Local Arts Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and institutions in Cuyahoga County to implement or expand recycling and composting programs, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

The City of Oakland's 2025 Neighborhood Voices for Festivals Grant Program aims to amplify cultural expressions, stories, and heritage within Oakland's neighborhoods, particularly those that have historically lacked equitable investments and recognition. This grant supports in-person Oakland arts and cultural activities that are free and open to the public, focusing on one- or multi-day festivals rather than ongoing programming. The program seeks to foster community engagement and celebrate the unique identities within the city. The grant prioritizes festivals that uplift the cultural identity of a people or the historical significance of a neighborhood, specifically encouraging applications from racial/ethnic-specific communities or other under-recognized groups in Oakland. It also supports festivals in neighborhoods with limited formal cultural resources and seeks partnerships with organizations deeply embedded in their local communities. The program aims to increase visibility and support for these communities and their cultural practices. Target beneficiaries include Oakland-based nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status and their fiscal sponsors, who are in good standing with state agencies and comply with federal regulations. The festivals themselves benefit the broader Oakland public by offering free arts and cultural experiences. The impact goals are to provide equitable resources, recognize underrepresented cultures, and enhance community vibrancy through cultural celebrations. Expected outcomes include increased cultural expression, enhanced community pride, and greater access to arts and cultural events for all Oakland residents, especially in underserved areas. Measurable results could include the number of festivals supported, the diversity of communities reached, attendance figures for the festivals, and qualitative feedback on the cultural impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in neighborhood-led cultural festivals, the city can empower communities, promote cultural understanding, and foster a more inclusive and vibrant Oakland.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) is offering Restaurant Relief Grants to provide crucial support to restaurants within Rockford and Winnebago County, Illinois. As the official destination marketing and management organization for the region, the RACVB's mission is to promote Rockford as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image. By providing these grants, the RACVB aligns with its broader mission by ensuring the vitality of local businesses, which are integral to the region's appeal and economic health, directly contributing to a dynamic place to live and work. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are restaurants in Rockford and Winnebago County that experienced increased state unemployment insurance charges due to compliance with indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 of 2021. The impact goal is to mitigate the financial strain on these businesses, helping them to remain operational and recover from the economic challenges presented by the mandates. The grants aim to support the continued existence of these restaurants, which are vital components of the local economy and community fabric. The grant program prioritizes restaurants that can certify their principal place of business is within Winnebago County, Illinois; complied with the indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 2021; laid off staff resulting in increased state unemployment insurance charges; incurred or will incur a higher rate of state unemployment benefit charges in 2022, 2023, and 2024 due to those Q1 2021 charges; and remain operational today. The focus is specifically on businesses that were directly affected by state mandates and are now facing ongoing financial repercussions in the form of higher unemployment benefit charges. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of a greater number of local restaurants that were impacted by the 2021 dining closures. Measurable results could include the number of restaurants that receive grants, the total amount of funding disbursed, and potentially, the continued employment levels within these businesses over the grant duration. The maximum award a restaurant may receive is $100,000, as set by the State of Illinois, with the total grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The RACVB's strategic priorities, through this program, likely include economic recovery and resilience for the local hospitality sector, ensuring that Rockford and Winnebago County remain attractive destinations for both residents and visitors. The theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial relief to struggling restaurants, the grants will alleviate a significant financial burden, allowing these businesses to stabilize, retain staff, and contribute to the overall economic well-being and image of the region. This, in turn, supports the RACVB's overarching goal of promoting and enhancing the Rockford region.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA) is offering grants through its Farley Moody Galbraith Fund (FMGF) to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within CFNEA’s nine-county region. The fund's purpose is to address a broad spectrum of charitable needs, aligning with Mrs. Galbraith's historical philanthropic focus on needy children, disadvantaged youth, and the arts. This grant program is a key component of CFNEA's mission to foster charitable support and improve the well-being of communities in Northeast Alabama by leveraging donor legacies to meet current needs. The FMGF primarily targets organizations dedicated to serving needy children, disadvantaged youth, and promoting the arts within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support to vulnerable populations and to enrich the cultural landscape of the region. By focusing on these specific areas, CFNEA aims to create a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and the vitality of local communities. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a strong operational history and strategic planning. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) not-for-profits or governmental/state agencies with a minimum one-year operating history and a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. Financial transparency is also key, with revenue-based requirements for submitting audited financial statements, review, or compilation. These criteria ensure that grants are awarded to stable and well-managed organizations capable of effectively utilizing funds. Expected outcomes include improved conditions for needy children and disadvantaged youth, as well as enhanced access to and participation in arts programs. Grant awards, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to support activities for one year, with awards under $3,000 receiving 100% upfront upon agreement. This structure allows for timely implementation of projects and a clear timeframe for assessing results. The Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in established, strategically-aligned organizations addressing critical community needs, it can foster sustainable positive change and uphold the charitable intentions of its donors.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for community-based artistic projects and events that promote cultural heritage and community engagement in Miami-Dade County.

