Local Capacity Building Grants

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to help nonprofit organizations improve their internal operations and effectiveness through expert-led initiatives in areas like leadership development, strategic planning, and diversity training.

The Posey County Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Community Good Grants Program. This program aims to support a broad range of community needs within Posey County, Indiana, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster overall community well-being. By offering these grants, the Foundation seeks to invest in initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents and address critical local issues. The program targets nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Posey County. Additionally, nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered if their projects are charitable and support a community need, potentially requiring a fiscal sponsor. The ultimate beneficiaries are the residents of Posey County, who will benefit from the projects funded across various program areas. The Community Good Grants Program focuses on several key areas for funding, including Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors, which encompass Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development. These priorities reflect the Foundation's strategic approach to addressing diverse community needs and fostering a well-rounded and thriving environment within the county. The program specifically excludes funding for religious organizations for religious purposes, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation or debt reduction, capital campaigns, annual appeals or membership contributions, and travel requests for groups or individuals. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in a belief that by supporting a wide array of charitable endeavors, it can incrementally improve various facets of community life. The broad program areas suggest an intent to create a ripple effect of positive change, from fostering cultural enrichment and educational advancements to promoting better health outcomes and a more vibrant civic landscape. The Foundation's strategic priority is to empower local organizations to implement projects that directly respond to the identified needs and opportunities within Posey County.

This grant provides funding to organizations that improve healthcare access for underserved and uninsured residents in northern Lake County, Illinois.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in the greater Rochester area to address environmental health disparities and build community capacity through practical projects.

The Seminole County is currently accepting grant applications for the Home-ARP Program, a critical initiative designed to mitigate homelessness and enhance housing stability for qualifying populations within the county. This program is a direct outgrowth of the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), which saw Congress allocate $5 billion as part of the broader $1.9 trillion COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts on March 11, 2021. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers these funds, with Seminole County having received $3,046,438. This funding was officially approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 14, 2023, and subsequently by HUD, underscoring its alignment with federal strategies to address housing insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic. The primary target beneficiaries of the Home-ARP Program are individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as well as other qualifying populations as defined by HUD. The program's overarching impact goal is to significantly reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across Seminole County. This will be achieved through a multi-faceted approach, including the development of affordable rental housing, provision of supportive services, and capacity building for non-profit organizations. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to create a more resilient and equitable housing landscape for vulnerable residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its funding allocation. A substantial portion, $2,137,151, is dedicated to the development of affordable rental housing, highlighting a strategic emphasis on increasing the supply of safe and accessible housing units. Additionally, $300,000 is allocated for supportive services, recognizing that stable housing often requires concurrent support for health, employment, and other social needs. Furthermore, $152,321 is earmarked for Non-Profit Capacity Building/Operating Costs, demonstrating an understanding that strong, well-resourced community partners are essential for effective program implementation. Finally, $456,966 is allocated for administration and planning, ensuring efficient oversight and strategic deployment of resources. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Seminole County, an increase in the availability of affordable rental housing units, and improved access to essential supportive services for at-risk populations. The program anticipates strengthening the capacity of local non-profit and for-profit organizations to address community development and housing needs. These outcomes will be achieved through projects implemented either directly by the County or in partnership with qualified non-profit agencies or for-profit organizations, aligning with a theory of change that posits collaborative efforts and strategic investment in housing and support services will lead to enhanced housing stability and a decrease in homelessness.

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) is offering Housing Solutions Grants to increase the supply of housing units across various price points in Charlevoix County, Michigan. This initiative directly aligns with C3F's mission to address critical community needs, specifically focusing on housing choice and supporting mixed-income neighborhoods. The grants aim to remove barriers at the predevelopment stage of housing projects and leverage partnerships to maximize impact. The target beneficiaries for these grants are year-round residential occupants in Charlevoix County, with a particular focus on maintaining affordability for a portion or all of the housing units. The impact goal is to increase the overall supply of diverse housing options, ensuring that development is compatible with local goals and objectives. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the long-term affordability and availability of housing in the area. The C3F's Housing Solutions Fund focuses its resources on pre-development activities and capacity-building efforts for housing organizations. This strategic focus is designed to address fundamental challenges that hinder housing development. By supporting these early stages, the foundation aims to create a stronger pipeline of viable housing projects, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and foundational support lead to greater housing availability. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of housing units available in Charlevoix County, catering to a range of price points. Successful projects will demonstrate sustained affordability for residents and contribute to the creation of inclusive, mixed-income communities. The grant program seeks to foster collaboration among housing stakeholders and streamline the development process, ultimately leading to a more robust and equitable housing market.

