Local Science and Technology Grants

The Lake County Community Foundation Fall Grant focuses on two key priority areas: Leadership Development and Animal Welfare. The Foundation's mission is aligned with fostering a stronger nonprofit sector through leadership development opportunities that benefit Lake County's broader nonprofit community, rather than individual organizations. For animal welfare, the Foundation, through the Lake County Humane Society Fund, seeks to cultivate innovative approaches and address unmet needs for animals in Lake County. This grant embodies the Foundation's commitment to strategic investments that strengthen the community. Within Leadership Development, the Foundation prioritizes projects that build a pipeline of competent, emerging leaders for the county's nonprofit sector. A crucial aspect is increasing access to quality programming for leaders of color and other underrepresented groups, ensuring a diverse and inclusive leadership base. The ultimate goal is to equip leaders to better serve their nonprofit organizations, clients, and communities, thereby amplifying their collective impact across Lake County. This approach reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in leadership capacity will lead to more effective and sustainable social impact. For Animal Welfare, the grant targets organizations dedicated to the needs of animals in Lake County. The focus is on innovative approaches to support animal welfare and addressing needs where the applicant is the sole service provider. This area aligns with the Foundation's broader aim of addressing critical community needs and fostering a compassionate environment for all residents, including animals. The expected outcome is improved animal welfare through targeted interventions and support for organizations making a significant difference in this area. The Foundation's strategic pillars of Economic Justice, Community Ownership, and Rapid Community Response guide the evaluation criteria for all applications. Successful proposals will demonstrate alignment with these pillars and respond to high-priority needs identified by current Lake County data. The Foundation also emphasizes diversity and equity within applicant organizations, seeking staff, leadership, and boards that reflect the communities they serve. Furthermore, strong, documented partnerships, the potential to leverage other resources, and a high probability of affecting significant change over the next three years are key considerations, along with cost-effective service delivery and a proven track record of achieving outcomes. These criteria underscore the Foundation's commitment to impactful, sustainable change.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies in Hawaiʻi to develop projects that boost local business growth, job creation, and sustainability on the island.

The Visit BG Ohio 2025 Tourism Grant Program offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects, events, and activities that promote tourism, increase overnight stays, and provide economic benefits to the City of Bowling Green, with a focus on capital improvement, sports, conferences, festivals, large events, and arts and culture.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities to support projects that enhance community life in Worth County, Iowa, across various sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Beltrami County that provide housing solutions, including construction, rehabilitation, and supportive services, to improve the availability and affordability of safe housing for low to moderate-income families and individuals.

This funding opportunity supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas, to create public humanities projects that foster community engagement and exploration of what it means to be human.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small and mid-sized manufacturers in Illinois to develop internship and workforce training programs that enhance skills and address labor shortages.

The Arts Grants, offered by the City of Fort Myers, aim to serve and support art installations and advancements within the city. This grant program aligns with the city's broader mission to foster arts and culture, recognizing the valuable contributions of local artists, artist groups, and organizations to the community. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the City Council has allocated $110,000 for these grants, demonstrating a clear commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of Fort Myers. The primary beneficiaries of this program are artists, artist groups, and organizations located within the City of Fort Myers. The overarching impact goal is to further the reach of arts and culture throughout the community, enriching the lives of its residents. The program specifically prioritizes projects that will have a direct and measurable effect on the City of Fort Myers, ensuring that the allocated funds directly benefit the local community. Projects that primarily impact other municipalities or counties will not be considered, reinforcing the focus on local development. Applications are assessed based on both technical and qualitative criteria. Technical evaluation ensures that applicants complete all required sections, include necessary attachments, and demonstrate community support through letters of support. This ensures a foundational level of project preparedness and community engagement. Qualitative evaluation further assesses the project's necessity, its potential for strong community benefit, clearly defined goals, and a proposed timeline for accomplishment. Applicants must also provide a brief description of services or activities for each budget category, demonstrating reasonable cost-effectiveness. The expected outcome is projects that not only meet artistic goals but also provide a direct and significant benefit to the City of Fort Myers, leading to a more vibrant and culturally rich community.

