Local Environment Grants

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.

This program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County for tree planting and maintenance projects to improve urban tree canopies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Puna area of Hawai‘i to foster collaboration and enhance community resilience following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Division of Aging Services (DoAS), is offering Age-Friendly grants to local government and nonprofit entities. This program aligns with the state's mission to support the health and wellbeing of older New Jerseyans by fostering age-friendly initiatives and implementing recommendations from the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. The core mission is to strengthen communities by providing funding for organizations to assess, plan, and develop initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of older adults. The program seeks to advance efforts that lead to tangible and sustainable transformations in policies, systems, and environmental conditions across the state. The target beneficiaries of the Age-Friendly Grants Program are older adults throughout New Jersey. The program aims to improve their health, wellbeing, satisfaction, and quality of life. The impact goals are to create communities that are more livable for older adults by addressing eight age-friendly domains: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of an older adult's life are considered and improved. The program prioritizes initiatives that promote public, private, and cross-sector partnerships, as well as public policies that address the aforementioned eight age-friendly domains. There are two grant options: Age-Friendly Communities and Age-Friendly Projects. Community Grants focus on broader planning and development, while Project Grants may also include direct services, equipment purchase, and capital improvements. Eligible costs for both grant types include salaries and fringe benefits, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, training, in-state travel, business meeting costs, and translation services. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of New Jersey communities to support older adults, with tangible and sustainable transformations in local policies, systems, and environmental conditions. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of local age-friendly initiatives aligned with the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. For Age-Friendly Community Grants, up to 57 grants of $70,000 each will be distributed regionally (Northern, Central, Southern New Jersey), totaling $3,990,000. For Age-Friendly Project Grants, up to 10 grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded, totaling $1,000,000. The grant period runs from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The program's theory of change is that by empowering local entities with funding and guidance, and by fostering collaborative partnerships, the state can create more supportive and inclusive environments for its aging population, leading to improved quality of life and wellbeing for older New Jerseyans.

The Jackson County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs benefiting Jackson County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across five critical areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on fostering growth and addressing pressing needs within the region, with this grant program directly contributing to those objectives by investing in local efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals of all ages within Jackson County. The program specifically targets those who are leading initiatives that create opportunities, meet critical needs, and unlock the potential of the community. The impact goals are broad, aiming to uplift the county through diverse projects that resonate with the Pillars of Prosperity. By supporting a range of efforts, the foundations seek to create a ripple effect of positive change across various sectors, improving the overall quality of life for residents. The program's priorities and focus areas are explicitly tied to the Pillars of Prosperity. Applications will be evaluated based on how well they advance opportunities in arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The emphasis is on supporting initiatives that are locally driven and demonstrate a clear capacity to create tangible benefits. Funding requests are ideally between $500 and $5,000, though larger requests may be considered if they promise significant impact, demonstrating a flexible approach to achieve their strategic goals. Expected outcomes include a strengthened community fabric, enhanced access to vital resources, improved educational and economic prospects, greater environmental sustainability, and better health and human services for Jackson County residents. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each awarded project, such as an increase in participation in cultural programs, job creation numbers, improvements in academic performance, conservation efforts, or the reach of health services. Through these investments, the Foundation's theory of change posits that by empowering local leaders and funding impactful projects, sustainable positive transformation will occur, unleashing the full potential within Jackson County.

The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program is a collaborative effort between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various partners including BGE, Charles County, the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works, and others. This program is designed to foster community engagement, raise awareness, and facilitate on-the-ground restoration projects. Its core mission aligns with increasing knowledge, changing behaviors, and accelerating the stewardship of natural resources within Maryland. The Trust encourages projects that recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, aiming for co-benefits such as improved air quality, access to green spaces, and reduced flooding, alongside direct natural resource improvements. The program targets a diverse range of organizations, encompassing both community-related and environmental-focused missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 private nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community and homeowners associations, public agencies, and educational institutions. The overarching impact goals are to increase public understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, address community environmental health disparities, implement demonstration-scale community-inspired restoration projects, and expand the base of public support for the restoration and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Projects funded through this grant program must meet one or both of two primary goals: engaging specific audiences in community sustainability and environmental health issues through knowledge-building or behavior-change efforts, and accomplishing on-the-ground restoration that enhances the health of Maryland's natural resources, specifically through water quality improvement or habitat enhancement. These priorities are further broken down into four distinct funding tracks: Outreach/Knowledge Building (up to $50,000), Behavior Change (up to $75,000), Restoration (up to $100,000), and Outreach and Restoration (up to $125,000), allowing applicants to focus on their specific expertise and project scope. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased knowledge and altered behaviors among community members regarding environmental stewardship. On-the-ground restoration projects are expected to yield tangible improvements in water quality and habitat health. The program seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led stewardship efforts and address local environmental health disparities. By engaging a broad spectrum of organizations and communities, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and its partners aim to build a stronger, more informed base of support for long-term environmental protection and restoration across the state of Maryland.