The Daviess County Community Foundation's Community Good Grants Program aims to support a wide array of initiatives that foster the well-being and development of Daviess County, Indiana. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the community by investing in critical areas such as Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and other Civic Endeavors including Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development. By focusing on these diverse sectors, the foundation seeks to create a broad and lasting positive impact on the lives of Daviess County residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Daviess County. The foundation also considers funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity, provided the project is charitable and addresses a community need. In such cases, obtaining a fiscal sponsor may be required. The overarching impact goal is to empower organizations that are actively working to improve the quality of life within the community. The program prioritizes initiatives that address fundamental community needs across its identified program areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the foundation's theory of change implicitly suggests that by supporting a diverse range of community-focused projects, they anticipate improvements in local education, health outcomes, cultural enrichment, community infrastructure, and social services. The strategic priority is to be a responsive and impactful funder for critical community projects. The foundation's strategy is to foster comprehensive community improvement by being inclusive in its funding considerations while maintaining clear boundaries. It does not fund religious organizations for religious purposes, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation, debt reduction, operating costs not directly related to a specific program or project, capital campaigns, annual appeals, membership contributions, or travel requests for groups or individuals. This focused approach ensures that grant funds are directed towards projects with a direct and tangible community benefit, ultimately contributing to the long-term vitality of Daviess County.

This program provides funding to community groups and nonprofits in Lexington to support projects that expand and maintain the city's urban tree canopy while promoting education about the importance of trees in urban environments.

The City of Santa Barbara's Cultural Arts Grants program is an annual initiative demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable local cultural sector and ensuring arts access for all residents. With an investment of nearly $250,000, the program aims to strengthen the community through various artistic endeavors. This aligns with a broader mission to enhance local economic and community vitality by supporting diverse nonprofits and catalyzing engaging events and festivals. The grant program targets Santa Barbara-based organizations, specifically focusing on underserved communities and youth to provide equitable arts access. The overall impact goal is to uplift these communities, support the capacity and performance of nonprofit arts organizations, and promote the city's cultural vitality. By embracing multicultural and neighborhood arts, the program seeks to create a more inclusive and culturally rich environment for everyone. The program is structured around three distinct grant programs, each with specific priorities and focuses. Community Arts (CA) Grants prioritize projects that create arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth, with a maximum funding request of up to $6,000. Organizational Development (OD) Grants are designed to support nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capacity, audience reach, and earned income, with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. Finally, Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants focus on incubating events that contribute to the city's cultural promotion and vitality, also with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include increased arts access for all community members, strengthened capacity and performance of local arts organizations, and the successful execution of events and festivals that boost local economic and community vitality. Measurable results would likely involve the number of participants reached through Community Arts projects, the growth in audience numbers or earned income for organizations receiving Organizational Development grants, and the attendance and economic impact generated by Community Events & Festivals. The city's strategic priority is clearly to invest in and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem that serves all its residents and contributes to the overall well-being and economic health of Santa Barbara. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the city can foster a dynamic cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates local economic activity.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.

