Grants for Nonprofits - Humanities

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with the acquisition of land and/or buildings. This includes acquisition costs of all improved or unimproved real property including appraisal fees; title opinions; surveying fees; real estate fees; title transfer taxes; condemnation; and related legal expenses. This may include construction on, and/or renovation to, the property after purchase.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that enhance public spaces and amenities in Hastings, encouraging local partnerships and civic engagement.

MERCER COUNTY HISTORY REGRANT PROGRAM FY25 GUIDELINES Introduction: The Mercer County History Regrant Program is a partnership initiative between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the County of Mercer. These funds are aimed at supporting historic sites, organizations, and history programs throughout Mercer County. The application process is now exclusively online through Foundant. Application Calendar: April 1, 2024: Application Open July 1, 2024: Application Deadline August 2024: Peer Panel Review September 2024: Commission Review, Administrative Review & Approval December 2024: Notification of Awards/Contracts Issued June 2025: Interim Report Update January 2026: Final Report Due Program Year: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Eligibility: Eligible applicants include: Mercer County-based non-profit history organizations, societies, and sites Other Mercer County non-profit organizations offering history-related programs Mercer County-based community and educational entities, including libraries, universities, colleges, and schools Applicants must be incorporated in New Jersey, be in existence for at least two years, and be approved as a non-profit organization under the IRS's Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4). Types of Grants: General Operating Support (GOS): Available to non-profit history organizations, providing funding for basic operating costs. Special Projects (SP): Available to non-profits and government units, supporting history events, programs, or projects related to NJ, Mercer County, or its municipalities. Match Requirements: GOS grants require a full cash match (1:1) from the applicant. SP grants require a 1:1 cash match, with 50% of the match allowed to be in the form of in-kind donations. Ineligible Expenses: Acquisitions, capital improvements, deficits, endowments, scholarships/prizes, restoration or preservation of structures, etc. Grant Payments & Reporting: Grants are distributed in two payments, with a brief update due by June 2025 and a final report due by January 2026. Final payments are made upon receipt of a satisfactory final report. Appeals Process: Organizations can appeal if their application was misinterpreted or misunderstood by the Review Panel. Appeals are reviewed by a 3-person panel of Commissioners. Notice: Grant awards are dependent on funding levels approved by the State for the New Jersey Historical Commission and County History Partnership Program. Organizations are advised to plan programming and expenditures carefully. For further details, please refer to the full guidelines available on Foundant or contact the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage. Grant renewed every year.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers grants to support projects that engage communities in meaningful dialogue, attract diverse audiences, and are participatory and engaging, applying humanities to everyday life. Grants support public humanities programs, exhibits, planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in various media. Regular grants : start at $2,500 to $10,000. Regular grants applications are accepted on May 1st and September 1st Grant renewed every year.

Refer to the Application Instructions (PDF) under Related Documents for additional information on eligible activities and application submission details. For proposals to receive consideration, applicants must submit all materials to [email protected]. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State (the Bureau) and the U.S. Embassy to Ukraine announce an open competition for organizations to submit proposals for funding through the Bureaus U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Ukraine Response (AFCP-UR) to carry out urgent projects to preserve and protect cultural heritage in Ukraine impacted by Russias unjust and unprovoked war of aggression. The overall intent of this program is to safeguard prominent examples of Ukraines cultural heritage. It will support the following activities: Assessment and documentation of risk and damage to cultural heritage sites, objects, and collections. Protection of cultural heritage sites, objects, and collections from theft, damage, or further damage. Stabilization or temporary repair of damaged cultural heritage sites, objects, and collections. Recovery or conservation of cultural heritage objects and collections as conditions allow. Recovery, restoration, or reconstruction of damaged cultural heritage sites as conditions allow. AFCP-UR will support projects in the following two categories: 1) Site-Specific Projects, and 2) Regional Assessment and Rapid Response Projects. Eligible applicants may submit multiple applications and may apply to one or both project categories. Site-Specific Projects: For these projects, an applicant shall carry out protection and stabilization activities at a specific site or for a specific collection. It is expected that an initial damage assessment has already been conducted and can form the basis of a project proposal. Regional Assessment and Rapid Repair Projects: For these projects, an applicant shall identify a geographic area in Ukraine, conduct risk and damage assessments in that area, and prioritize and implement response and recovery activities. Refer to the Application Instructions (PDF) under Related Documents for additional information on eligible activities, and application submission details. For proposals to receive consideration, applicants must submit all materials to [email protected].

