Local Capacity Building Grants

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's Community Needs Grants program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support individuals and families in Alabama by addressing basic needs and fostering self-sufficiency. The program focuses on providing access to essentials like food, clothing, and adequate housing, while also emphasizing initiatives that help individuals manage their circumstances, improve job opportunities, and enhance overall life outcomes. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to invest in programs that not only offer immediate relief but also create sustainable pathways to an improved quality of life for the state's residents. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are individuals and families throughout Alabama, particularly those in rural communities. The foundation aims to make a significant impact by connecting with non-profit organizations to support and revitalize these richly diverse rural areas. Impact goals include improving access to basic necessities, enhancing employment prospects, and fostering community development. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in basic needs, life skills, and leadership development, it can empower individuals and strengthen communities across the state. The grant program has several key priorities and focuses. These include supporting programs that provide access to food, clothing, and adequate housing, as well as initiatives offering effective job training and life skills. Rural community revitalization is a significant focus, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to equitable development across Alabama. Additionally, the program prioritizes projects that meet the specific needs of Alabama's veterans and leadership programs that show success in developing leaders for the non-profit, government, and business sectors, underscoring a holistic approach to community upliftment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in food insecurity, improved access to stable housing, and increased employment rates among program participants. The foundation anticipates enhanced job opportunities and better life outcomes for individuals and families who engage with supported programs. For rural communities, expected outcomes involve increased vitality and stronger local non-profit infrastructures. Ultimately, the foundation aims to see a tangible improvement in the quality of life for Alabamians, facilitated by the development of capable leaders and resilient communities. The foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, sponsorships for fundraising events, or organizations outside of Alabama.

The Western New York Foundation’s Impact Capacity Assessment Program Core (iCAP Core) is a tailored program specifically designed for emerging and smaller nonprofits in the region. Its primary objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of capacity building and its influence on both internal and external facets of these organizations. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to foster effective organizations, which are defined as those that fulfill their mission through sound management, strong governance, and a persistent rededication to assessing and achieving results. The iCAP Core program is a 6-month initiative aimed at addressing the complexities of capacity-related opportunities and challenges, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to invest in organizational development. The target beneficiaries of the iCAP Core program are non-profit organizations that have obtained tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or are fiscally sponsored, have been in operation for at least two years with at least $50,000 in annual revenue, and are specifically food system, arts and culture, or rural organizations. These organizations must be headquartered within the seven counties of Western New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming. The impact goals are to strengthen leadership, enhance board effectiveness, improve overall organizational development, and create a sustainable capacity-building plan. The program prioritizes several key elements. A significant focus is placed on leadership, specifically the relationship between the Executive Director and Board Chair, providing one-on-one consultation and coaching to strengthen their skills and vision. Board training is another core priority, equipping members with knowledge for effective governance, strategic decision-making, and resource mobilization. Comprehensive organizational development covers a wide array of areas including leadership structure, financial management, fundraising, communications, marketing, and IT systems. Expected outcomes include enhanced leadership skills, a more informed and skilled board, improved organizational infrastructure across various functions, and the creation of a detailed 1 to 2-year organizational capacity-building plan with actionable goals and progress measurements. Measurable results will be derived from the implementation and assessment of this capacity-building plan, which will also inform future foundation investment in the organizations' capacity development. A $10,000 stipend is provided to offset administrative expenses during iCAP, further supporting the participating nonprofits in achieving these outcomes.

The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department's annual Challenge Grant Program aims to support non-profit projects that enhance public parks and recreation facilities within the city limits. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to foster community engagement and promote the use of public spaces for recreation and well-being. The program's focus on projects associated with public parks and recreation facilities directly contributes to the department's strategic priority of maintaining and improving accessible recreational opportunities for all residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include various community groups such as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) status organizations, homeowner associations, schools, and Scout troops. The impact goals are to encourage activities within City Parks and Greenways, offer match funds for fitness classes like Yoga and Tai Chi, and support passive programming such as painting and birdwatching. These goals are intended to increase community participation in park activities and enhance the quality of life for Knoxville residents. The program prioritizes projects that take place on City-owned or -leased property and are related to facilities available to all residents on a yearly basis. This ensures that the grants directly benefit the broader community and support accessible public resources. The funding structure, which reimburses recipients 50 percent of the project cost up to $3,000, aims to make these projects more feasible for eligible organizations. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse activities offered in city parks and greenways, a greater number of residents participating in fitness and recreational programs, and improved utilization of public recreational facilities. The measurable results would involve tracking the types of projects funded, the number of participants in various activities, and the overall engagement with city parks. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support for community-led initiatives in public spaces, the City of Knoxville can cultivate a more active, engaged, and healthy populace.

