Local Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

The 2025 Small Grants Program, offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS), provides funding for research and biological inventories on open space lands. The program aims to enhance resource management practices and improve visitor experiences through data-driven insights. Grants of up to $12,500 are available, with a proposal deadline of January 9, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by February 20, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by December 8, 2025, to ensure complete payment. BCPOS has identified priority research topics in areas such as Plant Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and Fire, Education and Outreach, and Invasive Plants. These topics include projects such as assessing the impacts of invasive species, evaluating fire behavior in cheatgrass-dominated areas, and creating habitat connectivity models. Proposals are not limited to these areas, and researchers are encouraged to propose innovative projects aligned with the department’s mission. Proposals must follow a specific format and include sections such as an abstract, introduction, methods, budget, and researcher qualifications. Applications must not exceed six double-spaced pages (excluding cover pages, maps, and resumes) and should be submitted electronically via the Research on Open Space webpage. Researchers are advised to contact BCPOS staff to discuss their topics before submission. If a proposal is initially incomplete, researchers may resubmit once before the deadline. Eligibility is open to universities, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals, including students with faculty sponsorship. Research must occur on BCPOS properties or conservation easements, with prior landowner permission if required. Overhead costs cannot exceed 15%, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients are expected to deliver detailed reports, including raw data and mapping products, formatted according to BCPOS guidelines. For interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with other local entities, such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is encouraged. For more information or to discuss proposals, applicants can contact program coordinator Raquel Robles at [email protected].

The City of Flint has launched a new Youth Climate Action Fund, a microgrant program designed to empower youth-led climate initiatives. This program aims to support projects that advance critical community goals related to climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The fund's mission aligns with the broader objective of fostering a more sustainable and resilient Flint by investing in its younger generation as agents of change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth aged 15-24 residing in Flint, who will collaborate with local groups, organizations, nonprofits, and schools to implement their projects. The impact goals are far-reaching, intending to cultivate youth leadership, increase community participation in climate action, and produce tangible environmental improvements within the city. This approach recognizes that youth are not only vulnerable to climate change impacts but also possess unique perspectives and innovative solutions. The fund prioritizes a diverse range of youth-led projects, including awareness, education, research, and development initiatives such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. It also supports youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects like community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, urban farming, recycling, waste reduction, and disaster preparedness programs. Additionally, the fund encourages co-governed youth climate action plans, fostering partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy and the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Expected outcomes include a more informed and engaged youth population, a reduction in environmental waste and an increase in green spaces, improved community resilience to climate-related challenges, and the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth perspectives. Measurable results will likely involve the number of youth engaged, the types and scale of projects implemented, the amount of waste diverted, the number of trees planted, and the development of new community programs or policies. The City of Flint's strategic priority through this fund is to build a foundation for long-term climate action by investing directly in its youth, thereby creating a sustainable future rooted in community-led solutions and a strong theory of change that empowers the next generation to tackle pressing environmental issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist small businesses, particularly those with five or fewer employees, focusing on underserved communities across Washington.

This program provides $5,000 to eligible Worcester-based businesses seeking certifications as Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, or Veteran-Owned through the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office.

This funding provides up to $2,000 for specific projects that benefit women, children, and families in Licking County, focusing on tangible outcomes rather than broader programs.

This funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects in the Aurora Cultural Arts District to boost economic development and engage diverse audiences, welcoming applications from local organizations and individual artists.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Cardiovascular Health Unit is requesting proposals to bridge community and clinical sectors among Minnesota adults. The primary goal is to improve heart health and reduce the impact of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, especially within communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease. These communities include Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hmong/Asian American populations. The grant duration is 3 years, with an estimated start date of October 1, 2024, and a projected end date of June 30, 2027. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address health disparities and promote equitable health outcomes across Minnesota. The grant prioritizes organizations that serve the identified disproportionately impacted communities. Project proposals should demonstrate how organizations will create or enhance existing community-clinical linkages to increase referrals to social needs, culturally relevant supports, and/or lifestyle change programs. The target beneficiaries are adults with hypertension, high cholesterol, or other risks of cardiovascular disease in these focus populations. The impact goals are to improve heart health and reduce the impacts of related chronic conditions. Projects must focus on increasing referrals to one or more of three categories of support. Category 1 involves social services and supports addressing areas where individuals live, learn, work, and play. Category 2 focuses on culturally responsive education and/or support for chronic condition prevention, screening, follow-up, and self-management. Category 3 emphasizes evidence-based lifestyle change programs that target hypertension or high cholesterol. These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health, acknowledging both medical and social determinants of health. The expected outcomes include increased referrals to relevant support programs and improved heart health among the target population. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "increase referrals," the emphasis on evidence-based programs and social determinants suggests a framework for tracking engagement and health indicators. The funding information indicates an estimated annual award range of $20,000-$60,000, with an estimated total of $60,000 annually awarded, suggesting a focus on impactful, community-level interventions. Eligible applicants are diverse and include clinics or healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, community health boards/local public health, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, tribal governments, and social service organizations. This broad eligibility criteria indicates the MDH's strategic priority to leverage a wide array of community assets to achieve its public health goals. The program's theory of change appears to be that by strengthening community-clinical linkages and providing targeted, culturally relevant support, health disparities in cardiovascular disease can be reduced.

