Local Education Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Essex County for collaborative projects that improve access to digital tools, internet connectivity, and digital literacy training for local residents.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation Promise Grants, ranging from $1000 to $10,000, aim to support charitable organizations in DeKalb County, Illinois, that empower underserved populations, with a focus on projects related to healthcare, affordable housing, and enhancing quality of life.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

The Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) Youth Grant Program provides financial assistance to connect underserved youth in Dane County, Wisconsin, aged 17 and under, to sports activities. The program aims to foster lifelong enjoyment and health benefits through sports, aligning with MASC's broader mission to promote healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity. Established with contributions from the Ironman Community Foundation, individuals, corporations, and annual fundraisers, the grant program is a key initiative of MASC to serve its community. The primary target beneficiaries are Dane County youth, aged 17 and under, who are from populations underserved by existing sports programs. The program's impact goals are to assist children in developing healthy lifestyles by introducing them to sports that match their interests and abilities. This includes combating childhood obesity, creating positive emotional connections, and instilling commitment and daily structure in their lives. Key priorities and focuses for grant consideration include ensuring the child or children served are Dane County residents, aged 17 and under, and from underserved populations. MASC also prioritizes a mutual commitment between the sports program and individuals, and considers a broad scope of sports, including "minor" and individual sports. The quality of the sports program and the alignment of individuals with a suitable sport are crucial. Consideration is also given to the number of people impacted, the non-duplication of efforts, and the potential for program growth and quality maintenance. Transportation requests and capital construction (under specific conditions) are also considered. Expected outcomes include increased participation of underserved youth in sports, leading to the development of healthy lifestyles, improved physical and emotional well-being, and enhanced commitment and daily structure. The program's success is measured by the reach of the grant application, the growth and quality of participating sports programs, and the ability of the programs to meet the interests and abilities of the youth. MASC's strategic priority is to create sustainable opportunities for youth development through sports, with a theory of change centered on the idea that access to appropriate sports activities directly contributes to healthier, more engaged youth in the community.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, a collaboration between the City of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is designed to empower young individuals aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This initiative is part of a larger effort supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aiming to activate youth-led projects that align with the New Orleans Climate Action Plan. The program's core mission is to foster environmental stewardship and facilitate tangible climate solutions at a grassroots level, thereby directly contributing to the city's broader environmental goals. The primary beneficiaries of this micro-grant program are youth between the ages of 15-24 residing in Orleans Parish, whose projects are intended to directly benefit the City of New Orleans. The program seeks to engage and mobilize this demographic, providing them with the financial resources and support necessary to translate their innovative ideas into impactful climate action. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders and to implement effective, youth-led initiatives that tackle critical climate issues within the community. Projects funded through the YCAF Micro-Grant Program must align with one or more of the New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities. These key areas of focus include Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction, and Data, Research & Engagement. This ensures that all supported initiatives contribute to the city's established climate strategy, maximizing their collective impact. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear objectives and a strong potential for achieving measurable results in these critical areas. Successful applicants will receive micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, distributed through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024. These funds can be utilized for various project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse youth-led climate projects, increased community engagement in climate action, and a measurable reduction in environmental impact across the specified priority areas. While the document does not explicitly detail the Greater New Orleans Foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, its partnership in this program strongly indicates an alignment with community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The Hickory Community Relations Council Grant Program, funded by the City of Hickory, offers $250 to $1,500 to tax-exempt organizations for projects that promote positive human relationships, equal opportunity, and conflict resolution among diverse groups in Hickory, excluding political or religious purposes, salaries, or construction costs.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program, funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to significantly increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester who receive summer meals, as well as extend the duration of meal service. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by addressing critical community needs, specifically food insecurity among youth in a designated high-need area. The federally funded Summer Meals program (Summer Food Service Program) ensures that children 18 and under, particularly those near schools with high free and reduced meal eligibility rates, continue to receive nutritious food when school is not in session. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children and youth aged 18 and under within the City of Rochester, a city designated as a high-need area. The program specifically targets those who would otherwise lack access to consistent meals during the summer months. The impact goals are to enhance the capacity of Summer Meals sites to serve more children and to offer meals for a greater number of days. By providing essential nourishment, the program contributes to the overall well-being and health of Rochester's youth, helping to mitigate the "summer slide" in nutrition and academic readiness. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. This includes supporting the hiring of a Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to boost site capacity. It also focuses on one-time capital purchases such as tables, chairs, coolers, and other refrigeration/dining equipment to expand service capabilities. Furthermore, the grant encourages one-time capital purchases of equipment or supplies that promote physical activity and fun, thereby enticing more youth to participate and increasing the overall reach of the program. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the total number of children and youth served by the Summer Meals program and an expansion in the number of days meals are provided. While specific quantitative targets are not detailed, the grant's focus on capacity building inherently aims for a measurable increase in program reach and service duration. The funding information indicates grants of up to $15,000, which will facilitate these capacity-building efforts. The eligibility criteria emphasize partnerships with existing Summer Meals sponsors (City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) or organizations with LEA status, ensuring alignment with established food service networks. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to addressing equity and supporting youth in the community, with a clear theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and staffing of summer meal programs, more children will have access to vital food resources.

