Local Infrastructure Grants

The City of Boulder Health Equity Fund (HEF) Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to support community-based health equity programs for Boulder residents experiencing health disparities. The fund aims to reduce systemic socio-economic and health barriers, aligning with the city's mission to achieve health equity—defined as the absence of systematic health disparities and the ability of all residents to reach their full health potential regardless of life circumstances. This initiative directly supports health and wellness programs that address these disparities. The target beneficiaries of the HEF include residents disproportionately impacted by diseases linked to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption or targeted by SSB marketing, those lacking access to healthy food, safe water, quality health care, wellness information, and health care services, and populations systemically disenfranchised due to race, ethnicity, income, age, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identification. The primary impact goal is to improve health equity and reduce health disparities within these vulnerable communities. The HEF prioritizes programs that benefit individuals most affected by or at increased risk from chronic diseases linked to sugary drink consumption, or who generally experience health disparities. Key focuses include health services for prevention of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and oral diseases, increased access to healthy food and clean water, wellness programs, and physical fitness. The program also emphasizes leadership diversity reflective of client demographics, alignment with program priorities, evidence-based practices, and valuing lived experience and cultural knowledge. Expected outcomes and measurable results include long-term evaluation of outcomes, meaningful engagement of community members in program design and implementation, strong collaborations, cost-effectiveness, and demonstrated financial stability and diverse funding sources for applying agencies. The City of Boulder's strategic priority is to fund programs that directly address health inequities and contribute to a community where all residents can achieve their full health potential. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in targeted, community-based health and wellness programs, the city can systematically dismantle health barriers and create a more equitable health landscape for its residents.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The City of Fredericksburg’s Historic Preservation Grant application for the 2023-24 fiscal year is now available to Historic District landowners or owners of Historic Landmarks in the City. This grant program is designed to assist homeowners in covering expenses related to the maintenance of historic properties, which are recognized as an important part of the culture and heritage of Fredericksburg. The program aligns with the city's mission to preserve and protect its historical assets and ensure the longevity of these significant structures. The target beneficiaries for this grant are owners of historic properties within Fredericksburg's Historic District or owners of Historic Landmarks. Specifically, the funds are intended for owner-occupied structures with significant exterior maintenance needs, indicating a focus on direct support for residents who are actively preserving their historic homes. The primary impact goal is to ease the financial burden associated with maintaining these historically significant properties, thereby encouraging their upkeep and preventing deterioration. The program prioritizes exterior maintenance for historic properties. Given the limited amount of funding, the grant is exclusively open to owner-occupied structures demonstrating significant need. This ensures that the available funds are directed to properties most in need of assistance and to residents who are committed to living in and maintaining these historical homes. The grant is offered as a reimbursement, requiring applicants to initially cover expenses, which can then be recouped up to the allocated amount. Expected outcomes include the improved physical condition of historic properties throughout Fredericksburg, contributing to the overall aesthetic and historical integrity of the city. Measurable results could include the number of properties that receive funding, the types of repairs completed, and the visual improvement of the maintained structures. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the annual allocation of funds suggests a continuous commitment to historic preservation. The City Council has allocated $30,000 for all grants this year, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, demonstrating a strategic approach to allocate resources based on the scale of need.

The Elevate grant program, offered by the City of Austin, aims to provide funding to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses that produce culturally vibrant and diverse artistic content for the public. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to invest in Austin’s cultural producers, thereby elevating the city's diverse arts and culture tourism sector, amplifying equity, and prioritizing inclusive programming. The grant seeks to support the creative, administrative, and operational expenses associated with these activities, ultimately benefiting the people of Austin and its tourists by enriching the cultural landscape. The target beneficiaries for the Elevate grant include 501(c) nonprofit arts organizations, individuals aged 18 or older, and creative businesses. The program specifically prioritizes applicants and activities with a commitment to equity, those representing the diverse cultures of Austin (especially historically under-represented backgrounds), and those serving communities at risk of cultural erasure and displacement, including Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and/or disability communities. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more equitable and inclusive arts and culture scene in Austin, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are amplified and supported. The funding priorities for the Elevate grant are multifaceted, emphasizing activities that pay local artists and artistic administrators, engage in community-based partnerships, and demonstrate a strong commitment to equity. Equity is specifically highlighted in leadership, and the program seeks applicants who are representative of, serve, and are accountable to marginalized and under-funded communities. Key elements for eligibility include a minimum one-year history of producing arts and culture activities in the Austin metro area, with over 50% of public activities occurring within the Austin 10-1 City Council districts or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Expected outcomes include the production of a wide array of public arts and culture activities, an increase in fair compensation for local artists and administrators, stronger community ties through artistic collaboration, and a more diverse and inclusive cultural landscape within Austin. While specific measurable results like direct audience numbers or economic impact are not detailed in the provided text, the program's focus on equity and community engagement suggests a theory of change where targeted financial support for diverse cultural producers will naturally lead to a more vibrant, equitable, and accessible arts and culture ecosystem for both residents and tourists. The program's strategic priority is clearly to leverage cultural investment as a tool for urban development and social equity.

The Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), in partnership with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), is seeking grant applications for its 2025 Community Food Assistance Program. This program aims to support and strengthen the local food system by providing direct funding and/or shopping credits to organizations that distribute shelf-stable, fresh food, and/or prepared meals to Montgomery County residents. The initiative aligns with a broader mission to ensure continuity of existing critical community food assistance services while also addressing service gaps within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Montgomery County residents, particularly those in need of food assistance. The program's impact goals are multifaceted: to enhance program effectiveness, standardize data collection practices among food assistance providers, offer greater flexibility and transparency in funding, and ultimately boost the capacity of the provider network. By achieving these goals, the program intends to improve the resilience of the local food system, ensuring that more residents have access to nutritious food. The grant program emphasizes flexibility in programming, supporting a range of project models. Funding priorities include choice pantry models that offer culturally relevant, healthy shelf-stable and fresh food options (such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and eggs); pre-packed box/bag distributions that feature healthy, locally sourced produce; and the delivery and/or distribution of nutritious, medically and/or preference-tailored prepared meals to households with unique needs. This flexible approach is designed to cater to the diverse needs of the community and the varying capacities of food assistance providers. Expected outcomes include a more robust and responsive food assistance network in Montgomery County, capable of delivering consistent and high-quality services. The standardization of data collection will lead to better understanding of service gaps and program impact, allowing for more strategic resource allocation. Measurable results will likely include increased access to healthy and culturally appropriate food for residents, a stronger network of food assistance providers, and improved resilience of the local food system in the face of challenges. The overall strategic priority is to create a more equitable and sustainable food system that can effectively serve all residents.