The Florida Department of State's Specific Cultural Project (SCP) grant program aims to fund individual cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, or series that align with the mission of the applicant organization or artist and further the state's cultural objectives. This grant supports a broad range of cultural endeavors, categorized into four proposal types: Arts In Education, Discipline-Based cultural or artistic projects, Underserved Cultural Community Development, and Artist Projects. These categories reflect a strategic priority to foster cultural enrichment and development across various sectors and communities within Florida. The program targets a diverse group of beneficiaries, including both public entities and Florida non-profit, tax-exempt corporations, as well as individual artists. Specific eligibility requirements are tailored for different proposal types and disciplines such as Museum, Professional Theatre, Traditional Arts, Arts in Education, Local Arts Agency, and State Service Organizations. For instance, Artist Projects are designed for professional creative artists who are Florida residents and are not enrolled in degree or certificate programs, ensuring that the grant supports local talent and contributes to the state's artistic landscape. Underserved Cultural Community Development projects specifically focus on organizations with a Total Cash Income of $150,000 or less, indicating a clear goal to empower and uplift less-resourced cultural entities. The SCP grant focuses on several key areas to achieve its impact goals. Arts In Education projects emphasize promoting arts and culture in educational settings, likely aiming to enhance cultural literacy and creative development among students. Discipline-Based projects support various cultural or artistic forms, fostering a vibrant and diverse cultural environment. Underserved Cultural Community Development projects are prioritized to assist with the growth of cultural organizations in areas that may lack sufficient cultural resources, thereby promoting equitable access to cultural programming. Artist Projects are geared towards generating public benefit through the creation or presentation of new artistic work, directly supporting artists and enriching public cultural experiences. Expected outcomes include the successful execution of cultural projects that meet specific quality and engagement criteria, such as Arts in Education residencies having a minimum of 30 contact hours, and Artist Performances on Tour demonstrating high-quality performances and educational components. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the successful completion of these projects and their adherence to the stated objectives and eligibility. The grant period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, allows for a focused timeframe for project implementation and impact assessment. The overall theory of change for the Florida Department of State appears to be that by strategically funding diverse cultural projects and artists, they can foster a more culturally rich, educated, and equitable state, aligning with their broader mission to support and advance the arts and culture sector.

The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program, offered by the City of Dubuque, is designed to support initiatives that foster more sustainable and effective arts and culture organizations within the city. This program aligns with a mission to strengthen the operational capacity of local arts and culture entities, ensuring their long-term viability and ability to contribute to the community. Funding is available for fiscal year 2025, from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, with a total of $35,000 allocated for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, although eligible organizations can apply for up to $8,000. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are arts and culture organizations that are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, have at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s, and are officially located within the city limits of Dubuque. These organizations must serve residents of Dubuque and conduct programming within the city. The program aims to impact these organizations by enhancing their capacity in various key areas, ultimately leading to improved organizational health and effectiveness. The program prioritizes a range of capacity-building initiatives. These include strategic planning, creating development plans and/or fundraising strategies, improving donor experience, providing nonprofit 101 training for staff and board members, leadership development, project or program development, program management, volunteer management, and Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training. These focus areas are intended to address common challenges faced by arts and culture organizations and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive. Expected outcomes include organizations with stronger strategic frameworks, enhanced fundraising capabilities, improved donor engagement, more skilled staff and board members, and more effectively managed projects and programs. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of these capacity-building initiatives, which could be tracked through reports detailing new strategic plans, implemented fundraising strategies, attendance at training sessions, and improved operational metrics. The City of Dubuque's strategic priorities for this grant program appear to be rooted in a theory of change that by investing in the foundational and operational strength of its arts and culture sector, it will foster a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive cultural landscape for its residents.

