Local Capacity Building Grants

The Philadelphia City Fund is offering a one-year grant of $15,000 to Philadelphia-based organizations working towards long-term environmental justice and community resilience, with activities including community organizing, education, youth leadership, and project implementation, to be used within 12 months of being awarded.

The Greensburg Foundation Fund Grants Program, an initiative of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Foundation), seeks to support organizations addressing the needs of the Greensburg community. This endowment, established by over twenty-five Greensburg individuals and families, aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance local community well-being by providing essential resources to nonprofits operating within the specified geographic area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations serving residents of the 15601 zip code in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The program aims to achieve significant community impact by funding various projects, including the provision of program materials, office technology upgrades, renovations, and capital projects such as new construction. It also supports the implementation of new or existing programmatic initiatives, ultimately seeking to improve the quality of life and address specific needs within the Greensburg area. The program prioritizes a wide range of needs, including technology, personal care items for shelters, food for feeding programs, educational supplies for daycares or schools, and office renovations. Capital projects are also a key focus, emphasizing sustainable improvements to community infrastructure. The fund specifically excludes general operating costs, focusing instead on tangible project-based support. Preference is given to organizations physically located within the 15601 zip code, further concentrating its impact geographically. The expected outcomes include enhanced service delivery by local nonprofits, improved facilities and resources for community programs, and direct support for vulnerable populations through items like food and personal care. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets, the program's focus on tangible project funding suggests that successful outcomes would include the completion of renovations, acquisition of technology, and the effective distribution of aid, leading to improved community services and living conditions within Greensburg. The maximum funding per grant is $20,000.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to develop innovative projects that enhance community engagement in the arts, particularly for underserved populations.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation is offering grants specifically for children and youth mental health, aligning with its mission to improve behavioral health service delivery. The foundation recognizes that a significant number of children and adolescents with mental health and substance use disorders do not receive adequate treatment, with 1 in 5 children aged 13 to 18 experiencing serious mental illness, half by age 14 and 75% by age 24. This grant program aims to address this critical gap by supporting the implementation of Children's Mental Health Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs). The primary beneficiaries of these grants are children and young people (21 years old and younger) in southeast Michigan, particularly in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw counties. The foundation may also consider programs benefiting a major portion of the State of Michigan. The impact goals are centered around improving access to and quality of behavioral health services for this vulnerable population, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes and earlier intervention. The grants are open to local or state governmental agencies and non-profit organizations that provide mental health care and services. The foundation prioritizes proposals that focus on several key areas. These include implementing infant mental health models for at-risk parents (zero to three), integrating developmental screening and treatment in early childhood settings (four to six), and establishing pediatric screening and treatment models in primary care and school-based clinics. Additionally, the foundation supports various therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, family psychoeducation, trauma-informed care, and applied behavior therapy. Crucially, it also emphasizes diversion programs to steer children and youth with mental health disorders away from the juvenile justice system and into appropriate treatment, as well as best practice peer support models. While the foundation does not endorse a specific list of evidence-based practices, its strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its focus on these areas. By supporting a range of evidence-based practices and models, the foundation expects to see measurable results in improved behavioral health service delivery. This includes increased access to mental health care, earlier detection and intervention for mental health disorders, and effective therapeutic outcomes. The allocation of approximately $500,000 for 2024, with two-year grant requests ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 per year, underscores a commitment to sustained impact over the grant period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

