Local Science and Technology Grants

The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) Community Grants program is dedicated to improving the lives of Douglas County, Kansas residents by supporting a wide array of local projects. The foundation aligns its mission with community needs by funding initiatives across various sectors, including arts and culture, animal welfare, children and youth, community development, education, environment, health, housing, and human services. This broad scope reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering a holistic and thriving community within Douglas County. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the residents of Douglas County, Kansas. The program's impact goals are centered on enhancing the quality of life for these residents through tangible improvements in the supported areas. By investing in diverse projects, DCCF aims to address multiple facets of community well-being, from educational opportunities and environmental conservation to health services and cultural enrichment. DCCF prioritizes requests that are clearly and concisely described, supported by complete and clear income and expense projections, and do not require recurring funding for the same project or purpose. The foundation also favors one-time requests or projects that can reasonably ensure sustainability after the initial DCCF funding is utilized. This strategic focus ensures that grants create lasting positive change and promote self-sufficiency within recipient organizations and their initiatives. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the lives of Douglas County residents within the supported areas. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on clear project descriptions and sound financial planning suggests an expectation of accountability and demonstrable impact. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and local governments to implement projects that directly address community needs and foster long-term positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its eligibility criteria and limitations on grantmaking. Proposals must come from 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, or local governments, and must benefit Douglas County residents. Organizations must also operate without discrimination. DCCF explicitly does not fund multi-year requests, general operating expenses, individual support, annual campaigns, endowment funds, event sponsorships, fundraising events, religious purposes, lobbying, political activities, or debt retirement. These limitations ensure that the grants are focused on direct project support that aligns with the foundation's mission of community improvement.

The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Kennewick’s Community Development Department, has relaunched the Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance the visual appeal of downtown Kennewick by fostering a cohesive image, promoting coordinated signage and store graphics, and complementing existing building façades. The program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $25,000 per storefront, to support improvements. This program aligns with the broader mission of revitalizing and developing the downtown area, contributing to economic growth and community pride. The primary beneficiaries of this program are property owners and businesses within the designated target area of downtown Kennewick. The impact goals are centered on creating a more attractive and vibrant downtown environment, which in turn is expected to draw more visitors and customers, stimulate local commerce, and encourage further investment in the area. By improving the aesthetics of storefronts, the program directly addresses the need for a unified and appealing commercial district. The program prioritizes eligible improvements such as cleaning and painting, new awnings, canopies, and signs, gutters and downspouts, exterior wall repairs, building-mounted lighting, door and window repairs and replacements, and accessibility improvements. A key focus is on ensuring projects comply with the City of Kennewick Façade Improvement Program Underwriting Guidelines and are evaluated for consistency with an approved color palette by the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership’s Design Committee. The committee specifically encourages a sophisticated and restrained application of color, using vibrant hues for highlights and trim, and softer tones for main building elements. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved downtown area with enhanced curb appeal and a more unified architectural style. Measurable results will likely involve the number of storefronts that undergo renovations, the total investment leveraged by the grants, and potentially increased foot traffic or business activity in the revitalized areas. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in physical improvements and enhancing the aesthetic quality of downtown façades, the program will create a more inviting and economically dynamic environment, leading to increased community engagement and sustained revitalization efforts. The program’s strategic priorities are clearly focused on visual improvement and adherence to design guidelines to achieve these broader community development goals.

