Grants for Nonprofits - Social Advocacy

Neighborhood Grants: The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program offered by the city of Aurora provides funding opportunities for residents and neighborhood groups to improve the appearance of Aurora neighborhoods and strengthen community connections. The program offers competitive grants with a maximum award of $5,000 per project. Eligible projects include those that enhance a neighborhood's physical condition, increase pride and identity, improve neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the community. Neighborhood organizations and residents are encouraged to apply, with eligible projects needing to be within Aurora city limits and involve at least three neighborhood households. Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant: The Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant provides resources to support connections among neighbors through small neighborhood block parties or clean-up events. Grant recipients receive a $100 gift card for either King Soopers or Home Depot, depending on the type of event. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until allocated funds are used. Eligible expenses may include food and supplies for the event, but religious, political, or personal/private events will not be funded. Printing Assistance Mini-Grant: The Printing Assistance Mini-Grant offers in-house printing assistance for flyers and posters to publicize neighborhood events. This grant is available to participants registered in the Aurora Neighborhood Registration Program. Grant recipients can receive up to 25 color or 500 black and white flyers, or 10 color or 20 black and white posters. Materials must be picked up at the Aurora Municipal Center. Small Neighborhood Mini-Grant: The Small Neighborhood Activity Mini-Grant provides up to $250 for developing sustainable neighborhood groups and organizing larger-scale neighborhood events. Examples of eligible expenses include entertainment for festivals, neighborhood t-shirts, sports tournaments, or supplies for social gatherings with neighbors. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and require completion of an application form and budget estimates. Please note that specific application dates for each grant opportunity are not provided in the information given.

The Systems Change grants from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina are designed for organizations committed to influencing and guiding change in structural factors and systemic policy issues that have caused, reinforced, or worsened poverty in South Carolina. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to address the root causes of poverty by supporting initiatives that aim for long-term, systemic solutions rather than just addressing symptoms. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on understanding and disrupting the underlying issues that perpetuate poverty, emphasizing a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The target beneficiaries of these grants are people experiencing poverty in South Carolina, and the impact goals are to disrupt, reduce, or eliminate specific barriers and issues within the structural factors associated with poverty. Organizations seeking funding must be addressing one or more of these structural factors and have identified clear issues they intend to tackle. The foundation's theory of change appears to be centered on the belief that by addressing systemic problems through research, policy reform, advocacy, and collaborative solutions, lasting improvements in health, safety, and economic mobility can be achieved for vulnerable populations. The program prioritizes organizations that bring diverse people together to understand the entire system, coordinate various interventions, and work collaboratively across multiple sectors, including government, faith-based groups, social service agencies, funders, and the business community. This focus underscores the foundation's commitment to holistic and integrated solutions. Furthermore, organizations are expected to demonstrate long-term goals and strategies, grounded in extensive research, planning, evaluation, continuous learning, and the integration of diverse perspectives. Expected outcomes and measurable results include fostering systems-level change, informing government policy for more effective and equitable practices, and creating innovative solutions through advocacy and collaboration. Examples of funded nonprofits include those conducting research to undergird systems-level change, informing government policy for more equitable practices, and engaging in advocacy to address structural issues affecting the health, safety, and economic mobility of people experiencing poverty. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a typical median of $15,000-$20,000, suggesting a focus on impactful, yet often specific, interventions.

This funding opportunity is designed to help organizations provide education and training services to individuals aged 16 and older, enabling them to secure high-demand jobs and advance their careers through structured pathways and support.

Grants are aimed at supporting and promoting quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations, with a special focus on organizations that serve city of Lynn and the North Shore of Massachusetts. Requests for general operating support, program support, and small, program-related capital expenses are encouraged.

