Infrastructure Grants

Firelight Media's Documentary Lab is an 18-month fellowship program designed to provide comprehensive support for emerging filmmakers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States. This program aligns with Firelight Media's mission to support artful and innovative documentary films that take risks and offer new narratives on pressing contemporary issues. The fellowship includes professional development retreats, customized mentorship from prominent documentary leaders, networking opportunities, and a $25,000 project grant, aiming to foster both project development and career growth. The primary target beneficiaries are filmmakers in the United States and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Samoa, Guam/Northern Mariana Islands) who identify with racially and ethnically underrepresented communities. Specifically, the program is for those directing their first or second feature-length documentary film. The impact goals are to empower these filmmakers to create compelling and diverse stories, enrich the documentary landscape with fresh perspectives, and establish sustainable careers within the industry. The program prioritizes long-form/feature-length documentaries that are currently in early production, production, or post-production stages. Firelight Media is open to various documentary types, including historical, investigative, personal, vérité, and experimental, emphasizing projects that are innovative and challenge conventional narratives. Key focuses include supporting films that address significant societal issues and promoting artistic risk-taking, ensuring the production of impactful and thought-provoking content. Expected outcomes include the successful completion and distribution of feature-length documentaries from diverse voices, leading to increased representation and visibility for underrepresented filmmakers. Measurable results could include the number of films completed, festival selections, distribution deals, and the career advancement of fellows. By investing in these filmmakers and their projects, Firelight Media's strategic priority is to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic documentary film ecosystem, contributing to a broader understanding of critical social issues through the power of storytelling.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants to advance research, development, or demonstration of innovative and practical approaches to increase the reuse and recycling of batteries and other critical minerals. EGLE's broader mission involves protecting Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, with a focus on addressing climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This grant program aligns directly with EGLE's strategic priorities by promoting the circular economy and sustainable resource management, particularly in the context of clean energy production and electric vehicle technology. The target beneficiaries for these matching grants are Michigan public or private colleges or universities that grant baccalaureate degrees and are actively studying opportunities to recycle, innovate, and maximize the use of critical minerals from electric vehicles and other battery storage units. The impact goals are to support research into the reuse of critical materials for clean energy production and to increase the reuse and recycling of batteries and other critical minerals. Preference will be given to institutions with partnerships involving entities in the research, development, or demonstration of these innovative approaches. The program prioritizes research into the reuse of critical materials for clean energy production through circular economy efforts to capture and reuse critical minerals. Additionally, it focuses on research, development, or demonstration of projects that specifically recycle critical minerals from electric vehicles and other battery storage units. This focus reflects EGLE's theory of change, which posits that investing in innovative research and development within academic institutions, especially those with industry partnerships, will lead to practical solutions for critical mineral recovery and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Expected outcomes include the development and demonstration of new concepts and projects that significantly increase the reuse and recycling rates of critical minerals from batteries. Measurable results would involve the number and impact of research, development, and demonstration projects supported, the amount of critical minerals recycled or reused as a direct result of these projects, and advancements in the understanding and implementation of circular economy principles for clean energy materials. A total of $4.75 million in funding is expected, with individual grant awards ranging from $500,000 to $2,500,000, further demonstrating the significant investment EGLE is making to achieve these outcomes over the anticipated grant period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2029.

The GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $15,000 to nonprofit organizations to support outreach and community-building events related to urban agriculture. The primary goal of this grant is to engage Boston residents more deeply in existing urban agricultural resources and broader urban agriculture activities. These events must be open to the public and focus on activities such as gardening, farming, food forest stewardship, beekeeping, henkeeping, and the consumption of locally-produced food. This initiative aligns with a mission to foster community engagement and education around sustainable food practices within urban environments, directly contributing to local food production and awareness. The target beneficiaries are Boston residents, with a particular focus on engaging them in various aspects of urban food production. The impact goals include increasing public participation in urban agriculture, enhancing community connection to local food systems, and promoting a greater understanding of sustainable living practices. The program prioritizes events that are planned for spring or summer 2024 and are specifically focused on Boston-based food production or urban agriculture. Examples of eligible events include garden-opening events, farm or food forest "open houses," and farmers market opening days, as long as they highlight urban agriculture. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a more engaged and informed Boston populace regarding urban agriculture. Measurable results could include the number of events hosted, the total attendance at these events, and the diversity of urban agriculture topics covered. While educational components are not mandatory, their inclusion would further support the program's objectives. The overarching strategic priority is to strengthen Boston's urban food ecosystem by encouraging community participation and utilizing existing resources effectively. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by funding accessible, public events focused on urban agriculture, GrowBoston can increase residents' engagement and knowledge, leading to a more robust and sustainable local food system. By supporting community-building initiatives, the program aims to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility and participation in urban food production. Allowable uses of funding include event supplies, food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, and outreach materials, with up to 10% for indirect/administrative costs. This ensures that the grants directly facilitate event execution and community outreach, reinforcing the program's core objectives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small utility companies and public utilities in Oklahoma for improving their electricity service resiliency through various enhancements like weatherization and advanced technologies.

