Local Science and Technology Grants

The Jackson County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs benefiting Jackson County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across five critical areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on fostering growth and addressing pressing needs within the region, with this grant program directly contributing to those objectives by investing in local efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals of all ages within Jackson County. The program specifically targets those who are leading initiatives that create opportunities, meet critical needs, and unlock the potential of the community. The impact goals are broad, aiming to uplift the county through diverse projects that resonate with the Pillars of Prosperity. By supporting a range of efforts, the foundations seek to create a ripple effect of positive change across various sectors, improving the overall quality of life for residents. The program's priorities and focus areas are explicitly tied to the Pillars of Prosperity. Applications will be evaluated based on how well they advance opportunities in arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The emphasis is on supporting initiatives that are locally driven and demonstrate a clear capacity to create tangible benefits. Funding requests are ideally between $500 and $5,000, though larger requests may be considered if they promise significant impact, demonstrating a flexible approach to achieve their strategic goals. Expected outcomes include a strengthened community fabric, enhanced access to vital resources, improved educational and economic prospects, greater environmental sustainability, and better health and human services for Jackson County residents. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each awarded project, such as an increase in participation in cultural programs, job creation numbers, improvements in academic performance, conservation efforts, or the reach of health services. Through these investments, the Foundation's theory of change posits that by empowering local leaders and funding impactful projects, sustainable positive transformation will occur, unleashing the full potential within Jackson County.

The City of Tustin, through its Tustin Cares program, is offering the Main Street Digital Training and Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC). This initiative aims to provide training and funding to local retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits, collectively referred to as "Businesses," that are looking to enhance their social media presence and/or increase revenue. This program aligns with a broader mission of supporting local economic growth and resilience, particularly for entities impacted by external factors such as COVID-19, as indicated by the allowance for businesses not in good standing due to pandemic-related issues. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. These entities must also possess an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023 and have a minimum of two employees, including owners, and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023. Certain businesses are explicitly excluded, such as cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, largely cash-based businesses, and residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators. The program's impact goals center on empowering these eligible businesses to improve their digital marketing capabilities and ultimately boost their financial performance. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly on digital transformation and revenue generation through enhanced social media presence. By offering training, the program aims to equip businesses with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. The grant component provides crucial financial support, enabling businesses to implement these new strategies. This focus reflects a strategic priority to modernize local businesses and help them adapt to contemporary market demands, thereby strengthening the local economy from within. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the social media presence of participating businesses and a measurable improvement in their revenue. While specific metrics for "measurable results" are not detailed beyond "increase their social media presence and/or revenue," the implicit theory of change is that by providing targeted training and financial assistance for digital marketing, businesses will become more competitive, attract a wider customer base, and achieve sustainable growth. The program's success will likely be evaluated based on the number of businesses trained, the grants disbursed, and the reported improvements in their digital engagement and financial health.

The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program is a collaborative effort between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various partners including BGE, Charles County, the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works, and others. This program is designed to foster community engagement, raise awareness, and facilitate on-the-ground restoration projects. Its core mission aligns with increasing knowledge, changing behaviors, and accelerating the stewardship of natural resources within Maryland. The Trust encourages projects that recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, aiming for co-benefits such as improved air quality, access to green spaces, and reduced flooding, alongside direct natural resource improvements. The program targets a diverse range of organizations, encompassing both community-related and environmental-focused missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 private nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community and homeowners associations, public agencies, and educational institutions. The overarching impact goals are to increase public understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, address community environmental health disparities, implement demonstration-scale community-inspired restoration projects, and expand the base of public support for the restoration and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Projects funded through this grant program must meet one or both of two primary goals: engaging specific audiences in community sustainability and environmental health issues through knowledge-building or behavior-change efforts, and accomplishing on-the-ground restoration that enhances the health of Maryland's natural resources, specifically through water quality improvement or habitat enhancement. These priorities are further broken down into four distinct funding tracks: Outreach/Knowledge Building (up to $50,000), Behavior Change (up to $75,000), Restoration (up to $100,000), and Outreach and Restoration (up to $125,000), allowing applicants to focus on their specific expertise and project scope. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased knowledge and altered behaviors among community members regarding environmental stewardship. On-the-ground restoration projects are expected to yield tangible improvements in water quality and habitat health. The program seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led stewardship efforts and address local environmental health disparities. By engaging a broad spectrum of organizations and communities, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and its partners aim to build a stronger, more informed base of support for long-term environmental protection and restoration across the state of Maryland.

Grant Opportunity: California: Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program (Round 2) The Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program aims to provide relief to microbusinesses and entrepreneurs severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns. A total of $107,500 in relief funds will be distributed by Nevada County, with administration and technical assistance provided by Sierra Business Council. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing certified equipment, investing in working capital, obtaining or renewing local permits, paying business debt accrued due to the pandemic, and covering costs resulting from pandemic-related health and safety restrictions or business interruptions. To qualify as a "qualified microbusiness," entities must meet specific criteria related to their physical address within Nevada County, commencement of operations before December 31, 2019, significant impact from the pandemic evidenced by revenue reduction or attestation, annual revenues below $50,000 in 2019, and primary income source for the owner in 2019. For more details and application information, visit the Microbusiness Grants website.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofits and organizing committees in Mankato to create or sustain community events that benefit the local economy and are open to the public.

The City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), managed jointly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to bolster cybersecurity across state, local, and territorial governments, including rural areas. This initiative directly aligns with a foundational mission to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of essential services provided by these governmental entities. By making targeted investments in cybersecurity, the program seeks to mitigate cybersecurity risks and combat threats to information systems, thereby protecting public services and data. The primary beneficiaries of the SLCGP are state, local governments, rural areas, and territories. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the security posture of these governmental agencies, ensuring the continuity and integrity of their services. This is achieved through direct financial assistance and the establishment of robust cybersecurity practices. A key priority is the pass-through requirement, mandating that at least 80 percent of federal funds reach local governments, including those in rural areas, to ensure a broad and equitable distribution of resources. The program's focus areas include addressing existing cybersecurity risks and proactively defending against emerging threats to information systems. CISA contributes subject-matter expertise, defining allowable activities that ensure investments are strategic and effective. FEMA oversees eligibility and grant administration, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis on a certified pass-through process underscores a commitment to direct local impact and accountability in fund utilization. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in successful cyberattacks against state, local, and territorial government systems, leading to improved data security and service reliability. Measurable results will stem from the effective implementation of cybersecurity enhancements and the documented distribution of funds to local entities. The underlying strategic priority is to create a more secure and resilient governmental infrastructure across the nation, operating under a theory of change where targeted federal investment and collaborative management lead to tangible improvements in cybersecurity capabilities at all levels of government, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.

This grant provides financial support to businesses in Daggett County for projects that promote economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and business expansion within the area.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development has launched a new grant opportunity called “ACCESS GRANTED.” This initiative is designed to support small minority and women-owned businesses, both start-up and established, by providing access to capital for specific projects aimed at scaling their operations. The program aligns with the city's mission to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The primary beneficiaries of the "ACCESS GRANTED" program are small minority and women-owned businesses within The City of Frederick limits. The impact goal is to empower these businesses by providing financial assistance that will facilitate their growth and development. This initiative aims to address the challenges these businesses face in accessing capital, thereby contributing to a more equitable and robust local economy. The program prioritizes small minority and/or women-owned businesses that are physically located within The City of Frederick limits. Eligibility criteria include being a registered for-profit business, being in good standing in the state of Maryland, and having no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. These criteria ensure that the funding reaches businesses that are genuinely in need of support and are poised for growth within the city. The City of Frederick has earmarked $400,000 for this program, with individual grant sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The expected outcome is a tangible increase in the capacity and scalability of participating businesses, leading to job creation, economic growth, and enhanced community vibrancy. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the financial allocation, the program's success will likely be evaluated by the number of businesses supported, the scale of projects undertaken, and the overall economic impact on the community.

The City of York's Education, Empowerment & Enhancement (3E) Grant Program is supported by ARPA funds and aims to increase the operating capacity of small businesses. This program is rooted in the city's broader ARPA grant initiatives, which are designed to benefit City of York residents and the community. The alignment with the city's mission is evident in its focus on supporting local businesses, particularly those in Qualified Census Tract (QCT) areas, which the U.S. Treasury recognizes as disproportionately impacted. This strategic focus ensures that grant funds are directed towards areas and populations most in need, contributing to the overall economic resilience and social well-being of the city. The primary target beneficiaries of the 3E Grant Program are small business owners in the City of York who are minorities, women, or people with disabilities. To be eligible, businesses must also earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues, be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations, and be physically located within a QCT in the City of York. Additionally, no owners should have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering business growth and stability within these underserved communities by providing resources for education, professional development, and operational enhancements. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the "3E's": Education, Empowerment, and Enhancement. Education encompasses classes, certificates, and training for business owners and/or their employees. Empowerment focuses on retreats, workshops, and coaching to build professional development. Enhancement involves improvements to business operations through new software, products, or equipment. These areas represent the core strategies through which the grant intends to address the operational capacity and growth challenges faced by eligible small businesses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operating capacity of participating small businesses. This can manifest as improved skills through education, enhanced leadership and strategic thinking through empowerment, and increased efficiency or service offerings through operational enhancements. Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds, providing a clear timeframe for impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, the City of York can create a more equitable and robust local economy, particularly for businesses in historically disadvantaged areas, leading to sustained growth and community benefit.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Murfreesboro to deliver essential services and affordable housing solutions for low- and moderate-income residents.