City of Chandler Diversity Education Mini-Grants are available for teachers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups in Chandler or serving Chandler residents or students. The grants, up to $1,000 each, aim to support programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for youth aged 5-18. Proposals must address dimensions of diversity such as age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Priority is given to K-12 education projects. Applications will be reviewed by the HRC Diversity Mini-Grant Committee based on their alignment with the city's DEI mission and clear budget proposals.

Neighborhood Grants: The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program offered by the city of Aurora provides funding opportunities for residents and neighborhood groups to improve the appearance of Aurora neighborhoods and strengthen community connections. The program offers competitive grants with a maximum award of $5,000 per project. Eligible projects include those that enhance a neighborhood's physical condition, increase pride and identity, improve neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the community. Neighborhood organizations and residents are encouraged to apply, with eligible projects needing to be within Aurora city limits and involve at least three neighborhood households. Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant: The Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant provides resources to support connections among neighbors through small neighborhood block parties or clean-up events. Grant recipients receive a $100 gift card for either King Soopers or Home Depot, depending on the type of event. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until allocated funds are used. Eligible expenses may include food and supplies for the event, but religious, political, or personal/private events will not be funded. Printing Assistance Mini-Grant: The Printing Assistance Mini-Grant offers in-house printing assistance for flyers and posters to publicize neighborhood events. This grant is available to participants registered in the Aurora Neighborhood Registration Program. Grant recipients can receive up to 25 color or 500 black and white flyers, or 10 color or 20 black and white posters. Materials must be picked up at the Aurora Municipal Center. Small Neighborhood Mini-Grant: The Small Neighborhood Activity Mini-Grant provides up to $250 for developing sustainable neighborhood groups and organizing larger-scale neighborhood events. Examples of eligible expenses include entertainment for festivals, neighborhood t-shirts, sports tournaments, or supplies for social gatherings with neighbors. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and require completion of an application form and budget estimates. Please note that specific application dates for each grant opportunity are not provided in the information given.

The Kern Community Foundation's Women’s and Girls’ Fund is offering grants between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kern County, California, that aim to enhance educational attainment and STEM interest for women and girls, with a focus on improving test scores, literacy, graduation rates, and vocational training opportunities.

