Local Employment Labor and Training Grants

The BLOOM Grant Program, initiated in 2018 by the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center through the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA), aims to empower small businesses in York County. This initiative aligns with the YCEA's mission to foster economic growth and stability within the region by providing crucial financial support to businesses with tangible needs. The program's core objective is to help businesses improve productivity, expand services, or achieve the next level of growth, thereby contributing to the overall economic vitality of York County. Since its inception, the BLOOM Grant Program has demonstrated significant impact, distributing 235 grants totaling $480,000 to various small businesses and organizations. The program specifically targets small businesses in York County, including those in Downtown York and York County Trail Towns communities, with a particular focus on women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of BLOOM classes. This broad reach reflects a commitment to inclusive economic development, ensuring that a diverse range of businesses can access vital resources for growth. Priority consideration for funding is given to businesses that have not previously received BLOOM grant funding, promoting equitable access and supporting a wider array of enterprises. The program also prioritizes businesses owned by Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and Veterans, aiming to address historical disparities and promote economic empowerment within these communities. Furthermore, businesses that commit to using local businesses for grant implementation are favored, reinforcing local economic cycles and fostering community collaboration. The program awards grants ranging from $500 to $1,500, with amounts determined by need and potential impact. These grants are intended to fund projects that demonstrably improve productivity, expand services, or facilitate business growth. Examples of previously funded projects include improving signage, physical improvements to business locations, marketing initiatives, training and certification for new services, and the purchase of new equipment. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in the operational efficiency, market reach, and overall growth of recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic development within York County. This strategic approach reflects the YCEA's theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment in small businesses, especially those in underrepresented groups, can lead to significant and sustainable regional economic benefits.

NBForward! is a small business assistance program administered by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC). It aims to help businesses navigate the challenges of the pandemic recovery phase while preparing for future growth. The program offers grants of up to $20,000, which must be matched with an NBEDC loan ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 with deferred payments for three months. In addition to financial assistance, technical support such as business planning and resource guidance is provided. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses that have a physical location in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and have been in operation since at least January 1, 2020. Businesses must demonstrate continued adverse effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chains, franchises, liquor stores, tobacco shops, pawn shops, adult entertainment establishments, passive real estate investments, and businesses not complying with all local, state, and federal laws are ineligible.

The Four County Community Foundation (4CCF) is launching its Spark Grant Program, designed to offer a more accessible and interactive grant application experience than traditional processes. This program aligns with the 4CCF's mission by focusing on funding innovative projects that address unmet community needs within its service area. The foundation aims to foster community development and empower local initiatives through this streamlined grant format, ensuring that vital projects receive the support they require to make a tangible difference. The Spark Grant Program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including both individuals and nonprofit groups, who are actively working to meet community needs. The program's impact goal is to support truly innovative projects that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the local community. An example of a past successful project includes a partnership between a Shelby Township-based business and the Hispanic Service Center, offering reduced-cost Spanish-language food safety training, which met a critical need for local entrepreneurs. This illustrates the foundation's commitment to supporting diverse and impactful initiatives. The program prioritizes proposals that are innovative and seek to address an unmet community need within 4CCF’s service area. The selection process involves applicants presenting an in-person proposal to a panel of 4CCF committee members, followed by a five-minute question and answer session. This interactive approach emphasizes transparency and direct engagement, allowing the foundation to better understand the proposed projects and their potential impact. With a pool of $50,000 to award, the Spark Grant Program expects measurable outcomes in community development and the support of local entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The example of the Spanish-language food safety training highlights the potential for projects to address specific demographic needs and foster economic empowerment. The foundation's strategic priority is to identify and invest in initiatives that demonstrate creativity and a direct, positive impact on the well-being and growth of the four-county community, reflecting a theory of change that values accessible support for innovative local solutions.

This grant provides $10,000 to support impactful projects that benefit youth in the community, specifically targeting initiatives rather than general operating expenses.

This grant provides financial support to volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations that serve the residents of Monte Sereno through free community services and events.

The City of Goshen's Community Relations Commission (CRC) offers the Neighborhood Block Party Grant to foster community-building activities within Goshen city limits. This grant aligns with the CRC's mission to develop and maintain programs that build positive relations among the community and enhance problem-solving skills among residents. The program is designed to support one-time events such as block parties and special celebrations, aiming to strengthen neighborhood bonds and improve the overall quality of life. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are neighborhood-based organizations within Goshen, which are groups whose members primarily reside or do business in a recognized neighborhood and whose purpose is to improve the area's quality of life. The grant's impact goals include promoting neighborhood community-building, fostering positive relations, and enhancing residents' problem-solving skills. By supporting events that bring neighbors together, the CRC aims to create more cohesive and engaged communities. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate neighborhood benefit and support one-time events that facilitate community interaction. Funds can be used for supplies, print, and promotional materials, and activities for a neighborhood block party. The CRC's strategic priority is to build positive relationships within the community, and the Neighborhood Block Party Grant serves as a direct mechanism to achieve this by empowering local groups to organize unifying events. Expected outcomes include an increase in neighborhood engagement, improved social cohesion, and a greater sense of community ownership among residents. Measurable results would involve the number of block parties and community events hosted, the participation rates at these events, and qualitative feedback on improved neighborly relations. The theory of change is that by providing small grants for accessible community events, the CRC can directly facilitate positive interactions, leading to stronger, more resilient neighborhoods and enhanced problem-solving capabilities at a local level. The maximum annual grant total per neighborhood is $200, making it accessible for a wide range of neighborhood groups. Applicants must be neighborhood-based organizations within Goshen city limits, and groups can be formed specifically for the purpose of a grant-funded project. The application requires details such as the proposed event's date, location, and proof of property owner's permission, ensuring responsible and well-planned community activities.

