Grants for Nonprofits - Workforce Development

The Initiative Foundation offers grants to nonprofits and local government units, focusing on program or capacity-building support, projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategies to address workforce shortages. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to serve its 14-county region in Minnesota and Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe, by fostering community and economic development. The grants are intended to be strategic investments, not ongoing support, with individual grants seldom exceeding $7,500. The grants target 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local government units serving specific counties and Native nations within the Initiative Foundation's geographic service area. The impact goals are to strengthen communities by addressing urgent needs, particularly in low-income communities, promote behavioral change towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, and develop community-based solutions for regional workforce shortages, leading to family-sustaining wages. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrably contribute to these outcomes. Priority consideration is given to proposals focusing on capacity-building support for nonprofits, especially those addressing urgent needs or low-income communities, including business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Other key focuses include cost-share for projects creating behavioral change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancement of community-based strategies to tackle regional workforce shortages in sectors with family-sustaining wages. Support for early-stage feasibility or pilot projects by local and regional community and economic development entities is also a priority. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational capacity for nonprofits, measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and tangible reductions in regional workforce shortages. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "behavioral change" and "community-based strategies" implies a desire for demonstrable and sustainable impact. The Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in the priority areas, indicating a theory of change that by investing in these key areas, they can foster stronger, more equitable, and economically resilient communities. Ineligible expenses include grants to individuals and businesses, expenses incurred before grant receipt, capital expenses, projects not directly benefiting residents in the service area, replacement of government funding, religious activities, lobbying, school curriculum development or athletic programs, and out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts, and historic preservation are not focus areas for discretionary grants, and potential applicants in these areas are encouraged to consult with staff before applying.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, public agencies, school districts, and California Native American tribes in creating educational and stewardship projects that connect communities to the coast and ocean, particularly those with limited access to coastal resources.

The 2025 Rec for All Programming Grant, administered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), seeks to support community-based organizations in delivering inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for youth in the District of Columbia. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser's goals of fostering physical, social, and emotional wellness while promoting skill development and community engagement. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants Management System by January 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, and late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The program provides funding of up to $100,000 per award to support the launch or expansion of structured recreational programs. Eligible categories include Cultural Arts (e.g., mural development, theater, and drama therapy), Youth Development (e.g., leadership development and STEM/STEAM education), Environmental Initiatives (e.g., gardening and nutrition), Sports/Athletics (e.g., fitness and e-sports), and Therapeutic Recreation. Programs must deliver at least 120 hours of structured services over a minimum of six weeks to youth aged 6–18. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to provide high-quality programming and align their proposals with DPR’s core values of equity, inclusion, empowerment, community, sustainability, and innovation. Proposals must include a detailed program narrative, participant recruitment strategies, an itemized budget, and proof of the program’s location and accessibility. Grantees are required to comply with reporting, monitoring, and branding requirements set by DPR, including regular updates and data collection. Applications will be evaluated by a review panel based on scoring criteria, including organizational and participant profiles, program description, and budget justification. The total funding pool for FY25 is $2 million, with multiple awards anticipated. Notifications of award decisions will be issued after a thorough review process, and grantees must meet compliance requirements, including background checks and site inspections, before program launch. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend the pre-application meeting on December 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM at DPR Headquarters. For additional information or assistance, contact LaShaun N. Basil at [email protected]. Detailed requirements and application materials are available on the DPR Grants webpage.

The Greenbush Area Community Fund, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, offers grants to nonprofit or public entities within the Greenbush area of Minnesota. This grant program aims to support projects or activities that enhance and/or promote educational experiences and other related purposes aligned with the Greenbush Area Community Fund's mission. While the explicit mission of the Greenbush Area Community Fund is not detailed, the focus on community enhancement and specific areas of impact suggests an alignment with broader community development and quality of life improvement goals. The target beneficiaries of these grants are qualifying programs and services within the Greenbush area that serve the community. The impact goals are to support economic development, education, aesthetic enhancement, or youth and senior enrichment. The selection criteria emphasize how a project meets the Greenbush Area Community Fund's mission, its capacity to extend beyond traditional opportunities, and the number of participants or organizations served. This indicates a desire to foster innovative and far-reaching community initiatives. The grant program prioritizes projects within the areas of economic development, education, aesthetic enhancement, and youth and senior enrichment. Special consideration is given to applicants who partner with other qualifying organizations or include cash or in-kind matches, highlighting a strategic focus on collaboration and shared investment. This encourages a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to community improvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced educational experiences, improved economic conditions, more aesthetically pleasing community spaces, and enriched opportunities for youth and seniors. Measurable results would likely be tied to the number of participants served, the scope of the projects, and the demonstrable impact within the prioritized areas. The strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on empowering local organizations to drive positive change through targeted investments that foster education, development, and community well-being, leveraging partnerships for greater collective impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to legal clinics and law firms that offer essential legal and social work services to low-income families in the District of Columbia at risk of child welfare intervention.

