Employment Labor and Training Grants

The Ability Central 2025 Communication Access Grants Program focuses on developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools that improve access to care for people with communication disabilities. This initiative aligns with Ability Central's broader mission to enhance communication and information access for individuals who use methods such as braille, screen readers, American Sign Language (ASL), tactile interpreters, co-navigators, and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on creating inclusive environments and empowering individuals with communication disabilities, reflecting a theory of change that posits improved access to care and career opportunities will lead to greater independence and quality of life. The program targets healthcare professionals and systems, as well as individuals with communication disabilities seeking career and leadership development. For healthcare, the goal is to equip professionals with knowledge, accessible resources, and multi-modal communication partner strategies to improve culturally responsive care. For career development, the beneficiaries are people with communication disabilities seeking supportive and fairly-compensated training opportunities beyond entry-level roles. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce communication barriers in healthcare and the workplace, fostering environments where people with disabilities can thrive. The grants program has two main priorities. The first is developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools for improved communication access. This includes a person-centered approach, prioritizing communication access through accommodations, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and incorporating ongoing evaluation to ensure effectiveness. The second priority is career and leadership development projects for people with communication disabilities, emphasizing understanding unique challenges, preparing for career advancement, utilizing innovative support strategies, establishing partnerships, and ensuring accessibility. Expected outcomes for the healthcare focus include healthcare professionals and systems being better equipped to provide culturally responsive care, leading to improved patient experiences and health outcomes for individuals with communication disabilities. Measurable results could involve increased use of communication accommodations, improved patient satisfaction scores, and a reduction in healthcare disparities. For career development, expected outcomes include increased employment rates, career advancement, and leadership roles for people with communication disabilities. Measurable results could include tracking participant employment status, salary increases, and promotion rates after completing training programs. Both categories emphasize replicable projects and the inclusion of people with disabilities in planning and implementation.

The City of Gig Harbor is offering its 2025 Lodging Tax Grants, aimed at supporting tourism-related operations or marketing within the city. This program is funded by a percentage of hotel/motel taxes collected from lodging establishments within city limits, which the Department of Revenue then distributes back to the City of Gig Harbor. These funds are specifically designated for tourism-related capital facilities, non-event operations, and event marketing and operations, aligning with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 67.28, which details the use and reporting of tourism funds. The primary beneficiaries of this grant funding are non-profit organizations and municipalities that can demonstrate the ability to achieve specific tourism-related goals. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate economic activity through tourism. This includes increasing hotel/lodging occupancy within Gig Harbor by creating overnight stays and boosting the number of visitors traveling from more than 50 miles away, or from other states or countries. The program's strategic priority is to enhance Gig Harbor's appeal as a tourist destination, thereby generating economic benefits for the local community. The grant program focuses on activities and expenditures designed to increase tourism. This encompasses a broad range of efforts, including advertising, publicizing, and distributing information to attract and welcome tourists, developing strategies to expand tourism, operating tourism promotion agencies, and funding the marketing or operation of special events and festivals. All applications must include estimated outcomes, demonstrating how the proposed activities will lead to an increase in overnight stays and visitors from outside the 50-mile radius or from other states/countries. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this grant. Applicants are required to provide additional information in their applications to ensure that data on increased overnight stays and visitors is collected. The City of Gig Harbor Lodging Tax Advisory Committee evaluates proposals based on factors such as the estimated amount of lodging tax funds available, the thoroughness and completeness of the proposal, the percentage of the request relative to promotion budgets and overall revenues, projected economic impact (especially overnight stays), the applicant's financial stability, and their history of tourism promotion success. This rigorous evaluation process reflects a theory of change where strategic investment in tourism promotion directly translates to quantifiable economic growth and increased visitor engagement.