The City of La Porte’s Office of Community Development is seeking proposals for its Public Services Program, funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This program, which began in 2004 in La Porte, aims to improve the quality of life for low- and moderate-income citizens. Funded projects must align with national objectives set by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, which include benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, preventing or eliminating slums or blight, or addressing urgent community needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to health or welfare and other financial resources are unavailable. The target beneficiaries of this program are primarily low- and moderate-income residents of La Porte. The impact goals are centered around enhancing their quality of life, fostering self-sufficiency, and promoting self-reliance. This aligns with a broader strategic priority of community development that addresses fundamental societal needs and empowers individuals within the community. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted services and support in key areas, the overall well-being and economic stability of vulnerable populations in La Porte will improve. Funding priorities are categorized into three main areas: Homelessness, Non-housing Community Development, and Non-homeless Special Needs. Under Homelessness, objectives include coordination and outreach, rental assistance, supportive services, and prevention. For Non-housing Community Development, the focus is on providing support services to seniors, health services (including mental health), emergency assistance, and activities that promote self-reliance, employment, and education. It also aims to strengthen local housing organizations through fair housing outreach and education, and to collaborate with institutions to ensure access to mortgages and insurance. Non-homeless Special Needs focuses on special needs coordination and accessibility improvement. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, can be inferred from the stated objectives. For homelessness, successful outcomes would include increased access to housing, reduced homelessness, and improved coordination of services. In non-housing community development, anticipated results include improved health and well-being for seniors, increased employment and educational attainment, enhanced fair housing access, and greater availability of financial services. For non-homeless special needs, outcomes would involve better coordination of services for individuals with special needs and improved accessibility within the community. The program implicitly seeks to demonstrate a clear and positive impact on the lives of low- and moderate-income residents through these various initiatives.

The Women's Fund, administered by the Spencer County Community Foundation, offers grants to support charitable projects and activities within Spencer County, Indiana. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being and development across various sectors. The grant program is designed to empower local charitable organizations by providing financial resources for projects that address identified community needs and contribute positively to the lives of Spencer County residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Spencer County, served by nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. The program aims to achieve significant impact by funding initiatives in diverse areas such as Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors, which include Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development. The goal is to improve the quality of life, promote community engagement, and enhance essential services available to the county's population. The Women's Fund prioritizes funding requests from organizations that are tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies. Projects from nonprofit organizations not classified as 501(c)(3) may also be considered if they are charitable and address a community need, sometimes requiring a fiscal sponsor. The program specifically excludes funding for religious purposes, political campaigns, endowment creation, debt reduction, general operating costs not directly tied to a program, capital campaigns, annual appeals, membership contributions, and travel requests for groups or individuals. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural experiences, improved community infrastructure, advancements in educational opportunities, better health outcomes, strengthened human services, and enriched civic life. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text beyond "Awards up to $5,000," the emphasis on various program areas suggests that successful projects will demonstrate tangible improvements in the designated fields. The Foundation's strategic priority is to invest in community-led solutions that create lasting positive change, operating on a theory of change that by supporting a broad range of charitable activities, it can collectively elevate the overall well-being and vitality of Spencer County.

The City of West Haven's American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas. This initiative seeks to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrancy by preserving or upgrading existing storefront facades, contributing to the economic revitalization and community well-being of the city. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text describes a city-run grant program rather than a foundation. Therefore, the alignment is with the city's goal of urban improvement and economic development for its small businesses. The program primarily targets for-profit small businesses located within the City of West Haven, defined as having no more than 50 full-time employees and meeting the criteria of a small business concern as per the Small Business Act. These businesses must be in good standing with the City and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service, and cannot have received alternate funding for the same intended costs. The grant also has specific eligibility for property owners or businesses with lease terms extending through June 2026 if they lease their space. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more inviting and safer urban environment, encouraging local commerce, and supporting the financial health and longevity of West Haven's small businesses. Key priorities and focuses of the grant program include exterior improvements such as new windows, doors, awnings, painting, attached signage, siding, brick appointing, and exterior lighting. It also covers HVAC installation/upgrades and outdoor dining/patio space (if affixed to the building). The program explicitly excludes work completed prior to agreement execution, new construction, temporary improvements, neon signs, interior improvements, roofs (unless part of a larger project), and the removal of architecturally significant features. This selective approach ensures that funds are directed towards improvements that directly contribute to the facade's visual appeal and the overall streetscape. Expected outcomes of the program include a noticeable improvement in the appearance of storefronts, leading to increased foot traffic and commercial activity in the downtown and other public shopping areas. The addition of safety measures like enhanced lighting is anticipated to create a more secure environment for pedestrians and patrons. By providing financial assistance for these upgrades, the City of West Haven expects to stimulate local economic growth, retain existing businesses, and attract new investments, thereby reinforcing the city's identity as a vibrant and thriving community for its residents and visitors.

