Local Education Grants

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities that aim to improve the quality of life for residents in Kossuth County, Iowa, through various community-focused projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and municipalities in Salem County, New Jersey, for special arts projects, general operating expenses, or technical assistance to enhance local arts initiatives.

The Junior League of Detroit is offering Community Assistance Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to tax-exempt organizations in Wayne County, Michigan, that aim to improve children's health and welfare, particularly through programs addressing food insecurity, with a focus on education, nutrition, and accessibility.

This grant provides financial support to San José-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that promote community engagement and contribute to the city's cultural vitality through diverse artistic programming.

The Charles County Forestry Grant Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust in partnership with Charles County, aims to implement cost-effective reforestation and afforestation projects. The program seeks to increase tree canopy, create forest habitat, improve water quality, and provide ecosystem services such as potable water and air quality. Eligible projects should be in Charles County, Maryland, and must place reforested areas under an easement for protection in perpetuity. Applicants can request up to $20,000, with typical requests being less than $4,500 per acre. Matching funds are encouraged but not required.

Arts Davidson County, in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council, is offering the Grassroots Arts Program to provide subgrants to local organizations for arts programs within Davidson County. This program aligns with the mission to foster and support quality arts initiatives and organizations at the local level. The grant is designed to support a variety of arts-related expenditures, contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape within the county. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are qualified arts organizations not already receiving or eligible for support from the N.C. Arts Council. This includes a broad spectrum of groups such as theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writers’ groups, and arts festivals. The program also supports qualified artists conducting arts learning and arts in education programs, as well as community, civic, and municipal organizations that involve qualified artists in their programming. The impact goal is to strengthen local arts infrastructure and expand access to arts education and experiences for residents of Davidson County. The program has distinct priorities. The first priority is to offer operating or program support to qualified arts organizations that are not otherwise funded by the N.C. Arts Council. The second priority is to back arts learning and arts in education programs, which can manifest as artist residencies in schools, after-school or summer camps, or adult arts learning classes. The third priority extends support to community, civic, and municipal organizations for programs led by qualified artists. These priorities aim to ensure comprehensive support across the arts sector in the county. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of arts programs offered locally, enhanced operational stability for arts organizations, and greater community engagement with the arts. Measurable results could include the number of organizations receiving grants, the types and number of programs funded, the number of participants in arts learning programs, and the overall reach of funded projects within the community. Projects must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 15, 2025, allowing for a clear timeframe for impact assessment. While specific strategic priorities or a theory of change for "Arts Davidson County" are not explicitly detailed as a separate section within the provided text, the Grassroots Arts Program itself embodies a theory of change: by providing financial support to local arts organizations and programs, Arts Davidson County believes it can cultivate a thriving arts community, increase public access to diverse artistic expressions, and enhance the overall cultural well-being of Davidson County. This approach suggests a belief that direct funding at the grassroots level is a powerful catalyst for local arts development and community enrichment.

This grant provides funding to educators in Miami County, Ohio, for environmental education programs focused on solid waste issues, including recycling and waste reduction activities.

The Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF), administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), provides grants to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities in CFNEA's nine-county region. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support youth development through specific programming. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a one-year grant duration. Organizations must be tax-exempt, have at least one year of operating history after 501(c)(3) classification, and possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. The HJCF targets youth up to age nineteen, with a focus on programs that promote education, literacy, safety, and moral and physical development. The expected outcome is to provide charitable support to organizations that positively impact the lives of young people within the designated region. Measurable results would stem from the objectives outlined in the applying organizations' strategic plans, which are a required component of eligibility. The grant program's priorities clearly revolve around enhancing the well-being and development of youth. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the HJCF, emphasize direct support for operational charities rather than endowments, capital campaigns, or individual grants. This indicates a theory of change that focuses on empowering existing organizations with a proven track record to deliver services. The eligibility criteria regarding financial statements (audited, review, or compilation based on budget size) further suggest a commitment to responsible stewardship and accountability, ensuring that funds are directed to organizations capable of managing them effectively. Funding restrictions highlight areas that the foundation will not support, such as discriminatory practices, lobbying, political purposes, and organizations with less than one year of operation, or those with open grants in the same fund. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to ethical practices, long-term impact, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The comprehensive guidelines ensure that grant funds are utilized for their intended charitable purposes, aligning with the overall strategic objective of fostering community development through targeted support for youth-focused programs.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofit organizations and government entities in Grundy County to support projects that improve community life in areas such as arts, education, health, and environmental welfare.