City of Beaverton Small Project Grants 2023-2024 Oregon: The City of Beaverton is offering Small Project Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support new or urgent projects, with a focus on emerging artists, BIPOC and LGBTQ artists, students, and organizations new to grant-making. The program aims to promote cultural diversity, community collaboration, economic vitality, creativity and innovation, community identity and heritage preservation, and public spaces that promote health and wellbeing. Eligible expenses include planning and personnel costs, professional services, materials and supplies, and maintenance. Eligible applicants include individual artists or collectives, school groups within Beaverton city limits, individual students, and non-profits. Deadline for applications is 07/01/2024. For more information visit City of Beaverton website.

The Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), aims to support qualified nonprofits and students in the Upper Ohio Valley. The CFOV's mission as a tax-exempt, publicly supported organization is to manage charitable funds and provide grants and scholarships. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by offering financial assistance to organizations that serve the community, thereby fostering local development and addressing key needs within the Ohio Valley. This grant program targets 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities under Code Section 509(a), or those partnering with a nonprofit fiscal agent. Qualified charities include charitable, religious, and educational organizations, school districts, public libraries, and other government-affiliated organizations. The primary beneficiaries are residents of Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio, who receive services from these organizations. The grant specifically excludes individuals and for-profit endeavors, ensuring that funds are directed towards community-focused initiatives. The grant prioritizes organizations that provide services within the specified geographic areas: Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio. While specific thematic focuses or strategic priorities beyond serving these regions are not explicitly detailed, the nature of the eligible organizations (charitable, religious, educational) suggests an emphasis on enhancing community well-being, education, and social services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding established and legitimate non-profit entities, they can effectively channel resources to where they are most needed, creating a ripple effect of positive community impact. The expected outcome of the Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant is the successful implementation of projects and services by the awarded organizations, leading to improved conditions and opportunities for the residents of the Upper Ohio Valley. While measurable results are not explicitly outlined in terms of specific metrics, the grant size of $5,000 to $10,000 for 2024 indicates a commitment to providing substantial support. The underlying assumption is that by empowering qualified nonprofits, the grant will contribute to the betterment of the community, fostering charitable, religious, and educational growth.

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.

The Adams County Community Foundation is offering a competitive grant program up to $1,000 for nonprofit leadership development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations within Adams County. By investing in leadership development, the foundation aims to empower local nonprofits to more effectively carry out their missions and serve the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Adams County nonprofit executive directors and board members. The impact goal is to increase their knowledge and effectiveness in leadership roles. This includes participation in training opportunities focusing on strategic planning, reorganization, and leadership development for staff and board members. The foundation prioritizes activities that directly enhance a nonprofit's ability to achieve its objectives. Eligibility criteria stipulate that applicants must be in a paid or volunteer leadership position (Executive Director or a position leading to Executive Director or Board Chair) for a qualified 501(c)(3) charity. The program considers the financial need of both the organization and the individual. Eligible activities include college courses, certification programs, or professional conferences in finance, fundraising, human resources, or other relevant skills. Travel and lodging costs may also be covered. The expected outcomes of this grant program are sound and measurable, emphasizing tangible improvements in leadership capabilities and organizational effectiveness. While the specific measurable results are not detailed, the objective to "increase their knowledge and effectiveness" suggests that participants will gain practical skills and implement new strategies. The grant funds will be paid directly to the nonprofit organization, not to individuals, ensuring that the investment supports the institutional growth and sustainability of Adams County's vital nonprofit sector.

This grant provides funding to community groups in San José for projects that enhance neighborhood beauty, improve quality of life, and foster community engagement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region for innovative projects that improve environmental quality and promote community health, with a focus on engaging at-risk and low-income youth.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses and building owners in downtown Ames for improving their building façades, with a focus on historically significant features.

Local First Arizona’s We Rise business accelerator is a new, no-fee, six-month program designed to provide comprehensive and practical business skills to Black entrepreneurs in Arizona. This initiative aligns with Local First Arizona's mission to strengthen the local economy by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, specifically targeting a demographic that may face unique challenges in starting and growing businesses. The program aims to foster economic empowerment and success within the Black entrepreneurial community in Arizona. The primary target beneficiaries are Black American entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who have some existing experience in running a business but require assistance with fundamental components of entrepreneurship. This includes individuals who need support in areas such as creating a business plan, registering their business, and other essential building blocks for establishing or growing a successful venture. The program prioritizes addressing these foundational gaps to ensure participants can build robust and sustainable businesses within Arizona's economy. The program's core focus is on providing classroom instruction and mentorship through remote learning, with bi-weekly meetings. The mentorship is provided by experienced Black entrepreneurs, offering firsthand insights and expertise. This approach ensures that participants receive relevant and practical guidance tailored to their specific needs. A key priority is the rigorous engagement of participants, with a strict attendance policy allowing only one absence, underscoring the commitment expected from those enrolled. Expected outcomes include equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully establish, operate, or expand their businesses. Measurable results would likely include the number of businesses registered, business plans created, and overall growth or sustainability metrics of participating enterprises. The program's theory of change posits that by providing targeted training and mentorship to Black entrepreneurs, Local First Arizona can directly contribute to closing economic opportunity gaps, stimulating local economic growth, and building a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape in Arizona.

