitment to participate in these activities for a full grant year (October 2024 through October 2025) underscores the program's dedication to sustained engagement and long-term impact on the artists' careers and the community.

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

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) seeks to elevate a key untapped labor market to address increasing threats in cyberspace: Women. Womens inclusion in cybersecurity addresses two challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: 1) greater capacity for the private sector to combat cyber threats, and 2) increased job opportunities for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) who face logistical and societal constraints to employment. Enhancing the MENA regions private sector cybersecurity capacity supports the U.S. governments goal to foster inclusive economic growth and increase womens participation in STEM-related fields.

The George W. Wells Foundation offers grants to bolster quality educational, human services, and healthcare programming for underserved populations. This aligns with the foundation's mission to support initiatives that address critical community needs and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on these key areas, aiming to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those it serves. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are underserved populations in Massachusetts, particularly within Southbridge and its surrounding communities. The foundation gives special consideration to local charitable organizations, demonstrating a commitment to regional development and community-centric impact. The overarching impact goal is to enhance access to vital services and opportunities, fostering equitable outcomes in education, health, and human services. The Wells Foundation prioritizes grant requests for general operating support or program support, recognizing the importance of flexible funding to sustain and expand effective initiatives. Small, program-related capital expenses can also be included, allowing for essential infrastructure or resource improvements that strengthen program delivery. This approach reflects a theory of change that effective, well-supported organizations are best positioned to achieve significant and measurable results within their communities. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the foundation's focus on "quality programming" suggests an expectation of positive and tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries. Given the 1-year grant duration for the majority of awards, programs are likely expected to demonstrate progress and impact within this timeframe, contributing to the foundation's broader strategic goals of fostering stronger, healthier, and more educated communities.

The City of Chico Arts Grant Program aims to support local arts organizations and artists, enabling them to offer high-quality arts and cultural work, performances, and exhibitions to the Chico community. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community engagement in the arts and ensure accessibility for all residents. The grants are intended to act as "seed" monies, fostering new projects and initiatives rather than providing ongoing operational support, thereby encouraging artistic innovation and community enrichment. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations operating within the city of Chico with a two-year history of producing or presenting, as well as individual artists applying under the sponsorship of an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit. The program specifically emphasizes inclusive service to broad, diverse, and underserved populations, including those lacking access due to geographic, economic, cultural, social, or physical reasons. The impact goals center on increasing community access to and engagement in arts and cultural experiences, fostering artistic rigor, and demonstrating strong community support for the arts. The program prioritizes projects that deliver or support opportunities for community engagement, demonstrate artistic rigor and thoughtful planning, show strong community support, and provide inclusive service to diverse and underserved populations. "Diversity" is defined broadly to include differences in ability, age, belief, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, race, and sexual orientation. Funds can be used for various purposes, including projects, events, exhibitions, performances, or capital improvement and equipment projects that enhance an organization's capacity to deliver arts and cultural services. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and accessible arts scene within Chico, with a greater number of community members participating in and benefiting from arts and cultural activities. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of projects supported, the diversity of audiences reached, and the demonstrated community engagement and support for funded initiatives. While not explicitly stated as a "theory of change," the program's strategy implicitly posits that by providing targeted funding to local arts entities, it can cultivate a richer cultural environment, foster community cohesion, and ensure equitable access to artistic expression, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in Chico. The grant's duration of one year and the requirement for matching funds underscore a strategic approach to maximize impact and encourage local investment in the arts.

The City of South Bend Department of Public Works is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Lamppost Lighting Program. This initiative is designed to assist homeowners within South Bend's city limits by providing lighting enhancements for their neighborhoods through a cost-share program. The program directly aligns with the city's mission to improve public infrastructure and enhance community safety and quality of life for its residents. By offering solar-powered lampposts for residential front yards, the program aims to address practical needs while promoting sustainable solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners residing within the City of South Bend. The program specifically targets two areas selected based on income levels, the number of vacant lots, and the existing need for improved lighting. Homeowners in these target areas receive a reduced cost share of $50, compared to $250 for those outside these areas, demonstrating a focus on supporting communities with greater need. The overarching impact goal is to enhance neighborhood safety, visibility, and overall aesthetics by increasing accessible lighting. The program's priorities and focuses include ease of installation, accessibility, and community empowerment. It offers easy self-install, solar-powered lampposts, placing responsibility for pickup, installation, and maintenance on the homeowner, fostering a sense of ownership. While the City's Division of Engineering will inspect installations, the emphasis is on enabling residents to directly contribute to their neighborhood improvements. A limit of one lamppost per household ensures equitable distribution among participating residents. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of illuminated residential front yards, particularly in historically underserved or underlit areas. Success can be measured by the number of lampposts installed, the geographic spread of the installations, and anecdotal evidence or surveys from residents regarding perceived improvements in safety and neighborhood appearance. The cost-share model is a strategic priority, allowing for broader participation while distributing costs, and fostering a collaborative approach between the city and its residents for community betterment.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Graduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, aiming to support creative practices and career advancement for graduate student artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aligns with M-AAA's mission to elevate and energize the regional arts community by fostering artistic talent and entrepreneurial skills. The program provides financial support and professional development opportunities to ensure artists can sustain and grow their creative practices, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the region. The target beneficiaries of the Artists 360 Graduate Student Artist Grants are graduate students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions within Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These students, regardless of their academic major, must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-residents with a valid Social Security Number. The program aims to impact these artists by providing them with the necessary resources and skills to develop enduring creative practices and advance their careers, fostering a dynamic regional artist network. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, a deep commitment to their work for at least three years, and a motivation to evolve their practice. It also focuses on individuals ready to advance their careers, engage in strategic management, and share their work within a peer learning environment. The grants are designed to support a wide range of artistic disciplines, including dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Additionally, a balanced cohort is considered to ensure diverse representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among the selected fellows. Expected outcomes include enhanced creative practices and career advancement for the grant recipients. Fellows will receive $5,000 grants, which they can use flexibly for various needs such as equipment, travel, studio space, childcare, professional services, research, supplies, or contingency savings. Measurable results include participation in peer-based learning experiences like an in-person retreat, one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These activities are designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and expand the artists' professional networks, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas.