Local Employment Labor and Training Grants

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.

This grant provides funding for projects that improve public access to Snohomish County's historical and archaeological heritage through education, professional development, and capital improvements.

The Nexus Grant, offered by the City of Austin, is designed to support new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses in producing creative public projects. With an award of $5,000, the program aims to nurture the creative community by funding activities that enrich the city and its tourists through community-centered arts and collaboration. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural vibrancy and accessibility within Austin. The primary beneficiaries of the Nexus Grant are new and emerging applicants within the creative community, including artists, culturally specific groups, LGBTQIA and disability communities, nonprofits, and social advocacy organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting creative public activities, encouraging community engagement, and promoting cultural collaboration. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to strengthen Austin's artistic landscape and provide diverse cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. The program prioritizes applicants who represent, serve, and are accountable to communities at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin, and those that have been historically marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This includes communities such as Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. Additionally, priority is given to applicants who have not received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years, emphasizing support for truly emerging entities. Eligible activities for funding include exhibitions, performances, workshops with a performance or exhibition component, and public art projects accessible to the public. Grant funds can cover various expenses such as administrative and artist payments, space and equipment rentals, supplies, marketing, insurance, and fiscal sponsor fees. The expected outcomes are the successful production of these creative public projects, increased community engagement in the arts, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices within Austin's cultural sector. Measurable results would include the number and type of projects produced, audience reach, and the diversity of communities served, contributing to the city's strategic priorities of cultural equity and inclusion.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Brown, Door, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties, focusing on capacity-building efforts to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness, particularly for those led by people of color and serving older populations.

City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility is offering the Safe Streets Mini Grant Program, providing grants of up to $75,000 for traffic calming improvements in residential neighborhoods across Tucson. The program aims to prioritize under-resourced areas and engage community members in reducing residential speeding and enhancing livability. Eligible applicants include neighborhood groups, community-based organizations, and businesses within Tucson city limits. The City anticipates awarding approximately $350,000 in the first year of the program and will work directly with awarded projects to design and implement traffic calming initiatives. For more information, visit City of Tucson DTM website. The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility is now accepting applications for the new Safe Streets Mini Grant Program. The new program establishes an inclusive, community-led process to deliver traffic calming improvements to residential neighborhoods across the city, prioritizing under-resourced areas that could not otherwise fund their own traffic calming improvements via the existing Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. The new program is funded by the voter-approved Proposition 411 Tucson Delivers: Safe Streets Program, under the Systemwide Safety Improvements project category. Neighborhood safety improvements will include traffic circles, chicanes, speed humps, and other traffic calming features. To learn more about the application process, the requirements, and to complete an application, visit the website at https://tucsondelivers.tucsonaz.gov/pages/safe-streets-mini-grant-program. The goal of the program is to offer community members the opportunity to champion projects that reduce residential speeding and improve livability through a competitive selection process for funding and implementation. 3 Steps to Apply for Traffic Calming: Identify potential traffic calming locations-neighborhood streets with cut-through traffic, speeding, and other dangerous driving behavior have great potential. Application Review Process- Summary Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as long as funds are available. Application review cycles will occur once the first year in February 2024. Program staff will evaluate the program at the end of the pilot year and will consider increasing the review frequency to occur two times a year (e.g. February and August) based on the volume of applications received in the first pilot year. If your application passes the first phase of the evaluation- the Eligibility Screen- you will be placed on the eligible list. DTM staff score the projects on this list using the prioritization criteria that are recommended for approval by the CSCC. Note: Even if your street meets all of the eligibility criteria and is on the list of potential projects, it still may not be selected for the final list of traffic calming projects. Funding for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program each year is dependent on the tax revenues each year, thus DTM can only select a handful of projects to construct. However, your street will remain on the list of potential projects the following year(s). Connect with neighbors- talk to neighbors and build support. Apply- City staff are here to help with an online or paper application. The application period begins on October 16th. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, throughout the year, with the first round of projects awarded in the spring of 2024. Funding will be awarded based on need, feasibility, neighborhood support, and available funds. The City anticipates awarding around $350,000 to neighborhoods the first year of the program. The maximum funding amount per project is $75,000. Once awarded, the project team will work directly with neighbors to design and build traffic calming projects through a collaborative process. For further questions, contact Gabriela Barillas-Longoria at [email protected] or by calling 520-591-1606. About the Program The Safe Streets Mini-Grant Program establishes an inclusive, community-led process to deliver traffic calming improvements to residential neighborhoods across the city, prioritizing under-resourced areas that could not otherwise fund their own traffic calming improvements via the existing Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. The goal of the program is to offer community members the opportunity to champion projects that reduce residential speeding and improve livability through a competitive selection process for funding and implementation. City staff and the Complete Streets Coordinating Council (CSCC) will prioritize projects in areas of Tucson where there is a history of disinvestment or limited private investment.