The Montgomery County FY 2024 Place-Based Management Grants Program, offered by the Community Engagement Cluster and the Office of Grants Management, seeks to foster economic growth and revitalization in the County's commercial corridors. This program is aligned with the broader mission of supporting local economies through "bottom-up" economic development, emphasizing community-driven strategies. The focus on Place-Based Management, particularly through the Main Street Approach, underscores a commitment to holistic and integrated community development that leverages existing assets and local engagement. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are businesses and residents within identified commercial corridors. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including retaining, expanding, and attracting neighborhood-serving retail and small businesses, as well as unifying and strengthening commercial corridors through events, promotion, marketing, maintenance, and diverse stakeholder engagements. All funded activities are required to actively involve residents, businesses, and the Montgomery County Government, ensuring a collaborative and community-centric approach to revitalization. Funding priorities are given to projects that address at least three of the four points of the Main Street Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Economic Vitality focuses on financial tools, property development, and supporting entrepreneurs. Design enhances the physical and visual appeal of commercial districts. Promotion positions the district as a community and economic hub, creating a positive image. Organization builds a strong foundation through partnerships, community involvement, and resource cultivation. These priorities reflect the County's strategic emphasis on comprehensive revitalization, moving beyond simple economic aid to encompass broader community and aesthetic improvements. Montgomery County Government anticipates awarding $400,000 through approximately two to five awards, with each grant ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. The grant duration is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to three total years based on satisfactory performance and fund availability. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, improved commercial corridor vitality, and increased stakeholder engagement, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. Eligible expenses primarily cover operating costs such as administrative expenses, community outreach, implementation of economic development activities, and neighborhood placemaking and management, all geared towards supporting the ongoing efforts of the projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and organizations in Whatcom County, Washington, to develop comprehensive plans for flood mitigation and enhance community resilience against future flooding events.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP), supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF), aims to engage primary and secondary students in creative, hands-on STEM activities and inquiry-based exploration within North Carolina. This initiative directly aligns with BWF's broader mission to foster scientific talent and advance biomedical sciences, by targeting foundational STEM education at the K-12 level. Since its inception in 1996, SSEP has significantly contributed to this mission, awarding 288 grants totaling $43.3 million to 136 organizations, ultimately reaching over 43,000 North Carolina students. The primary beneficiaries of SSEP are K-12 students across North Carolina, with a particular focus on enabling diverse participation. The program's impact goals are clearly defined through its three core objectives: improving students’ competence in science and mathematics, nurturing their enthusiasm for these subjects, and interesting them in pursuing careers in research or other science-related fields. By focusing on these areas, SSEP aims to build a stronger pipeline for future scientific and mathematical professionals, contributing to the state's intellectual capital and economic development. SSEP's priorities and focuses revolve around providing experiential learning opportunities. Successful projects typically include activities such as helping students learn basic scientific inquiry skills (observing, comparing, measuring, communicating, analyzing, generating, and evaluating), increasing their insight into and appreciation of the investigative process, and supplying them with STEM-related career information. Furthermore, the program emphasizes connecting science and mathematics to students’ daily lives, providing opportunities to use technology, enabling interaction with STEM professionals, and involving parents in program activities. These guidelines illustrate a comprehensive approach to STEM education. The expected outcomes and measurable results of SSEP grants include increased student competence and enthusiasm in science and mathematics, and a greater interest in STEM careers. While specific metrics beyond the number of grants and students reached are not detailed, the program's long-standing success and continued funding suggest a positive impact on these goals. The grant provides up to $60,000 per year for three years, with a maximum of $180,000 per award. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, community groups, museums, zoos, and scientific groups that can offer experiential K-12 activities. Individuals and organizations offering religious programming are explicitly excluded.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Toledo area to collaborate effectively, improve service delivery, and achieve cost savings through shared resources and strategic partnerships.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, and community groups in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to provide hands-on environmental education for youth and enhance educator training.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to child care providers in Indianapolis to improve services, increase capacity, and enhance early childhood education for infants and toddlers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit and for-profit developers to create or improve affordable rental housing for low-income families in Tucson and Pima County.

The City of Germantown's Neighborhood Grants Program aims to empower neighborhood leaders by supporting projects that foster community engagement, beautify surroundings, improve resident communications, and enhance well-being. This program directly aligns with a broader mission to strengthen local communities by providing resources to homeowner and neighborhood associations. It serves as a strategic initiative to cultivate active, connected, and well-maintained neighborhoods, reflecting a theory of change where targeted financial support for community-led projects leads to tangible improvements in quality of life and a heightened sense of belonging among residents. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Germantown homeowner and neighborhood associations, along with their constituents. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on increasing neighborly interaction, improving the aesthetics and functionality of public spaces, enhancing communication channels within neighborhoods, and promoting a greater sense of safety and collective well-being. The program's strategic priority is to empower these local organizations to take ownership of community development, leveraging their intimate understanding of neighborhood needs to drive meaningful change. The program prioritizes projects falling into four key categories: Engagement, Communications, Beautification, and Safety. Engagement projects aim to bring neighbors together for social and recreational activities, such as block parties and movie nights. Communications projects focus on strengthening neighborhood organizations through initiatives like website development and newsletters. Beautification projects seek to enhance public areas with holiday decorations, landscaping, and art. Safety projects are designed to increase well-being through events like Germantown Night Out, seminars, and safety awareness campaigns. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and connected community life, more effective neighborhood organizations, visually appealing and well-maintained public spaces, and a measurable increase in residents' sense of safety and well-being. The program anticipates awarding two maximum grants of $5,000 each per period, with additional microgrants ranging from $500 to $1,000, totaling $25,000 per fiscal year. Measurable results will be gauged through the documentation of events with photos and sign-in sheets, the provision of receipts for all expenditures, and the overall completion of approved projects by the June 30, 2025, deadline.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based projects in Goodhue County that aim to prevent opioid misuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

