Local Education Grants

This program provides funding to community groups and nonprofits in Lexington to support projects that expand and maintain the city's urban tree canopy while promoting education about the importance of trees in urban environments.

The City of Santa Barbara's Cultural Arts Grants program is an annual initiative demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable local cultural sector and ensuring arts access for all residents. With an investment of nearly $250,000, the program aims to strengthen the community through various artistic endeavors. This aligns with a broader mission to enhance local economic and community vitality by supporting diverse nonprofits and catalyzing engaging events and festivals. The grant program targets Santa Barbara-based organizations, specifically focusing on underserved communities and youth to provide equitable arts access. The overall impact goal is to uplift these communities, support the capacity and performance of nonprofit arts organizations, and promote the city's cultural vitality. By embracing multicultural and neighborhood arts, the program seeks to create a more inclusive and culturally rich environment for everyone. The program is structured around three distinct grant programs, each with specific priorities and focuses. Community Arts (CA) Grants prioritize projects that create arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth, with a maximum funding request of up to $6,000. Organizational Development (OD) Grants are designed to support nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capacity, audience reach, and earned income, with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. Finally, Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants focus on incubating events that contribute to the city's cultural promotion and vitality, also with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include increased arts access for all community members, strengthened capacity and performance of local arts organizations, and the successful execution of events and festivals that boost local economic and community vitality. Measurable results would likely involve the number of participants reached through Community Arts projects, the growth in audience numbers or earned income for organizations receiving Organizational Development grants, and the attendance and economic impact generated by Community Events & Festivals. The city's strategic priority is clearly to invest in and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem that serves all its residents and contributes to the overall well-being and economic health of Santa Barbara. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the city can foster a dynamic cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates local economic activity.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants for projects and programs that benefit Lawrence County residents and communities. These grants aim to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster growth and address critical needs within the county. The grants specifically target individuals of all ages who are leading efforts to create opportunities, address pressing needs, and unlock the potential within Lawrence County. The primary goal is to support local initiatives that have a tangible impact on the well-being and development of the community. Funding requests are generally between $500 and $2,500, though larger requests may be considered if they demonstrate significant potential impact. Priority is given to volunteer-led, grassroots, and community-driven projects that require funding or resources to achieve their objectives. This focus emphasizes empowering local residents to drive positive change. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (501(c) organizations), public organizations such as school districts and government subdivisions, and groups operating under fiscal sponsorship with a nonprofit or public entity. The emphasis on community-driven projects reflects a strategic priority to foster local engagement and self-sufficiency, aligning with a theory of change that posits local ownership and participation lead to more sustainable and impactful outcomes. The expected outcome is a strengthening of Lawrence County through targeted support for initiatives that align with the Pillars of Prosperity, with measurable results including improved access to arts, education, and health services, as well as enhanced community and economic vitality.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community development projects and services aimed at assisting low to moderate-income individuals and families in Mesa, Arizona, including housing, public facilities, and emergency solutions for homelessness.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

The Advocates for Springfield Fund, established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Otsego County, is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the Springfield community in New York. This fund emerged from a local grassroots group, also called Advocates for Springfield, which initially focused on promoting good land uses within the town. Having successfully influenced the adoption of a comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and other land use laws since its inception in the early 2000s, the group sought to repurpose its remaining financial resources for broader community benefit. The Community Foundation's mission to support local communities aligns directly with this initiative, ensuring the longevity and effective deployment of these funds for the residents of Springfield. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local nonprofit organizations that enhance the community's fabric, such as volunteer fire departments and libraries. Additionally, the fund supports initiatives that supplement summer jobs benefiting the community, with a particular focus on childhood education. Groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are also eligible, provided they submit evidence of sponsorship. The program explicitly excludes direct grants to individuals or businesses, focusing instead on organizational support that fosters collective well-being and community development. The grant program prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrably contribute to the health and well-being of Springfield residents. This includes supporting essential community services provided by local nonprofits and investing in programs that offer educational and developmental opportunities for children through summer jobs. The focus on childhood education reflects a strategic priority to cultivate a strong future for the community by nurturing its youngest members. The overarching goal is to strengthen the community infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents through targeted, community-centric investments. Expected outcomes of this grant program include enhanced support for vital community services, increased opportunities for youth development and education, and a stronger, more resilient Springfield community. Measurable results will be tied to the impact of the funded projects, such as the number of individuals served by supported nonprofits, the number of summer jobs created or supplemented, and the educational outcomes for participating children. The Community Foundation’s strategic priority, as evidenced by allocating up to $1,500 for awards in 2024 with individual awards up to $500, is to distribute resources efficiently to generate meaningful, localized impact. This approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support for community-based initiatives leads to tangible improvements in the overall health and well-being of the community.