This new multi-year grant program intends to create local community connections to California’s rich and diverse cultural history and natural areas outside of California’s state park boundaries. Eligible projects will enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being. The Local Parks Grants Program will be managed and administered by Parks California. This program supports the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

This fellowship provides up to $150,000 over two years to individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota who are committed to personal growth as leaders and driving equitable, large-scale change in their communities.

Humanities Project Grants offer support for public humanities projects that encourage contemplation, spark conversation and engage the community. Donor Name: State Historical Society of Iowa State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Eligible projects will use the humanities as the central resource to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming that explore the human experience. Funding for the Humanities Project Grant is made possible by an appropriation from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency, to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services. The program is administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa on behalf of the department.  Funding Information Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses that are incurred and expended within the eligible funding period.  Minimum Grant Request: $2,500 Maximum Grant Request: $30,000 Funding Period All project activities and incurred expenses must occur within the eligible funding period of November 1, 2024–October 31, 2025. Eligible Projects Eligible projects should focus on the humanities and must demonstrate public value to Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. Types of eligible projects could include community discussions, lecture series, workshops, films, interpretive exhibits, podcasts, etc. Projects that involve the creative or performing arts could be eligible as long as they are a catalyst in a project in which humanities are central, and include interpretation and/or discussion of performances, concerts, literary and art works. Humanities must be central to the project. Subject areas include archaeology, comparative religion, cultural anthropology, ethics, folklore, gender studies, history, jurisprudence, languages, law, linguistics, literature (including novels, poetry, drama, and other forms of written expression, both modern and classical), philosophy, and the interpretation (not the creation) of the arts. Aspects of the social sciences, such as political science and sociology, that can help to explore the humanity and discover meaning in the lives and community are also included.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must be one of the following types of entities. Entities who do not meet these requirements are not eligible to apply. Organizations Federally tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated and physically located in Iowa Physical location of the organization is defined as maintaining a current home office and registered agent address in Iowa defined by Iowa Code 490.501 as well as maintaining a primary staff presence physically located and working in Iowa Federally tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization physically located in a border state community immediately adjacent to Iowa. The organization must be registered to do business in Iowa with the Secretary of State’s office. An eligible border state organization must demonstrate that the funding request significantly impacts the cultural vitality of Iowa and predominantly serves Iowans. Unit of local, county or federally-recognized tribal government physically located in Iowa Units within institutions of higher education that are physically located in Iowa that have the humanities as their core mission and offer public programs are eligible. However, institutions of higher education are limited to one application, from one unit, and may neither apply for nor receive grant funds for multiple units. Individuals Individual filmmaker or humanities expert A humanities expert is defined as someone with an advanced degree in a humanities discipline or someone who is otherwise well-qualified to bring a humanities perspective, such as a historian, library or museum professional, culture bearer, or individual who is an acknowledged cultural expert within their community. Current, legal Iowa resident who is 21 years of age or older and physically located in Iowa Residence is defined by Iowa Code 422.4 and Iowa Administrative Code 701.38.17 (422) An application from an individual must support a project that is initiated and managed by the individual, not an organization. The project must be designed to benefit the individual and may not benefit an organization with which the individual applicant has a formal affiliation such as employment or volunteer service. Applicants who represent a group must apply as an individual and clearly state their individual role in the project proposal  For more information, visit State Historical Society of Iowa.

Ball Brothers Foundation offers General Grants to support organizations operating within Indiana, with a strong focus on East Central Indiana and the Muncie/Delaware County area. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, aim to fund capacity-building initiatives, innovative approaches for community needs, specific program/project initiatives, general operating support, and seed money for new endeavors. Grant renewed every year. Grant Round 2 Annual deadlines: September 1st (preliminary application July 15th)

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions in Charlevoix County to implement projects focused on environmental education, protection, restoration, and sustainability.

The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council is pleased to announce the CBJ Major Grants. Donor Name: Juneau Community Foundation State: Alaska City: Juneau Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council administers the City’s funding for the arts. These funds are intended to provide operating support for local arts non-profit organizations whose work helps to cultivate vibrant arts and cultural opportunities, helping to build a strong, prosperous community where creativity and innovation thrive. Funding may be for a specific project or for season support. Subject Community Art Encouragement and Support Project Period July 1, 2024 – June 30 2025. Eligibility Criteria local non-profits Grant review criteria:  Project and organization’s compatibility with JAHC’s core values Artistic quality of the project;  Community benefit from the project; Ability to manage programs and events;  Number of individuals served by project  Project evaluation process;  Prior compliance with JAHC grant policies  Realistic budget and evidence of sound program management;  Current with all licenses and registrations.  Core Values:  Build community  Educate through arts and cultures  Encourage creativity and innovation  Enrich Juneau’s quality of life  Promote Creative Economy  Serve Juneau and surrounding Southeast Alaska communities  Welcome inclusivity For more information, visit JAHC.

The Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) requests applications from qualified artists and District nonprofit art galleries or organizations for its Fiscal Year 2025 Art Bank Program. Donor Name: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) State: District of Columbia Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: In support of local visual artists, District art galleries, and art nonprofit organizations, CAH acquires fine art. The ongoing and annual acquisition of art from metropolitan artists becomes a part of the Art Bank Collection. CAH manages artwork in the collection. It is then loaned to District Government agencies for display in public areas and offices of government buildings. The Art Bank Collection, which started in 1986, has nearly 3,000 artworks. CAH seeks grant applications from qualified artists and District nonprofit art galleries or organizations representing metropolitan artists for the acquisition of original two- and three- dimensional artwork including, but not limited to: Ceramics Drawings Fabric Arts Mixed media works Paintings Photographs Prints Sculptures Goals  Grow the District’s collection of art to reflect the rich, diverse artistic history and communities of the District of Columbia and metropolitan region. Provide support, exposure, and professional benefit for visual artists residing in the District of Columbia and metropolitan region. Enhance the aesthetic experience for District employees and visitors that access District of Columbia government buildings and public spaces. Funding Information Award amounts vary but eligible individual applicants may be awarded up to $15,000 and nonprofit art galleries or organizational applicants may be awarded up to $20,000. Period of Performance  October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Prior to submitting applications, applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements: Be an artist or artist representative (e.g., artist estate representative), aged 18 or older; Be a legal resident of Washington, DC, or a legal resident of within a 50-mile radius of the Washington, DC boundaries, for at least one (1) year prior to the application deadline; Maintain primary residency during the entire funding period (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025); Have a permanent DC, MD, or VA address, as listed on government-issued identification or tax returns. The address provided on all application materials must match exactly the address provided on the submitted IRS W-9 form. Post office boxes are not allowable as a primary address; and, Be in good standing with CAH. Applicants with incomplete or delinquent reports from any prior funding program, as of Friday, October 11, 2024 (or otherwise as determined by CAH), are ineligible to receive additional funds from CAH in FY 2025. District Nonprofit Galleries and Arts Organizations must (at the time of application): Be incorporated as a nonprofit with a federally designated tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code, as evidenced by an IRS determination letter that is dated at least one year prior to the application deadline date; Be a nonprofit arts organization or gallery, representing artists living in the metropolitan area within a 50-mile radius; Have a principal business office address located in the District of Columbia, subject to on-site visit. (Note: CAH will not allow post office boxes or the addresses of board members or volunteers as evidence of the principal business address); Be registered with, and authorized to do business in, the District as either a “Domestic” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in the District) or a “Foreign” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in another state); Ensure that at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the organization’s activities occur within the District of Columbia; Have an active Board of Directors; Obtain certification of “Citywide Clean Hands” (CCH) from the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (see page 13); Not be colleges, universities, service organizations, foreign governments or other DC Government or Federal Government agencies, including DC Public Schools; and, Be in good standing with CAH. Applicants with incomplete or delinquent reports from any prior funding program, as of Friday, October 14, 2024, are ineligible to receive additional funds from CAH in FY 2025. For more information, visit CAH.