The Santa Barbara Foundation's Tri-Counties Blood Bank Fund Grant aims to distribute income to qualified nonprofit organizations supporting blood and blood-related products and services, aligning with the Foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being. This grant operates through an annual Request for Proposal (RFP) process, focusing on three main types of support: Indigent Care Grants, Education Grants, and Scholarships. The program's strategic intent is to address critical needs within Santa Barbara County related to blood banking, from ensuring access for vulnerable populations to advancing medical knowledge and public awareness. Indigent Care Grants are specifically designed to reimburse "qualified hospitals" for "un-reimbursed costs" incurred when providing blood or blood products to "qualified patients" in Santa Barbara County. Qualified patients are defined as those with incomes 200% or less of the federal poverty line and without private or government insurance. The impact goal here is to alleviate the financial burden on hospitals and ensure that low-income, uninsured patients receive necessary blood products, directly contributing to health equity within the community. This component directly targets the most vulnerable populations, ensuring their access to essential medical care. Education Grants and Scholarships form another crucial pillar of this program. Education grants are intended for advanced medical technology or nursing education related to blood banking, physician education on transfusion medicine, and community education on blood and blood diseases. These grants prioritize improving the quality of blood banking, enhancing hospital staff's capabilities, and raising public awareness. Expected outcomes include a more skilled medical workforce, improved transfusion practices, and a more informed community regarding blood-related health issues and the importance of blood donation. Measurable results could include an increase in trained professionals, improved blood banking practices, and enhanced public knowledge about blood-borne diseases and critical shortages. Scholarships are aimed at post-doctoral education in non-medical disciplines related to blood and blood banking at UCSB, covering departments like Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, as well as medical education in hematology/oncology specialties. This focus underscores the Foundation's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and specialized medical expertise. The expected outcome is the development of new knowledge and highly trained specialists who can contribute to advancements in blood science and patient care. The overall theory of change for the Tri-Counties Blood Bank Fund is that by investing in direct patient support, professional education, community awareness, and specialized research, the Santa Barbara Foundation can significantly improve the availability, quality, and accessibility of blood and blood-related services for the entire Santa Barbara County community.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support women and girls in developing skills, enhancing self-sufficiency, and improving mental well-being in local communities.

The Lowe's Foundation Gable Grants program is a national initiative designed to address the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States. With a substantial commitment of $50 million over five years, the foundation aims to prepare 50,000 individuals for careers in the skilled trades, directly aligning with its mission to build and revitalize homes, communities, and infrastructure for the future. This strategic investment underscores the foundation's belief in the power of workforce development to create sustainable, positive change at both individual and societal levels, contributing to a robust economy and well-maintained communities. The program specifically targets postsecondary aged adults and places a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Target beneficiaries include women, people of color, individuals residing in rural areas, and those who are justice-involved or participating in second-chance programs. By focusing on these often underrepresented or underserved populations, the Lowe's Foundation seeks to foster equitable access to high-demand careers, thereby driving significant social and economic impact. The overarching impact goal is to develop a diverse and skilled workforce capable of meeting future demands in key trades, ultimately strengthening local economies and community resilience. Gable Grants prioritize organizations that demonstrate a proven ability to deliver sustainable and scalable skilled trades education programs. The funded programs must focus on specific areas: appliance repair, carpentry/construction, electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and/or plumbing. This targeted approach ensures that the grants support training in trades that are most essential for community development and infrastructure maintenance. The grant application process is highly competitive, reflecting the foundation's commitment to investing in high-quality, impactful programs that can genuinely prepare participants for successful careers. Expected outcomes of the Gable Grants program include the successful training and placement of 50,000 individuals into skilled trades careers. The foundation anticipates measurable results in increased employment rates among program participants, enhanced skill sets in critical trades, and a more diverse workforce in the skilled trades sector. This initiative reflects the Lowe's Foundation's strategic priority of investing in workforce development as a key driver for community revitalization and economic growth, operating on a theory of change that by equipping individuals with valuable skills, they can contribute to their own economic well-being and the overall prosperity of their communities.