This grant provides financial support to various agricultural entities in Howard County, Maryland, for projects that enhance, sustain, or educate about agricultural practices.

The City of Fort Myers Special Event Grant program aims to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations by providing limited City-provided services for special events. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to enhance community well-being by fostering recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities, thereby promoting a sense of belonging and collective identity among residents. The program is designed to provide essential services such as trash pickup, police services, permits, barricades, signage, and facility rental, which are critical for the successful execution of public events. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are 501(c)(3) designated organizations that host special events within the City of Fort Myers. The program's impact goals include providing event-related economic support to these organizations and creating opportunities for tourism development, which in turn stimulates the local economy. By alleviating some of the financial and logistical burdens associated with event management, the grant enables these organizations to offer a wider range of activities that benefit the community. The grant prioritizes events held on or in City-owned and operated facilities, parks, and streets, ensuring that public resources are utilized to their fullest potential for community engagement. The focus is on facilitating events that enrich the cultural fabric of Fort Myers, promote community cohesion, and attract visitors, thereby contributing to both the social and economic vitality of the city. The City's strategic priority is to leverage these events as a mechanism for community building and economic growth. Expected outcomes of the program include an increase in the number and quality of special events offered in Fort Myers, enhanced community participation in recreational and cultural activities, and a measurable boost in local tourism. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics beyond the types of services provided, the success of the program is intrinsically linked to the successful execution of a diverse range of special events and their perceived value to the community and local economy. The City's theory of change posits that by providing direct service support, it empowers non-profit organizations to deliver high-quality events that achieve these broader community and economic development objectives.

The Community Fund is an annual grant program by the Philadelphia City Fund, aligning with the city's goals to enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative supports charitable projects addressing Philadelphia's most pressing needs. The funding is a result of a partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which contributes a portion of its annual revenues to the fund. For the 2024 cycle, the program specifically focuses on youth wellness, promoting lifelong healthy activity, and nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming. The target beneficiaries are youth aged pre-K through 12th grade in Philadelphia, particularly those participating in out-of-school time (OST) programs. The program aims to support their healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development. The impact goal is to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, with a preference for organizations serving specific Priority ZIP Codes (19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144) identified through an analysis of quality of life metrics and OST slot distribution. The fund prioritizes small nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets not exceeding $5 million that provide OST programming to youth in Philadelphia. Grantees will receive $25,000 in unrestricted funds, which can be used for general operations, programmatic activities, or other mission-supporting costs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their organization's mission and/or programming aligns with the "Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming" theme. The expected outcome is improved well-being and safety for youth in Philadelphia through enhanced access to comprehensive OST programming. While specific measurable results beyond the funding allocation and unrestricted nature of the grants are not explicitly detailed, the focus on priority ZIP codes and the definition of OST programming suggest an intention to measure the reach and impact on youth development in underserved areas. Grantees will be expected to comply with Pennsylvania childcare regulations and maintain necessary insurance coverage during the one-year grant term, starting February 2025.

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.

The Mecosta County Community Foundation in Michigan is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 from its Community Needs Fund to support projects in arts, culture, community development, education, health, historical preservation, and environmental conservation, open to applications from 501(C)3 or tax-supported organizations impacting Mecosta County.

