Local Employment Labor and Training Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) is accepting applications 2025 grant program. Donor Name: Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) State: Virginia County: Carroll County (VA), Grayson County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Twin County Community Foundation offers three (3) different types of funding opportunities. These opportunities include Project-Based, Capacity Building, or Capital Needs applications. Project-Based Grants: These grants are awarded to projects or programs that offer services that will be provided within the community. Projects clearly demonstrate a need in the community, have measurable outcomes, provide activities or services to meet the needs and obtain the outcomes, and are existing or new programs within the Twin Counties. Capacity Building Grants: Capacity building can be defined as the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and resources that organizations need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world. It is important for organizations to have strong internal and external controls in order to be viable, sustaining, and able to fully meet their missions. A strong organization helps to strengthen the community. Capacity building activities may include the following: Training and/or training resources Strategic planning Use of consultants for organizational assistance Investing in new IT capacities. Priorities The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) provides grant opportunities to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations (or government entities) serving Carroll County, Grayson County and the City of Galax in Virginia. TCCF strives to support organizations seeking to promote and/or improve the health of citizens including but not limited to meeting unmet needs, supporting health education, and programs geared toward improving and/or reducing illness and disease. Priority will be given to projects related to the following: Unmet Healthcare needs Obesity Health and Nutritional Issues Mental Health Health Education Substance Abuse Prevention EnvironMental Health. Funding Information Project-Based Grants: At the present time the Foundation has not set limits on the size of grants. Capacity Building Grants: Funding limit is $2,000. Capital Needs Grants: Funding limit is $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Additionally, the Foundation may carry out other charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board, in making grant decisions, will place the greatest priority on projects that: Meet the specific priorities noted above. Are accompanied by matching funds from other sources. Have little or no administrative overhead expenses as the Board believes these expenses should be provided by the organization through matching funds. Funding may be provided for support or direct staff positions, but little or no support for administrative positions. Are not of a recurring nature unless the project and the need(s) it serves requires otherwise. The Board recognizes the need for and encourages new projects (i.e., projects not traditionally funded via other sources such as United Way, etc.) For more information, visit TCCF.

The Northeast Dutchess Fund's NEDCorps initiative offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations in northeast Dutchess County, New York, to develop or expand services for the immigrant community, with a total of $35,000 available for distribution.

The United Way of Grant County (UWGC) is excited to announce its 2024-2025 funding cycle. Donor Name: United Way of Grant County (UWGC) State: Indiana County: Grant County (IN) Details: UWGC welcomes all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in Grant County to apply if their activities align with the core mission of uplifting the community’s health, education, and financial stability. How does the united way funding process work? The funding process they follow is designed to be transparent and inclusive, with three key stages: Submission of Letter of Interest (LOI): This is the first step and your opportunity to tell us about your organization and its transformative program(s). A well-crafted LOI will include the following critical information: Your organization’s name and contact details. A comprehensive description of your organization’s mission. Details about the program for which you are seeking funding. Approximate amount of funding you wish to request. An explanation of how your program aligns with your organization’s mission. An explanation of how your program aligns with the mission of the United Way of Grant County. Application and Committee Review: If your LOI is accepted, the next stage involves submitting a full application and collaborating with our Community Investment Committee. Comprised of dedicated volunteers from across Grant County, this committee is tasked with scrutinizing each application through a thorough, rigorous review process. This includes site visits (when feasible), in-depth evaluations of your organization’s impact, and an assessment of its ability to deliver on its mission. Allocation of Funding: The final stage of the funding process happens in the Spring. Organizations that have successfully navigated the previous stages and have been approved by the Community Investment Committee will begin to receive their funding. This funding will provide crucial support for the organization’s program as outlined in the LOI and subsequent review stages. For more information, visit UWGC.

The City of Denton supports critical homeless response tools that strengthen the county-wide Housing Crisis Response System. Donor Name: City of Denton State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Street Outreach ensures that people living on the street are provided information and referrals, diverted from homelessness and have housing through the Coordinated Entry assessment process for housing placement, crisis intervention, and follow-up supportive services. Funding Information Maximum request is $125,450 annually. Grant Period Funding term is October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026. Uses of funds This grant may be used for qualified salaries and/or in support of services addressing housing barriers (e.g., critical documents, emergency medication or medical treatment), behavioral health services, and financial costs that support diversion. Eligibility Criteria  Agency must be a 501(c)3 in operation for more than two years and providing services to people/households experiencing homelessness. Agency must be willing to have, or hire, staff trained and experienced in addressing housing barriers, referrals to behavioral health treatment, data collection and entry, and using a trauma-informed outreach approach.  Agency should be able to provide documentation of training and qualifications. Agency must be currently using HMIS and actively participating in Denton’s Coordinated Entry process including participating in Monthly Case Conferencing. Agency must be operating a current Street Outreach program. For more information, visit City of Denton.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to develop innovative projects that enhance community engagement in the arts, particularly for underserved populations.