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals for projects and activities in Massachusetts that align with its mission to promote and support accessible primary care and preventive health services for Somerville residents. This also includes supporting educational, research, and outreach programs to enhance the delivery and accessibility of these services. The foundation's overarching goal is to provide financial resources that enable it to fulfill these core purposes, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community. The target beneficiaries are primarily residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts, with a particular focus on addressing the disproportionate health impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. The impact goals revolve around creating a healthier, more equitable Somerville by addressing social determinants of health. The foundation’s strategic priorities are rooted in principles of language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision-making, and system improvements that foster collective care. SHF prioritizes proposals that also address specific preventative health areas. These include Housing (affordability, stability, anti-displacement, safety, accessibility, homelessness), Equitable Economies (sustainable food systems, living wages, healthy working conditions, caregiving systems), Equity in Access to Healthcare, Services and Information (costs, cultural/linguistic barriers, navigation, referrals, staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability accessibility), and Climate Health and Justice (air/water quality, climate change preparedness). The expected outcomes are projects or activities that directly contribute to the SHF's mission and priority areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the general grant overview, the emphasis on addressing specific concerns within each priority area suggests that successful proposals would demonstrate measurable progress in these areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding initiatives that address these core principles and preventative health priorities, it can improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and ultimately enhance the overall health of the Somerville community. The SHF plans to distribute approximately $30,000 this year, funding two projects at $15,000 each.

The City of Evansville has established the Forward Together Grant Fund, an initiative designed to bolster eligible nonprofit organizations actively working within the Evansville community. This fund, strategically derived from interest generated by the American Rescue Plan Act, aligns with a core mission to strengthen neighborhoods and create pathways out of poverty for city residents. The program serves as a direct extension of the city's commitment to fostering a more resilient and equitable community by empowering organizations engaged in vital local work. The primary beneficiaries of the Forward Together Grant Fund are underprivileged or disadvantaged residents of the City of Evansville, along with the nonprofit organizations directly serving them. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life for these residents by addressing critical social and economic challenges. Through strategic funding, the city aims to foster a stronger social fabric and provide tangible opportunities for upward mobility, ultimately leading to a more stable and thriving Evansville. The grant prioritizes programs falling into several key categories, reflecting the city's strategic focus on comprehensive community development. These include Affordable Housing, Mental Health/Addiction, Food Assistance, Job Training, Youth Development, Internet Access, Childcare Access, Resource Navigation Assistance, Homeless Services, and Neighborhood Revitalization (e.g., Home Repairs, weatherization). This broad scope ensures that a diverse range of pressing needs within the community can be addressed, contributing to a holistic approach to poverty reduction and neighborhood strengthening. Organizations can apply for up to $35,000 to fund programs within these categories. The expected outcomes of this initiative include improved access to essential services, enhanced neighborhood stability, increased economic opportunities, and a reduction in poverty rates across the city. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on tangible services and community-based programs suggests that success will be evaluated through metrics related to service delivery, client outcomes, and overall community betterment. The City of Evansville's theory of change for the Forward Together Grant Fund is rooted in the belief that targeted investment in local nonprofit organizations, particularly those addressing fundamental needs, can create a ripple effect of positive change. By supporting organizations that directly work to strengthen neighborhoods and provide pathways out of poverty, the city anticipates a measurable improvement in the lives of its residents, leading to a more vibrant, equitable, and self-sufficient community. Eligible uses of funds include crucial operational costs such as payroll, benefits, utilities, rent, and insurance, recognizing that stable organizational infrastructure is vital for sustained impact.

This program provides funding to support community events that promote cultural and economic development in Lawrence, Kansas, enhancing the city's unique identity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community projects in Pajaro, California, aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness, social services, economic development, healthcare access, language services, and community beautification for local residents.

The Community Foundation for Randolph County (CFRC) is currently accepting grant applications from qualified charitable organizations, aiming to support a broad spectrum of local needs. This grantmaking program aligns with CFRC's mission to enhance the well-being of the Randolph County community by funding initiatives in human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. Grants will be disbursed from both the general community grantmaking fund and the Randolph Health Community Foundation Endowment, with the latter specifically dedicated to health-related programs serving Randolph County. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are residents of Randolph County, particularly those served by 501(c)(3) non-profits, organizations with fiscal agents, local governments, fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goal is to address a wide range of community challenges and improve the quality of life for local residents. The program prioritizes organizations that serve counties within CFRC's affiliate network and offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. The program's focus areas are diverse, encompassing human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. Within the health sector, particular emphasis is placed on programs supported by the Randolph Health Community Foundation Endowment. The foundation's strategic priority is to respond to identified local needs through a flexible and responsive grantmaking approach, empowering local organizations to implement effective solutions. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes include improved access to vital services, enhanced educational opportunities, increased youth engagement, better health outcomes, reduced food insecurity, and a more vibrant arts community within Randolph County. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in a diverse array of community-based initiatives, it can foster a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community for all residents. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, providing accessible funding for a variety of projects.

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.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi to implement projects that enhance community well-being through sustainable and measurable impacts.

The Lane County Cultural Coalition in Oregon is offering Cultural Opportunity Grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for a year, funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, to support projects that protect and stabilize cultural resources, expand public awareness of arts, humanities, and heritage, and increase access to culture, with a focus on access, awareness, and education in Lane County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Worcester County, Maryland, for initiatives designed to prevent youth from starting to use cannabis products.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations and communities in Boulder County to implement innovative projects that promote resource conservation and advance circular economy practices, ultimately helping to combat climate change.