The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability’s (OEQS) Urban Agriculture Division, in partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services, is implementing an Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program (UAISP). This grant program is designed to strengthen the capabilities of urban growers and farmers within the city of Dallas. The overarching mission alignment is to advance food security, foster healthier communities, and mitigate disparities within the local food system, directly addressing critical community needs through sustainable agricultural practices. The primary beneficiaries of this program are urban growers and farmers in Dallas. The program aims to assist them with the planning, design, and installation of eligible infrastructure, while also simplifying the permitting process. The key impact goals are to enhance the capacity of these growers, ultimately leading to a more robust and equitable local food system, improved access to healthy and safe foods, and a reduction in food-related disparities. The UAISP prioritizes projects focused on power and water infrastructure. Allowable expenditures include project plans/designs, counseling, utility connections (on or off-grid for water, off-grid for energy), contracted labor/installations, greenhouses/hoop houses, versatile high tunnels, cold storage equipment, grow light systems, and bee hives. Projects that directly support the production, aggregation, and/or processing of food through power or water infrastructure will receive preferential consideration during the application evaluation. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the infrastructure supporting urban agriculture, leading to increased food production and processing capabilities. Measurable results will likely involve the number of grants awarded, the types of infrastructure implemented (e.g., number of new irrigation systems, cold storage units, greenhouses), and the resulting impact on food security and community health within Dallas. The program's strategic priority is to build resilience in the local food system, with a theory of change that posits that by providing financial and technical support for essential infrastructure, urban growers will be empowered to expand their operations, thereby creating a more accessible, sustainable, and equitable food supply for the community.

The Wayne County Foundation's Grant making in the Community Program offers various funding opportunities, including Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, Mini-Grants, and Crisis Grants. These grants are aligned with the Foundation's mission to improve the quality of life and enhance the spirit of the Wayne County community in Indiana. The Foundation seeks to strengthen organizations' infrastructure, management, and governance, as well as support innovative projects that address community problems. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 organizations operating in or serving Wayne County, Indiana. The program aims to impact the community by supporting projects that address significant community problems, present innovative solutions, promote collaborative relationships, and demonstrate a broad reach or significant depth of impact. Ultimately, the Foundation seeks to foster efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability within organizations serving the community. The program prioritizes proposals that address community problems not already being attempted or funded, present innovative and practical approaches, promote collaboration, have a broad reach or significant impact, demonstrate a clear work plan, show sustainability for ongoing projects, and provide evidence of the applying organization's qualifications and stability. Specific funding amounts are available for each grant type: up to $10,000 for Nonprofit Capacity Building, and up to $5,000 for both Mini-Grants and Crisis Grants. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational infrastructure, improved management and governance, and enhanced sustainability for nonprofits. Measurable results could include the number of people involved or affected by projects, the achievement of project goals as outlined in work plans, and evidence of increased efficiency and effectiveness of funded organizations. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on enhancing the well-being of Wayne County through targeted support for community-focused initiatives.

The Cleveland Tree Coalition Grant 2024, offered by the Cleveland Tree Coalition, aims to re-establish the urban forest in the City of Cleveland. This initiative aligns directly with the coalition's mission as a partnership of public, private, and community stakeholders dedicated to creating a healthy, vibrant, sustainable, and equitable urban forest through the implementation of the Cleveland Tree Plan. The grant program specifically targets neighborhoods within Cleveland that suffer from low tree canopy cover, seeking to address environmental inequities and enhance urban green spaces for all residents. The primary goal of the Cleveland Tree Coalition (CTC) Fall 2024 Grant program is to plant trees in these identified areas. This focus is a strategic priority, contributing to the broader objective of rebuilding Cleveland's urban forest. Eligible projects include tree planting and associated supplies such as staking, mulching, and fencing, as well as costs for establishment activities like watering and soil preparation. The program also supports free tree giveaways, with a limit of 50 trees per giveaway, further encouraging community involvement and individual action in tree planting efforts. The program prioritizes projects that incorporate proper site selection, regardless of whether planting occurs on public or private property. A crucial requirement for all projects is the provision of both a comprehensive planting plan and a detailed three-year maintenance plan. This emphasis on long-term care ensures the successful establishment and survival of newly planted trees, contributing to the lasting impact and sustainability of the urban forest. This structured approach reflects a theory of change that posits thoughtful planning and sustained effort are essential for achieving robust environmental outcomes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tree canopy cover in targeted Cleveland neighborhoods, leading to improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effects, and enhanced biodiversity. The grant anticipates fostering greater community engagement in environmental stewardship through activities like free tree giveaways and active participation in planting and maintenance. Organizations can apply for up to $75,000 in grant funds, which will facilitate a significant expansion of tree planting efforts across the city, contributing directly to the Cleveland Tree Plan's vision for a healthier and more equitable urban environment.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and agencies to enhance treatment and recovery services for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders, particularly in underserved areas.