The Spirit of Humanity Award, offered by the Legacy Foundation, recognizes individuals, civic groups, organizations, or groups of individuals who inspire the Foundation's vision through their leadership and action. This annual award aligns directly with the Legacy Regional Community Foundation's mission: "creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, providing informed leadership & connecting donors to critical needs of the region." The award seeks to honor those whose contributions reflect this core mission, thereby reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of fostering community betterment through leadership and impactful initiatives. The target beneficiaries of this award are individuals or groups residing in or around the Cowley/Sumner County area who have demonstrated uncommon leadership or action within the past 12 months. The impact goal is to celebrate and highlight those who embody the Foundation's values, inspiring others to contribute to the region's strength. By recognizing these efforts, the Foundation aims to cultivate a stronger sense of community and encourage ongoing engagement in addressing critical local needs. The program prioritizes actions that genuinely reflect the Foundation's mission, emphasizing leadership and contributions that may or may not be financial. This broad definition ensures that a wide range of impactful activities are considered. The focus is on inspiring positive change and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the community, aligning with the Foundation's theory of change that recognizing exemplary community service fosters a more engaged and resilient region. Expected outcomes include increased public awareness of the Legacy Regional Community Foundation's mission and values, a stronger sense of community pride, and the encouragement of further civic engagement. Measurable results would include the number of nominations received, the visibility of the awardees' stories in the Foundation gallery, and the anecdotal evidence of inspired community action following the award. The award serves as a tangible expression of the Foundation's commitment to informed leadership and connecting donors to critical needs, ultimately contributing to a more robust future for the area.

The Resilient Futures Technology Grant Program, offered by DroneDeploy, is designed to champion radical inclusion in developing urgent solutions. The program's core mission aligns with DroneDeploy's vision to enhance outcomes for under-resourced populations by leveraging reality capture technology. This initiative prioritizes advocacy, safety, and efficiency, aiming to create a future where all communities possess the necessary resources to build resilience. DroneDeploy's strategic priorities are rooted in investing in innovative and novel approaches that improve both the built and natural environments, particularly where reality capture technology can provide inherent solutions. The target beneficiaries for this program include under-resourced populations that will benefit from enhanced advocacy, safety, and efficiency. The program seeks to support organizations dedicated to improving the built and natural environment through technological innovation. The overarching impact goal is to foster resilient futures in these communities by addressing critical challenges. DroneDeploy's theory of change posits that by providing unrestricted funding, product donations, training, support, and thought leadership, they can empower organizations to implement effective, technology-driven solutions. The program focuses on several key areas, including disaster preparedness or recovery, climate resilience and adaptation, food security and sustainable agriculture, environmental pollution monitoring, and indigenous land rights and safety. DroneDeploy is also open to funding additional innovative solutions that align with their mission, even if not explicitly listed. The grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are provided as unrestricted funding, allowing grantees the flexibility to deploy resources where they are most needed. Expected outcomes include improved resilience in various communities, enhanced safety and efficiency through technology, and the development of sustainable solutions for environmental and social challenges. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "enhancing outcomes" and "building a resilient future" implies a commitment to tangible positive change. Eligible organizations are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities or private foundations, both larger established organizations and younger emerging ones, ensuring a broad reach for the program's impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations that use football to help underprivileged children and young people while promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) seeks applications to fund safety and security projects at nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. Approximately $25 million to $60 million is expected to be made available to fund approximately 125-300 projects throughout New York State. Should additional funding become available, DCJS intends to meet as much of the requested needs as possible. Applications will be accepted for up to $200,000 per organization. Each eligible organization may submit one (1) application for one or more physical security enhancements and/or cybersecurity enhancements. Organizations can submit for different types of enhancements within their application (e.g., locks and alarm system) so long as the total requested by the organization is equal to, or less than, $200,000. Organizations may submit applications for projects at facilities that have received any prior SCAHC funding if the proposed project is different than any previously funded projects or builds upon or enhances the security measures previously undertaken. All funding must support project related costs that will be incurred during the contract period. Funding under this program must supplement, not supplant, non-grant funds that would otherwise be available.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation's Impact Special Funding Grant Program is designed to support organizations specifically engaged in health and youth development work within the Greater New Orleans region. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster the health and vibrancy of communities by investing in key areas that promote well-being and growth, particularly for underserved populations. The grant program seeks to empower non-profit organizations that are actively contributing to the community's overall health and the positive development of its youth. Target beneficiaries for this program include individuals and communities in high need within the Greater New Orleans region, particularly those benefiting from health and youth development services. The program aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, sound fiscal management, and a proven track record of success. Through these grants, the foundation intends to foster environments where equity is prioritized, community members are actively involved as leaders, and advocacy for underserved groups is robust. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined, emphasizing several key areas. Preference is given to organizations that exhibit strong leadership at both staff and board levels, coupled with good fiscal management practices. A growing track record of success is also a critical factor. Furthermore, the foundation prioritizes a commitment to equity for high-need communities, thoughtful involvement of community members as leaders, and significant contributions to community health and vibrancy. Advocacy on behalf of underserved communities at various levels (community, legislative, judicial, executive) is also a strong focus, as is the creative engagement of multiple stakeholders to generate new public support for non-profit work. Expected outcomes include enhanced health and youth development services, increased community well-being, and strengthened non-profit capacity within the Greater New Orleans area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the emphasis on a "growing track record of success" and "key contributions to the health and vibrancy of the communities they serve" implies a focus on demonstrable positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on the belief that investing in organizations with strong internal capacities, community-driven approaches, and advocacy efforts will lead to sustainable improvements in health outcomes and youth development for the region's most vulnerable populations. The integration of individual, family, and community views into needs assessment and policy initiatives further underscores this holistic approach to creating lasting impact.

