Local Science and Technology Grants

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 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.

This grant program is centered on supporting the timely implementation of the WS EIS and AM Plan, aligning with a foundational mission to foster informed environmental management and decision-making. The core of this program lies in developing and transferring simulation tools to managing agencies for ongoing use, demonstrating their application to guide management under uncertainty, and continuously integrating the best available data to refine simulation modeling. This strategic approach ensures that environmental management decisions are based on the most current and robust scientific understanding. The target beneficiaries of this program are resource managers and agencies involved in the management of the Upper Willamette River, specifically concerning Spring Chinook and winter steelhead populations. The primary impact goal is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental management, particularly through an adaptive management framework. This framework explicitly quantifies objectives, performance, uncertainty, risk, and the value of information, enabling managers to improve testable hypotheses, utilize diverse data, reduce analytical timelines, and prioritize data collection efficiently, thereby optimizing taxpayer dollars. Key priorities and focuses of the program include salmon life cycle modeling, refinement and application of downstream passage modeling using the Corps Fish Benefit Workbook (FBW), and ongoing monitoring and analysis to inform these models. A significant focus is also placed on completing the analysis of effects of the preferred alternative on Upper Willamette River Spring Chinook and winter steelhead to support the final EIS. The program also emphasizes refining the FBW to address structural limitations and delivering updated FBW and lifecycle models for future application by the USACE and other relevant parties. Expected outcomes include the completion of the final EIS for the Upper Willamette River, supported by comprehensive analysis of biological opinions from NMFS and USFWS. Measurable results will stem from the improved accuracy and application of simulation tools and lifecycle models, leading to more informed and adaptable management decisions. The adaptive management framework is designed to produce tangible improvements in the efficiency of resource allocation and data utilization, ensuring that monitoring efforts are prioritized and cost-effective. Implementation and adaptive management are set to begin in the remainder of 2025 and continue in future years, following the signing of a record of decision, demonstrating the program's long-term commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship.

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.

This program provides financial support to licensed childcare providers to improve the quality of their services through equipment upgrades, technology investments, and facility enhancements.

This program provides funding to residents and community groups in the Worthington School District for projects that strengthen community ties and enhance local neighborhoods.

The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, offers crucial financial assistance to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, bars serving food, and other eating establishments. This initiative aligns with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce's mission to promote economic growth and well-being within the LGBTQ+ business community. By providing grants, the program helps sustain and strengthen these businesses, contributing to the overall economic vitality of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and allies. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+ ally-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes that serve food. The program aims to provide a financial lifeline to these establishments, helping them navigate economic challenges and fostering their continued operation and success. The impact goal is to ensure the resilience and growth of these businesses, which often serve as vital community hubs and safe spaces. The program's priorities and focus are clear: supporting establishments that identify as LGBTQ+-owned or ally-owned, with a specific emphasis on those in the food service industry. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of LGBTQ+ or allied ownership and not having received two or more NGLCC Community Impact Grants in previous years. This ensures that the grants reach a diverse range of businesses in need and are distributed equitably. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation and potential growth of recipient businesses, increased financial stability, and enhanced capacity to serve their communities. Measurable results could include the number of businesses supported, the average grant amount disbursed, and qualitative feedback from recipients on how the funding has positively impacted their operations and local communities. The grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, providing substantial support to individual establishments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that direct financial investment in LGBTQ+ and allied businesses creates a ripple effect of positive economic and social impact. By bolstering these enterprises, the program contributes to job creation, local economic development, and the overall empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community. This targeted approach ensures that resources are directed where they can have the most significant and immediate benefit, reinforcing the NGLCC's commitment to a thriving LGBTQ+ business ecosystem.

The Innovia Foundation's LaunchNW Rural Grant Program aims to "galvanize entire communities to ensure that every child finds belonging and travels their best journey from birth to career attainment." This initiative, initially implemented in Spokane County, is now expanding to rural communities in ten eastern Washington counties served by the Innovia Foundation. The program's core mission aligns with the foundation's broader goal of addressing changing community needs and generating sustainable, measurable change. By focusing on rural areas, LaunchNW extends the foundation's impact to underserved populations, fostering community-based solutions to support children's development from an early age through their careers. The target beneficiaries of the LaunchNW Rural Grant Program are the children and communities within the selected rural counties of eastern Washington. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by partnering with local leaders and various community sectors to provide funding and technical support. The primary goal is to empower these communities to create environments where every child can thrive, leading to improved educational outcomes, enhanced well-being, and ultimately, successful career attainment. This initiative reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in community-led efforts and fostering strong local partnerships, lasting positive change can be achieved at a systemic level. The program prioritizes communities that can establish a "community-based LaunchNW Coordinator" to facilitate local efforts. Grants of $30,000 are specifically allocated to partially support these coordinators for two years, highlighting the program's focus on building local capacity and leadership. The emphasis is on sustainable, measurable change, suggesting a commitment to long-term impact rather than short-term interventions. Innovia Foundation's strategic priorities include supporting public charities, federally recognized tribes, and public entities, ensuring that funding reaches legitimate organizations with clear charitable purposes. This approach underscores the foundation's commitment to responsible and impactful philanthropy. Expected outcomes include galvanized communities, enhanced belonging for children, and improved journeys from birth to career attainment. The program anticipates measurable results through the sustained efforts of community-based coordinators and the collaborative work of local leaders and various sectors. By providing two years of support for coordinators, the foundation aims to establish a strong foundation for long-term success and self-sufficiency within the participating communities. The program's design, which encourages applications from diverse eligible entities and allows for multiple grant applications, demonstrates Innovia Foundation's flexible and inclusive approach to community development.

The City of Dubuque’s Small Business Support Grant is a program designed to assist small business owners with operating costs, offering up to $5,000 in reimbursement for eligible expenses. The program's core goal is to cover immediate business expenses while simultaneously equipping business owners with strategies for sustained success. The City partners with the Fountain of Youth Program to administer the grant, integrating a developmental component into the financial aid. The grant targets small business owners residing within the City of Dubuque limits. Eligible businesses must have fewer than five employees, have been operational for at least 12 months, and the applicant must have filed their 2022 and/or 2023 personal and business income taxes. A key criterion for eligibility is that the applicant must be an individual from a low- to moderate-income household, ensuring the support reaches those who need it most within the community. The program's priorities and focus are twofold: providing short-term financial assistance and fostering long-term business improvement. Recipients are required to participate in an eight-week personal and professional development program facilitated by Fountain of Youth and will be matched with a business mentor. This structured support aims to help business owners enhance their practices and increase their income, moving beyond just immediate financial relief. Expected outcomes include not only the continued operation of businesses due to covered expenses but also improved business practices and increased income for participating owners. The reimbursement model, contingent on participation in personal and professional development activities, reinforces the program's commitment to both immediate aid and sustainable growth. The grant details do not mention a specific "foundation" or its mission alignment, strategic priorities, or theory of change, as this is a city-run grant program.