The City of Greenbelt's Tree Canopy grant program offers one-time, reimbursable grants to homeowners and community organizations for the purchase and planting or replacement of trees. This initiative directly aligns with the City's mission to enhance its iconic tree canopy, addressing issues caused by storm damage, disease, and invasive insects. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission," the grant's purpose of increasing density and resiliency of the tree canopy reflects a strategic priority for urban environmental health and sustainability within the City of Greenbelt. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are civic, neighborhood, community, and homeowner organizations, as well as apartment complexes and Greenbelt residential homeowners. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including mitigating the effects of environmental damage on trees, promoting green infrastructure, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and ecological value of the urban landscape. By supporting the planting and replacement of trees, the grant contributes to a healthier environment for residents and a more robust ecosystem. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the increase of the City's tree canopy density and resiliency. Funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), can be used for purchasing, installing, staking, and mulching trees. This focus indicates a strategic priority on practical and tangible tree-planting efforts. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance for tree acquisition and installation, the City can incentivize and empower its residents and organizations to actively participate in strengthening the local tree canopy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of healthy trees across Greenbelt, particularly in areas affected by damage or disease. Measurable results will likely include the number of trees planted or replaced, the types of trees planted, and the number of participating organizations and homeowners. Applicants are required to provide a written cost estimate for trees with a one-year guarantee, a maintenance and survivability plan, and a project budget, which suggests an emphasis on the long-term success and accountability of the planting initiatives.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, offers approximately $500,000 in federal funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This program is designed to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime by employing a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies. As the State Administrative Agency, DCJS is responsible for managing the coordination and distribution of these funds to support and improve Virginia's overall criminal justice system. The overarching goal of this initiative is to reduce violent crime and promote safe communities across the Eastern District of Virginia. This is primarily achieved through the reduction of gun violence and gang activity, with a specific focus on areas that have experienced increased rates of violent crime and gang-related incidents. The program targets local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state governmental entities, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in or serving the Eastern District of Virginia. Funding preference will be given to three regions most impacted by violent crime: Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk, though other cities in the Eastern District with high violent crime rates will also be considered. The program prioritizes several key funding areas. These include Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategies, which promote prevention and intervention through partnerships between law enforcement, local government, and the community. GVI involves community members delivering moral messages against violence, law enforcement issuing warnings about consequences, and support providers offering help. Another priority is Gun and Gang Crime Investigation/Suppression, focusing on programs and task forces that target perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes, including illegal firearm possession, illegal gun sales, and gang-benefitting crimes, with an emphasis on multiagency cooperation. Additional funding priorities encompass Firearms Analysis programs, which aim to enhance and support state and local law enforcement agencies in analyzing firearms and ballistic evidence, including NIBIN analysis and firearm tracing. Lastly, Prevention and Reentry Programs are crucial, dedicated to violent crime prevention, identifying high-risk individuals through educational, faith-based, community-oriented, and outreach efforts, and supporting the successful reentry of offenders through housing, educational, and vocational partnerships. While these priorities guide funding decisions, innovative, evidence-based projects outside these specific areas that are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence will also be considered. Grants are typically awarded for a 12-month period, with a possibility of a 24-month period depending on the specified need in the application.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) is offering its Mission Support grant to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Imperial County. This grant aligns with IVWF's mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Imperial Valley, recognizing the critical need to support organizations addressing health and wellness, and community engagement within disinvested communities, particularly those historically excluded from planning and decision-making. The foundation also prioritizes supporting these nonprofits in building their capacity to effectively execute their work and mission, reflecting a strategic priority to strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within Imperial County, including children, disadvantaged students, farm workers, homeless individuals, LGBTQ individuals, low-income families, seniors, and veterans. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier and more engaged community. Expected outcomes include improved food security, increased active living and physical activity, enhanced mental and emotional health, safer neighborhoods, and stronger social health. For community engagement, the goals involve empowering residents to address local issues, promoting collaborative efforts, creating social opportunities, increasing community awareness, and building local capacity for change. The IVWF's focus areas for the Mission Support grant are Health and Wellness, Community Engagement, and Nonprofit Capacity Building. Within Health and Wellness, specific priorities include addressing food insecurity, promoting physical activity, supporting mental and emotional health, ensuring safe and healthy living environments, and funding programs for asthma prevention, prenatal care, diabetes, and obesity. Community Engagement focuses on empowering residents to identify and address community needs, fostering collaboration, creating social connections, increasing awareness, and building community-led change. Nonprofit Capacity Building is another key strategic priority, aimed at strengthening the operational, staffing, and volunteer capabilities of organizations. This includes support for attending conferences and workshops, acquiring and improving equipment and software, and accessing technical assistance or consulting services. By investing in these areas, IVWF aims to create a ripple effect, where strengthened nonprofits can more effectively deliver services, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and thriving Imperial Valley. The foundation’s theory of change emphasizes that by empowering local nonprofits and fostering community-led initiatives, significant improvements in health, wellness, and overall community well-being can be achieved.

