Local Science and Technology Grants

The City of Greenbelt's Tree Canopy grant program offers one-time, reimbursable grants to homeowners and community organizations for the purchase and planting or replacement of trees. This initiative directly aligns with the City's mission to enhance its iconic tree canopy, addressing issues caused by storm damage, disease, and invasive insects. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission," the grant's purpose of increasing density and resiliency of the tree canopy reflects a strategic priority for urban environmental health and sustainability within the City of Greenbelt. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are civic, neighborhood, community, and homeowner organizations, as well as apartment complexes and Greenbelt residential homeowners. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including mitigating the effects of environmental damage on trees, promoting green infrastructure, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and ecological value of the urban landscape. By supporting the planting and replacement of trees, the grant contributes to a healthier environment for residents and a more robust ecosystem. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the increase of the City's tree canopy density and resiliency. Funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), can be used for purchasing, installing, staking, and mulching trees. This focus indicates a strategic priority on practical and tangible tree-planting efforts. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance for tree acquisition and installation, the City can incentivize and empower its residents and organizations to actively participate in strengthening the local tree canopy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of healthy trees across Greenbelt, particularly in areas affected by damage or disease. Measurable results will likely include the number of trees planted or replaced, the types of trees planted, and the number of participating organizations and homeowners. Applicants are required to provide a written cost estimate for trees with a one-year guarantee, a maintenance and survivability plan, and a project budget, which suggests an emphasis on the long-term success and accountability of the planting initiatives.

CDBG COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant – Illinois: The City of Danville is offering up to $139,820 in funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support small businesses within the city in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant aims to supplement existing federal or state programs and provide targeted assistance to help Danville businesses effectively navigate the impact of the pandemic.

The Charleston County Community Development Program has announced the opening of the application period for the 2025-2026 Urban Entitlement Funding Request for Applications (RFA). This program supports projects that align with the goals of the county's Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2021–2025. Applicants must clearly identify which goal their project addresses and include measurable outputs. Additionally, applications should specify whether the funding request is for Charleston County, the City of North Charleston, or both jurisdictions. The application window runs from November 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. Funding is available through several programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), and Emergency Solutions Grant (HESG). Each program has specific requirements, and applicants must submit all documents electronically via the Urban Entitlement Application in Neighborly. Signed forms must include an authorized representative’s signature. HESG applicants must also obtain an endorsement letter from the Lowcountry Continuum of Care, with requests due by December 13, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST. The required documents vary by program and include forms such as the Application Certification, Financial Statement Form, and budget templates specific to each grant type. Additional details can be found in Section 5 of the RFA Instructions. Workshops will be held to assist applicants on December 3, 2024, at City Hall in North Charleston and December 5, 2024, at the Charleston County Council Chambers. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the application process and ask questions. Applicants may also submit written questions about the RFA process to Community Development staff by December 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST. Answers will be posted in an addendum on December 20, 2024. Town hall meetings will be hosted in participating jurisdictions to discuss program funding and gather community input, with meetings scheduled throughout November and December 2024. Projects must align with the Consolidated Plan's goals and provide measurable results. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by the January 6, 2025, deadline through the designated portal. Late submissions will not be accepted. For additional information or support, applicants can email [email protected] or call (843) 202-6960.

The Tioga County Youth Bureau in New York is accepting applications for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to fund youth development, after-school, recreation, and sports programs run by non-profit organizations, with the aim of promoting the well-being of youth and families in under-resourced communities.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, offers approximately $500,000 in federal funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This program is designed to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime by employing a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies. As the State Administrative Agency, DCJS is responsible for managing the coordination and distribution of these funds to support and improve Virginia's overall criminal justice system. The overarching goal of this initiative is to reduce violent crime and promote safe communities across the Eastern District of Virginia. This is primarily achieved through the reduction of gun violence and gang activity, with a specific focus on areas that have experienced increased rates of violent crime and gang-related incidents. The program targets local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state governmental entities, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in or serving the Eastern District of Virginia. Funding preference will be given to three regions most impacted by violent crime: Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk, though other cities in the Eastern District with high violent crime rates will also be considered. The program prioritizes several key funding areas. These include Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategies, which promote prevention and intervention through partnerships between law enforcement, local government, and the community. GVI involves community members delivering moral messages against violence, law enforcement issuing warnings about consequences, and support providers offering help. Another priority is Gun and Gang Crime Investigation/Suppression, focusing on programs and task forces that target perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes, including illegal firearm possession, illegal gun sales, and gang-benefitting crimes, with an emphasis on multiagency cooperation. Additional funding priorities encompass Firearms Analysis programs, which aim to enhance and support state and local law enforcement agencies in analyzing firearms and ballistic evidence, including NIBIN analysis and firearm tracing. Lastly, Prevention and Reentry Programs are crucial, dedicated to violent crime prevention, identifying high-risk individuals through educational, faith-based, community-oriented, and outreach efforts, and supporting the successful reentry of offenders through housing, educational, and vocational partnerships. While these priorities guide funding decisions, innovative, evidence-based projects outside these specific areas that are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence will also be considered. Grants are typically awarded for a 12-month period, with a possibility of a 24-month period depending on the specified need in the application.

