Local Science and Technology Grants

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is offering Incubator and Accelerator Grants to fund organizations that support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The program's mission aligns with stimulating economic development and fostering innovation by nurturing early-stage businesses. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of approximately $500,000, and a grant duration of one year. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2024. The target beneficiaries are early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sacramento region, particularly those with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The primary impact goal is for participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs to successfully start or grow their businesses, thereby spurring innovation and stimulating economic development locally. Non-profits and companies are invited to apply for funding to run these programs. The grant prioritizes programs that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals, educational workshops on business planning and financial management, product development support, and legal and administrative assistance. Furthermore, programs should focus on marketing and branding support, strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to funding through pitch training and investor introductions. Access to shared office space is also a valuable component. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of new businesses started and existing businesses grown within the Sacramento region. The program aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. The City's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to innovation and economic growth, with the theory of change being that by supporting early-stage businesses through comprehensive programs, they will be better equipped to succeed and contribute to the local economy. Eligible activities for grant expenditures are broad, covering program development and delivery, staff salaries, stipends for volunteers and participants, training supplies, office space, marketing, and even food for participants (up to 5% of the grant total). Scholarships for program participants, software subscription fees, and professional services are also permissible. Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within Sacramento city limits, or provide grant-supported programming within the city, and be in compliance with current and past City grants.

The Community Impact Arts Grant (CIAG) program, funded by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, offers financial support ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations and municipal departments in Los Angeles County, whose primary mission is outside of the arts, to enhance community wellbeing and solve civic problems through high-quality arts and culture programs.

This grant provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations in Stevens Point for projects that boost tourism and increase overnight stays in the city.

The County of San Luis Obispo in California is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that support countywide goals and address homelessness, with eligible activities including emergency shelters, street outreach, and tenant-based rental assistance, open to nonprofits, for-profit entities, and governmental agencies.

The Ramsey County's Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program is a redevelopment grant, offering $100,000 to $500,000 for projects that intensify land use, facilitate multifamily housing, improve pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure, and promote development in disinvested areas within transit, economic, and cultural corridors in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), offers crucial support to museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. This program is designed to facilitate half-day museum site assessments, providing professional expertise to help organizations better care for and exhibit their collections. The grant directly aligns with the broader mission of both NYSCA and GHHN to preserve and promote New York's rich cultural heritage by strengthening the foundational capacity of its cultural institutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions in New York State that own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This also includes federal and municipal museums and historic sites upon consultation with the grant administrator. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are particularly encouraged to apply, indicating a focus on empowering smaller institutions. The grant's impact goal is to enhance the professional care and management of cultural collections across the state, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of these vital historical assets. The grant prioritizes support for professional services from a Site Assessment consultant who will conduct a half-day site visit, focusing specifically on a collections-related topic. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is directly applicable and addresses specific needs within the organizations' collections management. There is also a clear focus on organizations that have not previously received funding from this specific site assessment program, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the grant to a wider range of institutions. This strategy helps distribute resources equitably and strengthens a diverse array of cultural organizations. The expected outcome of the grant is that recipient organizations will benefit from expert guidance, leading to improved collections care practices and enhanced organizational capacity. Measurable results include the completion of funded consultancy work within one year of the grant award date, demonstrating the timely application of professional advice. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies that by providing expert site assessments, organizations will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to address collections challenges, leading to stronger, more resilient cultural institutions that can better serve the public. The strategic priority is clearly to invest in the operational and collections-based health of New York's cultural sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for affordable housing and community development projects aimed at assisting low-income residents in Corvallis.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) administers a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, aims to enhance, grow, and improve the mid-channel of the food supply chain within New York State. The overarching mission alignment is to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products, excluding meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild-caught seafood. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are New York State agricultural producers, processors, groups of producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals that bring producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment for middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The impact goals are to increase the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets, benefit multiple producers and markets, and support the development of new value-added products. The program prioritizes infrastructure development to expand business capacity for processing, aggregation, storage, and distribution. Specific focuses include targeting infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries. Another key priority is to create greater market access to intermediaries like food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors, with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Expected outcomes include expanded processing capacities, modernized equipment and facilities, increased packaging and labeling capabilities, enhanced worker safety, and greater storage space, including cold storage. The program also seeks to develop and install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, and improves air/water quality. Measurable results would involve an increase in New York-sourced food products in local markets, a greater number of businesses with expanded processing and distribution capacities, and an increase in local food sales to institutions, ultimately strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the state's food supply chain.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) 2025 Improvement Grant Request for Applications (RFA) aims to enhance indigent defense services across Texas. This initiative aligns with a foundational mission to ensure quality legal representation for indigent defendants, a critical component of a fair justice system. By offering competitive grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, TIDC seeks to foster the development of new programs and processes that address the specific needs and challenges within the state's indigent defense landscape. The grants typically require county matching funds, promoting local investment and commitment to these crucial services. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are Texas counties, law school legal clinics, regional public defenders, and nonprofit corporations that provide indigent defense services. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the quality of representation for indigent defendants and to implement cost-containment initiatives for counties. TIDC prioritizes programs that establish managed indigent defense systems, including public defender and managed assigned counsel programs, as well as specialized services for clients with mental health challenges, regional services, and programs serving rural areas. Additionally, programs that measure the quality of representation and implement process management software are given precedence. The grant program features several categories designed to address various needs. Multi-Year Improvement Grants support ongoing indigent defense representation programs, offering funding over four years with a declining reimbursement rate and requiring a cash match. Rural Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants focus on regional programs in three or more counties with populations under 100,000, providing significant initial and ongoing sustainability funding. Single-Year Improvement Grants target process improvement and technology projects, while Technical Support Grants fund special projects like research, program assessments, and pilot initiatives to build knowledge and test new processes. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new public defender offices and managed assigned counsel systems, the development of specialized defender offices for mental health or juvenile cases, and the deployment of indigent defense coordinators. These outcomes are designed to create more robust, equitable, and efficient indigent defense systems across Texas. The TIDC's strategic priorities and theory of change center on the belief that by investing in diverse, targeted programs, counties can develop sustainable, high-quality indigent defense services that not only meet legal requirements but also significantly improve the lives of indigent defendants and reduce long-term county operating costs.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