The City of Claremont's Community Based Organization (CBO) Program for 2025 aims to partner with non-profit service providers to strengthen the social, economic, and family infrastructure within the Claremont community. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to address the social service needs of its residents by supporting non-profit agencies in developing programs that meet both existing and emerging community needs. The program's overarching goal is to foster a more robust and supportive environment for Claremont residents through collaborative efforts. The CBO Grant Program targets Claremont residents in need of social services, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. Through its two distinct funding programs—General Services and Homeless Services/Critical Need—the program seeks to make a tangible impact on various aspects of community well-being. The impact goals include improving health and wellbeing, supporting special needs individuals, enhancing children's education, providing services for seniors, promoting arts, and addressing environmental concerns, in addition to directly supporting homeless individuals and those facing critical needs. The program prioritizes funding for initiatives that best address the community's identified needs and priorities. Specifically, the grant categories are divided into two main focuses: grants providing funding for homeless services/critical need, and grants providing funding for general services. Within the general services category, the program focuses on health and wellbeing, special needs, children/education, seniors, arts, and environmental programs. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards areas where it can have the most significant and targeted impact. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided description, the program's design implies an expectation of improved social, economic, and family infrastructure within the Claremont community. Successful outcomes would include a strengthened network of non-profit service providers, increased access to vital services for residents, and a demonstrated ability of funded programs to meet new and emerging community needs. The continuous offering of the program in 2025 suggests an ongoing commitment to achieving and sustaining these positive community impacts.

This grant provides funding to neighborhoods in Surprise, Arizona, for community-driven projects and events that foster engagement, improvement, and collaboration among residents.

The City of Vancouver's Community and Neighborhood Grants Program aims to foster stronger community connections, encourage partnerships among groups, and empower residents to take meaningful action within their community. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of civic engagement and local empowerment, providing financial support to grassroots efforts that enhance the social fabric of Vancouver. The program is designed to be accessible to various community-led initiatives, from small-scale events to larger, ongoing programs that address specific neighborhood needs and opportunities. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries within the Vancouver city limits or urban growth area, including residents, community-based organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, clubs, parent-teacher groups, and informal collaboratives. The primary impact goals are to build community, facilitate collaboration, and enable residents to lead positive change. By supporting a diverse array of projects, the program seeks to improve overall community well-being, promote inclusivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly in historically underserved areas. The program prioritizes projects and initiatives that strengthen community connections, encourage partnerships, and empower residents. Funding is divided into two levels: Level One Microgrants, offering up to $500 for smaller events like block parties, cultural celebrations, or arts activities, and Level Two Grants, providing up to $10,000 for larger-scale projects and ongoing programs such as after-school programs, neighborhood beautification, safety improvements, or food assistance. A key focus is on improving equity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring that the grants reach a broad spectrum of community needs. Expected outcomes include more vibrant and connected neighborhoods, increased resident participation in community affairs, and the successful implementation of projects that address local challenges. Measurable results could include the number of community members engaged, the diversity of partnerships formed, the successful completion of projects, and the demonstrated positive impact on target beneficiaries. The program's strategic priority is to invest directly in community-led solutions, operating under the theory of change that by empowering local groups and residents with financial resources, sustainable and impactful community development will naturally follow, leading to a more resilient and inclusive Vancouver.

The City of Redmond's 2025 Tourism Grants program is designed to foster tourism development and promotion within the city. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, specifically prioritizing overnight guests. Funding for these grants is derived from a 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms in Redmond, ensuring that the program directly reinvests in local tourism efforts. The program aims to enhance Redmond's appeal as a destination through various events, tournaments, and promotions. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of public and private organizations with a demonstrated ability to execute proposed projects. This encompasses business, community, cultural, educational, entertainment, heritage, historical, and sports organizations, as well as galleries, museums, and visitor information bureaus. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of visitors to Redmond, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the city's vibrant community. The program prioritizes projects that align with specific state statutes and city ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. Key focus areas include tourism marketing, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals explicitly designed to attract tourists, and the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Grants are competitive, evaluated by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) using official funding criteria and weighted scoring, with recommendations subject to City Council approval. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity and overnight stays in Redmond. While the grant duration is not specified, projects must clearly define the services or initiatives to be implemented. The minimum awarded amount is $1,000, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. The program's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenues to sustainably grow Redmond's tourism sector, operating under the theory of change that targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure will directly lead to an influx of visitors and associated economic benefits for the city.

