Grants for City or township governments - Science and Technology

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Capital Ready Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers between $250,000 to $3,000,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare sites for future industrial and manufacturing development across all counties in Illinois.

The FY 2023-2024 CRISI program, managed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is designed to fund projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of railroad infrastructure. The program is open to various applicants, including states, rail carriers, and local governments, and it focuses on a broad array of project types such as safety enhancements, congestion reductions, upgrades to short-line or regional railroads, and the development of new or substantially improved intercity passenger rail corridors. The total funding available for this opportunity is approximately $2.478 billion. The application deadline is set for May 28, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Projects must not only improve infrastructure but also enhance safety protocols, integrate innovative technology, and support economic vitality.

This program provides funding to organizations in Kansas to improve digital literacy and skills training, particularly for low-income individuals, veterans, seniors, and rural residents in economically distressed areas.

The "Ocean Exploration Fiscal Year 2025 Funding Opportunity" grant is aimed at funding projects that explore unknown or poorly understood areas of the ocean or maritime heritage, with a focus on advancing our understanding of the ocean, improving genetic libraries for deep-sea species, and enhancing the identification and documentation of significant maritime heritage resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in specific California counties to improve educational outcomes for boys and men of color by enhancing access to post-secondary education and addressing systemic barriers.

The Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC) of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awards grants to support innovative STEM opportunities for girls and young women in the region. Since 2014, the BWGC has awarded over $520,000 in grants, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster positive community impact by supporting initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. This grant program is a key part of the Foundation's strategic approach to investing in the future workforce and leadership within Northern Virginia. The target beneficiaries are girls and young women, from preschool through college-age, residing in Northern Virginia. Specifically, organizations providing services in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park, are eligible. The impact goal is to create measurable positive changes in the lives of these girls and young women by providing them with exciting and enriching experiences in STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to their educational and career development. The BWGC grant cycle prioritizes nonprofit organizations and schools that offer STEM programs with an emphasis on innovative components such as entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship. Funding is considered for both existing and new programs that directly support these areas. Applications for general organizational support, capital improvements, endowments, or scholarship awards are not considered, highlighting the program's focus on direct program delivery and innovation. Expected outcomes include increased participation and engagement of girls and young women in STEM fields, enhanced leadership skills, and the development of entrepreneurial mindsets. Measurable results are demonstrated by the impact on over 3,500 girls and young women since 2014. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship programs for girls and young women, they will empower the next generation of leaders and innovators, contributing to the economic vitality and social well-being of Northern Virginia.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program (LHP) issues this Program Announcement for assistance to support communication, planning, coordination, mapping, assessments, and data collection of landslide hazards. The program announcement for the Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program is authorized by the National Landslide Preparedness Act (P.L. 116-323) and appropriations to the USGS.A main objective of this Program, as outlined in the National Landslide Preparedness Act, is to provide grants, on a competitive basis, to state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments to research, map, assess, and collect data on landslide hazards within the jurisdictions of those governments. This funding opportunity, USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, solicits Risk Reduction Proposals as described in this document.

The Douglas County Community Foundation in Kansas is inviting applications for its Livewell Community Wellness Grants, aimed at supporting organizations that promote healthy eating and physical activity, or offer programs to reduce lifestyle-related chronic diseases, with the proposal required to come from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government entity and benefit the residents of Douglas County.

The AARP Vermont Winter Placemaking Grant Program, open to eligible local organizations and communities, offers financial support ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for projects aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and appeal of spaces for older adults, with a focus on enhancing community design and livability during the winter months.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions for creating engaging media projects that promote public understanding of humanities topics in Oklahoma.