The Social Justice Fund's 2024 Native Led Organizing Grant aims to support grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant is aligned with the Social Justice Fund's broader mission of community organizing, focusing on Indigenous frontline communities, Nations, organizers, actions, and movements. The program specifically targets Native-led organizing efforts across the northwestern region, providing funding to organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, fiscally sponsored groups, or those willing to confirm a fiscal sponsor upon award. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Indigenous, Native, American Indian, and First Nation community-led organizations (51% or more), particularly those working with reservation communities or in rural/small towns. The impact goals revolve around strengthening these communities through various initiatives. Priority consideration is given to organizations deeply embedded in and led by these communities, ensuring that the funding directly supports their self-determination and local needs. The grant prioritizes funding for a range of organizing work, including language rejuvenation programs, culture as healing programs, environmental justice, civic engagement (including voter education), food sovereignty, MMIW & MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People), wellness projects, youth-led initiatives, and art as activism installations. These focus areas reflect the critical needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous communities and align with a holistic approach to social justice and community well-being. Expected outcomes include the empowerment of Native-led organizations, the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, increased civic participation, enhanced environmental protection, and improved community health and safety. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics, the focus on community-led initiatives implies success will be measured by the strength and sustainability of these programs and their positive impact on the target communities. The awards range from $10,000 to $30,000, which will enable these organizations to implement their vital work.

The City of Allentown is launching a new Community Reinvestment program, committing $800,000 in grants to non-profit organizations that serve City residents. This initiative is designed to address critical needs within the community, focusing on areas that directly impact the well-being and stability of Allentown's population. The program's mission aligns with supporting local non-profits as essential service providers, ensuring that funding directly benefits city residents. While a specific foundation's mission and strategic priorities are not explicitly stated, the program's structure clearly indicates an alignment with community development, social welfare, and direct service provision to vulnerable populations within Allentown. The program targets Allentown non-profits serving city residents, with a specific focus on those assisting minority and underserved populations. The primary impact goals are to prevent evictions, improve community well-being through mental health and safety training, enhance technology for data collection on unsheltered and food-insecure individuals, and provide essential operational support for critical non-profits. The expected outcomes include increased legal representation for eviction prevention, improved emergency response for displaced individuals, broader access to mental health and safety training, better data tracking for vulnerable populations, and sustained operations for key service providers. Funding is allocated across four key categories, each with distinct priorities. Eviction Prevention and Emergency Response is prioritized with $400,000, seeking to fund legal representation and support for those displaced by catastrophic circumstances. Community Well-being, with $100,000, focuses on training providers in mental health awareness, violence prevention, and other critical health and safety areas. Technology Enhancements, also with $100,000, aims to improve data collection on unsheltered and food-insecure individuals by engaging shelters and food distribution centers with tracking software. Finally, Essential Not For-Profit Operational Support receives $200,000 to offset costs for non-profits meeting critical unduplicated service needs. The program's theory of change is rooted in empowering local non-profits to address immediate and systemic community challenges. By providing direct financial support, the City of Allentown aims to strengthen the capacity of these organizations to deliver vital services, improve the quality of life for its residents, and build a more resilient community. Measurable results will likely include the number of individuals receiving legal aid for eviction, the number of people trained in mental health and safety, improved accuracy and scope of data on vulnerable populations, and the continued operation of essential non-profits. Eligibility criteria emphasize that organizations must be Allentown non-profits with 80% of clients being city residents, or explicitly target funds to city residents, ensuring a direct local impact.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants for projects and programs that benefit Lawrence County residents and communities. These grants aim to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster growth and address critical needs within the county. The grants specifically target individuals of all ages who are leading efforts to create opportunities, address pressing needs, and unlock the potential within Lawrence County. The primary goal is to support local initiatives that have a tangible impact on the well-being and development of the community. Funding requests are generally between $500 and $2,500, though larger requests may be considered if they demonstrate significant potential impact. Priority is given to volunteer-led, grassroots, and community-driven projects that require funding or resources to achieve their objectives. This focus emphasizes empowering local residents to drive positive change. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (501(c) organizations), public organizations such as school districts and government subdivisions, and groups operating under fiscal sponsorship with a nonprofit or public entity. The emphasis on community-driven projects reflects a strategic priority to foster local engagement and self-sufficiency, aligning with a theory of change that posits local ownership and participation lead to more sustainable and impactful outcomes. The expected outcome is a strengthening of Lawrence County through targeted support for initiatives that align with the Pillars of Prosperity, with measurable results including improved access to arts, education, and health services, as well as enhanced community and economic vitality.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant, offered by the City of Salisbury, aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots within the Innes Street Improvement District. This program is a matching grant, with the City providing up to $5,000 per project on a 50/50 basis. The grant seeks to align with the City's mission of urban beautification and economic development by incentivizing property and business owners to invest in their properties, thereby improving the overall appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District. The impact goals include fostering a more aesthetically pleasing and vibrant commercial area, attracting more visitors and businesses, and ultimately boosting local economic activity. By supporting a range of projects from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitations and the installation of new pedestrian amenities, the grant targets a broad spectrum of improvements that collectively enhance the district's appeal. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including the introduction of new pedestrian amenities like outdoor seating, planters, awnings, and lighting, as well as the installation of new façade elements and the restoration of storefronts. Other focuses include painting murals, repairing and replacing windows and doors, repointing brick, and implementing green building improvements such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Projects are expected to result in visible improvements to properties, increased pedestrian traffic, and a more positive perception of the Innes Street area. Measurable results could include the number of completed projects, the total investment leveraged through matching funds, and qualitative assessments of improved aesthetics and public engagement. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities for this grant center on urban revitalization and creating a more attractive and sustainable downtown area. The theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property enhancements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn leads to a cumulative positive effect on the district's economic vitality and quality of life for residents and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster community pride and encourage a vibrant local economy through targeted improvements that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