The City of Gig Harbor is offering 2025 Lodging Tax Grants to foster tourism and economic activity within its limits. This program is funded by a percentage of hotel/motel taxes collected from lodging establishments, with funds distributed by the Department of Revenue back to the City. These grants are specifically allocated for tourism-related capital facilities, non-event operations, and event marketing and operations, aligning with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 67.28, which details the use and reporting of tourism funds. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit organizations and municipalities that can demonstrate the ability to achieve specific tourism-related goals. The primary impact goals are to increase hotel/lodging occupancy within the City of Gig Harbor by generating overnight stays and to increase the number of visitors traveling more than 50 miles away to the city. All applicants are required to provide estimates on how their proposed activities will lead to these increases, including attracting visitors from other states or countries. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around maximizing tourism promotion and its economic impact. "Tourism" is defined as economic activity from tourists, encompassing sales of lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs. "Tourism promotion" includes activities like advertising, publicizing, developing strategies to expand tourism, and operating special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. "Tourism-related facilities" are properties with a usable life of three or more years that support tourism, performing arts, or accommodate tourist activities. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee considers various factors when making recommendations, including the estimated available funds, proposal thoroughness, financial stability of the applicant, and projected economic impact, particularly on overnight stays. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the grant program. Applicants must explicitly detail how their activities will result in increased overnight stays and an influx of visitors from over 50 miles away, or from outside the state/country. The City requires this data to be collected and provided in the lodging tax application. The Committee’s considerations, such as the projected economic impact and the applicant’s history of tourism promotion success, underscore the emphasis on tangible, positive results directly related to tourism growth and economic benefit for Gig Harbor.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants program is designed to support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things, directly aligning with the foundation's mission of promoting conservation and sustainability, seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating to maximize impact. This program is funded through the “Quarters for Conservation” initiative and supports both local conservation projects in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as national and international endeavors. The target beneficiaries are free-ranging wildlife and their habitats, as well as communities and individuals who can be educated or empowered in conservation. The program aims for several impact goals, including the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems, increased public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, and the transfer of conservation skills and technology. Expected outcomes include a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, successful reintroduction programs, improved water quality, and the creation of new conservation leaders. The program prioritizes projects focusing on Field Conservation, Conservation Research, and Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding, and greater weight is given to applications addressing species and habitats at risk. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed to areas with the most urgent needs and potential for significant impact, reflecting the zoo's commitment to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species. The funding structure includes a New Grants Program for first-time applicants, offering $300 to $1,500, and a Continuing Grants Program for established partners, providing up to $3,500. This tiered approach supports both emerging and ongoing conservation initiatives, fostering long-term relationships with successful grantees. The overall theory of change is that by investing in scientific research, education, and direct field action, the program can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for wildlife and natural habitats.