The Community Driven Change open call by St. David's Foundation is a grant program designed to support organizations that empower community members in decision-making and leadership roles. This initiative aims to foster healthier communities within the Central Texas region, specifically targeting Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. The program aligns with the Foundation's belief that addressing social and environmental conditions for generational change in historically marginalized communities requires mobilizing those closest to the problems, indicating a strategic priority on community-led solutions and a theory of change rooted in local empowerment. The target beneficiaries are community-led, community-focused organizations with a demonstrated impact in engaging residents to create healthier communities. The grant's impact goals center on supporting these organizations to achieve their health priorities, emphasizing access to quality healthcare, stable and affordable housing, pathways to healthcare employment, navigation and coordination of related services, and robust social networks. The program prioritizes organizations that effectively engage community members in leadership, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainable change. The program's focus is on awarding unrestricted, one-time operating grants to eligible organizations. Expected outcomes include strengthened community health initiatives and increased capacity for organizations working at the grassroots level. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the overall goal of achieving health priorities, the emphasis on demonstrated impact and community engagement suggests that the effectiveness of these organizations in fostering healthier communities will be a key indicator of success. The St. David's Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly demonstrated through this open call, which allocates up to $10 million in funding. The grant amounts are structured based on organization size, with a maximum of $250,000 for organizations with annual budgets between $250,000 and $500,000, and $500,000 for those with budgets over $500,000. This tiered funding approach suggests a commitment to supporting a range of impactful organizations. The distribution of funds is expected in October 2024, highlighting a clear timeline for the initiative.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is offering grants aimed at minimizing stormwater pollution through the ongoing maintenance of green infrastructure (GI). The core mission of this grant program aligns with environmental protection and sustainable urban development by actively preserving existing GI practices. The grant seeks to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these installations in managing stormwater, directly contributing to a healthier environment in the District of Columbia. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of the District of Columbia, who will benefit from reduced stormwater pollution and an improved local environment. Additionally, local District residents, including Returning Citizens, are targeted beneficiaries through the creation of sustainable employment opportunities in GI maintenance. The overarching impact goal is to achieve cleaner waterways and a more resilient urban ecosystem by consistently maintaining approximately 400 GI practices installed by District government agencies. The grant prioritizes providing excellent routine maintenance for 400 GI practices installed by District agencies. A secondary, but equally important, focus is on fostering sustainable employment for local District residents, including Returning Citizens, within the GI maintenance sector. This includes providing training to a local workforce. Furthermore, the program aims to cultivate stewardship and maintenance support opportunities within communities, encouraging local engagement and responsibility for environmental assets. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in stormwater pollution, evidenced by the effective operation of maintained GI practices. Measurable results will include the annual maintenance of approximately 400 GI practices and the successful training and employment of local District residents in GI maintenance roles. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in both the physical maintenance of green infrastructure and the human capital required to sustain it, the District can achieve lasting environmental benefits and create valuable socio-economic opportunities.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations in York County that provide programs in financial literacy, workforce development, and economic and family support to help families achieve financial stability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as eligible nonprofits and educational institutions, to develop and deliver essential training for rural and tribal preparedness and national security events.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Dearborn for the rehabilitation, repair, or replacement of damaged porches and outdoor steps.

This program provides funding to various organizations to expand high-speed internet access in underserved areas of Illinois, focusing on improving connectivity for schools, libraries, and health facilities.

This initiative provides financial and technical support to small businesses in Detroit that have been operating for 30 years or more, recognizing their cultural and economic contributions to the community.

This program provides funding for technology developers and industrial facilities to collaboratively test and validate innovative energy-efficient technologies in real-world industrial settings, enhancing their performance and adoption.

The Northwestern STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that align with the objective of developing a diverse talent pool to meet the employment needs of Northwestern Nevada’s evolving STEM industries. Projects should address equity in STEM, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Lincoln County for projects that promote community and economic development, particularly those that create jobs and have measurable local impact.

This grant provides funding to organizations and educational institutions to develop innovative training programs that improve the skills of rehabilitation professionals, helping them better support individuals with disabilities in securing quality employment.

The Monett Area Community Foundation (MACF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals within the Monett area. This grant program serves as a direct extension of their core mission, providing thoughtful grantmaking and fostering community leadership to achieve a tangible positive impact. Through strategic funding, MACF aims to address various community needs, ensuring that their investments contribute to the overall well-being and development of the region. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals and organizations that serve the Monett area. The MACF encourages applications from those who are actively working to improve the local community. The overarching impact goal is to create a stronger, more vibrant Monett by supporting initiatives that can demonstrate clear benefits to the community members. This aligns with the foundation's belief that targeted support can lead to significant positive change. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on improving the quality of life in the Monett area, although specific programmatic areas are not explicitly detailed beyond this broad objective. Applicants are invited to propose projects that they believe will best achieve this aim. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the idea that by empowering local organizations and initiatives through financial support, they can effectively address community challenges and foster growth. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in various aspects of community life within the Monett area. While specific measurable results are not outlined, the foundation seeks to fund projects that will lead to demonstrable positive change. Applicants are encouraged to visit the CFO website for more information, suggesting that further details on desired outcomes and metrics might be available there. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, indicates a focus on supporting a diverse range of projects, from smaller, targeted initiatives to more substantial community programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to independent Federally Qualified Health Centers in Eastern Massachusetts to establish new residency programs for Family Nurse Practitioners, enhancing primary care access in communities with low life expectancy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

This grant provides multi-year funding to small nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area to tackle health, education, environmental, and food system challenges in their communities.