Local Capacity Building Grants

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at [email protected] or Ben Espinosa at [email protected].

The Audience Access (AUD) Grant Program, administered by Francine Andersen, is a grant opportunity provided by the Miami-Dade County government. The program aims to fund arts program-related technology and services that ensure ADA compliance and programmatic access for audiences of all abilities. Examples of eligible services include American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, captioning, audio description, Braille materials, ADA/access training, and other similar services. It is important to note that this grant program does not support entire projects/productions or major capital/facilities projects or improvements such as construction or renovation. The maximum grant request is $5,000, and funded projects will be paid on a reimbursement basis upon project completion and submission of a correct and complete final report with all required documentation. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the project/event start date, and applicants may apply once per fiscal year. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information on eligibility requirements and guidelines, please refer to the AUD Grant program guidelines provided on their website.

This grant provides financial support to businesses in Takoma Park for capital improvements and renovations to help them establish, grow, or enhance their operations.

Grant Opportunity: Small Business Grants Funder: City of Fort Pierce Award Details: The City of Fort Pierce is offering Small Business Grants to existing small businesses with 5 or fewer employees (including part-time employees) located in specific 'Target Areas' that are in or serve the Lincoln Park area. The grants are funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and can be used for the purchase of equipment, signage, or other improvements that will increase the capacity and sustainability of the business. Grant recipients can receive up to $5,000 from the City of Fort Pierce. Eligibility: Only small businesses with 5 or fewer employees (including part-time employees) are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible. Applicants must attend technical assistance workshops provided by IRSC-SBDC and have a current City of Fort Pierce Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and proof of registration with the Florida Division of Corporations. Other Information: Ineligible grant purchases include salaries, rent, utilities, internet, telephone service, business inventory, taxes, postage, or debt. Grant recipients will be required to enter into a contractual agreement with the City of Fort Pierce before receiving funds. Projects must begin within 30 days following contract execution. Subrecipients are responsible for maintaining records for a minimum of five years and may be subject to inspections and monitoring by Grants Administration Staff and/or HUD.

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.

This grant provides funding to community groups in Syracuse for projects that enhance local parks and recreational areas through volunteer-led initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports local agricultural producers in Frederick County to expand or diversify their operations, enhancing the economic viability of the agriculture industry.

The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department offers an annual Challenge Grant Program, which provides grants to non-profit projects associated with public parks or recreation facilities within the City limits. Donor Name: City of Knoxville State: Tennessee City: Knoxville Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Challenge Grants may also be used to promote activities in City Parks and on Greenways. Grants can provide match funds for various fitness classes such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or other activities. Passive programming for activities such as painting and birdwatching will also be considered. Approved activities must be on City Park properties, and all other rules associated with the Challenge Grant Program will apply. In order to receive a grant, the projects are preferred to be on City-owned or -leased property, but must be related to a facility that is available to all residents on a yearly basis. Funding Information Recipients of a challenge grant will be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost of a single project, up to $3,000. Eligibility Criteria  The grants are available to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) status community groups, homeowner associations, schools, Scout troops and other organizations. Ineligibility  The grant funding may not be used to purchase a new facility, regular maintenance, or for the purchase of individual or team equipment. For more information, visit City of Knoxville.

