Local Infrastructure Grants

This program provides $50,000 grants to small nonprofit arts organizations in select states to strengthen their operational sustainability and enhance their community services.

The City of Wentzville's Business Development Grant Program aims to stimulate economic growth and revitalization within its Historic Downtown zoning districts (HD-1, HD-2, or HD-3). This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to boost property development, strengthen both new and existing businesses, and facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. By offering financial assistance for start-up and business development costs, the program directly supports the strategic objective of creating a more vibrant and economically robust downtown core. The target beneficiaries of this grant are new businesses, open for less than 12 months, and significantly expanding businesses within the designated historic downtown areas. The program's impact goals are centered on easing financial burdens associated with business development and improvement, thereby fostering a conducive environment for commercial activity and urban renewal. The grant is specifically designed to alleviate costs for interior building improvements, enabling businesses to enhance their physical spaces and operational capabilities. The program's priorities and focuses include a range of interior building improvements such as paint, finish carpentry, flooring, and countertops. These specific areas of focus are intended to directly contribute to the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall value of commercial properties in the historic downtown. By supporting these types of improvements, the City of Wentzville seeks to encourage high-quality business development and attract further investment in the area. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of new businesses opening and existing businesses expanding within the specified districts, a reduction in the financial barriers for these businesses, and an overall improvement in the condition and modernization of downtown buildings. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the program's success can be indirectly measured by increased commercial activity, improved property values, and enhanced community engagement within the historic downtown. The City of Wentzville's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by directly investing in the physical and operational improvements of downtown businesses, it can catalyze broader economic development and create a more attractive and sustainable urban environment.

This funding opportunity supports Los Angeles-based organizations working on initiatives that create systemic change to improve the lives of children from prenatal to age 5 and their families.

The Neighborhood STAR program, administered by the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), is a grant initiative established in 1993. It allocates revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to fund capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods. This program offers reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more, aiming to strengthen the community through various physical improvements. The program's mission aligns with fostering neighborhood growth and economic development within Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of the Neighborhood STAR program include public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business within Saint Paul. Additionally, city departments, quasi-governmental entities, churches, and religious organizations can apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group, provided their projects are non-sectarian, open to the public, and for non-religious functions. The program specifically excludes political groups, federal/state/county agencies, and individual homeowners/condominium/townhome owners. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the vitality of the city's neighborhoods through tangible capital improvements. The program prioritizes a diverse range of capital improvement activities. These include renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of commercial, residential, or industrial properties; fixed interior and exterior improvements such as walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, and HVAC; minor public improvements; and beautification of public or private open spaces with elements like trees, rain gardens, and play equipment with a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking/placekeeping activities, including public art, are also encouraged, especially those that promote cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing funding programs for local businesses and homeowners are also eligible. Expected outcomes of the Neighborhood STAR program include revitalized commercial, residential, and industrial properties, improved public and private spaces, enhanced community aesthetics, and increased accessibility. Measurable results could include the number of properties renovated, the square footage of improved public spaces, the installation of new public art or infrastructure, and the successful completion of projects within the anticipated September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 timeframe. Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds, simplifying access for smaller projects and further demonstrating the city's strategic priority to support neighborhood-level improvements directly.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations in Marion County, Indiana, to create and maintain accessible public art, particularly in underserved areas, while promoting equity for diverse artists.

This program provides funding to organizations in Kansas to improve digital literacy and skills training, particularly for low-income individuals, veterans, seniors, and rural residents in economically distressed areas.

This grant provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and local schools in Rowan County to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Hennepin County to implement innovative waste prevention and recycling projects that benefit underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local non-profits and school groups for projects that promote environmental sustainability, such as water conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and educational initiatives.