The City of Lawrence's Affordable Housing Trust Fund is accepting applications to provide and improve the quality, availability, and affordability of housing in Lawrence. This initiative aligns with the mission of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) to ensure everyone in Lawrence has access to safe, quality, affordable housing and supportive services for independent living with dignity. The fund is supported by a local sales tax, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to addressing housing needs. The primary target beneficiaries are low-to-moderate income households and residents within the City of Lawrence city limits. The impact goals include increasing the supply of affordable housing, preserving existing affordable housing stock, and enhancing accessibility. Additionally, the program aims to provide housing vouchers for low-income households, increase community awareness on affordable housing issues, and advance racial equity in housing. The program prioritizes several key areas, including affordable housing or land acquisition, new affordable housing development, and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing for preservation. It also focuses on accessibility modifications for households with specific needs to maintain affordable and accessible housing, as well as projects that specifically advance racial equity in housing. Investing in private/public partnerships for the provision of affordable housing is also a central focus. The City of Lawrence anticipates awarding up to $1.2 million in Affordable Housing Trust Funds. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of affordable housing units, improved quality of existing affordable housing, and greater accessibility for those with specific needs. The program also aims to reduce housing insecurity through vouchers and foster a more equitable housing landscape within Lawrence, with success measured by the number of projects funded and the households served.

The Ulster County Food Security and Resilience Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Ulster County and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to address food insecurity within Ulster County, New York. This program aligns with the findings of the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN) Report, indicating a shared commitment to improving food access and resilience in the region. The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley acts as the donor, facilitating the distribution of funds to eligible organizations. The grant program targets tax-exempt organizations, including faith-based organizations, that are either located in or provide services to Ulster County. These organizations must have operated as a nonprofit for at least one year with 501(c)(3) status or have an established fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and communities within Ulster County experiencing food insecurity, particularly in critical geographic areas with limited provider access. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and resilience across the county. Funding priorities and focuses include proposals that effectively address food insecurity, leverage existing resources, expand emergency food services, and increase the capacity to collect, store, distribute, and provide food to those in need through equipment or personnel. A key focus is also on ensuring the sustainability of organizations working on food insecurity and supporting those operating in underserved areas. The grant program seeks to support "change-oriented" programs that address root causes rather than just immediate needs, aligning with a strategic approach to long-term community impact. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in food insecurity, improved access to emergency food services, increased capacity within food assistance organizations, and enhanced sustainability for these providers. The review criteria emphasize the quality of the program/project, the organization's capacity and stability, the clarity and realism of the budget, and the potential for significant impact and measurable results. Organizations are expected to have viable evaluation plans to demonstrate the likelihood of successfully measuring their impact, ensuring accountability and effective resource utilization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in California to deliver essential services aimed at improving the health, safety, and educational outcomes of children, youth, and young adults in Richmond and unincorporated North Richmond.

The City of Evanston's Small Business Recovery Program is designed to safeguard the local small business economy and preserve the city's economic and cultural fabric. While not explicitly a foundation, the City of Evanston's mission alignment with this program is evident in its commitment to supporting the independent businesses that define the city's identity. This initiative directly addresses the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic on these vital businesses. The program primarily targets existing small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses in Evanston, particularly focusing on minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned enterprises. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating on or before March 13, 2020, possess a physical Evanston location with proper registration/licensing, and have 50 or fewer employees. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn, ensuring these businesses can continue to operate and contribute to the community. The program prioritizes a range of services and expenses to achieve its goals. These include facade improvements, rehabilitation/renovation of commercial properties, signage, professional services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal), marketing/communications technical assistance, capital expenditures (tools and equipment), training and certifications, relocation/expansion within Evanston (for qualified census tracts), and hiring/training of new employees. The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000, with other eligible expenses capped at $10,000. Priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts if applications exceed available funding. The expected outcomes include the revitalization of small businesses, job retention and creation, and an overall strengthening of Evanston's local economy. Measurable results will likely stem from the types of expenses funded, such as improved business appearance, enhanced operational efficiency through new equipment, increased marketing reach, and expanded workforces. The City's strategic priority is to prevent business closures and stimulate economic growth post-pandemic, operating on the theory that direct financial and technical assistance to vulnerable small businesses is the most effective way to achieve a resilient local economy and maintain its unique cultural identity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations, and county directors of veteran affairs in Pennsylvania to enhance programs and services for veterans, focusing on outreach, health, transportation, and employment initiatives.