This grant provides funding for middle school students in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

This fellowship provides up to $150,000 over two years to individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota who are committed to personal growth as leaders and driving equitable, large-scale change in their communities.

The Public Art for Neighborhoods program, administered by the Indy Arts Council, offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for individual artists or neighborhood-based organizations in Indianapolis to fund arts and cultural activities, public art projects, or arts collaborations with community initiatives, with the aim of enhancing local neighborhoods.

This funding initiative provides financial support to businesses and organizations along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland, for exterior improvements and revitalization efforts, with a special focus on removing blighted structures.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, is dedicated to advancing community policing practices among state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through resources and grants. This mission aligns directly with the COPS Office's strategic priority of fostering safe communities and effective law enforcement through collaborative approaches. The FY24 CPD Accreditation: Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies in Seeking Accreditation program is a key initiative in this effort, aiming to enhance the capacity of law enforcement to implement community policing strategies. The primary beneficiaries of this program are state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies across the nation. The impact goal is to strengthen these agencies' ability to adopt and sustain community policing through accreditation. By providing financial support for accreditation costs, the program directly addresses a barrier that many agencies face in achieving this professional standard. This support is intended to build knowledge about effective practices and outcomes in community policing and to encourage innovative, creative approaches to crime prevention. The program's core priority is to grant Community Policing Development (CPD) funding directly to law enforcement agencies specifically for costs associated with obtaining law enforcement accreditation from an existing accreditation entity. This focus underscores the importance of formal recognition of adherence to best practices in community policing. The COPS Office's theory of change posits that by supporting accreditation, agencies will improve their operational effectiveness, accountability, and ultimately, their ability to engage with and serve their communities more effectively, thereby contributing to reduced crime and safer environments. Expected outcomes include an increased number of accredited law enforcement agencies, leading to a broader adoption of established community policing standards. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of agencies that apply for and receive accreditation funding, as well as the successful completion of the accreditation process by these agencies. The long-term impact anticipates enhanced community trust, improved law enforcement practices, and a more widespread implementation of community-oriented strategies that contribute to preventing crime and promoting safe communities nationwide.

The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grant program, administered by Regional Economic Development Inc (REDI) and funded by the City of Columbia, is designed to promote inclusivity and elevate underrepresented businesses. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster economic development and equitable opportunities within the community. The program aims to address disparities by providing crucial financial support to minority-owned enterprises, thereby strengthening the local economy and promoting diversity in business ownership. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit businesses located within Columbia city limits that are at least 51% owned by individuals self-identifying as African, African American, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American (including Native Alaskan or Hawaiian), or Subcontinent Asian. The program specifically seeks to impact businesses with 10 or fewer employees (or full-time equivalents). The goal is to empower these businesses, facilitating their growth, stability, and overall contribution to the economic landscape of Columbia. The program prioritizes businesses that are legally registered with the State of Missouri, possess a Federal Tax ID (EIN), and hold a Columbia business license. A key focus is on businesses actively working with a business coach, either through REDI or another organization, emphasizing mentorship and strategic development. This commitment to guided growth underscores the program's dedication to not just providing capital, but also fostering long-term success and sustainability for its grantees. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the distribution of a total of $50,000 annually, awarded as ten $5,000 grants to deserving minority-owned businesses. This direct financial injection is anticipated to support business operations, expansion, and job creation within the targeted demographic. The program's strategic priority is to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment, with a theory of change that posits that direct investment and strategic support for minority-owned businesses will lead to increased economic vitality and reduced systemic barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Columbia.