The Environmental Education and Conservation Fund, established in 2018 by biologist Roger Foote and agronomist Chuck Vaughn, aims to foster appreciation, conservation, and responsible use of the natural environment within Mendocino County. This initiative aligns directly with the Community Foundation of Mendocino County's mission to support organizations, including educational institutions, that offer conservation and/or education programs. The overarching goal is to raise awareness about the natural world through educational endeavors and to directly address significant conservation challenges. The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including educational institutions and other organizations that provide conservation and education programs. The impact goals are centered around increasing ecological understanding, promoting natural resource management, highlighting the scientific method in conservation, addressing climate change and human roles in it, and encouraging land stewardship. Ultimately, the fund seeks to improve public access to natural lands, ensuring people from all backgrounds can experience and enjoy them. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated, encompassing both educational and conservation projects. Educational initiatives may include outdoor schools, science camps, college-level natural resource management programs, and natural history displays. Conservation projects, on the other hand, can involve wildlife surveys, habitat studies, restoration efforts, improving public access to conservation lands, land stewardship internships, tree planting, and invasive plant removal. The fund emphasizes a holistic approach to environmental well-being. Expected outcomes include a more informed public regarding ecological understanding and climate change, improved natural resource management practices, and tangible progress in habitat and watershed restoration. Measurable results could manifest in increased participation in environmental education programs, the successful completion of conservation projects such as a certain acreage of restored habitat, and an expansion of public access points to natural areas. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that investing in both education and direct conservation efforts will lead to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community, embodying a theory of change where knowledge and action drive positive ecological impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia to deliver free tax preparation and financial literacy services to low-to-moderate income households, helping them build wealth and access essential financial resources.

The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department has launched a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program as part of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. This program directly aligns with a foundational mission to reduce blight within the city limits. The initiative seeks to improve the overall quality of life and appearance of neighborhoods by addressing uninhabitable properties and fostering community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners within the city limits of Cumberland whose properties are currently uninhabitable. The program aims to encourage residents to rehabilitate these properties, thereby contributing to the broader goal of neighborhood revitalization. The impact goals are centered on reducing the number of blighted properties and enhancing the structural integrity and liveability of homes in the area. The program's priorities and focuses include providing 50% matching funds, up to $25,000, for eligible improvements. A key focus is on properties with an assessed value under $100,000, ensuring that the grants support a specific segment of the housing market that is often most in need of rehabilitation. The application process emphasizes a clear documentation of the property's current vacant and uninhabitable state, a detailed renovation plan, and proof of available matching funds. Expected outcomes include the successful rehabilitation of numerous properties, leading to a visible reduction in blight and an increase in safe, habitable homes. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of properties rehabilitated, the total investment leveraged by the matching funds, and the overall improvement in property values and neighborhood aesthetics. The program also encourages a timeline to completion, indicating an expectation of timely project execution.