Creative Engagement is a program designed to assist Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused organizations in securing public and private funding to present arts activities to the public. It is overseen by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund, State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, and additional funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation. This program specifically targets artists and organizations that may not be able to directly apply to these larger agencies for arts funding, thereby acting as a crucial entry point for many applicants, often providing their first grant and helping to leverage further support. The program's mission aligns with supporting the arts at a grassroots level, fostering public access to a diverse range of artistic expressions, and building capacity within the arts community, particularly for those who might otherwise face barriers to funding. By offering technical assistance, networking opportunities, and promotional support, Creative Engagement not only provides financial aid but also helps develop the professional capabilities and visibility of its grantees. The underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering individual artists and smaller organizations, the program contributes to a more vibrant and accessible arts landscape within Manhattan. Creative Engagement primarily targets individual artists and collectives, as well as nonprofit organizations, all based in Manhattan. For nonprofit organizations, eligibility requires a core artistic mission or history of arts programming, proof of nonprofit status, and a commitment to not directly apply to DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. Individual artists must also be Manhattan-based and cannot apply on behalf of an organization. Collectives must designate a lead artist who meets these individual artist criteria. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process. The program prioritizes projects across various artistic disciplines, including performing, literary, media, and visual arts. This encompasses a broad spectrum from folk/traditional forms to contemporary and socially-engaged artistic practices. Supported activities are diverse, ranging from concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, and screenings to festivals, workshops, and readings. The expected outcomes include an increase in publicly accessible arts activities across Manhattan, enhanced capacity and sustainability for individual artists and small arts organizations, and the fostering of new and diverse artistic voices. Measurable results could include the number of grants awarded, the number of public events supported, and feedback from participants and audiences on the impact of the funded projects. Grants are awarded in specific amounts of $4,000, $8,000, and $12,000, depending on the number of funding sources an applicant is eligible for, indicating a structured approach to resource allocation.

This funding opportunity provides $100,000 to established for-profit businesses in Cook County, Illinois, to support their growth through capital investments in workforce expansion, equipment, and facility upgrades.

The City of Mishawaka's 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program aims to ensure decent affordable housing, provide services to vulnerable community members, and create jobs through business expansion and retention. This program is a vital tool for local governments to address community challenges, aligning with the broader mission of community development and support for low and moderate-income individuals and areas. The program targets several key beneficiaries and impact goals. It focuses on homeless individuals by improving and increasing public services. It also addresses the needs of special populations, including youth, the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals, through public service programs like feeding and social welfare initiatives. Housing is another critical area, with goals to promote homeownership, develop new affordable housing, preserve existing owner-occupied housing, and make accessibility improvements. The Mishawaka Consolidated Plan, covering 2025-2030, outlines specific priorities and focuses. These include Homeless Priority-Public Services, Special Needs Priority-1 Public Services, and various Housing initiatives such as Homeownership Assistance, Affordable Housing, and housing preservation and rehabilitation. Community Development Priority focuses on improving public and community facilities, infrastructure (streets, walks, curbs, ADA ramps), and eliminating slum conditions through demolition. Administration, Planning and Management, and Fair Housing are also key priorities, ensuring sound program oversight and promoting fair housing choices. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in decent affordable housing, enhanced public services for vulnerable populations, job creation, and improved community infrastructure. The program seeks to assist low and moderate-income persons and families in achieving homeownership, provide accessible housing, and revitalize blighted areas. Through these initiatives, the City of Mishawaka is implementing a strategic approach to community development, guided by a theory of change that posits that by addressing fundamental needs in housing, public services, and infrastructure, the overall quality of life for all residents will significantly improve. Eligible activities for CDBG funding are diverse and designed to help low and moderate-income individuals, households, or areas. These activities encompass Public Facilities and Improvements, Code Enforcement, Architectural Barrier Removal, and a wide array of Public Services (including youth, senior, childcare, homeless shelter operations, services for persons with HIV/AIDS, and crime prevention). Other eligible activities include Planning, Housing Services (down payment assistance, renovation), Microenterprise Assistance, Economic Development Assistance, and Façade Improvements for Private Businesses. This comprehensive approach ensures that various community needs can be addressed effectively.