This program provides funding to local and state entities in Oregon for acquiring land and developing outdoor recreational facilities to enhance public access to parks, forests, and beaches.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant funding to support early child care providers within the county. This grant program aims to enhance the quality of child care services by funding improvements in educational materials, physical environments, technology, and developmental support services. The program's mission aligns with fostering a robust early childhood education ecosystem, recognizing the critical role these providers play in child development and community well-being. The grant targets DCFS Licensed Childcare Providers located in Will County. Priority is given to providers serving specific populations, including children ages birth to five in Will County R3 Zones, those receiving Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL), children in the Early Intervention program, children with developmental or medical diagnoses, and children with active Individually Education Plans (IEP) in the public school system. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these providers to offer high-quality care, particularly to vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to developmental and educational resources. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include the acquisition of educational materials such as books, art supplies, and STEAM/STEM resources; improvements to the physical environment including safety, sanitation, furniture, and air/water filtration; technology upgrades for security systems, computer software for administrative tasks, and parent communication; and developmental supports like screening tools, consultant hiring, social-emotional program enhancements, and health screenings. The focus is on creating safe, stimulating, and technologically advanced environments that cater to the holistic developmental needs of young children. Expected outcomes include improved learning environments, enhanced safety and health standards, more efficient administrative processes, and increased access to specialized developmental support services for children. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of new educational tools, upgraded facilities, advanced technology systems, and the provision of targeted developmental interventions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and readiness for school of Will County's young children, thereby supporting the county's broader strategic priorities in early childhood development and community health.

The Mertz Gilmore Dance Research Grants, administered by Staten Island Arts, offer crucial support to dance artists, collectives, and nonprofits at various career stages. This grant program is specifically designed to foster the research and development of new dance works. While the overall mission of Staten Island Arts is not explicitly detailed, this grant aligns with a broader goal of supporting artistic creation and addressing specific challenges within the local arts community, particularly the lack of venues for dance presentations in Staten Island. The grants aim to alleviate these significant challenges by focusing on the foundational stages of creative development, thereby contributing to the vitality of the local dance scene. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are individual dancers, choreographers, dance collectives, and dance nonprofits who are residents of Staten Island and are at least 18 years old, and not full-time students. The impact goals are centered on enabling the creation of new dance work. By providing funding for the research and development phase, the program seeks to empower artists to explore innovative ideas and bring new projects to fruition, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of Staten Island. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to support the development of new dance works that are either undeveloped or in their early stages. Crucially, the grants explicitly exclude funding for work that has already been presented. This emphasis ensures that the funds are directed towards novel creative endeavors. The grants are designed to alleviate challenges related to the lack of presentation venues by focusing on development, rather than presentation costs. Ineligible activities include capital improvements, fundraising events, scholarships, juror fees, prizes, lobbying expenses, and entertainment, reinforcing the program's dedication to direct artistic creation. The expected outcomes include the successful research and development of new dance works by Staten Island-based dance artists and organizations. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the program implicitly aims for an increase in the quantity and quality of new dance pieces being created in the borough. Awards are set at $7,500 per artist, indicating a significant investment in individual creative processes. The underlying strategic priority is to strengthen the dance community in Staten Island by nurturing artistic talent and supporting the creation of original work from its nascent stages. The theory of change seems to be that by providing dedicated funding for early-stage development, artists will be better equipped to overcome resource limitations and contribute new, innovative dance to the community.