The City of Savannah's 2025 Arts & Cultural Enrichment Grant Program aims to provide high-quality, innovative, and creative art and cultural programs that serve as catalysts for achieving the City's broader goals. This program is aligned with the City's mission to increase economic growth, improve built environments, strengthen community, engage and inspire young people, and enhance access to art and culture for residents. The program seeks to integrate the creative sector strategically to address these priorities in a measurable way, contributing to a vibrant and thriving Savannah. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include the residents of Savannah, particularly those who will experience increased access to art and culture in their communities, as well as young people who will be engaged, developed, and inspired through imaginative approaches. The impact goals are to foster economic growth through skill-building, employment, and entrepreneurship within the creative sector; improve the aesthetics of built environments; build and reinforce a strong sense of community; and reestablish, enrich, and/or preserve vibrant neighborhoods and the quality of life in Savannah. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined to address key city objectives. These include increasing economic growth through skill-building, employment, and entrepreneurship; improving the aesthetics of built environments through creative programs; expanding art and cultural experiences to new and diverse audiences and participants; building and reinforcing a strong sense of community throughout Savannah; engaging, developing, and inspiring young people through imaginative and innovative approaches; reestablishing, enriching, and/or preserving vibrant neighborhoods; and increasing access to art and culture in close proximity to where residents live. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in economic growth attributed to arts and cultural initiatives, enhanced visual appeal of public and private spaces, broader participation in arts and cultural activities across diverse demographics, a stronger sense of community cohesion, and positive developmental impacts on youth. Proposals are sought that strategically position the disciplines of the creative sector to address these City priorities in a measurable way, with funding contingent on the annual availability of funds and the strength of the proposals in demonstrating alignment with these outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations in Broome County that are working to address critical community issues and promote systemic change through collaborative efforts.

This funding opportunity supports urban youth agricultural education and community development initiatives in Minnesota's urban and peri-urban areas, benefiting a range of organizations including nonprofits, schools, and local governments.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations hosting events in Rising Sun and Ohio County, Indiana, to help cover marketing costs and boost local tourism in 2025.

This program provides funding to neighborhood associations in Sioux Falls for community projects that improve livability and encourage resident engagement.

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to Provincetown residents, particularly those with low to moderate income, in areas such as mental health, family support, housing, and services for marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in DeKalb, Illinois, that provide essential services to help homeless individuals, low-income residents, the elderly, and people with disabilities achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency.

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is offering Incubator and Accelerator Grants to fund organizations that support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The program's mission aligns with stimulating economic development and fostering innovation by nurturing early-stage businesses. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of approximately $500,000, and a grant duration of one year. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2024. The target beneficiaries are early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sacramento region, particularly those with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The primary impact goal is for participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs to successfully start or grow their businesses, thereby spurring innovation and stimulating economic development locally. Non-profits and companies are invited to apply for funding to run these programs. The grant prioritizes programs that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals, educational workshops on business planning and financial management, product development support, and legal and administrative assistance. Furthermore, programs should focus on marketing and branding support, strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to funding through pitch training and investor introductions. Access to shared office space is also a valuable component. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of new businesses started and existing businesses grown within the Sacramento region. The program aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. The City's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to innovation and economic growth, with the theory of change being that by supporting early-stage businesses through comprehensive programs, they will be better equipped to succeed and contribute to the local economy. Eligible activities for grant expenditures are broad, covering program development and delivery, staff salaries, stipends for volunteers and participants, training supplies, office space, marketing, and even food for participants (up to 5% of the grant total). Scholarships for program participants, software subscription fees, and professional services are also permissible. Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within Sacramento city limits, or provide grant-supported programming within the city, and be in compliance with current and past City grants.

The Community Impact Arts Grant (CIAG) program, funded by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, offers financial support ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations and municipal departments in Los Angeles County, whose primary mission is outside of the arts, to enhance community wellbeing and solve civic problems through high-quality arts and culture programs.