Intermountain Health is offering Social Determinants of Health Grants to programs and services that align with their priorities of improving nutrition security and stable, quality housing through wraparound and support services. This grant program is aligned with Intermountain's mission to address critical social determinants of health, recognizing that these factors profoundly impact community well-being. The grants aim to support initiatives that create healthier communities by tackling the root causes of health disparities. The target beneficiaries for these grants are low-income, vulnerable populations, served by social service agencies and healthcare agencies. The impact goals are to improve nutrition security and secure stable and quality housing. Projects are expected to demonstrate a collaborative approach between health and social service agencies, or provide strong health outcomes if an agency applies independently. The grants aim to foster partnerships that lead to comprehensive and sustainable improvements in the lives of these populations. The program's priorities and focuses are explicitly on improving nutrition security and enhancing stable and quality housing through integrated support services. Grant applicants must demonstrate how their program or service directly addresses at least one of these two Intermountain social determinants of health priorities. The theory of change suggests that by directly investing in programs addressing these fundamental needs, Intermountain Health can create a measurable positive impact on community health outcomes. Expected outcomes include improved access to nutritious food and increased access to and retention of stable and quality housing for vulnerable populations. Measurable results will be based on the impact these programs have on the identified social determinants of health, with an emphasis on clearly defined goals and outcomes. For example, successful programs might demonstrate a reduction in food insecurity rates or an increase in the number of individuals securing and maintaining stable housing within the target communities.

The Hudson-Ellis Fund, administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is a competitive grantmaking program aimed at supporting tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations in Boyle County, Kentucky. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of fostering community well-being by channeling the generosity of donors, such as Lottie B. Ellis, into impactful local projects. The fund seeks to address critical community needs, with a particular emphasis on public education and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations within Boyle County. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth and adults who are economically disadvantaged, as well as youth and adults with disabilities. The fund's impact goals center on improving the overall quality of life for these individuals through targeted projects and programs. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate meaningful and sustainable change, directly addressing identified community needs and contributing to a more equitable and supportive environment in Boyle County. The Hudson-Ellis Fund has clear funding priorities. These include public education initiatives and programming specifically designed to benefit economically disadvantaged youth and adults, as well as those with disabilities. The foundation's strategic approach emphasizes community-led solutions that are both effective and long-lasting, reflecting a theory of change that believes in empowering local organizations to drive positive societal outcomes through well-conceived and executed projects. In terms of expected outcomes and measurable results, the fund looks for proposals that can articulate clear objectives and demonstrate how their activities will lead to tangible improvements. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "meaningful impact and sustainability" suggests that applicants should be prepared to outline how they will track their progress and demonstrate the positive changes brought about by their programs. Grant requests should not exceed $7,500, with a grant period from September 2024 to June 2025, implying that outcomes should be achievable within this timeframe.

The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation’s (CRRF) New Castle County Youth Empowerment Fund, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), is currently accepting applications from non-profit organizations. This grant program aims to provide funding for projects that specifically benefit at-risk youth within New Castle County, Delaware. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this fund, aligns with empowering young people to overcome challenges and achieve self-sufficiency, contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are underserved youth and young adults, ranging from birth through 25 years of age, who reside in New Castle County. These individuals are identified as being at risk for not developing the necessary skills and support systems to achieve a self-sufficient future. The impact goal is to empower these at-risk youth by funding initiatives that provide them with crucial skills and support, thereby fostering their long-term independence and success. The program prioritizes non-profit organizations that are based in New Castle County and demonstrate a clear commitment to serving the identified demographic. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the overarching goal of fostering self-sufficiency, it is implied that successful projects will equip young individuals with the tools and resources needed to thrive. The "organization doubles its commitment, offering up to $5,000 per grant" indicates a strategic priority of increasing support for these critical initiatives. The CRRF and DCF's strategic priorities are clearly focused on community development through youth empowerment. Their theory of change appears to be centered on the belief that by investing in organizations that directly serve at-risk youth, they can create a positive ripple effect, leading to improved life outcomes for individuals and stronger, more resilient communities in New Castle County.