The Arts and Humanities Grants program, a collaborative effort between the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Arts Commission, is designed to support organizations in Maine that actively present the state's stories and cultural expressions. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering cultural understanding and engagement within Maine communities. The grants specifically target innovative community projects that integrate both arts and humanities components, reflecting a strategic priority to bridge these disciplines for broader cultural impact. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations with 501c3 status, government organizations (including federally recognized Indian tribal governments, state/local/city governments), churches, and education organizations (such as schools, school districts, or public/private institutions of higher education) operating within Maine. Organizations serving and/or led by communities traditionally under-resourced in the arts and humanities are particularly encouraged to apply, underscoring an impact goal to promote equity and access within the cultural landscape of the state. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong and clear arts and humanities content, well-defined project goals and impact, a sound project design, effective outreach and engagement strategies, and a realistic budget. These evaluation criteria highlight the focus on projects that are not only creatively rich but also strategically planned to achieve meaningful community engagement and measurable results. The expected outcome is to support projects that effectively share Maine's diverse cultural narratives and artistic expressions with its people. While specific measurable results beyond the project's impact are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on "strength and clarity in... project goals and impact" suggests that successful applicants will be able to articulate how their projects will achieve tangible benefits for the community. The grants, providing up to $1,000, are a strategic investment by the Maine Humanities Council and Maine Arts Commission to stimulate local cultural activity and ensure that a wide array of voices and stories from across all counties in Maine are heard and celebrated.

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy is offering a 2024 Grant Funding Program designed to support and promote the cultural economy of New Orleans. This program aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth through cultural activities. For the FY24 cycle, twenty-five grants of $2,000 each will be awarded. The grants target individuals and organizations that are actively engaged in promoting the cultural economy. This includes educating youth, training cultural producers, providing networking opportunities, and creating cultural events. Eligible applicants include State and federal 501(c)3 nonprofits, for-profit businesses licensed with the City and State (for community/cultural activities only), and individuals such as artists who have secured a fiscal agent. The program aims to strengthen the cultural sector by supporting initiatives that build capacity and generate economic activity. The program prioritizes workshops, training, and conferences that enhance the capacity of cultural non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and cultural businesses. This capacity building encompasses networking, skill development (such as fundraising and grant writing), programming improvement, education on sustainability, and learning new concepts like place-based planning. Additionally, the grants support workshops, training, and conferences within specific Cultural Economy segments including Entertainment, Design, Preservation, Culinary Arts, Literary Arts and Humanities, and Visual Arts and Crafts. Expected outcomes include the creation of cultural events, increased employment for cultural workers (e.g., musicians), and increased sales for art and cultural vendors, thereby attracting tourists. The program's theory of change is that by investing in cultural education, training, networking, and events, the Office of Cultural Economy can stimulate economic growth and enhance the vibrancy of New Orleans' cultural landscape. All funded programs, events, and activities are required to acknowledge support from the Office of Cultural Economy, ensuring visibility and accountability.

The FC Dallas Foundation's Community Action Grant program, presented by NUU Mobile, is designed to support nonprofit organizations that share the foundation's mission of promoting healthy, active lifestyles for underserved communities in North Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's strategic priority to foster community well-being through direct support to organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. By partnering with nonprofits, the foundation aims to extend its reach and impact, reinforcing its commitment to community development. The program specifically targets underserved individuals and communities within the local North Texas area. The impact goals are centered on improving the nutrition, healthy activity (with a preference for sports, especially soccer), and education of these populations. This focus is a direct reflection of the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by addressing these fundamental areas, individuals can achieve a better quality of life and long-term well-being. Grantees are required to focus their efforts in one or more of three key areas: nutrition, healthy activity through sports (preferably soccer), or education. This allows for a diverse range of projects while maintaining a clear alignment with the foundation's core mission. The program prioritizes organizations that can effectively provide opportunities for underserved individuals, ensuring that the grants lead to meaningful engagement and support. Each successful grant recipient receives a $5,000 grant. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's emphasis on "providing opportunities for underserved individuals" and "serving those in the local North Texas community" strongly implies an expectation of increased access to resources and improved well-being within the target demographic. The foundation's overall strategic priorities suggest a commitment to empowering communities through focused interventions. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits that meet specific criteria, including providing opportunities for underserved individuals and communities, serving the local North Texas community, and focusing on nutrition, healthy activity, and/or education. This rigorous selection process ensures that funding is directed towards organizations that are well-positioned to achieve the desired community impact and align with the FC Dallas Foundation's mission.