The City of Austin's Equity Office is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support community-driven initiatives, particularly grassroots organizations, that address immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement efforts in the Austin-Travis County area, with priority given to applicants with annual operating budgets not exceeding $500,000.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

The Historic Preservation Board’s Building Restoration Grant, offered by the City of Lafayette, Colorado, provides crucial financial support for the repair and restoration of buildings aged 50 years or older. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to preserve and celebrate Lafayette's historical architectural heritage, ensuring the longevity and aesthetic appeal of its older structures. The grant program directly supports the strategic priority of maintaining the city's unique historical character and promoting community pride in its past. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are owners of commercial buildings, houses, churches, and outbuildings within Lafayette city limits that are at least 50 years old. The program aims to encourage the preservation of these structures, with impact goals centered on preventing deterioration, enhancing historical aesthetics, and extending the lifespan of these significant buildings. By supporting both structural and cosmetic projects, the grant ensures a comprehensive approach to historical preservation. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate longevity, focusing on repairs that will significantly extend the building's lifespan. It also emphasizes appearance, encouraging the use of historic materials where applicable to maintain architectural integrity. Furthermore, the program encourages the use of Lafayette-based contractors or DIY efforts, fostering local economic activity and community engagement. Urgency of need is also a key consideration, along with thorough research on the property's history, which aligns with a broader theory of change that sees informed preservation efforts leading to more impactful and sustainable outcomes. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the condition and historical accuracy of older buildings throughout Lafayette. Measurable results will be assessed through the number of successful restoration projects completed, the extent of structural and cosmetic improvements, and the documented use of historical materials. The grant, offering between $1,000 and $10,000, with grants up to $3,000 to support preservation, aims to contribute to a vibrant historical landscape, reinforcing the city's strategic priority of cultural preservation and enriching the lives of its residents.

This grant provides financial support to various agricultural entities in Howard County, Maryland, for projects that enhance, sustain, or educate about agricultural practices.

The City of Fort Myers Special Event Grant program aims to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations by providing limited City-provided services for special events. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to enhance community well-being by fostering recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities, thereby promoting a sense of belonging and collective identity among residents. The program is designed to provide essential services such as trash pickup, police services, permits, barricades, signage, and facility rental, which are critical for the successful execution of public events. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are 501(c)(3) designated organizations that host special events within the City of Fort Myers. The program's impact goals include providing event-related economic support to these organizations and creating opportunities for tourism development, which in turn stimulates the local economy. By alleviating some of the financial and logistical burdens associated with event management, the grant enables these organizations to offer a wider range of activities that benefit the community. The grant prioritizes events held on or in City-owned and operated facilities, parks, and streets, ensuring that public resources are utilized to their fullest potential for community engagement. The focus is on facilitating events that enrich the cultural fabric of Fort Myers, promote community cohesion, and attract visitors, thereby contributing to both the social and economic vitality of the city. The City's strategic priority is to leverage these events as a mechanism for community building and economic growth. Expected outcomes of the program include an increase in the number and quality of special events offered in Fort Myers, enhanced community participation in recreational and cultural activities, and a measurable boost in local tourism. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics beyond the types of services provided, the success of the program is intrinsically linked to the successful execution of a diverse range of special events and their perceived value to the community and local economy. The City's theory of change posits that by providing direct service support, it empowers non-profit organizations to deliver high-quality events that achieve these broader community and economic development objectives.