The Small Grant Initiative (SGI) by the Alachua County Commission aims to foster the development and growth of non-governmental, grassroots organizations and emerging small businesses within Alachua County. This program aligns with the commission's mission to support its residents, particularly those living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively. The primary beneficiaries of the SGI are Alachua County residents who are economically disadvantaged. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by addressing critical community needs in areas such as safe, affordable housing, adequate food, quality healthcare, and quality childcare and education. By supporting organizations focused on these areas, the initiative intends to improve the overall quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations within the county. The SGI prioritizes one-time capacity building or infrastructure improvements. This focus ensures that the funded projects create lasting changes that enhance the organizational effectiveness and service delivery of the grant recipients. The program is specifically interested in proposals that demonstrate a clear strategy for addressing one or more of the identified priority areas, with a maximum award limit of $15,000 for individual proposals. Expected outcomes include strengthened local organizations, improved access to essential services for low-income residents, and tangible advancements in housing, food security, healthcare, and education within Alachua County. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of individuals served by recipient organizations, improved quality or accessibility of services, and the successful completion of capacity-building projects or infrastructure upgrades. The grant period, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for the implementation and evaluation of these projects.

This grant provides funding to property owners, agricultural businesses, and non-profits for the rehabilitation and preservation of historic properties in the unincorporated areas of Frederick County, Maryland.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in Lewis County to renovate vacant or blighted commercial buildings, transforming them into active business spaces and boosting local economic growth.

The City of Boston has launched the Third Annual Community Empowerment Grants, offering a total of $500,000 to strengthen capacity and expand programming for organizations supporting men and boys across Boston’s neighborhoods. Administered by the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA), these grants provide up to $20,000 per organization to enhance programs aimed at empowering Black men and boys. Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The grants focus on seven key areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time, Youth and Young Adult Pathways, Housing Mobility, Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building, Workforce Training and Development, Fatherhood Engagement, and Mental Health and Wellness. Programs in these areas should foster social, economic, and emotional wellbeing for men and boys, providing pathways to success in education, housing, employment, and mental health. Building on the success of prior grant cycles, this year’s initiative introduces enhanced capacity-building support through the BMA Capacity Building and Impact Institute and mentoring opportunities in collaboration with Mass Mentoring. These programs offer personalized coaching, nonprofit training, and expert resources to help grantees amplify their impact and build long-term sustainability. To further promote collaboration, the BMA will facilitate a community of practice for grantees to share insights and strategies. Eligible applicants must be Boston-based organizations with a demonstrated history of positively impacting Black men and boys. Interested organizations can attend a virtual information session on December 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM via Zoom, with registration available on the BMA website. For further questions, applicants may contact the City of Boston grants team at [email protected]. In previous cycles, $1.5 million in Community Empowerment Grants has been awarded to 115 community-based organizations. This ongoing investment aligns with the BMA's mission to create equitable opportunities and lasting change for Black men and boys across Boston. For more details on this and other grant opportunities, visit www.boston.gov/grants.

The Union County Local Arts Grants program, supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board, and the NJ State Council on the Arts, aims to strengthen local arts through a State/County block-grant partnership. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to recognize the value of the arts, foster artistic excellence, and expand the public impact of arts organizations and projects within Union County. The program's design reflects a strategic priority to empower non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations that serve Union County residents, demonstrating a commitment to local cultural development. The primary target beneficiaries are non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving Union County residents, as well as libraries, schools, and units of government undertaking specific arts projects. The impact goals are multifaceted: to increase the availability and accessibility of quality arts experiences, broaden and diversify participation in the arts, and promote public and private support for local arts activities. This includes fostering collaborations and partnership-building, ensuring ADA compliance, and strengthening organizations artistically and administratively. The program prioritizes several key areas, encouraging applicants to highlight the excellence of New Jersey artists, incorporate diverse programming and artists, reach diverse and underserved audiences, present family-friendly programs, and promote high-quality, lifelong arts education. Organizations can apply for either General Operating Support (GOS), exclusively for arts organizations to cover overall operations, or Special Project (SP) grants, open to both arts and non-arts organizations for specific arts projects or series. This dual approach allows for comprehensive support, addressing both the foundational stability of arts organizations and the execution of innovative projects. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic excellence, increased public recognition of the arts, and a more robust and diverse array of arts programs available to Union County residents. Measurable results are tied to strengthening local arts organizations, increasing accessibility through ADA compliance, and fostering greater community participation. The theory of change behind this grant program posits that by investing in local arts organizations and projects, Union County can cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape, enrich the lives of its residents, and stimulate broader community engagement and support for the arts.