I'm still learning and can't help with that. Do you need help with anything else?

The Accelerating Community Connections grant, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Project (CRP), is a community-designed initiative to invest $200 million into communities across Washington State that have been disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, often referred to as the “war on drugs.” The Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) is seeking proposals from organizations to increase access to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives, for historically marginalized groups. This grant aligns with a mission to rectify historical injustices and foster stronger relationships between communities and workforce development resources. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant are Black, tribal, and Latine communities in Spokane County. The program specifically seeks to serve organizations that are "By-and-For," meaning they are part of, rooted in, and defined by the identity of these communities, with leadership and staff from these populations. The impact goals are to increase access to workforce system resources, provide more culturally specific services, and enhance cultural competence within the workforce system. The grant prioritizes organizations that build trust, advocate, respond, and solve problems specific to these communities, and have a proven track record as change agents and providers of community services. The grant focuses on several key areas, including increasing access to the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives for the target populations. It also emphasizes fostering stronger relationships, incorporating the "voice of the customer" in program design, and providing services that are culturally specific and competent. The strategic priority is to work with "By-and-For" organizations to ensure that the services are delivered in a way that is relevant, effective, and builds trust within the communities most affected by historical injustices related to the "war on drugs." This approach is rooted in a theory of change that by empowering and funding community-led organizations, the program can more effectively address systemic inequities and provide meaningful support. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the participation of Black, tribal, and Latine individuals in workforce system resources, improved access to employment opportunities, and enhanced career mobility. The program also aims to strengthen community ties, increase the cultural competence of the workforce system, and ensure that program designs are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the target populations. Organizations can apply for up to $30,000, and funding can be broadly used for personnel, occupancy, outreach, travel, training, supplies, and direct client costs like support services to remove barriers. Reimbursement contracts require organizations to incur costs and submit monthly invoices.

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health seeks to increase access to healthcare and promote early detection and prevention of health issues across all counties in Idaho. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission by focusing on key areas such as behavioral and mental health, general healthcare access, and healthcare access specifically for seniors. The foundation aims to support projects that directly address these health challenges within the state, ensuring that their funding contributes to a healthier Idaho. The program targets several vulnerable populations, including seniors, underserved and underrepresented communities, veterans, and youth. The impact goals are centered around improving health equity, supporting the expansion of programs and services through capital and material expenditures, and fostering growth opportunities for these initiatives. By focusing on these specific groups and types of support, the foundation intends to create a tangible and positive impact on the health outcomes of Idaho residents who need it most. Funding priorities include addressing health equity, which aligns with the goal of reaching underserved populations. The foundation also prioritizes supporting capital and material expenditures, indicating a strategic focus on strengthening the infrastructure and resources of qualifying organizations. Furthermore, promoting growth opportunities for programs and services demonstrates a commitment to sustainable, long-term improvements in healthcare access and delivery. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable outcomes, the foundation's theory of change suggests that by increasing access to healthcare, promoting early detection and prevention, and supporting the growth of effective programs, there will be a resultant improvement in the overall health and well-being of Idahoans. The emphasis on funding projects that target specific health issues and populations implies an expectation of reduced health disparities and enhanced health service availability.