The Harford County Office of Economic Development administers the Harford Strides Fund as a temporary grant program to assist tourism related organizations in the infancy stage of program development. The fund supports organizations building models for long term sustainability that draw audiences from outside the county and encourage overnight hotel stays. Applicants must demonstrate success, lessons learned, and best practices, show clear intent to drive overnight stays, document hardship that jeopardizes program or operations but for county funding, and show pursuit of additional funding sources. Organizations must occupy a niche within tourism and may not apply if they have submitted to the Partnership Fund. Eligible applicants are Harford County 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in good standing with the state and registered as Maryland charitable organizations. The program has 220,000 dollars available and may provide support for up to two consecutive years, subject to eligibility and need. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant size is determined by need and available funds. Additional information is available from the Harford County Office of Economic Development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and public agencies to develop, acquire, or rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income households and individuals experiencing homelessness in Vancouver, Washington.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) is offering its Mission Support grant to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Imperial County. This grant aligns with IVWF's mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Imperial Valley, recognizing the critical need to support organizations addressing health and wellness, and community engagement within disinvested communities, particularly those historically excluded from planning and decision-making. The foundation also prioritizes supporting these nonprofits in building their capacity to effectively execute their work and mission, reflecting a strategic priority to strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within Imperial County, including children, disadvantaged students, farm workers, homeless individuals, LGBTQ individuals, low-income families, seniors, and veterans. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier and more engaged community. Expected outcomes include improved food security, increased active living and physical activity, enhanced mental and emotional health, safer neighborhoods, and stronger social health. For community engagement, the goals involve empowering residents to address local issues, promoting collaborative efforts, creating social opportunities, increasing community awareness, and building local capacity for change. The IVWF's focus areas for the Mission Support grant are Health and Wellness, Community Engagement, and Nonprofit Capacity Building. Within Health and Wellness, specific priorities include addressing food insecurity, promoting physical activity, supporting mental and emotional health, ensuring safe and healthy living environments, and funding programs for asthma prevention, prenatal care, diabetes, and obesity. Community Engagement focuses on empowering residents to identify and address community needs, fostering collaboration, creating social connections, increasing awareness, and building community-led change. Nonprofit Capacity Building is another key strategic priority, aimed at strengthening the operational, staffing, and volunteer capabilities of organizations. This includes support for attending conferences and workshops, acquiring and improving equipment and software, and accessing technical assistance or consulting services. By investing in these areas, IVWF aims to create a ripple effect, where strengthened nonprofits can more effectively deliver services, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and thriving Imperial Valley. The foundation’s theory of change emphasizes that by empowering local nonprofits and fostering community-led initiatives, significant improvements in health, wellness, and overall community well-being can be achieved.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and community organizations in Knoxville that provide engaging programs and employment initiatives for at-risk youth, particularly those involved with the juvenile justice system.

This program provides $1,000 grants to local businesses in Carroll County to improve their storefronts and attract more customers through various facade enhancements.

This program provides funding to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in Telluride for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability within the community.

The program provides a 50% matching grant to eligible businesses that are located within an Economic Development Target Area (EDTA). The purpose is to improve the appearance of their building and the surrounding site. By visually enhancing the exterior of buildings, businesses increase their property values, maintain their marketability, and demonstrate confidence. The CFG program works to assist those owners to promote reinvestment, strengthen Fort Wayne’s commercial activity and enhance economic vitality in the City’s heart. Program Objectives Maintain vibrancy of core commercial areas by encouraging investments that enhance the visual aesthetics of commercial properties and lead to increased property values. Stimulate economic development by providing incentives to increase existing business investment, ensure business sustainability and create aesthetically pleasing areas that attract new business and consumers. Complement other revitalization efforts to ensure the maximum leverage of resources. Support local businesses and encourage local entrepreneurship, to further enhance the spirit of Fort Wayne

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Fort Pierce for essential home improvements, enhancing their quality of life through necessary rehabilitation efforts.

This grant provides funding for local artists, organizations, and nonprofits in Basalt to create public art projects or ongoing arts programs that enhance community engagement and cultural appreciation.