The Wavemaker Arts Grants, provided by the City of Tempe, are designed to support arts non-profit organizations that offer inclusive arts and culture programming within Tempe. This program aligns with the City of Tempe's broader mission to advance Tempe as a vibrant and progressive community for cultural and artistic activity, as outlined in its Arts and Culture Plan. The grants specifically target non-profit organizations with 501c3 status, ensuring that funding is directed towards established entities dedicated to public benefit in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of this program are arts non-profit organizations and, by extension, the residents and communities of Tempe who participate in and experience the funded arts and culture programming. The impact goals are to increase community-initiated arts projects, support festivals that celebrate cultural diversity, and expand informal arts programming in community settings. The program also aims to foster a rich cultural environment that reflects the diverse population of Tempe. The program's priorities and focuses include supporting a variety of project structures such as performances, residencies/workshops, and festivals. Grant requests can cover expenses like artist services, professional services, stipends, supplies, production costs, space rentals, food, marketing, and printing. A key focus is on ensuring that projects take place within Tempe and serve its community, with a clear restriction against activities outside the city or entirely virtual programming. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in accessible arts and culture programming for Tempe residents, a rise in community engagement with diverse cultural events, and the continued enhancement of Tempe's reputation as a culturally vibrant city. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the program implies success through the number and variety of funded projects, the reach of those projects within the community, and their alignment with the Arts and Culture Plan's recommendations. The funding amount of up to $10,000 per project supports these outcomes by enabling organizations to execute impactful, community-focused initiatives.

The Small Grant Initiative (SGI) by the Alachua County Commission aims to foster the development and growth of non-governmental, grassroots organizations and emerging small businesses within Alachua County. This program aligns with the commission's mission to support its residents, particularly those living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively. The primary beneficiaries of the SGI are Alachua County residents who are economically disadvantaged. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by addressing critical community needs in areas such as safe, affordable housing, adequate food, quality healthcare, and quality childcare and education. By supporting organizations focused on these areas, the initiative intends to improve the overall quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations within the county. The SGI prioritizes one-time capacity building or infrastructure improvements. This focus ensures that the funded projects create lasting changes that enhance the organizational effectiveness and service delivery of the grant recipients. The program is specifically interested in proposals that demonstrate a clear strategy for addressing one or more of the identified priority areas, with a maximum award limit of $15,000 for individual proposals. Expected outcomes include strengthened local organizations, improved access to essential services for low-income residents, and tangible advancements in housing, food security, healthcare, and education within Alachua County. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of individuals served by recipient organizations, improved quality or accessibility of services, and the successful completion of capacity-building projects or infrastructure upgrades. The grant period, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for the implementation and evaluation of these projects.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program, under the leadership of Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilman Wes Rogers, offers financial support to enhance permanent and multi-season outdoor dining spaces for restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri. The program aims to foster a vibrant restaurant industry, contributing to a thriving local economy and community-oriented neighborhoods. Eligible restaurants can receive grants of up to $15,000 for outdoor dining enhancements such as building structures, infrastructure improvements, and the purchase of furniture and coverings. Eligibility criteria include being a private, for-profit, full-service restaurant located in Kansas City, Missouri, possessing necessary licenses and permits, and having been in business for at least one year. Applications are accepted from July 29 to August 16, 2024, with selections announced in September 2024.

The WeHo Community Arts Grant, offered by the City of West Hollywood, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, or artist collectives that have a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC, and/or female artists and audiences. This grant aligns with the City's mission to enhance the community through art-centered presentations and participatory programs, fostering cultural equity and providing access to specific communities. The overall strategic priority is to use the arts as a tool for community engagement, cultural recognition, and economic development within West Hollywood. The target beneficiaries of this grant are LA County-based artists, collectives, or non-profit arts organizations that meet specific criteria, including a history of supporting underrepresented groups in the arts. The grant specifically focuses on engaging West Hollywood residents and visitors, expanding arts audiences, and recognizing local cultural resources. The impact goals are to increase access to quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible, boost revenues for local businesses through arts-business partnerships, and generally increase participation in the arts through education. The grant prioritizes art-centered presentations and workshops that support community goals through cultural equity. Eligible projects must take place within West Hollywood or immediately adjacent areas and applicants must demonstrate a marketing and outreach strategy targeting West Hollywood residents. The City's theory of change appears to be that by investing in accessible and inclusive arts programming, they can create a more vibrant, engaged, and culturally equitable community, leading to broader social and economic benefits. Expected outcomes include increased engagement of residents and visitors with the arts, expanded arts audiences, and the discovery of new places for artmaking. Measurable results could include an increase in attendance at arts events, a rise in local business revenues attributed to arts programming, and a greater number of individuals participating in arts education. The total available funding for this category is $30,000, with a maximum award of $6,000 per organization, demonstrating a commitment to funding multiple impactful projects within the community.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