This funding opportunity is designed to support local nonprofits, government entities, and public school agencies in Buena Vista County with various project needs.

The City of Naperville is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for opioid remediation programs and services, with a total of $100,000 approved for this initiative. These grants are reimbursement-based, requiring grantees to accrue costs before seeking reimbursement. The program's core mission is to combat the opioid crisis within Naperville by funding interventions that align with approved abatement programs under settlement restrictions. This initiative directly addresses a critical public health issue and reflects a strategic priority of the city to foster community well-being and safety. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Naperville residents who are directly or indirectly affected by opioid misuse. This includes individuals struggling with opioid addiction, their families, and the broader community impacted by the social and health consequences of the crisis. The impact goals are to reduce opioid overdoses, expand access to treatment and recovery services, prevent opioid misuse, and promote harm reduction strategies. The program aims to create a healthier and safer environment for residents by supporting comprehensive and evidence-based interventions. The program prioritizes a range of services and programs that qualify as Approved Abatement Programs. These include expanding the distribution of Naloxone or other FDA-approved overdose reversal drugs, providing medication-assisted treatment to uninsured or underinsured individuals, and expanding treatment and recovery support services such as residential care, intensive outpatient treatment, and recovery housing. Additionally, the grants will support screening and treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women, warm hand-off programs for individuals in recovery, and evidence-based education in school-based and youth-focused programs to prevent opioid misuse. Syringe service programs, community drug disposal programs, and public education campaigns are also prioritized. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in opioid overdose fatalities and non-fatal overdoses, an increase in the number of individuals receiving effective opioid treatment and recovery support, and a decrease in opioid misuse rates, especially among youth. The program anticipates an expansion of access to life-saving Naloxone and medication-assisted treatment, improved support for vulnerable populations like pregnant and postpartum women, and enhanced community awareness regarding opioid prevention and safe disposal. Measurable results will be tracked through metrics such as the number of Naloxone kits distributed, individuals served by treatment programs, participation in educational initiatives, and the volume of disposed medications.

This program provides financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners in Scituate, Massachusetts, to make essential health and safety repairs and modifications to their primary residences.

The City of Greenbelt's ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Grant offers a one-time funding opportunity for eligible nonprofit organizations to address negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, aims to support the continuity of operations and critical services provided by Greenbelt-serving nonprofits. While the description doesn't explicitly state a "foundation mission" or "theory of change," the grant's objective to aid nonprofits in their recovery aligns with a broader community resilience and support strategy in the wake of the pandemic. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are Greenbelt residents, with a specific focus on marginalized members of the community and those served by programs in areas like education, science, human rights, veteran support, community development, arts & culture, youth development, senior support, natural resources, racial equity, and human services. The impact goals are to restore and sustain vital nonprofit services, address revenue reductions and operating expenses, and ultimately help the Greenbelt community recover from the pandemic's economic and social challenges. Priority for funding will be given to programs that advance education and science, serve the underprivileged, defend human and civil rights, benefit veterans, combat community deterioration, promote arts & culture, address youth development needs, support seniors/aging in place, conserve natural resources, advance racial equity & justice, and provide human services to marginalized community members. Eligible uses of funds are broad, including programming, events for Greenbelt residents, broadband infrastructure, rental and utility assistance, equipment purchase, digital advertising, technology, contracted services, insurance, program expenses, supplies, COVID-19 related expenses, and payroll assistance. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the grant description, the expected outcomes include the sustained operation of critical nonprofit programs, the ability of organizations to address revenue shortfalls and increased expenses due to COVID-19, and the continued provision of essential services to Greenbelt residents, particularly in the priority areas. The overall strategic priority is to leverage ARPA funds to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector in Greenbelt as it continues to navigate and recover from the pandemic's repercussions.