The Public Art for Neighborhoods program, administered by the Indy Arts Council, offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for individual artists or neighborhood-based organizations in Indianapolis to fund arts and cultural activities, public art projects, or arts collaborations with community initiatives, with the aim of enhancing local neighborhoods.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut organizations that promote the humanities, enabling them to improve their operations and strategic planning through consultant-led projects.

The Monmouth County Community Grant welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations addressing a wide range of community needs and priorities. Donor Name: Community Foundation of New Jersey State: New Jersey County: Monmouth County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: While projects from all areas will be considered, priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in leadership and service delivery. Focus Areas  Key focus areas for funding consideration include, but are not limited to: Programs and Services: Support for initiatives that directly benefit underserved populations, including education, healthcare, housing, food security, employment, and youth development. Collaborative Partnerships: Funding for collaborative projects and partnerships between nonprofit organizations, community groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders to maximize impact and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations. General Operating Support: Funding to continue supporting the mission of the nonprofits. Funding Information Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 per organization. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit organizations with less than $1,000,000 operating budget serving Monmouth County are encouraged to apply. Nonprofits with larger operating budgets may apply at your discretion. For more information, visit CFNJ.

The City of Gresham Community Enhancement Grants support projects that improve the quality of life for the Gresham community. Donor Name: City of Gresham State: Oregon City: Gresham Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/28/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligible Activities  Can include, but is not limited to: Park programs and events Senior programs Youth programs 5K community run Job skills/work opportunities for the unemployed/homeless Safety, cleanliness or appearance enhancements Preserving wildlife and recreational areas for public enjoyment Heritage and preservation of Gresham’s history Eligible projects include those aimed at improving the appearance of a neighborhood, preserving the natural environment, enhancing public safety, providing recreational opportunity or benefiting under-served populations. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit and charitable organizations. Neighborhood associations. Schools and institutions of higher learning. Faith-based groups. Local government advisory committees, departments and special districts. For more information, visit City of Gresham.

Artists At the Center is a multi-year collaboration between Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Center, with support from Uptown Arts & Culture Coalition and the communities adjacent to Seattle Center campus. Donor Name: City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture State: Washington City: Seattle Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Artists at the Center funds individual artists, groups, and organizations to develop and present pop-up performances throughout the year at Seattle Center. Artistic genres may include music, dance, theater, demonstrations, and multi-disciplinary work. Performances will be scheduled between October 2024 and September 2025. Selected participants will receive either $2,000, $4,000, or $6,000 in funding based on the artist/group size and complexity of scope. Awardees from the current season (2023-2024) are not eligible to apply for the 2024-2025 season. Grant Purpose  Artists at the Center was designed to support the vibrant arts communities by introducing emerging and established artists to a revitalized Seattle Center campus, while broadening the arts and cultural experiences in the Uptown Arts & Cultural District. Selected artists reflect the city’s cultural diversity and have the unique opportunity to perform at Seattle Center, enjoy technical production support, connect with new audiences, and showcase their talents. Visitors to the campus and the surrounding neighborhood benefit from surprising and delightful pop-up performances throughout the year. Funding Information Applicants can apply for the following levels of funding: $2,000 award (typically 1-2 performers), plus $680 in-kind production support from Seattle Center. $4,000 award (typically 3-5 performers), plus $1,235 in-kind production support from Seattle Center. $6,000 award (typically 6+ performers), plus $1,700 in-kind production support from Seattle Center. Uses of funds  You may use the award funds for artist fees, marketing and promotional fees, project management and personnel costs, supplies, equipment rentals or other production-related costs, required insurance, and no more than 10% for food-related costs. Additional expenses may be allowed upon advance approval by the grant project manager. Funds from Artists at the Center cannot be combined with other City funding sources nor with funds supporting another Seattle Center event (e.g. Festál, Folklife, etc.). Eligibility Criteria You are eligible to apply for this grant if you meet the following criteria: You are an individual artist, organization, or community-based group located in, or presenting work regularly in, Seattle. Organizations and individual artists representing communities most impacted by systemic oppression including low-income, people with disabilities, immigrant and refugee communities, and communities of color are encouraged to apply. You have a Federal Tax ID number (Social Security Number, ITIN, or Employee Identification Number) and are based in, or have current and active programming within, the City of Seattle. Groups applying are not required to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nor are they required to use a fiscal sponsor or fiscal agent. You may submit only one application per year to this program. Awardees from the current season (2023-2024) are not eligible to apply for the 2024- 2025 season. For more information, visit City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.