The ARPA Aid to Nonprofits Grant (Round 5) is administered by the United Way of Walworth County (UWWC) as an ARPA Subrecipient through Walworth County. This program is designed to disburse $48,442.29 to local nonprofit (501c3 and 501c19) organizations. The core mission of this grant is to mitigate the negative economic impacts experienced by these organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for the period between March 3, 2021, and September 30, 2024. The UWWC's role as an administrator aligns with its broader mission of supporting the community and addressing critical needs, in this case, by strengthening the financial resilience of local nonprofits that serve Walworth County residents. The target beneficiaries for this grant are 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 non-profit organizations whose principal place of business, business operations, and service recipients are all located within Walworth County. The primary impact goal is to alleviate the financial strain caused by the pandemic on these essential community organizations, thereby enabling them to continue their vital services without interruption or reduction. This grant aims to ensure that local nonprofits remain robust and capable of supporting the community through various programs and services that may have been jeopardized by economic hardship. The grant prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic within the specified timeframe. A key focus is also on ensuring accountability and proper fund distribution, as evidenced by the requirement for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number before any award checks are disbursed. This focus on verifiable impact and organizational capacity ensures that funds are directed to those most in need and capable of effective utilization. Expected outcomes include enhanced stability and operational capacity for local nonprofits. Measurable results would involve the number of organizations supported, the total amount of funding disbursed, and potentially, qualitative reports from grantees on how the funds helped them recover or sustain operations during the pandemic. By supporting these organizations, the UWWC contributes to the overall well-being and recovery of Walworth County, reflecting a strategic priority of community resilience. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing direct financial aid to local nonprofits, the UWWC can effectively counter the economic fallout of the pandemic, thus indirectly supporting the many individuals and families served by these organizations and strengthening the social fabric of the county.

City of Ashland Business Beautification Grant Program 2023 – Oregon: The City of Ashland is offering the Business Beautification Grant to support private investment in renovating and rehabilitating existing lodging and commercial properties within Ashland City limits. The grant provides financial assistance through a fifty percent (50%) grant match to non-residential property owners for exterior cosmetic improvements, outdoor lighting upgrades, code violation alleviation, sidewalk and infrastructure installation, signage or awning installation, landscaping, outdoor seating installation, and removal of non-conforming or illegal site elements. Eligible applicants must be current property owners or tenants of non-residentially developed properties within City limits with no outstanding debt to the City. All beautification activities must comply with City building and zoning codes and be performed by a licensed general contractor or service provider. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of two quotes for the project and adhere to all building and land use codes as applicable. More information is available on the City of Ashland website.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2 million to a single organization to enhance statewide tobacco prevention efforts in California through communication, technical assistance, and support for local initiatives targeting high-risk populations.

The Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities program, authorized by 2023 Session Law Chapter 70, Article 4, Section 109, is designed to enhance safety measures in health care settings. This includes establishing or expanding programs that train staff in de-escalation and positive support services. The program's core mission is to prevent workplace violence and foster long-term improvements in safety and stability for both staff and patients within health care environments. This aligns with broader strategic goals of creating secure and supportive health care systems. The program primarily targets various health care entities within Minnesota. Eligible applicants include long-term care facilities, acute care hospitals with 49 or fewer beds located in rural areas, critical access hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, and community health clinics. The impact goal is to significantly reduce incidents of workplace violence and improve the overall safety culture within these institutions, leading to better patient care and staff well-being. The program's key priorities are centered on implementing effective safety measures and providing comprehensive training. This includes de-escalation techniques and positive support services to equip staff with the necessary skills to manage challenging situations. The focus is on proactive prevention and creating environments where staff feel secure and empowered to deliver quality care. Expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in workplace violence incidents, improved staff morale, and enhanced patient safety. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) anticipates awarding approximately $1,500,000 through 30 grants in this funding cycle, with a maximum award of $50,000 per grant. Grant agreements are estimated to begin on October 1, 2024, and conclude on September 30, 2025, demonstrating a clear timeline for the expected results and program impact.