The Boise City Department of Arts & History Catalyst Grant program is a one-time funding opportunity designed to support small-scale and mid-sized arts, history, and cultural activities. These activities include public programs, events, projects, exhibitions, and tours throughout the year. This pilot program aligns with the Department of Arts and History's (A&H) mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. It achieves this by creating opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s creative economy, with an overall vision of bringing people together and building positive relationships to create "A City for Everyone." The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals or representatives of organizations or nonprofit Friends groups associated with a government agency. The projects must directly benefit residents living within Boise City Limits, and if an event is involved, the venue must also be located within Boise City Limits. The impact goals are to strengthen Boise’s cultural base, promote community engagement, and foster a creative economy. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to a distinct sense of place, celebrate Boise's diverse communities, and are accessible to all residents, adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and the Department of Arts & History's Equal Opportunity Statement against discrimination. The program focuses on a wide range of arts, history, or cultural initiatives. Examples of activities include public programs like presentations, workshops, walking tours, and trainings; events; performances; exhibits; educational opportunities; oral history projects; collaborations; innovative production that cultivates the cultural community; research, planning, and/or analysis available for Boise residents; and virtual/online projects with a clear intent to reach Boise residents. These diverse activities aim to achieve the broader strategic priorities of the A&H mission. The expected outcomes include the successful execution of numerous small-scale and mid-sized cultural activities that enrich the lives of Boise residents. Measurable results for this one-time pilot program include awarding a standard size of $2,000 per grant, with a total of $40,000 expected to be awarded in FY2024. Five applications are anticipated to be funded in each round. The theory of change for the Boise City Department of Arts & History through this Catalyst Grant is that by providing accessible funding for diverse cultural activities, they will foster a more vibrant and inclusive creative economy, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of community and a more interconnected "City for Everyone."

The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) is offering its 2025 grant program, aligning with its mission to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities serving Carroll County, Grayson County, and the City of Galax in Virginia. The foundation aims to promote and improve the health of citizens by addressing unmet needs, supporting health education, and funding programs geared toward improving and/or reducing illness and disease. This program offers three funding opportunities: Project-Based, Capacity Building, and Capital Needs applications. Target beneficiaries for these grants are the citizens of Carroll and Grayson Counties and the City of Galax, particularly those with unmet healthcare needs, those affected by obesity, health and nutritional issues, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. The impact goals include improving overall community health, strengthening organizations serving these areas, and fostering new projects that address critical needs not traditionally covered by other funding sources. The TCCF prioritizes projects that meet specific health-related needs such as unmet healthcare needs, obesity, health and nutritional issues, mental health, health education, substance abuse prevention, and environmental health. Additionally, the Board places importance on projects accompanied by matching funds, those with minimal administrative overhead (preferring support for direct staff positions over administrative roles), and those that are not recurring unless absolutely necessary. A key strategic priority is to encourage new and innovative projects. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in community health indicators, stronger and more sustainable non-profit organizations, increased access to vital services, and the development of new programs addressing identified health disparities. For example, Project-Based Grants require clear demonstrations of community need, measurable outcomes, and activities designed to meet those needs. Capacity Building Grants aim to strengthen organizational skills, abilities, processes, and resources, leading to more viable and impactful organizations. The TCCF's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in these key areas and supporting robust, efficient organizations, they can effectively contribute to a healthier and more resilient Twin County community.

The Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) is offering its Summer Capacity Building Grant, a program designed to strengthen the effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency of eligible organizations within specific counties of South Dakota. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the BHACF's overarching mission, the focus on "capacity building needs" suggests an alignment with fostering a robust and resilient non-profit sector in the Black Hills area. This grant directly supports the foundation's implied strategic priority of empowering local organizations to better serve their communities through enhanced operational capabilities. The target beneficiaries for this grant include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, and religious organizations operating within Oglala Lakota, Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Meade, Lawrence, and Butte counties in South Dakota. The core impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to achieve greater effectiveness, sustainability, or efficiency. This focus on internal organizational health indicates a theory of change where by investing in the operational capacity of these entities, the foundation expects a ripple effect of improved service delivery and community impact. The grant prioritizes several key areas for capacity building. Eligible projects include measurements and evaluation, partnership development, strategic planning, board engagement/development, marketing and donor engagement, technology needs and technical support, and staff development/retention. These focus areas are indicative of the foundation's understanding that a holistic approach to organizational development is necessary for long-term success. The expected outcomes are directly tied to improvements in these areas, leading to more effective and sustainable organizations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of eligible projects, the emphasis on "measurements and evaluation" as a funding area suggests that grantees will be expected to demonstrate how their capacity-building efforts lead to tangible improvements in their operations and service delivery. The grant duration of one year and a maximum grant amount of $5,000 further indicate a focused approach on achievable, short-to-medium term improvements in the selected capacity-building areas. Ineligible projects, such as religious or political activity, fundraising, debt retirement, or multi-year funding, further define the boundaries and strategic intent of this capacity-building initiative.

The Orange County Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (EMSD) Program is a locally funded initiative designed to support local agencies in delivering activities similar to those eligible under FTA 5310 federal programs. This program maintains all the beneficial elements of its federal counterpart, but utilizes local funding. Its core mission aligns with addressing the critical transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities, particularly when existing services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. The program aims to ensure that these vulnerable populations have reliable access to transportation, thereby enhancing their overall mobility and quality of life within Orange County. The primary target beneficiaries of the EMSD Program are older adults and people with disabilities in Orange County. The program's impact goals are centered on improving mobility for these individuals, supporting local agencies and non-profits that provide services within their communities, and supplementing existing transportation services like the OCTA Senior Mobility Program, OC ACCESS, and OC Bus fixed-route service. A significant focus is also placed on providing seamless service through improved first- and last-mile connections, recognizing that initial and final legs of a journey can often be the most challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. The EMSD Program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. It encourages the incorporation of technology-based solutions to create more efficient and accessible mobility options. Furthermore, it emphasizes promoting outreach efforts by non-profit and public agencies to senior and disabled patrons, with a particular focus on reaching disadvantaged, underrepresented, and diverse communities to ensure their specific needs are met. Funding is also prioritized for agencies that demonstrate collaboration through partnerships, aiming to create efficiencies and lower operating costs, and for those that commit to increasing vehicle revenue hours beyond a minimum of ten hours per week, ensuring greater service availability. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an overall improvement in the mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities across Orange County. This will be achieved through increased access to transportation services, enhanced first- and last-mile connections, and the adoption of innovative technology-based solutions. The program also anticipates a strengthened network of local agencies and non-profits providing these essential services, leading to more comprehensive and effective support for the target populations. The availability of $8.5 million in funding, with a total maximum request of $1.5 million per applicant across various capital and operating categories, is a measurable commitment to achieving these impactful results.

This program provides financial assistance to small business owners in Richmond who have been adversely affected by COVID-19, helping them stabilize and grow their operations.