The City of Boulder's Human Services Fund (HSF) is an annual grant program designed to improve the well-being of community members facing social or economic disparities. The fund is sourced from the city's general fund and aims to strategically invest resources in programs and services that promote shared outcomes aligned with the city's mission of fostering a more equitable and supportive community. The HSF targets individuals and groups experiencing systemic socio-economic barriers, those who have been historically excluded, and those in need of basic assistance. The grant program's impact goals are to increase economic stability, mobility, and resilience; enhance access to and maintenance of housing; advance personal growth, development, and leadership potential; create safe environments for people with diverse identities; improve physical, mental, or behavioral health and well-being; and increase the ability of community members to access critical services. Key priorities for the HSF include supporting programs that demonstrate sound research and evidence-based best practices, value lived experience and cultural knowledge, and meaningfully engage community members in program design, implementation, and evaluation. The program also emphasizes strong collaboration and equitable partnerships, cost-effectiveness, and a commitment to sustained financial stability and diverse funding sources from applicants. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the HSF. Programs must be directly linked to specific outcomes and indicators, with a strong focus on long-term evaluation. This aligns with the city's strategic priority to invest in initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also demonstrate a clear path towards lasting positive change and self-sufficiency for beneficiaries. The grant period for accepted proposals is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development has launched a new grant opportunity called “ACCESS GRANTED.” This initiative is designed to support small minority and women-owned businesses, both start-up and established, by providing access to capital for specific projects aimed at scaling their operations. The program aligns with the city's mission to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The primary beneficiaries of the "ACCESS GRANTED" program are small minority and women-owned businesses within The City of Frederick limits. The impact goal is to empower these businesses by providing financial assistance that will facilitate their growth and development. This initiative aims to address the challenges these businesses face in accessing capital, thereby contributing to a more equitable and robust local economy. The program prioritizes small minority and/or women-owned businesses that are physically located within The City of Frederick limits. Eligibility criteria include being a registered for-profit business, being in good standing in the state of Maryland, and having no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. These criteria ensure that the funding reaches businesses that are genuinely in need of support and are poised for growth within the city. The City of Frederick has earmarked $400,000 for this program, with individual grant sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The expected outcome is a tangible increase in the capacity and scalability of participating businesses, leading to job creation, economic growth, and enhanced community vibrancy. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the financial allocation, the program's success will likely be evaluated by the number of businesses supported, the scale of projects undertaken, and the overall economic impact on the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Murfreesboro to deliver essential services and affordable housing solutions for low- and moderate-income residents.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant funding to support early child care providers within the county. This grant program aims to enhance the quality of child care services by funding improvements in educational materials, physical environments, technology, and developmental support services. The program's mission aligns with fostering a robust early childhood education ecosystem, recognizing the critical role these providers play in child development and community well-being. The grant targets DCFS Licensed Childcare Providers located in Will County. Priority is given to providers serving specific populations, including children ages birth to five in Will County R3 Zones, those receiving Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL), children in the Early Intervention program, children with developmental or medical diagnoses, and children with active Individually Education Plans (IEP) in the public school system. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these providers to offer high-quality care, particularly to vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to developmental and educational resources. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include the acquisition of educational materials such as books, art supplies, and STEAM/STEM resources; improvements to the physical environment including safety, sanitation, furniture, and air/water filtration; technology upgrades for security systems, computer software for administrative tasks, and parent communication; and developmental supports like screening tools, consultant hiring, social-emotional program enhancements, and health screenings. The focus is on creating safe, stimulating, and technologically advanced environments that cater to the holistic developmental needs of young children. Expected outcomes include improved learning environments, enhanced safety and health standards, more efficient administrative processes, and increased access to specialized developmental support services for children. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of new educational tools, upgraded facilities, advanced technology systems, and the provision of targeted developmental interventions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and readiness for school of Will County's young children, thereby supporting the county's broader strategic priorities in early childhood development and community health.

The Community Development Corporation Grant Program, offered by the City of Akron, Ohio, is designed to partner with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to invest in projects that foster population and tax revenue growth. This is achieved through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted, or historic buildings, increased investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. The program's core mission aligns with promoting urban renewal and economic development within Akron's neighborhoods. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Community Development Corporations (501(c)(3) nonprofits located within Akron, Ohio city limits) and, by extension, the residents and neighborhoods of Akron. The impact goals include creating new housing options, enabling business creation and attraction, and providing essential resources for Akron residents. The program prioritizes projects that utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to support investments, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and community well-being. The program focuses on several key areas. These include revitalizing and repurposing distressed properties, investing in infrastructure, improving housing, and delivering public services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate an appropriate use of funding in accordance with the CDBG purpose, hold a certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio, and be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. A crucial requirement is also the ability to provide documentation of at least three previous projects undertaken by the CDC within its footprint area, ensuring a track record of effective community development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased population and tax revenue growth, a reduction in vacant or blighted properties, an increase in new housing options, and the creation and attraction of businesses. While a specific "theory of change" or "foundation's strategic priorities" is not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the City of Akron's strategic priority is clearly to utilize CDBG funds to stimulate local investment, enhance community infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for its residents. The overall goal is to foster an environment that attracts development and provides resources, thereby strengthening Akron's neighborhoods. The City of Akron has allocated a total of $500,000 for this grant program, with individual awards available up to $125,000 per applicant. The grant duration is one year, indicating a focus on projects with a relatively swift implementation and impact. This funding structure and duration suggest a strategy aimed at initiating and supporting tangible, short-to-medium-term development projects that contribute to the broader, long-term revitalization goals of the city.