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is offering Cycle 47 of its Program Development Grants (PDG) to support innovative programs and best practices throughout California. The SCDD's mission is to advocate for, promote, and implement policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion for Californians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. This grant program directly aligns with the SCDD's overarching goal to improve the lives of people with I/DD by engaging in and promoting self-advocacy, capacity-building, and systems change. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or cross-disabilities, as well as their families. The grants aim to create measurable improvements in their lives. The SCDD seeks to award funding to California-based agencies and organizations that represent and/or serve these individuals, including local government agencies, non-government organizations, tribal organizations, community-based non-profits, and established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt coalitions. The SCDD's 2022-2026 State Plan outlines three key strategic priorities and focuses: Self-Advocacy, Systems Change/Advocacy, and Capacity-Building/Advocacy. For Self-Advocacy, the goal by 2026 is to maintain and/or increase the number of people with I/DD who become strong self-advocates, peer trainers, and community leaders. The Systems Change/Advocacy priority aims for the Council, in partnership with family/self-advocates, to lead in protecting and enhancing civil rights to improve community-based systems, making them more inclusive and supportive of people with I/DD and their families. For Capacity-Building/Advocacy, the Council plans to increase partnerships with and support of more people with I/DD and their families by 2026, ensuring they understand their rights and can advocate for and receive necessary supports and services. The expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to these State Plan goals. Through the PDG, the SCDD anticipates fostering programs that will lead to more empowered self-advocates, more inclusive community systems, and a greater understanding of rights and access to services for people with I/DD and their families. The Council has allocated a total fund of $300,000 for one or more Cycle 47 grants, with a grant period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This funding supports the SCDD's theory of change, which posits that by investing in community-based organizations that research, develop, and/or implement innovative programs, they can achieve their state plan objectives and significantly enhance the quality of life for Californians with I/DD.

The "Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program," launched by the City of Long Beach, is an initiative designed to enhance the success and sustainability of small businesses. While the description doesn't explicitly detail a "foundation mission alignment," the program itself aligns with the broader civic mission of economic development and community prosperity. By empowering local entrepreneurs, the City of Long Beach aims to strengthen its local economy and foster a vibrant business environment, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of its residents and community. The program targets small businesses located and operating within Long Beach, California, with a storefront accessible to the public. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of three years as of April 23, 2024, be independently-owned for-profit entities (including sole proprietorships, LLCs, or Corporations that are not publicly traded), or 501(c)3 nonprofits. They must hold an active or delinquent City of Long Beach business license, be currently open and active, and earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue. Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships must have an "ACTIVE" status with the California Secretary of State. The program excludes businesses without a physical location, permanently closed businesses, government entities, political/lobbying activities, passive businesses, religious organizations, financial lending businesses, landlords/property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business), illegal activities, socially undesirable activities (e.g., check cashing), businesses with active code enforcement/COVID-19 Health Order violations, and cannabis-related businesses. The program's priorities and focuses include igniting growth and fostering excellence among Long Beach's small businesses. Through no-cost training sessions, participants will receive comprehensive support in strategic business planning, marketing, branding, social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement, permitting/licensing, merchandising, networking, biz-to-biz mentorship, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling. A selection committee will determine program participants and grant awards based on representation across all parts of the city (with priority for low-to-moderate income areas), representation across multiple sectors, and business readiness and potential impact of program participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants becoming eligible to apply for $10,000 grants upon completion of the program, which are intended to empower them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. The City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 25 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. The focus on comprehensive workshops and subsequent grant eligibility directly aims to translate the acquired knowledge and resources into tangible business expansion and increased sustainability. While specific quantitative metrics for growth and resilience are not detailed, the program's structure implies that the successful utilization of the grants and learned strategies will be key indicators of impact.