The Montgomery County FY 2024 Place-Based Management Grants Program, offered by the Community Engagement Cluster and the Office of Grants Management, seeks to foster economic growth and revitalization in the County's commercial corridors. This program is aligned with the broader mission of supporting local economies through "bottom-up" economic development, emphasizing community-driven strategies. The focus on Place-Based Management, particularly through the Main Street Approach, underscores a commitment to holistic and integrated community development that leverages existing assets and local engagement. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are businesses and residents within identified commercial corridors. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including retaining, expanding, and attracting neighborhood-serving retail and small businesses, as well as unifying and strengthening commercial corridors through events, promotion, marketing, maintenance, and diverse stakeholder engagements. All funded activities are required to actively involve residents, businesses, and the Montgomery County Government, ensuring a collaborative and community-centric approach to revitalization. Funding priorities are given to projects that address at least three of the four points of the Main Street Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Economic Vitality focuses on financial tools, property development, and supporting entrepreneurs. Design enhances the physical and visual appeal of commercial districts. Promotion positions the district as a community and economic hub, creating a positive image. Organization builds a strong foundation through partnerships, community involvement, and resource cultivation. These priorities reflect the County's strategic emphasis on comprehensive revitalization, moving beyond simple economic aid to encompass broader community and aesthetic improvements. Montgomery County Government anticipates awarding $400,000 through approximately two to five awards, with each grant ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. The grant duration is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to three total years based on satisfactory performance and fund availability. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, improved commercial corridor vitality, and increased stakeholder engagement, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. Eligible expenses primarily cover operating costs such as administrative expenses, community outreach, implementation of economic development activities, and neighborhood placemaking and management, all geared towards supporting the ongoing efforts of the projects.

The Caring for Denver Foundation is offering the "Alternatives to Jail" grant, aligning with its mission to address mental health and substance misuse conditions, particularly in relation to the criminal legal system. This initiative seeks to prevent unnecessary interactions with law enforcement, provide support within jail or prison systems, and offer culturally responsive community-based services for those impacted by the criminal legal system. The program is a direct manifestation of the Foundation's strategic priorities, aiming to foster a healthier and more supportive environment for Denver residents by reducing the reliance on incarceration for individuals with these conditions. The grant targets Denver residents, including those physically residing full-time in the city, individuals experiencing homelessness within the city, minors in the custody of Denver Human Services, minors in the primary legal and residency custody of a City resident, and non-City residents placed in mental health/substance abuse programs within a City Jail. The overarching impact goal is to improve mental health and substance misuse outcomes, reduce criminal legal system involvement for these populations, and enhance access to appropriate care and support. The foundation seeks to achieve measurable results through projects that demonstrate improved access to care, increased feelings of understanding and respect in care settings, and smoother transitions between care phases, ultimately leading to greater stability and reduced recidivism. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address Denver's mental health and substance misuse challenges across three key areas: Inclusive Access, Attention to Fit, and Care Over Time. Inclusive Access focuses on making care and support accessible in ways that are convenient, comfortable, and tailored to individual schedules, promoting participation and skill-building. Attention to Fit emphasizes culturally designed and matched care options, ensuring individuals feel understood and respected, and also supports the mental health of care providers. Care Over Time aims to improve care transitions, minimize disruptions, and increase stability, especially during critical periods like re-entry into the community from the criminal legal system. These focus areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by improving access, cultural relevance, and continuity of care, individuals will experience better outcomes and reduced entanglement with the criminal legal system. The total funding available for this grant area is $14.4 million, with a minimum of $4.8 million allocated to City and County of Denver agencies. Applicants, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or those fiscally sponsored by one), Indian or Native American entities, and government-supported entities, are encouraged to consider the total available amount when making their requests. The Foundation will evaluate grant budgets for reasonableness and consider prior grant history in allocation decisions. By strategically distributing these funds to eligible organizations and agencies, the Caring for Denver Foundation expects to see a significant positive impact on mental health and substance misuse challenges within the Denver community, contributing to a more equitable and supportive environment for all residents.