City of Centennial is accepting applications for the Broncos Youth Activity Grant Program, offering $900,000 in grant funding to support youth activity programs due to the sale of the Broncos Football Team. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $200,000 for capital projects and $100,000 for other initiatives. Projects must be completed within one year and applicants must demonstrate how the project benefits Centennial youth. Preference will be given to new projects that have not been previously considered, and discrimination-based groups or programs are not eligible for funding. Visit City of Centennial for more information.

The Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG) is a federal block grant authorized by subtitle B of the McKinney Vento Homelessness Assistance Act, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and administered by SD Housing for the State of South Dakota. This program aligns with a mission to combat homelessness and provide emergency shelter and homelessness prevention services. The grant aims to support individuals and households who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, providing a critical safety net and pathways to stability. The primary target beneficiaries of the ESG program are individuals and households experiencing homelessness or those on the verge of it. The program's impact goals revolve around stabilizing these vulnerable populations and facilitating their rapid re-housing. By offering both short-term and medium-term rental assistance and essential services, the ESG program seeks to prevent the escalation of homelessness and create a more secure living environment for those in need. The ESG program prioritizes several key activities to achieve its objectives. These include street outreach to connect with unsheltered individuals, providing emergency shelter, and implementing homelessness prevention strategies. Additionally, the program focuses on rapid re-housing assistance, which aims to quickly move people from homelessness into permanent housing. The program also supports the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for data collection and administrative costs to ensure efficient operation. Expected outcomes of the ESG program include a reduction in the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, increased access to safe and stable housing, and improved housing stability for at-risk populations. Measurable results could include the number of individuals successfully re-housed, the duration of homelessness experienced by participants, and the number of households prevented from becoming homeless. The underlying strategic priority and theory of change are that by providing immediate assistance, shelter, and re-housing support, the cycle of homelessness can be interrupted, leading to greater self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for the beneficiaries.

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln offers Junior League of Springfield Capacity Building Grants to support nonprofit staff and board attendance at trainings and professional development programs. The grants are strategic investments that strengthen management, governance, and leadership in eligible organizations across the region. Funds may be used for workshop or conference registration, consultant fees for customized training, and associated travel, meals, lodging, and related costs. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) organizations, faith based organizations offering non religious community services, public or private schools for projects beyond regular budgets, and units of government or municipalities. The program serves organizations in Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and Sangamon counties. Grants are generally up to 1,500 dollars and may support participation by staff or board members in targeted professional development opportunities. Projects should clearly describe expected outcomes and how the training will strengthen organizational effectiveness. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.

The Wyoming Arts Council’s Creative Fellowships program, established in 1986, honors Wyoming's literary artists whose body of work demonstrates exceptional writing. This program is rooted in supporting artistic excellence within the state, aligning with a mission to foster and recognize literary talent. The program is designed to provide financial support and recognition to deserving writers, thereby contributing to the cultural richness of Wyoming. The primary beneficiaries of this fellowship are Wyoming literary artists who are at least 18 years old, not full-time students, US citizens or legal residents, and have been domiciled in Wyoming for at least 20 months in the past two years. The program specifically targets writers in the categories of Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, and Fiction. The impact goal is to empower these artists, enabling them to continue their craft and contribute to the literary landscape, while also elevating Wyoming's artistic profile. The program prioritizes exceptional writing and artistic merit, as applications are juried by noted authors, literary agents, or writing professionals from outside the state. It focuses on identifying and rewarding literary excellence across three distinct categories. A key focus is also on promoting a sense of community among Wyoming writers, as recipients are expected to share their work at one of the three Wyoming literary conferences. Expected outcomes include the continued production of high-quality literary work by Wyoming artists, increased recognition for these artists, and a more vibrant literary community within the state. Measurable results include the awarding of up to three fellowships annually, with each recipient receiving $5,000 upfront. The program also ensures a spread of awards by stipulating that artists cannot receive the fellowship within a four-year period and are limited to two lifetime awards, promoting wider participation and impact.