The Animal Services Responsive Grant, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life for all animals, educate the community on responsible pet care, and enhance spay/neuter and adoption services. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support vital community needs, ensuring that organizations dedicated to animal welfare receive the necessary funding to operate and expand their reach. By focusing on these key areas, the grant seeks to create a more humane environment for animals and foster responsible pet ownership within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are animals in need, as well as the communities and individuals who benefit from enhanced animal welfare services. The grant targets organizations working in specific Texas counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson. The impact goals are centered on reducing animal suffering, increasing pet adoptions, promoting spay/neuter initiatives to control pet overpopulation, and educating the public on best practices for animal care. The grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to these objectives and have a proven track record of serving their local animal populations. The program's priorities include supporting direct animal care services, public education campaigns, and programs that facilitate adoption and spay/neuter. The expected outcomes are a measurable reduction in the number of homeless and neglected animals, an increase in responsible pet ownership, and a more informed community regarding animal welfare issues. Measurable results are tied to the organizational budget and corresponding award amounts, indicating that larger, more established organizations with greater capacity are expected to achieve more significant outcomes. For instance, organizations with budgets over $1,000,000 are eligible for a $50,000 award, implying an expectation of broader impact. The San Antonio Area Foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this grant, include fostering community well-being through targeted support for critical services. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial resources to qualified animal welfare organizations, these organizations will be empowered to implement effective programs that directly address the root causes of animal neglect and overpopulation, ultimately leading to a healthier and more compassionate community for both humans and animals. The eligibility criteria, such as requiring 501(c)(3) status and local operation, ensure that funding is directed to legitimate and impactful entities. This grant does not support endowments, capital campaigns, religious purposes, scholarships, political activities, or lobbying efforts. This restriction further refines the foundation's strategic focus, ensuring that funds are directly applied to programmatic efforts that align with the core goals of animal services. The focus is strictly on responsive grants that address immediate and ongoing needs, rather than long-term institutional building or advocacy.

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

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

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Alameda County that are developing innovative solutions for prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction related to the opioid crisis, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The City of Champaign's Community Matters youth program, founded in 2007, offers funding for the 2024-2025 program year. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to address critical areas such as safety, academic support, technology, recreation, career exploration, and employment among its youth. The program seeks to support public or private non-profit agencies that provide services meeting the needs of Pre-K through 18-year-old students residing within Champaign. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth from low-income families within the City of Champaign. The program's impact goal is to have a lasting positive effect on the community by fostering well-rounded development in its youth. While open to low-income youth from any Champaign neighborhood as space and funding allow, a key prioritization is given to programs serving youth from specific target areas: Beardsley Park, Bristol Park, Garden Hills, and Douglass Park, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed for community transformation. Proposals should focus on activities that can be carried out with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These activities are broad and include the rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, building demolition, construction and rehabilitation of public facilities, and public services. However, activities related to the general conduct of government, political activities, and new housing construction are generally ineligible. This focus ensures that the funded programs directly contribute to community improvement and youth development. The expected outcomes include enhanced safety, improved academic performance, increased technological literacy, greater recreational opportunities, and better career exploration and employment prospects for the youth participants. While specific measurable results for the 2024-2025 allocation are dependent on the yet-to-be-announced CDBG annual allocation, the previous year's public service allocation of approximately $133,000 provides an indication of the funding scale. This funding, limited to 15% of the City of Champaign’s total CDBG award, underscores the strategic priority of public services within the broader community development framework, aiming for a significant impact despite funding constraints. The funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

The City of Chandler is offering mini-grants up to $1,000 for projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for youth aged 5-18, prioritizing diversity education in K-12 schools and favoring proposals that address various dimensions of diversity, with eligibility open to teachers, schools, nonprofits, and community groups in Chandler.

Herkimer County CARES Grant Program in New York is open to registered NYS for-profit legal business entities located within Herkimer County. Eligible activities include supporting businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, agriculture, high technology, research and development, and traditional and innovative small business endeavors. Technical assistance will be provided through the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center at no cost to the applicant. The grant aims to create or retain at least one new full-time equivalent job for low-to-moderate income individuals and allows reimbursement of eligible costs dating back to March 2020. Grant funds can be used for marketing adaption, community safety improvements, workforce development, safety enhancements to facilities, efficiency improvements, and air quality improvements. Previous funding received through COVID-19 reimbursement programs is allowed but cannot be duplicated through this program.