The City of Burien offers the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program to support resident initiated projects that improve quality of life, build community, and create lasting public benefits. The program encourages participation from youth groups, neighborhood associations, and informal groups of neighbors. The city may provide up to 5,000 dollars per project, to be matched by volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or additional funds. Eligible projects include tree planting and maintenance, minor park or trailhead improvements, environmental or sustainability projects, public amenities such as benches or markers, and community based events that foster neighbor connections. Projects must be designed for low maintenance and provide broad public access and benefit. Projects must be located within Burien city limits and involve at least two residents from separate households. Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support, obtain approvals from adjacent property owners as needed, involve residents in all phases, and meet project completion timelines and permitting requirements. Projects must be on publicly accessed property and be free and open to the public. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the City of Burien.

The City of Philadelphia's Community Resilience and Environmental Justice (CREJ) Fund is offering $15,000 grants to 20 Philadelphia-based organizations working on long-term environmental justice projects, with the aim to support grassroots activism, community resilience, and the removal of environmental injustices.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, has launched the Façade Grant Program to revitalize its downtown area. This program aligns with the DDA's mission to serve as a resource to the City Council for downtown revitalization through strategic land use planning, land banking, business recruitment and retention, and the execution of the community's vision for a vibrant and inclusive urban center. The grant specifically targets businesses within the Downtown Entertainment District, aiming to encourage and support exterior renovations that enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall vitality of the area. The primary beneficiaries of this program are businesses located within the Downtown Entertainment District. The impact goals are centered on improving the physical appearance of downtown buildings, stimulating economic activity, and fostering a more attractive and inclusive urban environment. By offering reimbursement for façade renovations, the DDA seeks to reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby encouraging investment in property improvements and contributing to a more appealing downtown. The program prioritizes projects that enhance or update the exterior of buildings, including activities such as painting, restoration, stabilization, awning additions, and improved signage. Eligibility criteria dictate that projects must be within the Downtown Entertainment District, and reimbursement is solely for expenses incurred during exterior façade renovations. Furthermore, all projects must comply with applicable building, development, and zoning regulations, and properties on the National Historic Register require a preservation review. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved and more attractive downtown area, increased business investment in property aesthetics, and a boost in overall community pride and engagement. Measurable results for the program include the number of businesses participating, the total amount of grant funds disbursed, the types of renovations undertaken, and the completion of approved work within the stipulated twelve-month timeframe. The reimbursement structure, covering half of the total project cost up to $2,500 per grant, provides a tangible incentive for businesses to participate.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1 million over two years to local nonprofits in Summit County for collaborative projects that address housing, mental health, and public safety while promoting diversity and sustainable community impact.

The Loudoun County Disability Services Board sponsors an awards program, the Full Accessibility and Inclusion: Moving toward Equity (FAIME) Awards, designed to recognize businesses and organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. This program aligns with the broader mission of promoting equity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities within the community. The awards are given to those who go above and beyond in fostering an inclusive workplace and business model. The target beneficiaries of this program are people with disabilities who seek employment and professional development opportunities. The program aims to increase the recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion of people with disabilities, ultimately enhancing their participation in the workforce. The impact goals include creating more inclusive work environments and business models that provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The FAIME Awards program prioritizes businesses and organizations that actively demonstrate a commitment to hiring people with disabilities, providing necessary accommodations in the workplace, and offering professional development opportunities to help them grow their skills. The focus is on encouraging practices that support the long-term career growth and integration of people with disabilities. Expected outcomes of this awards program include a greater number of businesses and organizations adopting inclusive hiring and workplace practices. Measurable results could include an increase in the employment rate of people with disabilities in Loudoun County, a rise in the number of businesses offering accommodations, and a measurable improvement in professional development opportunities available to this demographic. The program serves as a strategic initiative by the Loudoun County Disability Services Board to drive systemic change and foster a more equitable and inclusive society through the workplace.