This funding opportunity is designed to support established non-profit organizations in Seminole County, Florida, that provide essential services to local residents and address community needs.

The Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau (MCVCB) is offering tourism grants for 2025 with $30,000 in available funds, up to a maximum of $6,000 per grant. The program's core mission is to develop and bolster destination assets and enhance the visitor experience within Miami County, ultimately driving visitation, overnight stays, and increased visitor spending in local communities. This aligns with the MCVCB's broader goal of strengthening the area's liveability by enhancing its destination assets and encouraging collaboration within Miami County and the wider region. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are local and regional organizations involved in tourism-related activities in Miami County. The impact goals are to strengthen Miami County's image as a visitor/group destination, enhance the visitor/resident experience, and demonstrate measurable community or economic benefits. The MCVCB aims to achieve these by supporting projects that directly contribute to increased tourism and economic growth. The program prioritizes new or expanded projects and events that elevate the visitor experience, including photography, videography, community wayfinding signage, placemaking, and enhancements to visitor attractions and museums (e.g., programming, art installations, interactive exhibits). Marketing and promotional opportunities are also key focuses. Priority will be given to first-time projects and those promoting out-of-county visitation with a broader impact than just local. Projects that capitalize on off-peak or shoulder seasons are also highly valued. Expected outcomes include a discernible increase in visitor traffic, overnight stays, and visitor revenue within Miami County. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in projects that enhance the visitor experience and promote the region, the MCVCB can stimulate economic growth and improve the overall liveability of Miami County. Measurable results will be assessed based on the project's ability to demonstrate a measurable community or economic benefit, track increases in overnight stays, and contribute to visitor revenue. Grant funds may not exceed 50% of total project costs, encouraging co-funding and in-kind contributions, further amplifying the impact of the grants.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) administers a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, aims to enhance, grow, and improve the mid-channel of the food supply chain within New York State. The overarching mission alignment is to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products, excluding meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild-caught seafood. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are New York State agricultural producers, processors, groups of producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals that bring producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment for middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The impact goals are to increase the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets, benefit multiple producers and markets, and support the development of new value-added products. The program prioritizes infrastructure development to expand business capacity for processing, aggregation, storage, and distribution. Specific focuses include targeting infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries. Another key priority is to create greater market access to intermediaries like food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors, with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Expected outcomes include expanded processing capacities, modernized equipment and facilities, increased packaging and labeling capabilities, enhanced worker safety, and greater storage space, including cold storage. The program also seeks to develop and install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, and improves air/water quality. Measurable results would involve an increase in New York-sourced food products in local markets, a greater number of businesses with expanded processing and distribution capacities, and an increase in local food sales to institutions, ultimately strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the state's food supply chain.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

The Environmental Education and Conservation Fund, established in 2018 by biologist Roger Foote and agronomist Chuck Vaughn, aims to foster appreciation, conservation, and responsible use of the natural environment within Mendocino County. This initiative aligns directly with the Community Foundation of Mendocino County's mission to support organizations, including educational institutions, that offer conservation and/or education programs. The overarching goal is to raise awareness about the natural world through educational endeavors and to directly address significant conservation challenges. The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including educational institutions and other organizations that provide conservation and education programs. The impact goals are centered around increasing ecological understanding, promoting natural resource management, highlighting the scientific method in conservation, addressing climate change and human roles in it, and encouraging land stewardship. Ultimately, the fund seeks to improve public access to natural lands, ensuring people from all backgrounds can experience and enjoy them. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated, encompassing both educational and conservation projects. Educational initiatives may include outdoor schools, science camps, college-level natural resource management programs, and natural history displays. Conservation projects, on the other hand, can involve wildlife surveys, habitat studies, restoration efforts, improving public access to conservation lands, land stewardship internships, tree planting, and invasive plant removal. The fund emphasizes a holistic approach to environmental well-being. Expected outcomes include a more informed public regarding ecological understanding and climate change, improved natural resource management practices, and tangible progress in habitat and watershed restoration. Measurable results could manifest in increased participation in environmental education programs, the successful completion of conservation projects such as a certain acreage of restored habitat, and an expansion of public access points to natural areas. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that investing in both education and direct conservation efforts will lead to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community, embodying a theory of change where knowledge and action drive positive ecological impact.