The Juneau Affordable Housing Fund (JAHF), established by the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), aims to increase affordable (0% to 80% area median income (AMI)) and middle-income (80% to 120% AMI) housing in Juneau. This initiative aligns with the CBJ's broader mission to address housing needs within the Capital City. The JAHF directs financial resources towards various activities including funding capital costs for rental and ownership housing, supporting capacity-building efforts for non-profit housing developers, and leveraging CBJ investments with other funding sources to maximize the creation and preservation of quality affordable and middle-income housing units. The primary beneficiaries of the JAHF are households within the affordable (0-80% AMI) and middle-income (80-120% AMI) ranges, as well as non-profit housing developers, public housing authorities, tribal governments, and for-profit developers who contribute to the creation of such housing. The impact goals include increasing the number of available affordable and middle-income housing units, fostering long-term affordability, and encouraging downtown housing development. The JAHF prioritizes the use of capital to develop housing units, specifically funding for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable, middle-income, and senior housing, as well as homeowner opportunities. A key focus is on long-term affordability, with a preference for units created with affordability covenants or that are permanently affordable. Additionally, the fund prioritizes housing development within the boundaries established by the Downtown Juneau Residential Tax Abatement Map. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the supply of affordable and middle-income housing units in Juneau. Measurable results will be tracked through the number of housing units created or preserved, the proportion of units designated for long-term affordability, and the geographic distribution of new developments, particularly in the downtown area. The CBJ’s strategic priority, as reflected in the JAHF, is to implement its Housing Action Plan by directing financial resources and incentives to address the critical need for diverse housing options across different income levels, thereby enhancing the overall livability and economic stability of the community.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's Black Hawk County Grants program offers one-time grants to organizations and projects that benefit residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. These grants are designed to support a wide range of initiatives across various areas, including Arts and Culture, Community Betterment, Education and Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Service. The foundation's mission is deeply aligned with improving the quality of life for Black Hawk County residents by investing in programs that foster community well-being and address critical needs. The grants target beneficiaries across all age groups and demographics within Black Hawk County. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities, protect historical infrastructure, develop local talent, stimulate economic development, promote civic engagement, create or expand public amenities, improve child care, support youth mentorship and career readiness, conserve and restore ecosystems, educate on environmental issues, provide behavioral healthcare and wellness services, prevent various social issues, and meet basic human needs. The foundation prioritizes requests that align with these program areas and community initiatives, seeking to achieve long-lasting positive changes within the community. The program's priorities and focuses are further guided by specific community initiatives. These include Advancing Racial Equity, with a commitment to supporting BIPOC-led organizations and populations; Expanding Child Care, aiming to increase equitable, accessible, and sustainable child care; Enhancing the Arts, by enriching an inclusive arts community; Strengthening Workforce Readiness, to create a more qualified workforce; and Building Nonprofit Capacity, to strengthen the work of their partners. The foundation embraces organizations that address two or more of these initiatives, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development. Expected outcomes include expanded access to essential services, improved educational and career opportunities, a healthier environment, a reduction in social challenges, and a more vibrant and equitable community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each program area in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on addressing defined needs within Black Hawk County suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in the lives of residents. The majority of competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, indicating a focus on funding a diverse portfolio of impactful projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on identifying and investing in critical community needs and fostering collaborative efforts. By focusing on specific initiatives such as racial equity, child care, arts, workforce readiness, and nonprofit capacity, they aim to create systemic change. Their theory of change appears to be that by supporting organizations that address these key areas, they can empower communities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the overall well-being and resilience of Black Hawk County residents. This approach emphasizes targeted investments and community-driven solutions to achieve their philanthropic goals.

The Spartanburg County Foundation offers Continuous Improvement Grants of up to $25,000, aligning with its vision to help all Spartanburg County residents achieve their human potential. These grants focus on three amplified areas: quality of life, educational achievement, and economic mobility. The Foundation's strategic priority is to support organizations that demonstrate alignment with this mission, provide services to Spartanburg County residents, respond to these three areas with data-informed approaches, utilize comprehensive measurement tools, and can leverage multiple funding sources. The target beneficiaries are residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Impact goals include improving overall well-being, reducing barriers to academic success, and enhancing potential for upward economic mobility within the community. The theory of change is that by supporting initiatives in these key areas, the Foundation can foster a community where residents have access to opportunities for personal and economic growth. The grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, such as community and cultural programs, activities promoting physical and mental health, and resources for household stability. Examples include accessible outdoor spaces, care for uninsured individuals, Spanish-speaking staff for diverse populations, mobile food markets, and assistance with housing and utilities. The expected outcomes in this area are improved physical and mental health, increased community engagement, and greater household stability for residents. Educational achievement is another key focus, aiming to reduce academic barriers and improve educational outcomes for K-12 students, provide access to post-secondary education and careers, and support return-to-learn adults. This includes mentoring, out-of-school programs, summer learning initiatives, internships, and access to GED completion, internet, and academic materials. Measurable results would include increased academic success rates, higher rates of post-secondary enrollment, and greater access to educational resources for all ages. Economic mobility initiatives are designed to improve financial self-sufficiency, promote asset building, and ensure access to affordable transportation. This involves supporting job training and certification, job search and placement services, financial coaching, small and minority business development, homeownership assistance, and programs to supplement or provide transportation in rural areas. The expected outcomes are increased financial stability, asset accumulation, and improved access to employment opportunities for Spartanburg County residents. The grant duration for all projects is one year.