Grant Opportunity: Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG – CV) is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant program. Eligible applicants must meet the Low-to-Moderate-Income requirement. Please note that businesses located in the City of Racine are not eligible for this grant as the City has received its own allocation directly from HUD.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local businesses and non-profits for community-focused projects that promote public engagement, enhance public spaces, and foster economic growth in Hyattsville.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant funding to support early child care providers within the county. This grant program aims to enhance the quality of child care services by funding improvements in educational materials, physical environments, technology, and developmental support services. The program's mission aligns with fostering a robust early childhood education ecosystem, recognizing the critical role these providers play in child development and community well-being. The grant targets DCFS Licensed Childcare Providers located in Will County. Priority is given to providers serving specific populations, including children ages birth to five in Will County R3 Zones, those receiving Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL), children in the Early Intervention program, children with developmental or medical diagnoses, and children with active Individually Education Plans (IEP) in the public school system. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these providers to offer high-quality care, particularly to vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to developmental and educational resources. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include the acquisition of educational materials such as books, art supplies, and STEAM/STEM resources; improvements to the physical environment including safety, sanitation, furniture, and air/water filtration; technology upgrades for security systems, computer software for administrative tasks, and parent communication; and developmental supports like screening tools, consultant hiring, social-emotional program enhancements, and health screenings. The focus is on creating safe, stimulating, and technologically advanced environments that cater to the holistic developmental needs of young children. Expected outcomes include improved learning environments, enhanced safety and health standards, more efficient administrative processes, and increased access to specialized developmental support services for children. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of new educational tools, upgraded facilities, advanced technology systems, and the provision of targeted developmental interventions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and readiness for school of Will County's young children, thereby supporting the county's broader strategic priorities in early childhood development and community health.

This funding opportunity provides up to $40,000 for community groups and local agencies in the Oklahoma City Metro area to enhance public spaces through projects like tree planting and landscaping that promote public engagement and accessibility.

The Community Development Corporation Grant Program, offered by the City of Akron, Ohio, is designed to partner with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to invest in projects that foster population and tax revenue growth. This is achieved through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted, or historic buildings, increased investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. The program's core mission aligns with promoting urban renewal and economic development within Akron's neighborhoods. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Community Development Corporations (501(c)(3) nonprofits located within Akron, Ohio city limits) and, by extension, the residents and neighborhoods of Akron. The impact goals include creating new housing options, enabling business creation and attraction, and providing essential resources for Akron residents. The program prioritizes projects that utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to support investments, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and community well-being. The program focuses on several key areas. These include revitalizing and repurposing distressed properties, investing in infrastructure, improving housing, and delivering public services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate an appropriate use of funding in accordance with the CDBG purpose, hold a certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio, and be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. A crucial requirement is also the ability to provide documentation of at least three previous projects undertaken by the CDC within its footprint area, ensuring a track record of effective community development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased population and tax revenue growth, a reduction in vacant or blighted properties, an increase in new housing options, and the creation and attraction of businesses. While a specific "theory of change" or "foundation's strategic priorities" is not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the City of Akron's strategic priority is clearly to utilize CDBG funds to stimulate local investment, enhance community infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for its residents. The overall goal is to foster an environment that attracts development and provides resources, thereby strengthening Akron's neighborhoods. The City of Akron has allocated a total of $500,000 for this grant program, with individual awards available up to $125,000 per applicant. The grant duration is one year, indicating a focus on projects with a relatively swift implementation and impact. This funding structure and duration suggest a strategy aimed at initiating and supporting tangible, short-to-medium-term development projects that contribute to the broader, long-term revitalization goals of the city.

The Community Foundation of Chippewa County in Wisconsin is offering grants ranging from $500 to $6,500 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that benefit the communities of Chippewa County, with a focus on projects that promote arts, culture, community development, education, environment, animal welfare, health and human services, and demonstrate sustainability and strong volunteer involvement.

The James City County Good Neighbor Grant Program aims to enrich neighborhoods by fostering community spirit and environmental well-being through sustainable community planning. This grant seeks to align with a broader mission of promoting civic pride and environmental stewardship among residents by encouraging active participation in maintaining and enhancing communal spaces. The program's core objective is to empower community members to take ownership and responsibility for their shared environments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the community members within James City County, with a focus on neighborhoods seeking to improve their common areas. The program's impact goals center on enhancing the physical aspects of these communal spaces, leading to a more vibrant and environmentally healthy community. This includes improvements in areas such as community gardens, entryway landscaping, trail systems, communal composting, and playground or pool area aesthetics. The program prioritizes projects that focus on environmental quality and the minimization of negative impacts. This includes initiatives like the installation of native plants to support local ecosystems, the implementation of erosion control methods to protect natural resources, and place-making efforts that create inviting and functional spaces for residents. Additionally, the grant encourages projects that consider energy-saving techniques and litter prevention measures, further contributing to a sustainable and clean environment. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the physical appearance and ecological health of common areas, leading to increased community engagement and a stronger sense of shared responsibility. Measurable results could include the number of native plants installed, linear feet of trails improved, or the establishment of new community gardens. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support and encouraging community-led initiatives, residents will be more invested in their neighborhoods, fostering a positive cycle of environmental improvement and social cohesion. Matching grant awards up to $500 demonstrate a commitment to supporting these local efforts.