The Travel Oregon City grant program invites applications from non-profit and for-profit organizations to fund public events that attract tourists, support local businesses, and enhance the community's tourism brand, with a focus on transparency, financial stability, visitor attendance estimation, vendor involvement, and annual application for funding.

The Excellence in Education Fund (EIE Fund), managed by the CenDel Foundation, is currently accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Established in 2019 through contributions from Statewide Workforce Development, the Kent Economic Partnership, Greater Kent Committee, Delaware State News, and the Kent County community, the EIE Fund's mission is to support programs that enhance workforce development and stimulate economic growth within Kent County, Delaware. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the CenDel Foundation administers the fund with the guidance of the Excellence in Education Advisory Board, ensuring alignment with its core mission of fostering community prosperity through strategic investments in education and economic opportunity. The EIE Fund targets public institutions, nonprofits, and civic/community organizations that are focused on educating and training individuals to meet the demands of current and future businesses in Kent County. The primary impact goal is to create a more skilled workforce, broaden perspectives through educational components, and drive measurable economic and community development. This includes generating employment opportunities and potentially attracting new residents to Kent County. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance the regional workforce, emphasizing the quality, impact, and duration of programs, as well as the number of individuals impacted. It also focuses on educating and broadening perspectives, requiring applicants to detail the educational component, the number of participants, and the knowledge gained. Furthermore, a key focus is on economic and community development, looking for programs that cultivate special skill sets, generate measurable economic impact, and promote employment. Applications are reviewed for clarity and strong evidence supporting the achievement of stated goals. The EIE Fund's strategic priorities align with a theory of change that posits that targeted investments in education and workforce training will directly lead to enhanced economic vitality and improved community well-being in Kent County. By supporting programs that build relevant skills and create opportunities, the fund aims to strengthen the local economy, increase employment rates, and foster a more knowledgeable and engaged citizenry. Eligible institutions and organizations can be awarded up to $50,000, with a requirement to submit proposals on the official 2024 application form and demonstrate their status as a public institution or 501(c)3 organization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Syracuse for projects that enhance affordable housing, homeownership, and community programs for residents of all ages.

The City of Walla Walla’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program aims to expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income citizens within the City of Walla Walla. This program aligns with a mission to improve community well-being through various initiatives. The funding amount is approximately $58,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a grant duration of one year. The 2025-2026 Program Year will run from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. The deadline for applications is September 6, 2024. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income persons residing in the City of Walla Walla. The program's impact goals are focused on addressing critical community needs in housing, public services, public facilities, neighborhood improvements, and economic development. All projects and programs funded through this grant must principally benefit these individuals. The program prioritizes a range of eligible activities designed to achieve its goals. These include housing rehabilitation, acquisition of real property, demolition, and utilities for housing projects. It also supports the construction, reconstruction, or installation of public facilities and infrastructure, such as parks, playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, and public buildings (excluding those for general government conduct). Furthermore, the grant focuses on public services like mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment, health care, childcare, transportation, youth programs, employment assistance, crime prevention, and fair housing counseling. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions through housing initiatives, enhanced public spaces and infrastructure, and increased access to vital public services for low- and moderate-income residents. The measurable results will be evaluated by the direct impact of these projects and programs on the target population, ensuring they meet a National Objective of serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and supportive community in Walla Walla, operating under the theory of change that by investing in these key areas, the overall quality of life and opportunities for vulnerable populations will significantly improve. Eligibility criteria for the CDBG program extend to nonprofits, for-profits, and government entities. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities meet a National Objective, which specifically means serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. Additionally, the activities themselves must be eligible under CDBG guidelines. For more comprehensive information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the City of Walla Walla’s official website.

The Highland County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is currently requesting grant applications to support projects and programs benefiting residents and communities within Highland County, Ohio. This grant program aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities and address pressing needs in the region. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in fostering progress across five key Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. This framework reflects a theory of change that by investing in these critical areas, the foundation aims to unleash the potential within Highland County and improve the overall well-being of its population. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include individuals of all ages within Highland County who are leading efforts that create opportunities, meet urgent needs, and activate community potential. The program specifically welcomes applications from nonprofits (including 501(c) organizations), schools, and public organizations such as public school districts, higher education institutions, and government subdivisions. Additionally, groups without direct nonprofit or public status are eligible if they are working under the fiscal sponsorship of an eligible nonprofit or public entity, ensuring a broad reach for impactful initiatives. The primary focus of these grants is on supporting initiatives that contribute to the five Pillars of Prosperity. This includes projects that enhance cultural vibrancy, stimulate local economic growth, improve educational access and quality, promote sustainable environmental practices, and strengthen health and human services. Emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate a clear potential to create meaningful opportunities and address identified needs within Highland County, aligning with the foundation's overarching goals for regional development and community empowerment. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets, the expected outcomes are centered around advancing opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing potential across the five pillar areas. Successful projects are anticipated to contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Highland County by fostering innovation, supporting community-led solutions, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The funding information indicates that requests should generally be between $500 and $5,000, with larger requests considered based on their potential for significant impact, suggesting that projects with demonstrable potential for broad positive change will be prioritized.