The Impact KC Grant Program, administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, is designed to make a substantive impact on the well-being of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering volunteerism, fundraising, and education to address community needs. Impact KC is funded through general membership and aims to award one-time grants annually to one to four eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The program targets a wide range of beneficiaries across various areas of interest, including Aging, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education/Youth services, Health and Life Sciences, and Social services/Families. The core impact goal is to provide funds that will have a substantive impact on a tangible project or defined purpose within these areas. This focus ensures that the grants contribute to concrete and measurable improvements in the well-being of the Kansas City community. Impact KC's priorities are broadly defined by the areas of interest, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear potential for significant positive change. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies a commitment to supporting local nonprofits that can effectively implement projects addressing critical community needs. The selection of organizations that can articulate a specific purpose for the funds reflects a results-oriented approach. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of tangible projects and the achievement of defined purposes within the grant recipient organizations. Although specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the requirement for funds to be used for "specific purpose(s) as outlined in the original grant proposal" suggests an expectation of accountability and a focus on achieving the proposed objectives. The grant size, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, indicates support for projects with a defined scope, enabling recipients to address specific challenges effectively.

This program provides reimbursement funds to non-franchised commercial property and business owners in Wickliffe, Ohio, for enhancing the appearance of storefronts, signage, parking lots, and street-visible hardscaping.

The Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) is accepting applications for the Digital Equity Fund (DEF), a grant program designed to foster community-led digital equity outreach, digital inclusion planning, and implementation within Baltimore City. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to bridge the significant digital divide experienced by many Baltimore residents, where over 25% lack a digital device and more than 40% lack internet access. The program's strategic priority is to address these gaps through targeted interventions, aiming for a theory of change that by investing in digital education, inclusion programming, and IT skills, vulnerable populations will gain the essential tools to fully participate in the modern digital world. The DEF focuses on providing digital education training, digital inclusion programming, and initiatives specifically in low digital inclusion communities throughout Baltimore. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable residents: those in low digital equity communities, people with disabilities, older adults, immigrants and non-English speakers, racial or ethnic minority groups, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, people experiencing homelessness, and families with children under five. The impact goal is to empower these communities by enhancing digital literacy and skills, thereby reducing the disparities caused by decades of disinvestment and the digital divide. The program is structured around three distinct grant categories, each with a maximum award of $200,000, and a grant period from September 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Tier 1, "Digital Literacy Education Training," supports initiatives for older adults and the wider community through tech hubs at recreation centers, focusing on basic computer skills, internet usage, and digital skills for job seekers. Tier 2, "Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming," aims to provide IT fundamental skills training and certification, such as Cisco IT Essentials or CompTIA certifications, to residents aspiring to IT careers. Tier 3, "Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming," encourages education in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing at local recreation centers. Expected outcomes for the DEF include increased digital literacy and skills across the target populations, enhanced access to digital devices and internet for underserved households, and improved employment opportunities for residents through IT certification. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals receiving training, certifications earned, and participation in digital creative programs. The ultimate goal is to see a significant reduction in the digital divide in Baltimore City, enabling more residents to engage effectively in the digital world and addressing the systemic inequities faced by the most vulnerable.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small-scale marketing projects that promote tourism in the Manzanita area during the off-season, helping local businesses attract visitors when traffic is typically lower.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants, provided by Iowa Arts & Culture, offer general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural, and humanities organizations in Iowa. This program is designed to enhance the cultural and managerial excellence and community service of these organizations. Funding is made possible through an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. This aligns with a mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape within Iowa by supporting the operational needs of key cultural institutions. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is focused on arts or culture, as well as arts or cultural divisions of municipal governments. Eligible entities must maintain an annual cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 and have a minimum of one dedicated year-round staff or volunteer position responsible for oversight and management. The impact goal is to strengthen the operational capacity and community engagement of these organizations, ensuring their long-term sustainability and ability to deliver cultural services across all counties in Iowa. The program prioritizes organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that can demonstrate a commitment to improving their cultural and managerial excellence and community service. The focus is on providing stable, multi-year funding to help these organizations achieve their goals. Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, specifically to support operating expenses incurred within each eligible funding period. The funding period for the current cycle is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural programming, improved organizational management, and stronger community service among recipient organizations. Measurable results would involve the effective utilization of funds for operational expenses, leading to greater organizational stability and the continued delivery of arts and cultural experiences to Iowa communities. While the document does not explicitly detail a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the funding structure and eligibility criteria reflect a strategic priority of the Iowa Arts Council and its partners to invest in the foundational strength of cultural organizations. The implicit theory of change is that by providing consistent operational support, these organizations will be better equipped to fulfill their missions, enrich the lives of Iowans, and contribute to the state's economic and cultural vitality.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and community organizations in Knoxville to implement programs that raise awareness and prevent youth violence during National Youth Violence Prevention Week.