The Tustin Cares program, offered by the City of Tustin in partnership with the Orange County-Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), presents the Main Street Digital Training & Grant Program. This initiative aims to provide vital training and funding to retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits within Tustin, specifically targeting an increase in their social media presence and overall revenue. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission alignment," the program's focus on local business development and recovery suggests an alignment with broader community economic well-being and resilience, particularly in the wake of financial hardships. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are for-profit commercially-zoned brick-and-mortar retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. Eligibility criteria specify that businesses must have had an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023, possess a minimum of 2 employees and no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023, and be in good standing with the City. Businesses that have participated in previous Main Street Digital Programs are ineligible, but those that received alternative COVID-19 related funding, such as EIDL or PPP loans, are eligible. The program's priorities and focuses are squarely on digital presence and revenue generation for small businesses and nonprofits. The SBDC has developed a virtual training program specifically designed to assist businesses with "Creating a Digital Presence." This emphasis highlights the City of Tustin's strategic priority to empower local enterprises with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace, thereby fostering economic growth and stability within the community. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an enhanced social media presence and increased revenue for participating businesses and nonprofits. The program's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted digital marketing training and financial assistance, local businesses will be better equipped to reach customers, expand their operations, and ultimately contribute to the economic revitalization of Tustin. The requirement for businesses to certify financial hardship due to COVID-19 and the $500 grant amount, which cannot exceed the amount of lost revenue, also suggest an immediate goal of alleviating pandemic-related economic strain.

This program provides financial assistance to small, independently owned businesses in Wakefield, Massachusetts, to help them enhance their digital marketing efforts and expand their online presence.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations and local entities in Bergen County, New Jersey, to promote and preserve local history through various programs and projects.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units for projects that directly benefit the residents of Blaine County, Montana, addressing important community needs.

The Hocking County Community Fund is currently accepting applications for grants to support projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Hocking County, Ohio. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The fund seeks to empower local efforts that address pressing needs, create opportunities, and unlock the potential within Hocking County. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are individuals of all ages within Hocking County, with a particular emphasis on those who are leading community-driven projects. The overarching impact goal is to foster positive change and development across the specified Pillars of Prosperity. By supporting a diverse range of initiatives, the fund aims to improve the quality of life, enhance community resources, and promote sustainable growth throughout the county. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more of the five Pillars of Prosperity. While funding requests typically range from $500 to $5,000, larger requests will be considered based on their potential for significant impact. The emphasis is on supporting efforts that are locally driven and directly address the needs and aspirations of Hocking County residents. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the areas of arts and culture, economic well-being, educational attainment, environmental health, and access to human services. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the focus on "creating opportunities," "meeting pressing needs," and "unleashing potential" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate a clear positive change within their respective areas. The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's strategic priorities are implicitly linked to the success of these grant-funded projects, with a theory of change rooted in empowering local communities to address their own challenges and build a more prosperous future.

The Sanford/Lee County Community Development Department is offering housing rehabilitation or reconstruction assistance. This program aims to improve substandard housing conditions for lower-income households. The initiative aligns with a broader mission of community development, likely focusing on enhancing living standards and economic stability within the region by addressing critical housing needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are lower-income households residing in substandard housing within Lee County. The program targets homeowners who are current occupants of their homes, have up-to-date real estate taxes, and possess a clear title to their property. The impact goals include providing safe and decent housing, improving the overall quality of life for residents, and contributing to the revitalization of the community. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, specifically for those most in need due to their income level and housing conditions. The department is applying to the N.C. Department of Commerce for a 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-NR Project, indicating a strategic focus on leveraging state and federal funds to achieve local community development objectives. The expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in housing quality and safety for the participating households. By providing essential repairs and reconstruction, the program aims to reduce the number of substandard homes in Lee County. While specific measurable results are not detailed, a typical outcome would involve tracking the number of homes rehabilitated, the cost-effectiveness of the repairs, and the subsequent impact on the residents' well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities, as indicated by their application for CDBG funds, likely involve addressing poverty, improving infrastructure, and fostering community resilience. This approach aligns with a theory of change that posits by providing direct housing assistance to vulnerable populations, the department can stimulate broader positive social and economic ripple effects within the community, such as improved health outcomes, increased property values, and enhanced civic engagement.