The Arts in Schools Grants program, offered by the City of Tempe, is designed to expand and enhance arts services for students in Tempe schools. This initiative aligns with the broader Community Arts Grants Program, which aims to support immersive arts and culture experiences for collective impact and sustained value within the community. The program's mission is to foster arts education by providing resources directly to visual and performing arts teachers, enabling them to introduce new equipment, supplies, or guest artists into their curricula and programs. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are visual and performing arts teachers and, by extension, the students within Tempe Union High School District, Tempe Elementary District, Kyrene School District, Tempe Preparatory Academy, and New School for Arts & Academics. The program targets schools and activities located within Tempe's city limits. The impact goals include enriching existing arts programs, offering students unique artistic opportunities, and contributing to a more vibrant and culturally engaged school environment. The program prioritizes several focus areas, offering teachers two main options: up to $750 for specialty equipment or supplies, or up to $2,000 for a residency. The residency option further breaks down into up to $1,500 for a guest artist, clinician, or arts organization, and up to $500 for supplies. For visual arts teachers, additional planning support is available if they select an artist from the Studio Artists Program. This structured approach ensures that resources are allocated to either enhance physical resources for arts education or bring in external expertise to enrich student learning. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the quality and variety of arts education available to students. For the "Specialty Equipment or Supplies" option, the outcome is the acquisition of new materials that enhance teaching and learning. For the "Residency" option, the outcome is the direct engagement of students with professional artists or organizations, providing unique immersive experiences. Measurable results will be tracked through final reports submitted by May 30, 2025, which will detail how the funds were utilized and the impact on the arts programs. The program's strategic priorities are centered on direct support for classroom arts initiatives, ensuring that funding directly benefits student experiences rather than administrative overhead or infrastructure. This grant does not fund activities outside of Tempe, administrative salaries, compensation for immediate relatives, permanent infrastructure enhancements, construction, debt reduction, fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs, or projects already funded by a 2024-2025 Community Arts Grant.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Seattle that aim to improve digital access and technology skills for underserved populations, helping to close the digital divide.

The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program is offering Community Stewardship Grants to fund projects that prevent stormwater pollution, improve local watersheds, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay, and include a public outreach component. This initiative directly aligns with the program's mission to enhance environmental health through community engagement and education. Projects must be implemented within Alameda County. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including teachers and student groups, service clubs, community groups, environmental groups, youth organizations, homeowner associations, and non-profit organizations. The program aims to foster a collective effort in environmental stewardship, empowering various community sectors to contribute to a healthier local ecosystem. For-profit groups and public agencies are not eligible, emphasizing the program's focus on grassroots and non-commercial community efforts. The program prioritizes creative and innovative projects that prevent or educate about stormwater pollution. Specific focuses include litter reduction, outreach and education on topics such as household hazardous waste disposal and Integrated Pest Management, development of outreach materials, public art projects, creekside restoration and enhancement, stormwater detention projects (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, bioretention areas), coastal and creek cleanups, and wildlife habitat enhancement. These diverse project types reflect a comprehensive approach to improving water quality and ecological well-being. Expected outcomes include a reduction in stormwater pollution, improved health of local watersheds and the San Francisco Bay, and increased public awareness and engagement in environmental protection. Measurable results could include the number of community members reached by outreach efforts, the volume of litter removed, the area of habitat restored, or the number of stormwater detention systems implemented. The program's strategic priority is to leverage community-led initiatives to achieve tangible environmental improvements and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility within Alameda County. The underlying theory of change posits that by empowering and educating local communities, sustainable practices for water quality and watershed health will be widely adopted. Individual grant amounts range from $500 to $6,000, with a total of $30,000 available in grant funding. This funding structure is designed to support a variety of projects, from smaller, localized efforts to more extensive community initiatives. Applicants who are not formal 501(c)(3) non-profits are required to secure a fiscal sponsor, ensuring proper financial management and accountability for the grant funds.

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to public water systems in Maine to develop essential plans and documents that enhance their technical, financial, or managerial capabilities.