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is soliciting applications for its 2025 Capital Projects Grant Program. Donor Name: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Capital Projects Program furthers CAH’s mission by encouraging progress in the arts and humanities in the District of Columbia by supporting non-profit arts, humanities, arts education, and service organizations that significantly contribute to the District of Columbia as a world-class cultural capital. CP supports organizations that own or rent facilities; intend to own facilities; or  seek capital project support for permanent property, technology, equipment, or digital assets designed for the training, management, production, or presentation of performances or exhibitions of the arts or humanities. CP supports organizations that (1) own or rent facilities; (2) intend to own facilities; or (3) seek capital project support for permanent property, technology, equipment, or digital assets designed for the training, management, production, or presentation of performances or exhibitions of the arts or humanities. CP program goals are to:  Promote the stability, sustainable growth, and longevity of the District’s arts and humanities organizations;  Preserve and strengthen structures, systems, and infrastructure for District arts and humanities organizations, their constituents, and their collections;  Enable and ensure access to high-quality physical spaces and equipment for the District’s arts and humanities organizations;  Reduce the risk of organizational displacement; and  Foster arts and humanities access for all District residents. CP project proposals must align with one of the following three subcategories:  Digital or Planning project: digital infrastructure projects (intangible) or research, modeling, design, or other projects to increase or sustain the organization’s infrastructure.  Short-Term Capital project: eligible equipment.  Long-Term Capital project: purchase of a facility or permanent improvement or stabilization of the organization’s physical space. Eligible capital projects may include but are not limited to: facility plans, historic preservation plans, acquisition of production equipment, transition costs associated with database systems, website overhauls, archival projects, non-consumable personal protective equipment, building purchases, HVAC renovations, historic preservation, ADA elevator improvements, and new construction. Applicants who are unsure if their project may qualify for CP are encouraged to contact the CP grants manager. Funding Information Maximum Amount for New Facility Purchase: Up to $500,000 Maximum Amount for Other Eligible Projects: Up to $250,000 Maximum Application Amount Before a 1:1 Match:  $100,000 Period of Performance  October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria The list below details the minimum eligibility requirements for CP. All eligibility requirements must be met upon application submission. Applicants must: Be incorporated as a nonprofit with a federally-designated tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code, as evidenced by an IRS determination letter that is dated at least one year prior to the application deadline date Be registered with, and authorized to do business in, the District as either a “Domestic” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in the District) or a “Foreign” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in another state). Ensure that at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the organization’s activities occur within the District of Columbia. Ensure that one hundred percent (100%) of the grant award dollars are used to support District of Columbia programming, inclusive of direct and indirect costs. Have an active Board of Directors. Register and comply with the regulatory requirements of pertinent government agencies including, but not limited to: DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), DC Department of Employment Services (DOES); and the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Obtain a certificate of “Citywide Clean Hands” (CCH) from the District of Columbia Office of Taxation and Revenue. Have its principal physical business office address located in the District of Columbia, subject to an on-site visit. (Note: CAH will not allow post office boxes or the addresses of board members or volunteers as evidence of the principal business address). Propose a project at a facility primarily used for the training, management, production, or presentation of performances, exhibitions, or other programs of the arts or humanities. For more information, visit CAH.

This program provides annual matching funds to state and territorial historic preservation offices to support the preservation and recognition of historic properties across the United States.

The Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust is accepting applications to support a variety of public and charitable purposes that benefit the general public in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Donor Name: Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust State: Indiana County: Saint Joseph County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Environment, animals Health Human services Public/society benefit Religion Funding Information Average total giving per year: $350,000 Average grant size: $10,000 to $50,000 Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF), established in 1986, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents in northern Chautauqua. Their focus extends beyond geographic boundaries, aiming to foster a thriving community they proudly call home. Over the years, NCCF has spearheaded numerous projects spanning arts and culture, environment, health and human services, and neighborhood revitalization. NCCF seeks to strategically invest in the community, partnering with nonprofits to address complex issues and seize opportunities for lasting impact. They prioritize proposals that combine passion with thoughtful planning and eagerly await ideas for realizing their vision of a healthy and prosperous community. Their Community Grants Program reviews proposals biannually, in spring and fall. The initial step involves submitting a Letter of Interest, which should include a brief project description aligning with the agency’s mission, anticipated impacts, total project cost, and requested amount. Letters must be two pages or less and submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. on March 1st or September 1st for consideration. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, though meeting program priorities and guidelines doesn't guarantee an invitation. In evaluating applications, NCCF prioritizes projects' potential community benefits, organizational capacity, meaningful collaborations, and ability to leverage additional funds or resources. Grant proposals must address identified community needs, benefit the northern Chautauqua area, and be submitted by 501(c)3 organizations or appropriate nonprofits. Historically, grants have ranged from $500 to $15,000, with competitive grants typically averaging $1,500 to $3,000. Multi-year funding may be considered based on program outcomes, but organizations can only have one open grant at a time. Expenses like overhead, fundraising campaigns, and unrelated salaries/stipends are generally not funded. Funding for religious organizations is contingent on community benefit and non-proselytization. NCCF prohibits discrimination in hiring, service provision, or volunteer/vendor selection, supporting inclusivity and diversity. For inquiries, Eileen M. Ardillo, the Program Coordinator, can be reached at 716-366-4892 or [email protected]. NCCF appreciates collaboration and shares the community's vision for a healthy and prosperous future.

Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation, offers Access Grants of up to $1,000 to support short-term arts and cultural activities for grades K-12 at a school site during the school day. These grants aim to bring high-quality arts experiences to students and are part of the Cultural Collaborations program. Cultural Collaborations Grants The Cultural Collaborations and Arts Educator Fellowship Programs are made possible through support from the Rasmuson Foundation, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. A school may apply for and receive an Arts Excursion grant, and a Project or Access Grant per school year. A school may also receive support for an Artists in Schools residency in the same school year, either as an individual school or through a district grant. For help in understanding the application process, assistance in how to develop an arts program in your school, or any other technical services please contact us with questions. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants Deadlines: June 1, for residency projects beginning no earlier than July 1; December 1 for residency projects starting no earlier than January 1. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are matching awards of up to $6,000 in support of high-quality arts and cultural programs for youth that emphasize skill acquisition and direct participation in settings outside of the school day/year, in Alaska. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Eligible projects/programs provide regularly scheduled sessions over an extended period of time. Nonprofit organizations, schools or school districts are eligible to apply. Partnerships in support of Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are encouraged. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grants Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; deadlines are rolling, at least 30 days prior to the planned activity. Excursion Grants, bringing Kids to Arts, are awards of up to $600 ($1,000 for eligible Title I schools,) to support transportation and admission costs incurred in attending arts and cultural events, and/or visiting recognized arts and cultural venues in Alaska. Cultural Collaborations Excursions Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Only public or nonprofit schools in Alaska may apply. A school may only receive one Excursion grant per school year, but may apply for multiple Excursion activities in one grant application. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grant Guidelines and Application Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grant Final Report Form Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Access Grants Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; deadlines are rolling, at least 30 days prior to the planned activity. Access Grants, bringing Arts to Kids, are awards of up to $1,000 to support high-quality, short term (generally, of a week or less) arts and cultural activities for grades K-12 at a school site, during the school day. Cultural Collaborations Excursions Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Alaska 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations, private nonprofit schools, and public schools or school districts are eligible to apply. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Access Grant Guidelines and Application Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Access Grant Final Report Form Word format PDF format Arts Educator Fellowships Deadline: March 15 Rasmuson Foundation initiated the Arts Educator Fellowships to encourage the reconnection of artists who are teachers to the practice of their art; Arts Educator Fellowship are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA), supported by funding from Rasmuson Foundation. The Arts Educator Fellowship program provides grants to certified, permanently-assigned, full and part-time K-12 teachers to immerse themselves in their own creative work, interact with professional artists, and stay current with new artistic practice. The Arts Educator Fellowship is meant to create opportunities for Alaska teachers to fill their own artistic wells. Eligible applicants may apply for up to $3,000 in support of Arts Educator Fellowship (AEF) activities, based on actual expenses.

The foundation promotes the public welfare with private resources in accordance with the goals and purposes established by Tom and Frances Leach. They support effective organizations that are creating significant, lasting, and transformational change either through smart and innovative responses to today's needs or through systematic solutions that address the root causes of economic and societal challenges. A significant portion of our grantmaking is geographically focused in the Bismarck-Mandan area and Western North Dakota.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support civil society in the Western Balkans to hold governments accountable and transparent by promoting greater public participation with a focus on environmental issues. The United Nations Environmental Programme held a Western Balkans Forum in late 2022 that concluded the region is heavily impacted by climate and pollution issues. Corruption and inconsistent implementation of regulations further exacerbate the situation. These environmental issues may be highly detrimental to communities in these countries, impacting the health of individuals and putting their rights to safe living conditions and access to natural resources at risk. For instance, a 2022 study from the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy cited instances of increased pollution in regions proximate to new development projects, which degraded air quality and local water sources, causing potential health risks to local communities including respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases. Activists have recounted how local politicians use fear of economic crisis to demotivate citizens from speaking out against industrial pollution. The lack of local good governance in tackling environmental challenges has catalyzed public discontent and distrust. There is a need for citizen advocacy to hold local 2 leaders accountable to environmental regulations, and to protect against egregious environmental damage. To address some of these issues and leverage civil society’s activism, DRL/GP is seeking proposals that promote greater public participation and ensure government transparency and accountability. The project will focus on environmental governance processes in Western Balkan countries with high levels of international economic influence. The program aims to: (1) support local communities and/or organizations to mobilize to advance good governance principles and their intersection with local environmental laws and regulations; (2) engage independent media and community members in monitoring and documenting cases of noncompliance with environmental policies; and (3) create a diverse network of reform advocates collaborating to build accountability for implementing current laws and development of rightsrespecting policies.