The James City County Good Neighbor Grant Program aims to enrich neighborhoods by fostering community spirit and environmental well-being through sustainable community planning. This grant seeks to align with a broader mission of promoting civic pride and environmental stewardship among residents by encouraging active participation in maintaining and enhancing communal spaces. The program's core objective is to empower community members to take ownership and responsibility for their shared environments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the community members within James City County, with a focus on neighborhoods seeking to improve their common areas. The program's impact goals center on enhancing the physical aspects of these communal spaces, leading to a more vibrant and environmentally healthy community. This includes improvements in areas such as community gardens, entryway landscaping, trail systems, communal composting, and playground or pool area aesthetics. The program prioritizes projects that focus on environmental quality and the minimization of negative impacts. This includes initiatives like the installation of native plants to support local ecosystems, the implementation of erosion control methods to protect natural resources, and place-making efforts that create inviting and functional spaces for residents. Additionally, the grant encourages projects that consider energy-saving techniques and litter prevention measures, further contributing to a sustainable and clean environment. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the physical appearance and ecological health of common areas, leading to increased community engagement and a stronger sense of shared responsibility. Measurable results could include the number of native plants installed, linear feet of trails improved, or the establishment of new community gardens. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support and encouraging community-led initiatives, residents will be more invested in their neighborhoods, fostering a positive cycle of environmental improvement and social cohesion. Matching grant awards up to $500 demonstrate a commitment to supporting these local efforts.

This program provides funding and leadership opportunities for high school students in DeKalb County, Illinois, to engage in philanthropy and support initiatives that improve the quality of life for local youth.

This funding opportunity supports sustainable building projects and resilient housing designs, particularly those led by or benefiting women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and city departments in Tucson to implement public service projects that assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families, focusing on issues like homelessness, health equity, and access to affordable housing.

This funding opportunity supports community-based projects in Ellensburg that enhance and protect surface water quality through education, outreach, and implementation efforts, specifically targeting volunteer groups and non-profits.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County, Indiana. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster effective, efficient, and self-sustaining nonprofits that create significant community impact. The grants are funded by the Foundation’s unrestricted funds, demonstrating a strategic commitment to addressing broad community needs through flexible funding. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations that serve LaGrange County and its citizens. The primary impact goal is to empower these nonprofits to be more effective, efficient, and self-sustaining. The Foundation specifically seeks innovative or creative projects that will have a significant impact on the community, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and development of LaGrange County. The program prioritizes grant requests that reach a broad segment of the community, promote cooperation to avoid service duplication, and offer seed money for innovative solutions to unmet needs. It also favors projects that provide services not typically available, inspire additional funding, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of charitable organizations. This reflects a strategic focus on collaborative, forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen the nonprofit sector. Expected outcomes include a more robust and responsive nonprofit ecosystem within LaGrange County, with organizations that are better equipped to meet community needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on significant impact, efficiency, and self-sustainability suggests a focus on long-term positive change. The Foundation’s theory of change appears to be that by supporting innovative and collaborative projects, they can catalyze community-wide improvements and create a lasting positive legacy.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations, civic groups, and neighborhood groups in Ellensburg to address local needs and enhance community capacity through various projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in California for projects that assist very low to moderate-income residents of Palm Desert, including seniors, the disabled, domestic violence victims, and the homeless.

The Manistee County Community Foundation is seeking applications for projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of Manistee County. This grant program is aligned with the Foundation's mission to invest in projects that create a lasting impact on the community. The program aims to address root causes of issues, attract additional funding and resources, demonstrate collaboration, and target underserved community members. The target beneficiaries include all residents of Manistee County, with a particular focus on underserved individuals. The program also prioritizes projects that are accessible to participants regardless of their identity, physical, social, financial, or other circumstances, and those that incorporate diverse perspectives, especially from those who stand to benefit directly. The Foundation's priorities and focus areas encompass a broad range of community needs, including youth and education, arts and culture, the environment, health and human services, recreation, and community development. While not all elements are expected in every application, the Foundation generally seeks projects that demonstrate sustainability and coordination of efforts. Expected outcomes include projects being completed within one year of the grant award. Measurable results are implied through the focus on making a lasting impact on the community. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on fostering community well-being through targeted investments, and its theory of change appears to be that by funding projects addressing root causes and promoting collaboration, they can create sustainable positive change within Manistee County.