The Manistee County Community Foundation is seeking applications to create and fund numerous projects that improve the lives of those who live in Manistee County. Donor Name: Manistee County Community Foundation State: Michigan County: Manistee County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The interest areas encompass all aspects of life including youth and education, arts and culture, the environment, health and human services, recreation, community development and more. The Community Foundation generally seeks to invest in projects that do the following, although they do not expect that all of these elements will be addressed in every application:  Address root causes  Will make a lasting impact on community and are sustainable  Attract funding and other resources to community  Demonstrate collaboration and/or coordination of efforts or resources  Target underserved members of community  Are accessible to participants, regardless of their identity or physical, social, financial or other circumstances  Include diverse perspectives, especially of those who stand to benefit Funding Information Generally, the minimum grant award will be $1,000 and the maximum grant award will be up to $10,000, with the exception of recreation grants which, through the remarkable generosity of a donor, may be up to $100,000. Grant Period Generally, projects should be completed within one year of a grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, school districts, units of government, including federally recognized tribes. Support may also be considered for religious institutions. Projects must be located in Manistee County, unless pre-approved by the Community Foundation, and benefit residents of Manistee County Foundation does not make grants to individuals, or grants to cover deficits, or other previously incurred obligations In general, they will not consider a new grant to an organization that has an open grant or has not met prior grant requirements For more information, visit MCCF.

The Cambridge Small Business E-Commerce Grant is a special grant program providing relief to local businesses heavily impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Donor Name: City of Cambridge State: Massachusetts City: Cambridge Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of this grant is to help local Cambridge businesses remain competitive as there was an increase in customer online ordering and shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Funding Information Cambridge businesses may be eligible to receive up to $4,000 for e-commerce, software, and/or point of sale systems. Eligibility Criteria If your answer to most of these questions is  “yes,”  you could be eligible for this grant: Is your current non-franchise business located and operating in Cambridge, MA? Do you have 25 or fewer full-time employees including yourself? Did you open your business on or before March 3, 2021? Is your business still in operation? Can you provide business tax returns or profit and loss statements that your business loss sales/revenue between 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) or 2020 and 2021? Does your business need a website? Did your business not have a website prior to March 2021? Do you need an e-commerce or online ordering or booking system for your business or your current website? Do you need a new point-of-sale, scheduling, or register system that can connect to your website? Did you upgrade your business point-of sale system (including software), develop a website, or did you add e-commerce to your website after March 3, 2021? Do you have the paperwork to prove you made these upgrades? Do you need training to make sure you can update your e-commerce website on your own? Can you complete your website, e-commerce, and/or point of sale system improvements by December 31, 2024? Businesses NOT eligible for this grant:  Businesses not located in Cambridge, MA Cambridge businesses that recently closed Cambridge businesses that have signed a lease, opened, or started on or before April 2021. Businesses must be in operation prior to April 2021. Cambridge businesses that cannot provide taxes or sales documents that show a loss of sales/revenues from 2019 and 2021 Businesses not currently compliant with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, licensing, and permits Although cannabis businesses are permitted in the City of Cambridge, the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law for any purpose. Since this is a federally-funded program, cannabis businesses are not eligible for the program Businesses that received a City-ARPA Grant (such as the Restaurant-Nightlife Relief Grant or Small Business Relief Grant) and have not provided proof of use for those grants to City staff. For more information, visit City of Cambridge.