The Downtown Johnson City Facade Improvement Grant Program is to provide incentives to improve the facades of buildings within the Redevelopment District of Downtown Johnson City, with a priority within the Historic Overlay District. Donor Name: Johnson City Development Authority State: Tennessee City: Johnson City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: By improving the appearance of building facades, the program serves to increase the economic viability of this area, improved aesthetics, increase property values, enhance the marketability of space within the buildings, eliminate blight, and draw businesses and residents to the area. The Downtown Johnson City Facade Grant Improvement Program is administered by the Johnson City Development Authority and is supported through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program. Conforming commercial and mixed-use properties located in the Historic Overlay District are eligible for the façade improvement program.  Examples of Eligible Activities Masonry repairs and repointing bricks; Repair/replace/preserve historically significant architectural details; Storefront reconstruction; Removal of false façade; Cornice repair; Exterior painting and stucco; Awnings and canopies; Window and door repair or replacement; Permanent exterior lighting; Repair/replacement of gutters and down spouts; Permanent exterior signage integrated into the design; Visible roof repairs in conjunction with structural improvements; Decking and stairs; and Visible electrical, mechanical equipment enclosures Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible for a facade grant, applicants must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City’s Historic Zoning Commission or receive preapproval from the City’s Planning Division staff. In addition to design criteria, the Planning Division will determine if the use of the building conforms to the use requirements for the zoning district in which the property is located. Furthermore, the application must submit their proposed renovations to the JCDA and receive approval prior to commencing the renovations. The level of funding for each grant will be based upon the availability of funds and the impact of the project upon the Redevelopment District. Eligible properties will be considered for reimbursement at 50% of the costs of renovations associated with eligible facade improvements to the primary facade of the building and 25% of the costs of renovations on side of the buildings that are street facing. Re-imbursement will be capped at $10,000 per application for eligible facade improvements to single-faced buildings. For buildings with multiple street facing facades, up to an additional $5,000 may be awarded. Larger grants may be awarded for projects that show substantial economic impact, including job creation and sales tax generation in the downtown area. Grants will be evaluated and awarded on a case-by-case basis and may be denied for any reason. Additional Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be current on all taxes, mortgages, and insurance for the proposed project site. Property owners who are licensed general contractors must provide a second quote from a licensed contractor in order to be eligible. Projects that have been approved but have failed to commence within six (6) months of the approval date must reapply. For more information, visit JCDA.

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Safer Portland Grant to help reduce gun violence through community-based prevention efforts. Donor Name: Portland Office of Violence Prevention State:Oregon City: Portland Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant prioritizes prevention efforts in Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods, along with other areas known for high gun violence rates, but organizations throughout Portland are encouraged to apply. Examples of programs supported by the grant include: Preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events; Flexible funds for direct community assistance and services; Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs; Arts and culture or recreational violence preventative programs; Aftercare support funds for families of victims; and Capacity building in small contractors to provide services. Funding Information A total of $500,000 is available. Grant awards will be up to $100,000. Who should apply? The 2024-2025 grant prioritizes efforts in the following Portland neighborhoods, including: Cully; Hazelwood; Eliot; Powellhurst-Gilbert; and/or Areas known for high rates of gun violence For more information, visit Portland Office of Violence Prevention.

Endow El Dorado 2024 SAPLING Grant is open to all nonprofits serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County who are saplings who bring in less than $175,000 in gross revenue. Donor Name: El Dorado Community Foundation State: California County: El Dorado County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Sapling organizations will be able to apply for $2,500-$5,000 to be spent in the 2024-2025 year and open to capacity building or project/program ideas. Requirements This SAPLING grant application is specific to non-profits that: serve El Dorado County communities specifically; bring in less than $175,000 in gross revenue annually, and are in good standing with the IRS, CA SOS, CA DOJ, and FTB. For more information, visit El Dorado Community Foundation.

The Seminole County is accepting grant application for the Home-ARP Program. Donor Name: Seminole County State: Florida County: Seminole County (FL) Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/16/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: On March 11, 2021, $1.9 trillion dollars was allocated in relief efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress allocated $5 billion towards the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) program to help reduce homelessness and increase housing stability for qualifying populations to be administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Seminole County received $3,046,438 in HOME-ARP funding that was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 14, 2023, and submitted and approved by HUD. Funding Available/Eligible Activities  $152,321 for Non-Profit Capacity Building/Operating Costs. $300,000 for Supportive Services. $2,137,151 for Development of Affordable Rental Housing. $456,966 for Administration and Planning. Criteria  Projects may be implemented by the County, or the County may contract with non-profit agencies or for-profit organizations, to undertake activities to meet identified community development and housing needs. For more information, visit Seminole County.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants provide general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural and humanities organizations in Iowa. Donor Name: Iowa Arts & Culture State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their cultural and managerial excellence and community service are eligible to apply. Funding for the program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Funding Information Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, to support opera ng expenses that are incurred within each eligible funding period. Funding Period The three-year funding period will be in effect from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027. Who Qualifies? Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission and purpose is focused on arts or culture and arts or cultural divisions of a municipal government. Eligible entities must maintain a cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 per year. Applicant must have a minimum of one dedicated staff or volunteer position that works for the organization year-round and is responsible for oversight and management of the organization. For more information, visit Iowa Arts & Culture.