The Chester County Community Foundation's Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants program is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serving the Chester County region. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the community by empowering the organizations that work within it. The grants aim to help NPOs achieve a higher level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, enabling them to fulfill their missions more effectively and efficiently. The target beneficiaries for this program are NPOs located in and serving Chester County, specifically those with budgets of $500,000 or less. The impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By building their capacity, the program seeks to ensure that essential services and programs continue to be delivered to the community, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient Chester County. The program prioritizes several key areas for capacity building, including Mission, Vision & Strategy; Governance & Leadership; Partnerships & Collaborations; Operations & Technology; and Fundraising, Development & Marketing. Within these broad categories, specific focuses include organizational assessments, strategic planning, board development, executive transition planning, coalition building, financial management, technology improvements, and various resource development campaigns. Expected outcomes include improved organizational assessment and strategic planning, more effective governance and leadership structures, enhanced collaborative efforts among NPOs, more robust operational and technological infrastructure, and stronger fundraising and marketing capabilities. Measurable results could include documented strategic plans, increased board engagement, new or strengthened partnerships, implemented technology solutions, and successful development campaigns. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in the foundational strength and operational capabilities of NPOs, the overall health and well-being of the Chester County community will improve. This approach recognizes that effective nonprofits are crucial drivers of positive social change, and by strengthening them, the foundation can achieve a broader and more sustainable impact across various sectors.

The Monmouth County Community Grant, supported by the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations addressing a diverse array of community needs. While the CFNJ's broader mission likely encompasses fostering philanthropy and addressing critical issues within New Jersey, this specific grant program aligns with a commitment to supporting local initiatives in Monmouth County. The grant program seeks to empower organizations that demonstrate a dedication to improving the lives of residents and strengthening the community as a whole. This grant primarily targets underserved populations within Monmouth County, aiming to benefit them directly through programs and services in critical areas such as education, healthcare, housing, food security, employment, and youth development. The expected outcomes include tangible improvements in these areas, leading to enhanced well-being, increased opportunities, and a more equitable community for these beneficiaries. A key priority for funding consideration is a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evident in both the leadership and service delivery of applicant organizations. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes collaborative partnerships between nonprofit organizations, community groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This focus on collaboration aims to maximize impact and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations more effectively, reflecting a strategic approach to problem-solving. The program also offers general operating support, recognizing the importance of sustained funding for nonprofits to continue their vital missions. The grant amount is up to $10,000 per organization, with eligibility primarily extended to nonprofit organizations with less than a $1,000,000 operating budget serving Monmouth County. This demonstrates a strategic priority to support smaller to medium-sized local organizations, enabling them to achieve measurable results and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the community.

The Little Haiti Revitalization Trust is launching the Small Business Grant Program to support economic growth and revitalization in Little Haiti, Miami. The Trust will oversee and facilitate the city's revitalization efforts in line with the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The program aims to stimulate employment, business growth, and investment within the Little Haiti boundaries. Eligible businesses can receive up to $20,000 for commercial improvements or $10,000 for innovation improvements, with a match option available. Funding can be used for various commercial improvements such as lighting, roofing, signage, ADA compliance, landscaping, and more. To qualify for funding, businesses must meet specific criteria including registration with the State of Florida before January 1, 2021; possession of a City of Miami-issued Certificate of Use; current status with Business Tax Receipt payments; operation within Little Haiti boundaries; and compliance with financial obligations to the City of Miami. Preference will be given to businesses that align best with the grant program's objectives, legacy businesses operating for 7 or more years within Little Haiti boundaries, and those located in the downtown corridor on NE 2nd Ave between 54th – 71st street within Little Haiti boundaries. For more information and application details, visit Little Haiti Revitalization Trust website.

This program empowers high school students in Black Hawk County to distribute funds to nonprofit organizations, fostering youth philanthropy and community engagement.