This grant provides funding for U.S.-based researchers, including advanced graduate students, to participate in Earth-based simulations that support the planning and execution of future lunar missions under the Artemis program.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts districts, and individual professionals in Pennsylvania to help them recover and stabilize after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Downtown Johnson City Facade Improvement Grant Program, administered by the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) and supported through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program, aims to revitalize the Downtown Johnson City Redevelopment District, with a particular focus on the Historic Overlay District. The core mission of this program aligns with increasing the economic viability, improving aesthetics, and enhancing property values within this crucial area. By providing financial incentives for facade improvements, the JCDA seeks to prevent urban blight and create a more attractive environment for both businesses and residents, directly supporting community development and economic growth initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are conforming commercial and mixed-use properties located within the Historic Overlay District. The impact goals extend beyond individual property improvements, aiming for a broader community uplift. Key objectives include enhancing the marketability of commercial spaces, attracting new businesses and residents, and ultimately stimulating economic activity through increased job creation and sales tax generation in the downtown area. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate substantial economic impact, thereby supporting the strategic goal of fostering a vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to preserve and enhance the architectural integrity and visual appeal of buildings. These include masonry repairs, storefront reconstruction, removal of false facades, cornice repair, exterior painting, awnings, window and door repair/replacement, permanent exterior lighting, and signage integrated into design, among others. Eligibility criteria require applicants to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City’s Historic Zoning Commission or preapproval from the City’s Planning Division, ensuring that renovations align with historic preservation standards and zoning requirements. Proposed renovations must also be approved by the JCDA before commencement. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the physical appearance of downtown buildings, leading to increased property values and a more inviting urban landscape. Measurable results will include the number of improved facades, the amount of private investment leveraged by the grants, and, importantly, the economic impact in terms of new businesses, job creation, and sales tax revenue within the Redevelopment District. The JCDA's theory of change posits that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure of downtown properties, a ripple effect will occur, stimulating broader economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life in Johnson City. The program's flexible funding model, offering up to $10,000 for single-faced buildings and an additional $5,000 for multiple street-facing facades, with potential for larger grants for projects with substantial economic impact, underscores its strategic priority of maximizing community benefit.

The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants program, overseen by the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, is designed to stimulate community revitalization and economic growth within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enriching cultural tourism and improving community economic health through the thoughtful reinvestment in and preservation of historic downtown commercial properties. By fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown, the program seeks to leverage historic preservation practices as a catalyst for local economic vitality. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. The program specifically targets buildings that are at least 50 years old and contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district, with some exceptions for newer buildings meeting National Register criteria for exceptional significance. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical and economic health of these historic districts, ensuring the preservation of their architectural heritage while simultaneously promoting a vibrant commercial environment. The grant prioritizes exterior improvements that visually and economically contribute to revitalization, such as restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. It also supports the installation or repair of fire suppression systems for commercial ground-floor spaces or new upper-story income-producing residential developments in historic commercial buildings. A unique focus includes parapet lighting, utilizing commercial-grade white or color LED lights to create a festive atmosphere across adjoining buildings for at least one block, and the restoration of historically significant signage or theater marquees. New commercial signage is explicitly not supported. Expected outcomes include enhanced aesthetic appeal and functionality of historic commercial properties, increased community engagement and interest in downtown areas, and ultimately, a stronger local economy. Measurable results could include the number of properties restored, the amount of private investment leveraged by grant funds, an increase in foot traffic or commercial activity, and the sustained use of historic buildings. The program’s strategic approach centers on utilizing historic preservation as a core economic development tool, reflecting a theory of change that posits by investing in the physical fabric of historic downtowns, communities can unlock broader economic and cultural benefits, making these areas more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit arts organizations, schools, and higher education institutions in Tennessee to conduct immersive professional development workshops focused on arts education and integration.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering its 2024 Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Grant. This program aims to aid communities in restoring their urban tree canopy after natural disasters by funding the planting of replacement trees. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community resilience, focusing on re-establishing critical natural infrastructure within urban areas. The grant seeks to mitigate the long-term environmental and aesthetic damage caused by natural disasters, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of affected communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Indiana. The target impact is the recovery and enhancement of urban tree canopies, which in turn offers numerous environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, enhanced stormwater management, and increased biodiversity. The program also encourages community engagement, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and local involvement in environmental recovery efforts, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes and stronger community bonds. The grant prioritizes the planting of trees native to Indiana and explicitly excludes the purchase of maples (Acer genus) unless specific conditions are met, demonstrating a commitment to ecological integrity and the prevention of monoculture. Beyond tree planting, the grant also supports crucial urban forestry management tools, including community tree inventories, canopy assessments, management plans, and storm response plans. These tools are vital for a proactive and strategic approach to urban forestry, enabling communities to not only recover from disasters but also to build more resilient and effectively managed tree populations for the future. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in urban tree canopy coverage in disaster-affected areas, improved community preparedness for future natural disasters through comprehensive management and response plans, and a heightened level of community engagement in local environmental initiatives. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the number of trees planted, the development and implementation of urban forestry plans, and the scope of community participation. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial assistance for tree recovery and urban forestry planning, IDNR can empower local entities to rebuild stronger, more sustainable, and more beautiful communities capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. Funding for project requests ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000, with an overall available fund of $40,000. This ensures that a diverse range of projects, from small-scale plantings to more comprehensive planning initiatives, can be supported. Eligible activities include the creation or updating of tree inventories and canopy assessments, the development or review of management/response plans, and tree planting projects that incorporate community engagement. The emphasis on native species and strategic planning reflects a thoughtful approach to environmental restoration and long-term ecological health.