The Black Hawk County Gaming Association (BHCGA) Grant Program is designed to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the Cedar Valley, making it a stronger and better place to live, work, and play. This program aligns with the BHCGA's mission to invest in community development by awarding grants to governmental entities and nonprofits with valid 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 status. The overarching goal is to foster community improvement through strategic funding. The program primarily targets governmental entities and qualified nonprofit organizations serving the Cedar Valley. The impact goals are centered on creating better cities, neighborhoods, and inclusive spaces, strengthening organizational capacity, and promoting collaborative community initiatives. By supporting these entities, the BHCGA aims to address local needs and contribute to a more vibrant and resilient community. The BHCGA prioritizes requests for capital improvements that contribute to better cities, neighborhoods, and inclusive spaces. Additionally, it focuses on capacity-building plans that help organizations develop stronger skills, processes, and resources, thereby enabling them to better serve the Cedar Valley. Collaborative approaches that align with broader community initiatives are also highly valued, reflecting the BHCGA's strategic emphasis on collective impact. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in community infrastructure and public spaces, enhanced operational effectiveness and sustainability of local organizations, and increased alignment and effectiveness of community-wide efforts. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on "better cities, neighborhoods, and inclusive spaces," "stronger skills, processes, and resources," and "collaborative approaches" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate measurable progress in these areas, contributing to a stronger Cedar Valley.

This grant provides funding for conservation and climate adaptation projects in New York, focusing on protecting natural areas and engaging underserved communities to enhance resilience against climate change impacts like flooding and erosion.

The York County Community Foundation has launched the Racial Equity Fund Grant Program with the overarching goal of shifting the paradigm of equitable opportunities within communities. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to address issues of racism and inequity. By focusing on projects that actively seek to dismantle systemic barriers, the program embodies a strategic commitment to fostering a more just and inclusive society. The program reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investment in racial equity initiatives will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of people of color and contribute to broader community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits and individuals working directly with people of color. There is a strong preference for projects that are led by people of color, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to empowering community-led solutions and ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and effective. The impact goals of the program are centered on addressing systemic racism and inequity across various critical areas, with the ultimate aim of creating more equitable opportunities and improved outcomes for communities of color. The Racial Equity Fund Grant Program prioritizes projects within six key focus areas: Community Leadership and Development, Criminal Justice System, Education and Job Readiness, Health and Wellness, Income and Wealth Creation, and Racial and Cultural Education. These areas represent strategic priorities for the Foundation, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of racial inequity and the need for comprehensive interventions. Each of these focus areas is designed to address specific disparities and challenges faced by communities of color, fostering a holistic approach to racial equity. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes of this program are implicitly tied to significant advancements within the identified focus areas. For instance, projects in "Education and Job Readiness" would ideally lead to improved educational attainment and employment rates among people of color. Similarly, initiatives in "Criminal Justice System" would aim for reduced disparities and more equitable treatment. The Foundation's strategic commitment to these focus areas suggests an expectation of positive, measurable shifts in community well-being, equity, and opportunity as a direct result of the funded projects, with grants available up to $15,000 for these impactful endeavors.