The County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission's History Partnership Grant Program aims to bolster both established and nascent local history organizations in Somerset County, New Jersey. This program, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) and supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), is designed to provide financial backing to non-profit organizations and municipalities that deliver history programming, services, and development within the county. The grants are competitive and emphasize fostering excellence in local history initiatives, aligning with a broader mission to preserve and promote New Jersey's rich historical narrative at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Somerset County-based organizations, including non-profit 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 entities, units of local government, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to New Jersey history, expanding knowledge of the state's historical context, and improving the management and operational capabilities of local history organizations. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to ensure that historical resources and educational opportunities are readily available to the public throughout Somerset County. The grant program prioritizes and focuses on activities that directly enhance local history programming and services. Eligible expenses span a wide range, from salaries and wages, contracted services, and marketing, to lease expenses, equipment purchases, and maintenance of collections and structures. Crucially, the program also supports staff training, capacity building, and strategic planning, including planning for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations can not only deliver compelling programs but also operate sustainably and adapt to contemporary needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of high-quality history programs, improved access to historical information and resources for Somerset County residents, and stronger, more resilient local history organizations. The competitive nature of the awards encourages applicants to strive for excellence, and the independent peer panel evaluation process helps ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for impact. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on increasing access, expanding knowledge, and improving management suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in historical engagement and organizational health within the county.

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy is offering a 2024 Grant Funding Program designed to support and promote the cultural economy of New Orleans. This program aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth through cultural activities. For the FY24 cycle, twenty-five grants of $2,000 each will be awarded. The grants target individuals and organizations that are actively engaged in promoting the cultural economy. This includes educating youth, training cultural producers, providing networking opportunities, and creating cultural events. Eligible applicants include State and federal 501(c)3 nonprofits, for-profit businesses licensed with the City and State (for community/cultural activities only), and individuals such as artists who have secured a fiscal agent. The program aims to strengthen the cultural sector by supporting initiatives that build capacity and generate economic activity. The program prioritizes workshops, training, and conferences that enhance the capacity of cultural non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and cultural businesses. This capacity building encompasses networking, skill development (such as fundraising and grant writing), programming improvement, education on sustainability, and learning new concepts like place-based planning. Additionally, the grants support workshops, training, and conferences within specific Cultural Economy segments including Entertainment, Design, Preservation, Culinary Arts, Literary Arts and Humanities, and Visual Arts and Crafts. Expected outcomes include the creation of cultural events, increased employment for cultural workers (e.g., musicians), and increased sales for art and cultural vendors, thereby attracting tourists. The program's theory of change is that by investing in cultural education, training, networking, and events, the Office of Cultural Economy can stimulate economic growth and enhance the vibrancy of New Orleans' cultural landscape. All funded programs, events, and activities are required to acknowledge support from the Office of Cultural Economy, ensuring visibility and accountability.

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is offering Accessibility Grants to promote inclusivity within communities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Huntington County by addressing critical needs, in this case, by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to create a more welcoming environment for all by fostering solutions to accessibility challenges in buildings and infrastructure, thereby supporting a choice-driven life for individuals with disabilities. The target beneficiaries of these grants include individuals, families, and businesses within Huntington County, Indiana. The program particularly focuses on people with disabilities who are currently facing physical barriers preventing full access to community use and benefits. The impact goals are centered on making communities more inclusive, ensuring that accessibility needs are considered from both individual and community perspectives, and empowering individuals with disabilities to define their own preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations. The grant program has two main funding tracks: the Pathfinder Services Community Accessibility Fund and the AWS Foundation Community Accessible Communities Fund. Key priorities and focuses for both tracks include encouraging potential rather than identifying limitations, preferring social settings that include family and friends, exceeding ADA standards through Universal Design principles, and enhancing education and employment potential to contribute to greater independence. Collaboration is also highly encouraged, recognizing that collective effort increases opportunities. Expected outcomes include the physical removal of accessibility barriers, increased participation of individuals with disabilities in community life, and a more inclusive and welcoming environment across Huntington County. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of accessibility solutions implemented, the types of infrastructure improved, and anecdotal evidence of increased access and independence for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly geared towards fostering community well-being and equitable access, and their theory of change posits that by funding direct solutions to accessibility barriers, they can directly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Sacramento-based nonprofit cultural organizations and for-profit creative businesses to develop workforce training and internship programs for underserved youth and young adults aged 16-24.

This grant provides $50,000 each to three nonprofit organizations in Central Texas that promote inclusion and support underrepresented communities through education, job skills, and health and wellness initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to primary and secondary schools in New York City to create gardening projects that promote hands-on learning and environmental awareness among students.