The DOE SC program in Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) hereby announces its interest in basic computer science and applied mathematics research in the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for science. Specifically, advancements in this area are sought that can enable the development of: Foundation models for computational science; Automated scientific workflows and laboratories; Scientific programming and scientific-knowledge-management systems; Federated and privacy-preserving training for foundation and other AI models for science; and Energy-efficient AI algorithms and hardware for science. The development of new AI techniques applicable to multiple scientific domains can accelerate progress, increase transparency, and open new areas of exploration across the scientific enterprise. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION AI is one of the most powerful technologies of our time[1] and DOE is at the forefront of research and development in AI technologies for enabling scientific discovery and innovation. Core components of the scientific method remain unchanged: Observation, Hypothesis, Experiments, and Analysis. However, DOE recognizes that abundant sources of data, high-performance computing (HPC) and networking, energy-efficient algorithms, and AI-related technologies can be harnessed to significantly accelerate and expand the impact of scientific research. The breadth of applications spans climate science, cybersecurity and electric grid resilience, biotechnology, microelectronics, disaster response, and beyond. Research to address national priorities will require advances and AI innovations in high-level capabilities such as: monitoring and predicting the onset of real-world anomalies and extreme events; adaptive strategies to control the real-time behavior of complex systems, infrastructure, and processes; approaches for the optimal development and design of physical systems; decision-support for planning, risk, and policy formulation; and tools that synthesize scientific knowledge and accelerate the design, manufacturing, testing, and optimization of new technologies. The focus of ASCR research and development investments is on the underlying approaches for AI-enhanced scientific and engineering capabilities and to significantly transform the scientific method for accelerated discovery and innovation. Realizing the next generation of AI for science will require innovations in both hardware and algorithms. Future AI-enabled scientific workflows are expected to use Machine Learning (ML) to enhance numerical modeling and data analysis along with technologies that process natural and computer-programming languages. DOEs exascale supercomputers[2] are some of the Nations most powerful systems for large-scale AI training and for tasks integrating AI, modeling, simulation, and data analysis. These exascale and future systems complement the vast array of other AI-enabled HPC and edge systems, including automated laboratories and facilities, that will significantly accelerate scientific progress in the coming decades. DOEs scientific community has collectively articulated important research directions toward realizing the promise of AI for science and other DOE missions in the recently-released AI For Science, Energy, and Security report [1], building on the preceding AI for Science report [2], and complementing the report on Opportunities and Challenges from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for the Advancement of Science, Technology, and the Office of Science Missions [3]. The research directions highlighted in these reports, and others, appear prominently in the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan [4]. This FOA addresses a broad spectrum of research priorities described in these documents that are critical to enabling trustworthy AI for scientific applications advancing human understanding and addressing national needs. [1] For additional background on the promise and importance of AI R, see the OMB/OSTP Memorandum on Multi-Agency Research and Development Priorities for the FY 2025 Budget (August 2023) https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/FY2025-OMB-OSTP-RD-Budget-Priorities-Memo.pdf, and the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (October 2023) https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/ [2] For more information on ASCRs exascale supercomputers, and other HPC resources, available as national user facilities, see https://science.osti.gov/ascr/Facilities/User-Facilities

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based cancer research institutions to enhance their research infrastructure and collaborative efforts in cancer prevention, treatment, and care.