The City of Chandler's Special Event Funding Program aims to strengthen community vitality and foster healthy, enriched lifestyles by supporting non-profit organizations. This grant aligns with the city's broader mission to enhance neighborhoods through cultural and educational enrichment, celebration of diversity and heritage, fostering community pride, promoting a positive image, and endorsing economic vitality. The program acts as a strategic initiative to empower local organizations to contribute to these overarching community goals, thereby implementing a theory of change where targeted financial support for events leads to observable improvements in community well-being and local engagement. The primary beneficiaries of this program are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations capable of producing special events within Chandler. The impact goals are centered on enhancing Chandler's neighborhoods in several key ways: providing cultural and educational enrichment, celebrating unique diversity, history, and heritage, enhancing pride and a sense of community, promoting a positive image of the City, and endorsing economic vitality. These goals suggest a holistic approach to community development, where events serve as catalysts for social cohesion, cultural understanding, and economic growth within the city. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined by the types of enhancements it seeks to achieve within the community. These include cultural and educational enrichment, celebrating diversity, heritage, and history, bolstering community pride, projecting a positive image of the city, and fostering economic vitality. The program is specifically looking for events that take place within Chandler and align with its mission to enhance the community, ensuring that funded activities directly benefit the local population and contribute to the city's strategic objectives. Expected outcomes and measurable results include events that provide cultural and educational opportunities, foster a greater appreciation for diversity and heritage, increase community pride, improve the city's public image, and stimulate local economic activity. While specific metrics for these outcomes are not detailed, the program's emphasis on "enhancing Chandler's neighborhoods" implies that successful events will lead to tangible improvements in the quality of life and community spirit for residents. The grant also specifies that events must occur between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, providing a clear timeframe for impact assessment. Funding is capped at $5,000 per organization or 50% of eligible event costs, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. This financial support serves as a strategic tool to enable nonprofits to deliver high-quality events that might otherwise be unfeasible, thereby maximizing community benefit. By investing in these events, the City of Chandler aims to achieve a compounding effect, where individual events contribute to a larger, more vibrant, and economically robust community, aligning with a strategic priority of sustainable urban development through local empowerment and cultural enrichment.

The Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) Capacity-Building Grant program is designed to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits operating on Whidbey Island. This aligns directly with WCF's mission to support the foundational strength of these organizations, believing that robust internal capacity directly translates to more effective programs and services for the community. The grants are specifically for one-time projects that address an organization's strategic plan to improve management, governance, and administration, rather than funding direct programmatic improvements. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits with charitable status or purpose on Whidbey Island. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By investing in internal capacity, WCF aims to create a ripple effect, where stronger organizations are better equipped to serve their own beneficiaries and achieve their missions more effectively. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to an organization's long-term health and efficiency. Specific areas of focus include evaluation of core programs, staff or board training, assessment and implementation of technology upgrades, various types of planning (HR, succession, fundraising, financial sustainability), merger planning, and the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Projects that are not eligible include operating costs (other than those related to the capacity-building project), expansion of existing programs, creation of new programs, brick-and-mortar projects, endowment campaigns, pass-through grants, or grants to cover lost funding or budget deficits. Expected outcomes include improved organizational management, enhanced governance structures, and more efficient administrative processes. Measurable results could include, for example, a successfully implemented new technology system, a completed strategic HR plan, or a more diverse and inclusive board following training and policy development. The foundation's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that posits by strengthening the internal capacity of its grantees, WCF indirectly but powerfully strengthens the vital programs and services these nonprofits provide to the Whidbey Island community. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with most falling between $1,000 and $5,000, and the deadline for applications is August 31, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Knoxville that provide workforce readiness programs and social-emotional development for youth aged 12-24, helping them gain essential skills and resilience for future careers.

The Atlantic County award program seeks to recognize outstanding residents with disabilities who have achieved significant personal accomplishments and positively impacted the lives of others. While the context does not explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment" or "theory of change," the program's objective is clearly aligned with celebrating and acknowledging individuals who serve as exemplary citizens and contribute to making Atlantic County a better place, particularly within the context of Disabilities Awareness Month. The program aims to highlight the achievements of the disability community and promote greater understanding and appreciation of their contributions. The target beneficiaries for this program are Atlantic County residents with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals of all ages are eligible for nomination. The impact goals are to honor these individuals, raise awareness about their contributions, and inspire others within the community. The program aims to foster a sense of recognition and value for residents with disabilities, underscoring their integral role in the county's social fabric. The primary focus of the program is to identify and celebrate individuals who generously give of themselves and demonstrate significant personal achievement. Nominations are reviewed by the Disability Advisory Board, which prioritizes selecting nominees who embody these qualities and serve as positive role models. The selection criteria emphasize residency in Atlantic County and having a disability, ensuring that the awards directly benefit the local community the program intends to serve. Expected outcomes include the successful recognition of deserving individuals at a public reception in October, during Disabilities Awareness Month, where they will be presented with the Donald J. Sykes Award. Measurable results would involve the number of nominations received, the number of individuals honored, and the positive publicity generated for the disability community within Atlantic County. The broader impact aims to enhance community appreciation for individuals with disabilities and reinforce a culture of inclusivity and recognition.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Mountain View that aim to improve access to resources and promote inclusivity for immigrant and mixed-status families.