The Ackley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is seeking applications to support charitable capital projects, activities, services, programs, and organizations that will improve the quality of life for the residents of Ackley, Iowa. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa State: Iowa City: Ackley Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Ackley Community Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Ackley, Iowa. The Foundation wants to help develop a community where people want to live, work, play and stay. Areas of giving are: Art and Culture Community Betterment Education & Youth Development Environment and Animal Welfare Health Human Service Funding Priorities The ACF Committee places high priority on funding requests that: Address a community-based need, demonstrate broad community support, and benefit the whole community. Show the organization’s ability to leverage funding and support from other sources, with budgets clearly showing all matching funds for the request. Maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in the community and avoid replication of services, programs, or projects. Reflect organization and staff’s capacity to achieve the desired results of the request. Show sustainability without additional long-term financial commitments from Ackley Community Foundation Funding Information Minimum request amount is $500. Most grant amounts range from $500 – $3,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must provide benefits to the people of Ackley and must meet the following criteria to apply for a grant: Be classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a government entity. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) are also eligible if the project is deemed charitable; please contact office to discuss the project’s eligibility prior to submitting a proposal. Be current with all state and federal reporting requirements, such as filing of 990 forms. No past due grant reports for previous Ackley Community Foundation grants. Requests that include or require participation in inherently religious activities such as religious worship, instruction, or proselytization or activities that promote specific religious doctrine are not eligible. Application must be completed by the due date using the online application and CFNEIA grant site For  more information, visit CFNEIA.

The Asheville Area Arts Council is seeking applications for its Arts for Schools to provide in school arts programming for students attending economically disadvantaged schools. Donor Name: Asheville Area Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Arts for Schools grant program helps Buncombe County nonprofit arts organizations and teaching artists provide arts focused performances, workshops, residencies, field trips for students attending Buncombe County and City of Asheville K-12 public schools. For a limited time, this grant will also include support for arts focused afterschool and camp programs. Funding Information Grants for in school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out of school programs range from $500-$5,000. Program must take place between July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be located in Buncombe County for at least 1 year. Applicants must be a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization OR a qualified teaching artist. Qualified Teaching Artist- To be considered a qualified teaching artist, you must have either a BA or BFA in their specific art form, or an equivalent in training and experience. Must have at least 5 years of experience working in arts education. Programs must serve students in Buncombe County or City of Asheville K-12 public schools. Programs must be free for students and schools (this could include providing a specific number of scholarships). Align with North Carolina’s Common Core curriculum and Essential Standards For in school programs: A school partnership agreement form is required as part of your application. For out of school programs: Applicants are ineligible to apply if they already receive funding for the proposed arts-focused program from Dogwood Health Trust’s WNC After 3pm initiative. For camps: Only 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations may apply for funding for camps, and the camp must be a program of that arts nonprofit. For more information, visit ArtsAVL.

The Community Services Agency Partnership Grant program was initiated by the Board of County Commissioners to address human service needs in Seminole County. Donor Name: Seminole County State: Florida County: Seminole County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/27/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Seminole County has an extensive history of partnership with local non-profit agencies to benefit and improve the quality of life for residents. The CSA program collaborates with community organizations in assisting residents with specific needs in the County. The program provides grant funds to qualified non-profit organizations that meet federal and state tax exemption requirements and have been in existence for a minimum of three years. Agencies must provide services to benefit and improve the quality of life for Seminole County. CSA funded programs must assist residents of Seminole County Priority will be given to projects or programs providing a direct service identified as a top need in the 2024 Community Needs Assessment. The top needs have been identified as the following Childcare Utility Assistance Mental Health Services Rental Subsidy/Assistance Homeless Services Housing for Homeless Families Food Transitional Housing Eligibility Criteria Only the applications meeting the following criteria will be considered: The nonprofit agency is chartered or otherwise authorized to do business in the State of Florida for charitable purposes and exempted from the Federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) for a minimum of three years. The purposes for which the nonprofit agency is organized provides benefits to Seminole County residents. The services or activities to be provided by the nonprofit agency, and funded with County funds, shall address community needs. Agencies providing services identified in the Community Needs Assessment will receive priority funding. The nonprofit agency shall have a governing board whose members serve without compensation and have no conflict of interest between their regular occupations and the services provided by the nonprofit. The nonprofit agency has bylaws or policies which describe the manner in which business is conducted, including management, audit, and fiscal policies and procedures, polices on nepotism, and policies on management of potential conflict of interest. The nonprofit has at least one year’s experience providing the service or activity for which the funds are requested or can otherwise demonstrate to the satisfaction of the County sufficient expertise to successfully carry out the service or activity. The nonprofit must be licensed and accredited in accordance with applicable requirements of Federal, State and County laws. The nonprofit agency may not use a funding agency or other third-party arrangement to meet program requirements for eligibility. Awarded funding cannot make up more than twenty-five (25) percent of an agency expenditures based on the prior year’s IRS 990 form. If the request exceeds twenty-five (25) percent, agency may still be funded, however, maximum award will not exceed the twenty-five (25) percent. Nonprofit must provide the previous year’s fundraising plan and a statement on future fundraising efforts. Only one application per agency will be considered. Grants will be made only to nonprofit agencies whose programs and activities benefit the residents of Seminole County. Capital improvement, construction projects, property or home purchases are ineligible. Administrative expenses are ineligible. Administrative expenses are defined as costs associated with overall program management, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. Costs include purchase of equipment, insurance, office supplies, leasing/utilities, supervision of program staff and administrative staff salaries, etc. For more information, visit Seminole County.