The provided text describes a proposed agreement and work plan to support the timely implementation of the WS EIS (Willamette Valley System Environmental Impact Statement) and AM (Adaptive Management) Plan, rather than a grant program from a foundation. Therefore, details regarding a foundation's mission alignment, strategic priorities, target beneficiaries, or theory of change are not available in this content. The core of the proposed work is centered on three key aspects for implementation: 1) Development and transfer of simulation tools to managing agencies; 2) Demonstrated application of simulations to inform management direction under uncertainty; and 3) Incorporation of the best available data to update simulation modeling for informed management decisions. This work involves salmon life cycle modeling, refinement of downstream passage modeling using the Corps’ Fish Benefit Workbook (FBW), and ongoing monitoring and analysis. A major focus is the development and description of an adaptive management framework. This framework aims to explicitly quantify objectives, performance, uncertainty, risk, and value of information. The priorities of this approach include enabling resource managers to efficiently update testable hypotheses, utilize limited or disparate data types, reduce analytical timelines, and prioritize monitoring data collection to ensure efficiency with taxpayer dollars. Expected outcomes include the completion of analysis on the effects of the preferred alternative on Upper Willamette River Spring Chinook and winter steelhead, supporting the completion of the final EIS. Further outcomes involve refining and delivering the FBW and lifecycle models for future application by USACE and other parties. The analysis is anticipated to occur after Biological Opinions are received (expected Summer 2024), continuing into Fall 2024 and potentially Winter 2025. Implementation and adaptive management are set to begin during the remainder of 2025 and future years following the signing of a record of decision.

The Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW) is offering its 2025 Community Investment Grant, a funding opportunity designed for organizations in Southern Winnebago County, Wisconsin. This grant program aligns directly with OAUW's mission to address critical community needs by investing in programs focused on youth-focused education, mental health, and financial stability. The OAUW's strategic approach is to support initiatives that create long-term positive change and foster a thriving community in the Oshkosh area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are residents of Southern Winnebago County, specifically within the zip codes 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904, 54906, 54927, 54963, 54964, 54980, 54985, and 54986. The OAUW aims to achieve significant impact by supporting programs that provide access to high-quality childcare and education, connect residents to health and human services (including healing and crisis intervention for mental health), and empower households to achieve financial stability through improved employment skills, reduced transportation barriers, and access to basic needs like food and shelter. The grant prioritizes programs in three key focus areas: Youth-Focused Education, Mental Health, and Financial Stability. Within Youth-Focused Education, OAUW seeks to fund programs that equip parents and children with tools for early childhood development and overall school and career readiness. For Mental Health, the focus is on connecting residents to support services for healing and crisis intervention. Financial Stability initiatives should improve skills for gainful employment, reduce transportation barriers, and offer essential resources such as food and shelter. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their programs benefit local residents, measure and track positive results for clients, maintain records, comply with anti-terrorist funding regulations, and practice non-discrimination. The OAUW will not fund individuals, religious activities serving only members, lobbying efforts, direct travel support (unless critical to an eligible program), advertising (beyond service awareness), endowments, capital campaigns, athletic associations, or fundraising events. The deadline for applications is June 28, 2024.

This funding is designed to support non-profit organizations in Hubbard County, Minnesota, that implement community-based programs and outreach initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse and promoting family well-being.

The Clayton County Tourism Authority (CCTA) FY24 Tourism Grant Program is designed to bolster visitor and tourism promotional efforts and enhance tourism product development within Clayton County, Georgia. This grant program is administered by the CCTA, utilizing funds derived from a portion of the local hotel/motel tax. The core mission alignment is to foster local economic impact by increasing tourism, specifically through heightened visitation from outside the Clayton County area and by elevating the county's appeal as a destination. The program targets entities such as not-for-profits, governmental, or quasi-governmental organizations that have demonstrated at least one year of fiscal operation and represent ongoing, sustainable operations. Beneficiaries must be located in Clayton County, or if a festival/event, it must take place within the county. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of overnight visitors to Clayton County from outside the area, thereby generating economic benefits and enhancing the county's destination appeal. The grant program prioritizes initiatives that support Clayton County's key tourism drivers, which include African American History and Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, the local and international Culinary Scene, and Film Festivals. Special consideration is given to projects that align with these drivers and the CCTA's strategic priorities and target audiences. Allowable expenses cover the development of new events or major exhibits, out-of-market tourism advertising and marketing (considered 50+ miles outside Clayton County), production costs for media advertising, photography, videography, website and social media development, and professional marketing services, with a cap of 10% on postage expenses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism and visitor engagement, leading to enhanced local economic impact. The CCTA's strategic approach is to fund marketing, product development, and other qualified expenses that directly contribute to attracting more external visitors. This theory of change posits that by investing in targeted promotional activities and tourism product enhancements, the county will become a more attractive destination, resulting in greater visitation and sustained economic growth. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the ability to execute their projects and provide a sponsorship benefits package equivalent to the grant funds received, ensuring a reciprocal benefit for the CCTA.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in Seguin's Downtown Historic District for exterior improvements that enhance the historic character and aesthetic of their buildings.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