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

The City of Boulder Health Equity Fund (HEF) Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to support community-based health equity programs for Boulder residents experiencing health disparities. The fund aims to reduce systemic socio-economic and health barriers, aligning with the city's mission to achieve health equity—defined as the absence of systematic health disparities and the ability of all residents to reach their full health potential regardless of life circumstances. This initiative directly supports health and wellness programs that address these disparities. The target beneficiaries of the HEF include residents disproportionately impacted by diseases linked to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption or targeted by SSB marketing, those lacking access to healthy food, safe water, quality health care, wellness information, and health care services, and populations systemically disenfranchised due to race, ethnicity, income, age, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identification. The primary impact goal is to improve health equity and reduce health disparities within these vulnerable communities. The HEF prioritizes programs that benefit individuals most affected by or at increased risk from chronic diseases linked to sugary drink consumption, or who generally experience health disparities. Key focuses include health services for prevention of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and oral diseases, increased access to healthy food and clean water, wellness programs, and physical fitness. The program also emphasizes leadership diversity reflective of client demographics, alignment with program priorities, evidence-based practices, and valuing lived experience and cultural knowledge. Expected outcomes and measurable results include long-term evaluation of outcomes, meaningful engagement of community members in program design and implementation, strong collaborations, cost-effectiveness, and demonstrated financial stability and diverse funding sources for applying agencies. The City of Boulder's strategic priority is to fund programs that directly address health inequities and contribute to a community where all residents can achieve their full health potential. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in targeted, community-based health and wellness programs, the city can systematically dismantle health barriers and create a more equitable health landscape for its residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in St. Lawrence County, New York, to support initiatives that enhance arts, culture, conservation, education, and overall health and well-being in the community.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has launched the Goat and Sheep Dairy Development Grant program to bolster the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector. This initiative aligns with the NE-DBIC's broader mission to strengthen regional dairy industries by addressing critical areas such as business viability, market development, and innovative production methods. The program aims to enhance the growth and long-term viability of individual small ruminant businesses, while also tackling gaps in technical assistance, improving supply chain partnerships, and expanding market access. The program targets several beneficiaries, including dairy farmers (producers) currently or transitioning to producing goat or sheep milk, dairy processors transforming raw goat/sheep milk into edible products, dairy producer associations representing and promoting goat/sheep dairy products, and technical assistance providers working with these groups. The impact goals are to foster growth, increase profitability, improve herd/flock health and milk quality, reduce barriers to new markets, and expand distribution opportunities for goat/sheep dairy products within the Northeast region. The grant program focuses on two main project types: Individual Business Projects and Sector Enhancement Projects. Individual Business Projects support farmers and processors in making improvements to increase business viability, market development, or production innovations. Examples include engaging with technical assistance providers for business improvements, diversification and marketing efforts, research and development of innovative solutions, and purchasing specialized dairy equipment. Sector Enhancement Projects are designed to engage multiple dairy businesses in activities that improve or expand small ruminant production practices or dairy markets, strengthening relationships across the goat/sheep dairy supply chain. Examples include developing tools and resources, improving farmer access to resources, and initial investments to strengthen supply chain relationships. Funding priorities emphasize projects that address at least two of the following: developing resources to fill unmet technical assistance needs, increasing pay price for goat/sheep dairy farmers, producing deliverables for new or transitioning dairy farmers, including educational/information sharing components, fostering collaborative efforts, increasing profits for dairy businesses, improving herd/flock health/nutrition/milk quality, reducing barriers to new markets, developing market channels, and implementing innovative strategies to increase awareness and consumption of goat/sheep dairy products. The program's theory of change appears to be that by investing in these specific areas, both individual businesses and the sector as a whole will experience sustainable growth and increased competitiveness. Individual business grants range from $15,000 to $50,000, requiring a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Supply chain projects are eligible for grants between $25,000 and $75,000, also with a 25% match commitment. A total of $760,000 is available for this program. The expected outcomes include a more robust and resilient goat and sheep dairy sector in the Northeast, with enhanced business viability for producers and processors, expanded market reach for their products, and a stronger, more collaborative supply chain. The grant period for projects is between 8 and 12 months.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.