The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois (CFECI) is offering the 2024 Community Commitment Grant, a program designed to support various essential sectors within the east central Illinois region. This grant aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address community problems and seize opportunities in the areas of arts and humanities, environment, education, health and human services, urban affairs, and youth activities. While all these categories are considered, the foundation seeks proposals that demonstrate practical approaches to community challenges, foster collaboration among agencies, and generate broad community support through both professional and volunteer engagement. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations or comparable non-profit public charities serving residents of east central Illinois. The impact goals are to strengthen the effectiveness and stability of these agencies and to improve the quality of life within the targeted communities. The grant specifically prioritizes proposals that promote cooperation, community involvement, and sustainable solutions to local issues. By supporting these organizations, the CFECI aims to cultivate a more resilient and vibrant community ecosystem. The focus of the Community Commitment Grant is broad, encompassing several key areas crucial for community well-being. These include cultural enrichment through arts and humanities, environmental stewardship, educational advancement, improved health and human services, positive urban development, and robust youth programs. The foundation encourages innovative proposals that not only identify problems but also offer actionable solutions, thereby contributing to a comprehensive approach to community development. Expected outcomes include enhanced services and programs offered by recipient organizations, increased collaboration among local agencies, and greater community engagement in addressing shared challenges. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact of strengthening agency effectiveness and generating community support, the historical grant range of $500 to $7,500 indicates a commitment to providing impactful, albeit varied, levels of financial assistance. The CFECI's strategic priority is clearly to empower local organizations to effect positive change, operating on a theory of change that by investing in practical, collaborative, and community-supported initiatives, significant and lasting improvements can be made across diverse sectors within east central Illinois.

The Early Care Spaces grant program, spearheaded by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, is an open application initiative offering grants of up to $100,000. Its core mission aligns directly with the foundation's vision of a world where all Oakland children read at or above grade level by third grade. This program specifically targets early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old, recognizing the critical window for literacy growth from early care through second grade. The foundation's strategic priority is to support equitable approaches to literacy during these formative years. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, focusing on expanding children's vocabulary and comprehension, increasing confidence in listening and speaking, and empowering parents and caregivers as leaders in their children's education. A key component of the foundation's theory of change is also the career advancement and upskilling for Black early care providers, enabling them to offer language-rich, developmentally appropriate, and culturally affirming care, thereby addressing systemic inequities. Early Care Spaces prioritizes funding for early care provided outside of traditional education systems, such as family resource centers and community spaces, while still welcoming organizations that partner with traditional systems. The program also places a strong emphasis on initiatives with deep connections to informal care providers or Family, Friend and Neighbor care. Furthermore, it seeks to support diverse organizations and providers that truly reflect the neighborhoods and communities they serve, with a particular focus on the Oakland flatlands, areas experiencing disinvestment and displacement of BIPOC communities. The expected outcomes include increased access to high-quality early literacy support for Oakland's youngest children, especially in underserved communities, and the strengthening of the informal care sector. Measurable results would likely include improvements in children's language and literacy skills, increased parental engagement in early education, and enhanced capacity and leadership among Black early care providers. This annual program, commemorating the foundation's 15th anniversary of formal grantmaking, aims to address existing gaps in Oakland's early care funding landscape and contribute to long-term literacy success for all children in the city.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program, a grant initiative designed to address concerning public health statistics in Indiana through a community and economic development lens. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community resilience and foster economic growth across the state. By investing in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the overall quality of life for Hoosiers, OCRA aims to strategically counter social isolation and loneliness, which diminish social capital and impact individual and community well-being. The program targets all counties in Indiana and aims to benefit individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness, local businesses affected by decreased community engagement, and communities striving for greater economic vibrancy and social cohesion. The impact goals are to improve individual health outcomes, enhance community well-being and social capital, foster community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. The program's priorities and focus areas include Community Infrastructure Enhancement (e.g., community centers, meeting spaces), Social Clubs & Interest Groups tailored to older adults, Community Well-Being Programs (e.g., mental health awareness, loneliness stigma reduction, accessible resources), Local Business Support (e.g., creating inviting spaces for social interactions), Transportation Accessibility in rural areas, and Intergenerational Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to create strong, connected communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased social connections, stronger community bonds, enhanced quality of life, greater community engagement, improved economic vibrancy through local business support, and increased access to community events and essential services. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these areas, communities will experience a positive shift in social fabric, economic health, and overall well-being, contributing to Indiana’s statewide development goals. Funding information includes a total of $200,000 available. Applicants can apply for either Quick Action projects (maximum $5,000, minimum $1,000, 1:1 match with 30% in-kind) or Large Impact projects (maximum $50,000, minimum $5,001, 1:1 cash match). Eligible applicants are local government, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Ineligible activities range from plants and Wi-Fi to one-time use products, permanent public restrooms, taxes, food/drink, gaming, illegal/political/unsanctioned activities, demolition, salaries, administration fees, and pre-award expenses.