The Gallia Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations for projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Gallia County, Ohio. This grant program aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity. These pillars—arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services—form the strategic framework for both organizations, ensuring that funding is directed towards comprehensive community development and upliftment in the region. The target beneficiaries of this program are individuals of all ages within Gallia County. The impact goals are centered on supporting those who are actively working to create opportunities, address pressing needs, and unlock the inherent potential within the county. The program emphasizes grassroots efforts and local initiatives, fostering a sense of community ownership and sustainable progress. By investing in these local leaders and their projects, the foundations aim to build a stronger, more resilient Gallia County. The grant program prioritizes projects and programs that directly address the five Pillars of Prosperity. This focus ensures that funding is strategically distributed across a spectrum of critical areas, from enhancing cultural experiences to improving educational outcomes and fostering economic growth. The foundations seek to fund initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to these areas, providing a holistic approach to community development rather than isolated interventions. Expected outcomes and measurable results are a key component of this grant program. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "advancing opportunities" and "meeting pressing needs" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate tangible improvements in the quality of life, access to resources, and overall well-being for Gallia County residents. Projects that can articulate clear objectives and potential for measurable positive change, particularly within the framework of the Pillars of Prosperity, are likely to be highly regarded. The funding range of $500 to $5,000, with consideration for larger requests based on impact, indicates a desire to support both smaller, targeted initiatives and larger, more transformative projects.

The City of Philomath's Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Grant Program is designed to reinvest collected transient lodging taxes and other tourism-related funds into amenities and services that cater to tourists and support economic development within the City. The annual grant program provides support to organizations that align with the City’s established tourism objectives. While the program's explicit "foundation mission alignment" and "theory of change" are not detailed as separate entities, the grant program itself serves as a mechanism to achieve the city's strategic goals for tourism, acting as the operational arm of its economic development and tourism promotion strategy. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are verifiable non-profit organizations, service organizations, or businesses that contribute to the development and improvement of Philomath’s economy through the enhancement, expansion, and promotion of the tourism industry. Individuals are explicitly not eligible to receive funding. The overarching impact goal is to foster economic growth and improve tourism-related services and infrastructure within Philomath, ultimately benefiting both tourists and residents by enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality. Current funding priorities dictate that 100% of the funds received through the City’s TLT and the County’s allocation to the City will be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities. Out of these funds, 50% will be reallocated to the Tourism Grant Program, to be awarded to eligible organizations through an annual application process. The remaining 50% will be used for tourism-related projects identified in the Philomath Strategic Plan. Recipients of funding are also expected to incorporate practices of equity, inclusion, and diversity, as well as responsible stewardship of Philomath’s land, air, and waters, indicating a focus on sustainable and equitable tourism development. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not quantified with specific metrics in the provided text, include the enhancement and expansion of the tourism industry, the promotion of Philomath as a tourist destination, and the development of tourism-related facilities. The program also aims to leverage private investment from hotels, motels, restaurants, retailers, private transport, and other tourism-related amenities and services, suggesting that a successful program will demonstrate an increase in private sector engagement and investment in tourism infrastructure. The periodic review of needs and update of priorities by the City Council indicates an adaptive strategic approach to achieve these outcomes.

This program provides technical assistance to small and vulnerable communities in Maine to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.