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

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is offering the 2023-2024 Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF), a grant program aimed at supporting activities that revitalize public spaces within the City of Los Angeles, California. This initiative aligns with the DCA's mission to enrich the cultural life of the city by fostering community engagement and providing accessible cultural experiences. The grant seeks to fund projects that transform public areas into vibrant hubs of activity, reflecting a commitment to broad public benefit and cultural accessibility. The primary beneficiaries of the PAF are the residents and visitors of Los Angeles, particularly those who participate in or attend the various public events and activities supported by the fund. The impact goals include enhancing community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning. By supporting a range of accessible events, the fund aims to improve the quality of public life and create inclusive environments for artistic and cultural expression. The PAF prioritizes projects falling under four main categories, with specific emphasis on International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF). IFIF grants, typically ranging from $7,500 to $10,000, are designed for pop-up or festival-style events such as community picnics, outdoor festivals, block parties, and food/food-truck festivals. Additionally, creative enhancements to farmers' markets that incorporate live performing arts and cultural activities are highly encouraged. These projects are expected to embrace multicultural themes and feature entertainment suitable for family-friendly, street-adjacent spaces like public parks, schoolyards, and parking lots. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public attendance at cultural events, greater community participation in organized activities, and a visible enhancement of public spaces. The success of IFIF projects, for instance, will be measured by their ability to promote opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engage diverse audiences through multicultural entertainment. The DCA's strategic priority is to activate public spaces, and this grant program serves as a direct implementation of that theory of change, believing that by funding accessible cultural events, they can foster a more connected and culturally rich urban environment.

The Artist Support Grant, administered by the Stokes County Arts Council, directly supports individual artists in North Carolina for professional and artistic development. This includes enhancing their skills, improving their ability to create work, and bolstering their business operations to reach wider audiences. The grant's mission aligns with fostering artistic growth and making art accessible, providing vital resources to artists across various disciplines within specific regions of the state. The primary target beneficiaries are individual visual, performing, literary, and interdisciplinary artists, encompassing both emerging and established talents. The program also extends eligibility to small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists, provided all members meet residency and age requirements. The impact goal is to cultivate a vibrant artistic community by empowering artists to develop their craft and expand their professional reach, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of North Carolina. The grant prioritizes artists who demonstrate a significant commitment to their artistic practice. Eligibility criteria emphasize North Carolina residency within the specific applying region for at least one year, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This focus ensures that the support directly benefits local artists who are dedicated to their work and contribute to their regional artistic ecosystems. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic skills, increased production of high-quality artwork, and improved business acumen among artists, leading to greater audience engagement and career sustainability. Measurable results could include the number of artists served, the amount of funding distributed, the types of artistic projects undertaken, and the increased visibility of local artists' work. The program’s strategic priority is to strengthen the individual artist's capacity, operating on the theory of change that by investing directly in artists' development, there will be a ripple effect that elevates the entire artistic community and cultural economy of the state. The grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $1,500, with an application deadline of September 13, 2024. This financial support is crucial for artists to pursue professional development opportunities, acquire necessary materials, or invest in marketing and distribution of their work. The regional structure, including specific counties in Regions 2, 10, 14, and 16, ensures that support is distributed geographically, fostering artistic talent in various communities across North Carolina.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Cass County to promote tourism through marketing initiatives or to enhance local attractions with capital improvements.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Hillsboro affected by economic challenges related to federal immigration enforcement, helping them cover essential operational costs and maintain employment.

The City of Lubbock’s Cultural Arts Grant Program, administered by Civic Lubbock, Inc., offers financial support to local cultural organizations. This program aims to fund projects that actively promote tourism and enhance the arts and humanities within Lubbock. Funding is sourced from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), collected from local hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns. The program’s mission is directly aligned with the legal stipulations governing the use of HOT revenues, which mandate that funds be utilized for expenditures that promote tourism and the arts. To be eligible for funding, projects must demonstrate a direct promotion of tourism and the convention and hotel industry, specifically aiming to attract tourists and hotel guests to Lubbock. Additionally, projects must involve the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of various art forms, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, and visual arts, among others. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 tax-exempt cultural organizations or government equivalents that have been actively pursuing their goals for at least one year. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined: enhancing the arts, boosting tourism, and supporting organizations in good standing with both the City of Lubbock and Civic Lubbock, Inc. The expected outcomes include an increase in tourism, a richer cultural landscape in Lubbock, and the successful execution of diverse art-related projects. Measurable results would likely include increased hotel occupancy rates, visitor numbers, and the number and quality of cultural events offered to the public. The City of Lubbock's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant program, is to leverage its Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue to foster economic growth through tourism and cultural development. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in cultural arts, the city can create a more attractive destination for visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and improving the quality of life for its residents. The 2024 Grant Cycle will support projects taking place between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Certain restrictions apply, prohibiting the use of grant funds for accumulated debt, general operational expenses, fundraising, or capital improvements.