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

The Ohio Animal Foundation is currently accepting applications for its grant program, which aims to support animal welfare initiatives across the state. While the foundation's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the focus of this grant program on rescue and shelter services, as well as wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation, strongly indicates an alignment with improving the lives of animals and protecting wildlife within Ohio. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that are in good standing, specifically those involved in animal rescue, shelter services, or wildlife programs. The program intends to support services for domestic, companion, and farm animals, as well as feral and community cats. It also extends its reach to wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation efforts. The impact goals are to provide essential funding to these organizations, enabling them to continue their vital work in animal care and protection. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. A significant emphasis is placed on "Rescue and Shelter Services," which includes a broad spectrum of animal care, from domestic animals to feral cat programs. Additionally, "Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs" are a key area of interest, highlighting the foundation's commitment to both domesticated and wild animal populations. The typical grant range of $250-$500 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to a wider array of organizations. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that the foundation aims to see improvements in animal welfare metrics such as increased adoptions, successful rescue operations, effective rehabilitation of injured wildlife, and enhanced public education on animal care and protection. The modest grant size suggests a focus on supporting operational costs or specific, smaller-scale projects that can demonstrate tangible benefits within these fields. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on empowering local Ohio-based nonprofits to directly address animal welfare needs. By providing financial assistance to established 501(c)3 organizations, the Ohio Animal Foundation likely believes that it can most effectively leverage existing infrastructure and expertise to achieve its goals. The exclusion of funding for individuals further supports this approach, focusing resources on organizations with a proven capacity for impact.

The 2025 Arts & History Re-Grant Program, administered by the Cape May County Government in New Jersey, offers funding to support arts and history-related projects and ongoing programs within Cape May County. The program's mission aligns with fostering community engagement and increasing exposure to arts and history. It aims to support a diverse range of initiatives, from single events to sustained programming, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the county. The program targets organizations and groups located within Cape May County that are involved in arts or history. This includes civic organizations, social organizations, community theater groups, dance companies, museums, galleries, orchestras, and singing groups. The impact goals are to support and sustain arts and history projects, programs, and general operations, thereby enhancing cultural offerings and community participation in these areas. There are three distinct categories of funding: Special Project, General Programming Support (GPS), and General Operating Support (GOS). Special Project funding is for single, specific arts or history-related events. GPS supports major, ongoing arts programs with multiple events or activities throughout the year. GOS is designed for organizations whose primary charter is arts or history-related, providing general operating support to groups that consistently increase exposure to art/history in the community. The program prioritizes projects and programs that take place within Cape May County and, for General Operating Support, requires the applying organization to be located within the county. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant cultural scene in Cape May County, increased opportunities for residents to engage with arts and history, and the sustained operation of local arts and history organizations. Measurable results would involve the number and diversity of projects funded, the reach and attendance of programs, and the organizational stability of grant recipients. The strategic priorities revolve around making arts and history accessible, supporting the infrastructure of cultural organizations, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, particularly for General Operating Support grants. The program's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support, local cultural initiatives will thrive, leading to a more enriched and engaged community.

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Safer Portland Grant, a community-based initiative designed to reduce gun violence. This grant program directly aligns with the mission of fostering safer communities by empowering local organizations to implement preventative measures. The overall objective is to mitigate gun violence through a variety of community-led efforts, focusing on proactive intervention and support. The grant targets a broad range of community members within Portland, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable neighborhoods known for high rates of gun violence. Specific prioritized areas include Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert, although organizations city-wide are encouraged to apply. The beneficiaries are individuals and families who will benefit from increased safety, access to supportive services, and participation in programs designed to deter violence. The impact goals are to reduce incidents of gun violence, provide support for victims' families, and build capacity within smaller contractors to deliver essential services. The Safer Portland Grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events aimed at addressing root causes of violence. Flexible funds are also provided for direct community assistance and services, ensuring immediate support where needed. Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs are a core focus, aiming to foster positive relationships and conflict resolution skills. Furthermore, the grant supports arts and culture or recreational violence prevention programs, recognizing the role of creative and recreational outlets in community well-being. Aftercare support funds for families of victims and capacity building for small contractors providing services are also crucial priorities. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in gun violence rates within targeted neighborhoods and across Portland. Success will also be measured by the increased participation in preventative programs, the number of individuals receiving direct community assistance, and the enhanced capacity of local organizations to deliver effective violence prevention services. The grant's strategic priorities are to invest in community-led solutions, foster collaboration, and provide flexible funding that can adapt to the unique needs of different communities. This approach operates on the theory of change that by empowering and resourcing local efforts, sustainable reductions in gun violence can be achieved, leading to safer and more resilient communities for all Portland residents. A total of $500,000 is available, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.