The City of Virginia Beach's Community Organization Grants (COG) program is designed to award monetary grants to qualified non-profit organizations. The primary mission of this program is to encourage these agencies to provide services that enhance the quality of life for residents of Virginia Beach. This directly aligns with the city's strategic priorities to support community well-being and leverage the efforts of independent non-profit entities in addressing local needs. The program's theory of change posits that by funding these non-profits, the city can foster a more robust and responsive network of services, ultimately leading to tangible improvements in residents' daily lives. The target beneficiaries of the COG program are the residents of Virginia Beach, who receive significant, measurable direct services from the funded non-profit organizations. The impact goals are centered on improving various aspects of the quality of life within the city. Organizations must demonstrate their ability to provide an unduplicated count of residents served, ensuring that the grants lead to widespread and distinct benefits across the community. The COG program has several key priorities and focuses, including ensuring that applicants are established 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations meeting legal requirements in Virginia, the IRS, and the City of Virginia Beach. A crucial focus is that the applicant's non-profit status must be independent of the City. Additionally, the program prioritizes organizations that are not controlled by a church or sectarian society and do not advocate or advance a particular political or religious viewpoint. Financial transparency is also a priority, with requirements for disclosing contractual services provided to the City. Expected outcomes include a diverse range of improved services for Virginia Beach residents, an increase in community engagement, and a strengthened non-profit sector within the city. Measurable results are derived from the requirement for organizations to provide an unduplicated count of residents served and to fulfill all service, reporting, auditing, and payment obligations. The program also expects compliance with all local, state, and national legal requirements related to nondiscrimination in all programs and activities funded. The grant funds are strictly to remain local, ensuring that the investments directly benefit the Virginia Beach community.

The Georgia Health Initiative invites organizations to apply for its 2024 Building the Field of Health Advocacy grant program, which aims to improve the health of people in Georgia through advocacy projects. This grant aligns directly with the Georgia Health Initiative's mission, vision, and values by supporting non-profit partners who are advancing advocacy initiatives to bring about change at a systems level. The overarching goal is to transform processes, power structures, policies, and/or relationships that determine how resources and services are distributed, ultimately advancing health equity across the state. The target beneficiaries are Georgians, with a focus on communities and populations that stand to benefit from improved health equity. The grant program seeks to support projects that elevate community voices to educate decision-makers on important health-related issues. The impact goals are centered around creating systemic change, ensuring a more equitable distribution of health resources and services throughout Georgia. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt public charities, state or local government agencies, or coalitions/collaboratives using a fiscal sponsor, and must work in Georgia on behalf of Georgians. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are multifaceted. It aims to identify emerging opportunities to advance health equity in Georgia at the systems level, whether locally or statewide. Another key focus is to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations to engage in effective advocacy efforts, which includes research, policy development, coalition building and mobilization, community education, and strategic communications. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to strengthen the overall field of health advocacy in Georgia. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of advocacy initiatives that lead to tangible changes in systems, policies, and power structures affecting health. This could manifest as new policies enacted, improved access to services, or stronger community engagement in health decision-making processes. The grant aims to foster a more robust and effective health advocacy ecosystem in Georgia, with a greater number of capable non-profit organizations driving positive change. The Initiative anticipates investing a total of $1.2 million, with organizations able to apply for up to $75,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months, allowing for sustained and impactful advocacy work.