The Wichita County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Western Kansas Community Foundation, is a local grantmaker dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Wichita County, Kansas. Its mission is to strengthen community well being by supporting charitable activities carried out by eligible organizations that serve residents of Wichita County. The program seeks proposals that address community issues, stimulate participation, leverage other support, and demonstrate broad impact, innovation, responsiveness to emerging needs, collaboration, and long term sustainability. Grants are intended to improve quality of life across the service area through new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities or other tax exempt entities and government equivalents such as public schools and city, county, or state entities, including churches for non religious activities, that serve Wichita County, Kansas. The board will not consider requests from individuals or for operating or maintenance expenses including salaries, medical or scholarly research, membership fees, banquets, ticket purchases, religious purposes, travel for groups, capital debt reduction, political lobbying or legislative activity, fiscal agent services, endowments, umbrella funding, marketing tchotchkes, or giveaway prizes or incentives. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s stated process by the deadline of May 1, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information and official details are available from the Wichita County Community Foundation.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands), administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, aims to preserve California's wildlands by supporting the work of activists and organizations dedicated to their protection. This aligns directly with the Rose Foundation's broader mission for communities and the environment by fostering grassroots efforts that lead to permanent conservation, restoration, and stewardship of natural habitats. The program's core objective is to safeguard California's wilderness and native biological diversity through strategic, community-driven initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of Cal Wildlands are small nonprofit organizations with annual expenses and income of $200,000 or less, as well as individual activists with a proven track record in protecting California's natural landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. The fund specifically targets geographic areas and advocacy efforts that have not traditionally received significant financial support, including rural communities. The impact goals are centered on achieving permanent protection for wildlands, which are defined as natural habitats capable of supporting significant native plant and animal life, through legislation or deed restrictions. The fund prioritizes discrete, project-specific support with concrete sites and strategies, particularly those in geographic or issue areas historically underserved by financial and political support. It strongly emphasizes community-based advocacy and organizing, where campaigns are steered by affected community members and largely driven by volunteers. Other key priorities include projects that establish or combat critical precedents, innovative strategies, and efforts to build diverse constituencies for wildlands protection, especially by engaging communities of color and non-traditional stakeholders. Cal Wildlands supports a broad range of strategies and activities to achieve its objectives. These include grassroots organizing, public education, legislative advocacy, media campaigns, lawsuits, scientific research (including citizen science), coalition building, and developing partnerships. Supported activities range from communications campaigns and strategic planning to hiring technical and legal experts, training, and restoration. The expected outcomes involve tangible advancements in wildlands and open space protection, increased community engagement in conservation efforts, and the establishment of critical precedents that can influence future protection initiatives, ultimately contributing to the long-term preservation of California's natural heritage and biodiversity.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers additional Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program categories to conserve natural areas, critical habitat, riparian corridors, and urban wildlife habitat, and to restore and enhance state lands. The program aims to secure habitat before it is lost and to support restoration where needed. Funding parameters vary by category. Riparian Protection requires a minimum request of 25,000 dollars with no cap. State Lands Restoration and Enhancement requires a minimum of 25,000 dollars and allows up to 1,000,000 dollars for a single site and 500,000 dollars for multi site projects. Urban Wildlife Habitat, Critical Habitat, and Natural Areas follow category rules as published. Eligible work includes land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and associated incidental costs, development of low impact facilities such as paths, viewing shelters, restrooms, and interpretive elements, and restoration activities such as ecological restoration, shoreline work, fish passage improvements, and native plantings. Some categories allow habitat creation and site stewardship planning. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit nature conservancies, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies, as defined per category. Projects are expected to deliver durable conservation outcomes and public benefit consistent with category requirements. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The African American Legacy (AAL) is an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago. Led by Black civic and community leaders, AAL functions as a philanthropic and educational initiative, aligning with the Trust's broader mission of fostering community well-being. Its strategic approach is grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement, and grant-making, serving as a convener and catalyst to drive significant impact in Black communities. AAL's primary beneficiaries are Black-led and Black-serving community organizations that are responsive and rooted in their communities. The overarching impact goal is to empower and strengthen Black communities by addressing systemic challenges and promoting equitable opportunities. This is achieved by supporting organizations that educate and engage communities, and provide neighborhood-based services and solutions to community problems, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and thriving metropolitan Chicago. The program focuses on five key areas: Community and Civic Engagement, Mental Health, Wealth Creation, Arts and Sciences Education, and Environmental Justice. In Community and Civic Engagement, AAL supports work in leadership development, voting rights/access activism, and community organizing to dismantle anti-Black racism. For Mental Health, it backs organizations preparing providers or community members to deliver or advocate for mental health services, especially trauma-informed care, in response to the disproportionate stress burden on Black communities. Wealth Creation initiatives aim to build economic empowerment through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce re-entry, and trade skills. Arts and Sciences Education supports academic enrichment in STEAM for Black children and young adults, fostering creativity. Finally, Environmental Justice focuses on protecting and advocating for the built/natural environment and ensuring communities of color are not disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards. AAL's theory of change posits that by supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations working in these critical focus areas, it can drive measurable improvements in community well-being and dismantle anti-Black racism. Expected outcomes include increased civic participation, improved access to mental health services, enhanced economic stability, greater educational attainment in STEAM fields, and more equitable environmental conditions. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 for one year, with eligible organizations having annual operating budgets between $50,000 and $2,000,000. Eligibility also requires 501(c)(3) status, fiscal sponsorship, or governmental unit status.