The City of Newport News is now accepting grant applications for a Gun Violence Intervention Grant. Donor Name: City of Newport News State: Virginia City: Newport News Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grant awardees will be granted funding to implement or enhance evidence-based strategies and/or projects that will reduce gun violence within the City of Newport News. The City of Newport News remains committed to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) to reduce gun violence in the communities. They will continue to prioritize this effort using evidence-based strategies and best practices to support the work to interrupt cycles of violence and help those at the highest risk for violent crime. The City Manager’s recommended operating budget for FY 2025 includes an allocation of $1,000,000 to community-based organizations to continue their prevention and intervention work to reduce gun violence that began in FY 2023 and continued in FY 2024. These funds represent the third and final year of the GVIP cohort that began in FY 2023. Organizations will be eligible to apply for funding beyond FY 2025 through the annual City of Newport News Community Support Agency Grant program. Applications for the Community Support Agency Grant will open in October 2024. Organizations will continue their work in FY 2025 by prioritizing the violence reduction efforts around addressing seven critical areas: Effective Conflict Resolution Healthy Family Functioning Economic Prosperity Gun Control & Safety A Caring Community Mental Wellness & Healing Effective Deterrence & Adjudication. Grant Period The grant period will begin July 1, 2024, and end June 30, 2025. Eligible Project Proposals Proposals must benefit children, youth, young adults, and families who reside in Newport News. Funds may be used to expand or enhance the project the organization was funded for during FY 2024. Proposals must demonstrate the utilization of evidence-based strategies that address gun violence. Proposals should have a clear sustainability plan. This plan must include other sources beyond the City of Newport News. Applicants seeking to expand or enhance their FY 2024 project must demonstrate progress and success in what has already been done through the project’s life. Projects eligible for continuation funding must address one or more of the following critical areas: concentrated poverty, access to guns, desensitized communities and individuals, judicial system, mental health/unaddressed trauma, family dysfunction, or poor conflict resolution. Projects eligible for continuation funding must address one or more of the priorities listed below as they relate to youth violence prevention or early intervention, according to the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): individual and family risk factors, community risk factors, peer and social risk factors. Collaboration between organizations is highly encouraged. Eligible Expenditures Allowable GVIP grant projects and purchase includes, but are not limited to: Personnel Expenses (fringe benefits will be calculated at 10%) Project and Program evaluation Overtime Supplies Travel expenses (direct service only) Food Stipends/incentives. Project Requirements  Grant funds will allow community-based organizations to implement strategies to reduce gun violence in the City of Newport News by continuing or expanding existing projects that began in FY 2023 (August 2022 – June 2023) and continued in FY 2024 (July 2023 – June 2024). All projects should: Be community-based Be evidence-based Serve Newport News residents Focus on prevention or intervention Address one or more of the seven critical areas. Eligibility Requirements  Must be the same legal business entity that received funds from the City of Newport News during FY 2024. Serve youth and young adults in the City of Newport News with evidence-based projects and programming that reduce gun violence. For more information, visit City of Newport News.