The AJ Muste Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to grassroots activist projects in the US, particularly those with small budgets and limited access to mainstream funding, focusing on social justice issues such as immigration, prison abolition, racial and LGBTQ rights, economic exploitation, and anti-war efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations developing or expanding programs that help reduce reoffending among female juvenile delinquents by addressing their unique needs through direct intervention services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations hosting events in Rising Sun and Ohio County, Indiana, to help cover marketing costs and boost local tourism in 2025.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering the Convenient Neighborhoods Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to bolster community spaces in Jefferson County, Colorado. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Jefferson County residents by ensuring easy access to essential amenities. These amenities include parks, transportation hubs, farmers markets, and recreation centers, with a particular emphasis on fostering easy and safe access to public transportation, bike-friendly routes, and accessible paths. The foundation's strategic priority is to help Jefferson County thrive by supporting organizations committed to serving its residents and demonstrating measurable impact within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Jefferson County, with a focus on increasing their access to public transportation, improving neighborhood mobility, and expanding outdoor green spaces. The program aims to achieve several impact goals: increasing access and enrollment in public transportation benefits, advocating for policies that facilitate public transportation access and neighborhood mobility, and developing and preserving outdoor green spaces and community gathering places. These goals reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that improved access to these resources will lead to better overall health and well-being for the community. The grant program prioritizes organizations that are advancing work in specific areas. These include supporting efforts to increase access and enrollment in public transportation benefits, advocating for policies to enhance public transportation access, improve neighborhood mobility, and increase outdoor green spaces. Additionally, the program supports initiatives to develop and preserve outdoor green spaces, such as parks and open areas, and community gathering places like integrated community hubs and recreation centers. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of Jefferson County residents served, a higher percentage of organizational budget applied to Jeffco-specific programs, and the implementation of concrete programs directly focused on Jeffco populations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or operating under fiscal sponsorship and must demonstrate a clear commitment to serving Jefferson County residents. The grant offers typical funding between $5,000 and $25,000 per year, for a project period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, with a grant duration of two years.

This funding supports conservation organizations in Alaska that are working to protect vital natural areas and address environmental issues by enabling staff to travel for advocacy and outreach efforts.

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.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission invites applications for funding under the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Services grant. This grant supports the establishment and operation of ADRCs in seven designated Planning and Service Areas (PSAs) across Texas. These centers aim to provide a comprehensive, streamlined access system for older adults and individuals with disabilities, facilitating easier connection to long-term services and supports. The grant focuses on enhancing several core services, including specialized information, referral and assistance services, respite care referrals, local contact agency services for community living transitions, housing navigator services to increase accessible and affordable housing, and outreach activities for Medicare-related benefits. This initiative is a part of the broader No Wrong Door system, which involves multiple federal agencies to improve the quality and accessibility of long-term care and supports. The project stresses collaboration with local agencies and community organizations to ensure a wide-reaching impact.

This grant provides funding to state and local governments, non-profits, educational institutions, and local courts in Maryland to improve safety, permanency, and well-being for children in the foster care system.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Native American communities to develop sustainable economic projects, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance local infrastructure and social systems.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Ohio that assist families affected by sickle cell disease through education, outreach, and resource development.