The LGBTQ Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2024 Grant Cycle, aiming to support organizations that strengthen the infrastructure of LGBTQ-led or serving groups, provide services to LGBTQ youth, individuals, and families, and offer educational opportunities highlighting the needs of the LGBTQ community. The fund also seeks to advance collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community groups, and support nonprofit partners working on public policy and social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQ concerns. The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham's mission to enhance the quality of life in the region aligns with the LGBTQ Fund's goals by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all community members, particularly those from historically marginalized groups. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQ persons, with a particular focus on underserved communities including people of color, youth, seniors, transgender individuals, gender non-binary persons, and those in rural areas. The impact goals are to improve the well-being and equity of these communities through various support systems. Expected outcomes include stronger LGBTQ organizations, increased access to vital services for LGBTQ individuals and families, greater public understanding and acceptance through education, and more effective advocacy for LGBTQ rights and social justice. Measurable results could include the number of organizations supported, the number of individuals served, the reach of educational programs, and the impact of policy initiatives. Priority will be given to proposals that specifically address the needs of demonstrably underserved LGBTQ communities, emphasizing an intersectional approach. This includes programs focusing on inclusive healthcare and mental health services, immigrant advocacy, racial and economic justice, and initiatives promoting faith and acceptance. The typical grant amounts range from $3,000 to $7,000, with the fund also considering general operating expenses if justified in the application. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed towards areas with the most significant need and potential for transformative impact within the LGBTQ community in Central Alabama. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations in Central Alabama, specifically in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties, that either directly serve the LGBTQ community or are expanding existing programs to be inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ persons. Organizations not currently designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit are encouraged to apply using a fiscal sponsor. This demonstrates the Foundation's strategic priority of building capacity within the non-profit sector and its theory of change, which posits that by empowering and funding organizations dedicated to LGBTQ issues, they can create a more equitable, supportive, and inclusive Central Alabama for all LGBTQ individuals.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to acquire recreation and habitat lands and to develop recreation areas for the state’s growing population. The program supports local and state parks, trails, water access, and restoration on state lands to enhance public outdoor recreation. Funding is available across categories such as Local Parks acquisition and development, State Lands development and renovation, and Water Access and Trails in accordance with program rules. Typical projects include buying land for parks, developing athletic complexes, renovating community parks, building regional trails and waterfront facilities, and developing state lands. Local Parks awards may reach 1,000,000 dollars for acquisition or combination projects, with up to 500,000 dollars for development costs, and 500,000 dollars for development only. State Lands development and renovation awards range from 25,000 to 325,000 dollars. Eligible applicants vary by category and include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies as specified in the program guidance. Eligible costs include land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and a wide range of development features such as buildings, campgrounds, play areas, restrooms, roads and paths, and interpretive elements, subject to category rules. Applications are submitted through the state’s process by May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Proposals are assessed for alignment with category requirements and public benefit. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The EmpowerMENt Fund grant program, supported by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County, Michigan, by promoting their educational success. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and addresses critical needs identified through extensive community input. The fund's holistic approach demonstrates a commitment to supporting individuals and networks that share common goals, reflecting a strategic priority to invest in community-led solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are young Black males in Washtenaw County, specifically high school students and those beyond. The program's impact goals center on enhancing educational success through various support mechanisms. By focusing on this specific demographic and geographic area, the grant seeks to create targeted and meaningful change within the community, addressing systemic barriers to educational attainment and personal development. The EmpowerMENt Fund prioritizes a 1-year collaborative effort that includes programs offering mentorship, vocational and skills trade training, and college readiness initiatives. This multi-faceted approach reflects a strategic theory of change that believes in equipping young individuals with a diverse set of tools and guidance necessary for both academic achievement and future career pathways. The emphasis on collaboration indicates a strategic priority for collective impact and leveraging diverse expertise to achieve common goals. Expected outcomes include improved educational attainment, enhanced skill development, and increased preparedness for higher education or vocational careers among young Black males in Washtenaw County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets (e.g., percentage increase in graduation rates), the focus on mentorship, skills training, and college readiness provides clear indicators of the desired positive changes. The available grant dollars of $120,000, with requests up to $20,000, indicate the scale of investment in these crucial programs.