The City of South Bend's IGNITE Grant Program is designed to enhance South Bend neighborhoods through innovative, resident-led projects that foster community engagement and development. This program aligns directly with the city's mission to empower its residents and cultivate vibrant, self-sustaining communities by offering financial support and encouraging active participation from within the neighborhoods themselves. The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, are specifically structured to ignite grassroots efforts and address localized needs, reinforcing the city's commitment to community-driven progress. The target beneficiaries of the IGNITE Grant Program are exclusively neighborhood associations and the residents residing within those neighborhoods in South Bend. The program's core impact goal is to facilitate tangible improvements in the quality of life and community spirit in these areas. By requiring neighborhood associations to identify boundaries and form a committee of at least five residents, the program ensures that initiatives are truly representative of and directly beneficial to the local population, promoting a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for neighborhood betterment. The IGNITE Grant Program prioritizes projects falling into several key categories, reflecting a holistic approach to neighborhood development. These include Beautification (e.g., wildflower gardens, tree planting), Public Art (e.g., murals, sculptures), Food Security/Access (e.g., community gardens), Public Safety (e.g., sidewalk connections, lighting), Health & Wellness (e.g., walking paths, outdoor exercise equipment), Public Space Enhancement (e.g., picnic areas, shared spaces), Neighborhood Signage, and Capacity Building and Training (e.g., Neighbor Works training, strategic plans). The program also welcomes other creative, neighborhood-generated project ideas, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to fostering innovation at the local level. Expected outcomes and measurable results include visible improvements in public spaces, increased access to resources, enhanced safety, and a stronger sense of community identity and cohesion. For example, beautification projects could lead to more aesthetically pleasing and inviting environments, while public safety initiatives could result in a reduction of incidents and a greater feeling of security among residents. The focus on capacity building and training suggests an emphasis on developing sustainable leadership and organizational skills within neighborhood associations, leading to long-term community resilience and continued development efforts beyond the grant period. While the document does not explicitly outline the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the program's structure strongly implies that the City of South Bend's strategic priority is to invest directly in its neighborhoods as the primary agents of change. The theory of change appears to be that by empowering and funding resident-led initiatives, the city can achieve more effective, relevant, and sustainable improvements than through top-down approaches alone. This fosters a collaborative environment where residents are both the beneficiaries and the drivers of positive transformation in their communities.

City of Phoenix Community Canopy Grant is offering up to $2,000 in funding to improve tree canopy coverage in neighborhoods within Qualified Census Tracts throughout Phoenix. The grant aims to assist communities in increasing their tree canopies and creating a more resilient, sustainable, equitable, healthy, and thriving environment. Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations, community nonprofits, multi-family residential sites, non-residential sites, and community members. The grant covers trees, supplies, and support for tree planting projects. The maximum number of trees that can be requested is 200 for neighborhoods and two for individuals. Additionally, the grant supports event expenses such as food and beverages for planting events. All project locations must be within the City of Phoenix and a Qualified Census Tract. For more information and to apply, visit the City of Phoenix website.

The City of Boulder's Human Relations Fund (HRF) offers grants between $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations and individual organizers for community-led projects that promote civil rights, human rights, or equity issues, foster diversity and inclusivity, and provide free, public events within Boulder, particularly benefiting marginalized communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support projects that enhance community capacity, economic opportunity, education, and overall community well-being.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers surplus vanpool vans to not-for-profit organizations and government entities through the Community Van Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options by providing retired vans to organizations that can address community transportation needs unmet by WTA services. Eligible applicants include Whatcom County community organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government organizations. The program is competitive due to the limited availability of vehicles. Selected recipients will receive the vehicle title upon award and must submit performance reports for the first year. Up to eleven retired vanpool vehicles will be available in 2024, with a deadline for applications on August 23, 2024.