This grant provides funding to Goshen County businesses to enhance their workforce training initiatives. It aims to complement potential funding from Wyoming Workforce Development, addressing the increasingly competitive nature of workforce development funds. The grant supports the creation of training programs that improve skills and capabilities, thereby boosting job creation and economic prosperity within the county. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The Parks & Public Space Initiative supports the beautification, development and activation of neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails and other public lands. Donor Name: Oklahoma City Community Foundation State: Oklahoma City: Oklahoma City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This initiative grew out of the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, which was established through a gift from Miss Boys’ estate in 1991 to support and encourage landscaping and beautification projects in parks, medians and other public lands in Oklahoma City. Grant awards will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. In addition to funding, Oklahoma City Community Foundation staff will provide project expertise. Goals and Objectives  To increase utilization of neighborhood parks, neighborhood school parks, trails and other spaces open to the public for recreation, cultural and health improvement. To engage community groups, neighborhoods, corporations, municipalities and other nonprofit organizations in improving the neighborhood parks, school parks and trails and the programs that are in them. To increase community stewardship of parks, school parks, trails and public spaces. Grant Funding Goals Encourage landscaping and beautification projects in public community spaces including neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other public lands in central Oklahoma. Items eligible for funding include plant material such as trees, shrubs and perennials, soil amendments, mulch and irrigation. Landscape amenities such as shade structures, benches and information signage may be eligible. Master plans and tree canopy studies for public spaces with collaborative partners will be considered. Increase utilization of public spaces that are open and accessible to citizens for recreation, cultural and health improvement. Engage community groups, neighborhoods, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations to improve the public community spaces. Increase community awareness, involvement, and stewardship of the public community spaces. Priorities and Requirements for Considering Funding Existing neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other open and accessible public properties will be the primary focus area for implementation of approved projects. The majority of Parks and Public Space Initiative grants are infrastructure and support activities or programs. Projects must be completed within a year after funding notification. All proposed projects must be open and accessible to the public during reasonable usage hours. All proposed projects must be located within the Greater Oklahoma City area. The proposed project must provide documentation of approval by the government entity directly responsible for the management and oversight of the project. Neighborhood streetscapes are a low priority for grant funding. A comprehensive site plan of the proposed project must be included with the grant application. The application must include current and future phases of the project if multi-phased. It can be professionally prepared or presented as a graphic over a Google Earth image. A significant volunteer component is required for each grant proposal. The volunteer group must share an active role in the planning, implementation and ongoing maintenance of the project. A realistic location, installation and maintenance plan with identified responsibilities and budget must be submitted to ensure the project’s sustainability. Tree plantings typically require a three-year maintenance plan to ensure establishment. Proposed grant requests supporting bond issue and other publicly funded projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There must be strong evidence that the project is ready to move forward immediately and that the Parks Initiative grant portion will play a significant role in the overall success and impact of the project. Who may apply? Neighborhood/community groups connected to parks, school parks, trails and other public spaces in Oklahoma County. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing direct services and that has a governing board based in Oklahoma County. Local government agencies or state and city-connected agencies. For more information, visit OCCF.

The Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is inviting applicants for its Greater Bridgeport Grant: Arts in the Service of Equity. Donor Name: Fairfield County’s Community Foundation State: Connecticut County: Fairfield County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: In recognition of the power arts and culture hold to amplify community voice, change narratives, promote inclusivity, and transform communities for the better, they are excited to announce a 3-year renewable grant opportunity focused on arts innovation for systems change in Greater Bridgeport. This funding opportunity honors the legacy and leverages the resources of the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, which merged in 2008 with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. With a total funding pool of $1 million, this initiative will support up to three collaborative projects in Greater Bridgeport. Each project will receive three general operating support grants over three years, with the largest of the three grants coming in year one, and smaller wind-down grants in years two and three. General operating support will allow collaborating organizations flexibility to allocate funding in the ways that they deem best facilitate their projects’ goals and objectives. This funding seeks to leverage the arts to accelerate and catalyze social change in community. Competitive Proposals will: Demonstrate the impact/potential impact on Black, Indigenous, and People of color (BiPoC) Demonstrate the impact/potential impact on low-to-moderate income communities Clearly communicate how their work is addressing racial inequities in Fairfield County Clearly communicate partnerships with roles and responsibilities Have a clear three-year project plan/program design with an aligned budget. Aim to influence economic, physical, and social change Made a clear, detailed connection between the project and key results areas Eligibility Criteria They will consider requests from Arts and Culture-focused organizations located within Greater Bridgeport doing work that directly benefits residents of Greater Bridgeport. Eligible communities include: Bridgeport Easton Fairfield Monroe Stratford Trumbull Grassroots, BiPoC-led organizations with systems-level change goals will be given preference. Organizations are encouraged to apply regardless of budget size. Non-traditional arts organizations, defined as those not established for an arts-related purpose, must have an identified partnership with a traditional arts organization that will be expected to serve as the lead applicant. Lead applicants must be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or 509 (a) public charity, or work under a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3). Foundation does not award grants for any of the following purposes: Persuading people to join/support a specific religion, political party, or candidate Capital campaigns or projects (e.g., major building repairs) Covering budget deficits Annual fundraising appeals Hosting a fundraising event Purchasing land as open space For-profit, parochial, charter, private, or individual public schools Nonprofit endowments Helping one specific person For more information, visit Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.