Local Workforce Development Grants

This program provides matching funds to small businesses in Decatur, Georgia, to improve their digital marketing efforts and enhance their online presence.

The Assets for Artists' 2025 Capacity-Building Cohort is a 6-month program offering a $2,000 unrestricted grant and professional development resources to emerging or mid-career artists from under-resourced communities in Northern Berkshire County, Massachusetts, aiming to strengthen their creative practice and achieve long-term sustainability.

The Mazuma Foundation's grant program is deeply aligned with its mission to partner with non-profit organizations to enhance the quality of life within its field of membership. This includes Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City region. The foundation's strategic priority is to effect positive change in these communities through charitable giving, supporting organizations that directly address critical needs and uplift residents. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including individuals and communities served by organizations focused on the arts, financial education, and community development. The impact goals are to foster artistic expression and cultural enrichment, develop financial knowledge and career readiness for youth and adults, and improve the overall living experience in the Kansas City area. The foundation aims for measurable results in these core areas, contributing to a more vibrant, financially literate, and developed community. The grant program focuses on three core areas: The Arts, Financial Education, and Community Development. Within "The Arts," grants support fine or performing arts organizations (e.g., drawing, painting, theatre, orchestra, band, dance) in the Kansas City area. For "Financial Education," the focus is on developing financial knowledge, entrepreneurship, or career development for youth or adults. "Community Development" supports organizations actively working to make Kansas City a better place to live by enhancing the community experience. The expected outcomes are positive changes in the communities served, with specific emphasis on enriching the cultural landscape, empowering individuals through financial literacy, and fostering a stronger sense of community. The Mazuma Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas through strategic grants, they can contribute to a sustainable improvement in the quality of life across the Kansas City region. Grant amounts will go up to a maximum of $15,000, and eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)3 non-profits.

The City of Austin's Thrive Grant Program is designed to provide intentional investment in arts organizations and cultural institutions that serve communities at risk of cultural erasure and displacement, or those that have been institutionally marginalized and under-funded. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to support and develop Austin's diverse cultural landscape, ensuring that various cultures are visible and accessible. By providing sustained funding, peer leadership, and networking opportunities, the program seeks to bolster organizations deeply rooted in and reflective of these communities, fostering their growth and cultural preservation. The program primarily targets arts organizations and cultural institutions that are community-centered and responsive to the social and cultural needs of Austin's diverse communities. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, organizations serving Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. The goal is to address historical underfunding and systemic barriers, supporting entities that demonstrate a critical need for meaningful investment and are prepared for long-term sustainability. The impact goals are to counter cultural erasure and displacement, promote equity in cultural representation, and enhance the overall visibility and accessibility of diverse cultures within Austin. Key priorities for the Thrive Grant Program include funding organizations that are accountable to and invested in their communities, with intersectionality in proposals being encouraged. The program also focuses on supporting organizations in obtaining cultural institution status through a cohort experience that includes peer leadership and networking opportunities. Organization improvement goals, such as expanding public programming and audiences, establishing reliable spaces for work, and diversifying revenue sources, become part of the contract deliverables. All activities funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue must be open and advertised to Austin residents and tourists, promote Austin as a cultural destination, and occur within Austin or its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The expected outcomes of the Thrive Grant Program include the long-term sustainability and growth of recipient organizations, increased public programming and audience engagement, and the establishment of more stable operational foundations. Measurable results will be tied to the organization improvement goals outlined in the contracts, such as the expansion of public events like exhibitions, performances, and workshops, as well as the successful implementation of new revenue strategies. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits direct investment in marginalized and underfunded cultural organizations, coupled with capacity-building support, will lead to greater cultural equity, community resilience, and a more vibrant and inclusive cultural arts sector for the City of Austin.

The United States Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) is offering a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) through its Caribbean United for Women's Economic Empowerment (CUWEE) project. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes that hinder gender equity and equality in the Caribbean economy. The project aims to build the economic resilience and skills capacity of women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older, enabling them to enter the labor force and achieve economic security. This cooperative agreement, administered by WHA's Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (PPC), underscores a commitment to fostering economic opportunities for women in the region. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older in the Caribbean. The impact goal is to enhance their economic security and facilitate their entry into the labor force by addressing the underlying challenges they face. The CUWEE project seeks proposals that demonstrate how potential grantees will strengthen local civil society support actors engaged in advancing women's economic security, thereby contributing to economic gender equity and equality across the Caribbean. The program's priorities and focuses include, first, identifying problematic country-specific and/or regional systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes that impede women's economic empowerment. Following this identification, the project will work with local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to address these barriers. A key focus is to support a competition that promotes local CSOs in developing and implementing pioneering solutions tailored to overcome the specific local systemic obstacles to economic security for women in their respective countries or regions. Expected outcomes include a strengthened regional Caribbean network of local CSOs engaged in women's economic security, equipped with enhanced capacity through a provided training curriculum. Measurable results will stem from the effective implementation of these pioneering solutions by CSOs, leading to a tangible improvement in the economic security and labor force participation of women and adolescent girls. The overall strategic priority is to advance gender equity and equality, with a theory of change rooted in empowering local CSOs to drive sustainable, community-specific interventions against systemic and socio-cultural barriers.

The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services (DMHSS) is offering a grant program to support Youth Team Sports (YTS) programs for underserved youth under the age of 18. This initiative aims to foster the development and operation of organized physical activities that encourage competition among groups of two or more individuals. The program's mission aligns with the DMHSS's broader goal of promoting the well-being of the community's youth, recognizing the significant role that sports can play in their holistic development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are underserved youth under 18 in Chautauqua County. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, extending beyond mere physical activity. It seeks to achieve educational connection and achievement, physical health and well-being, mental health and well-being, employment, and community cohesion. These goals highlight a comprehensive approach to youth development, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various aspects of a young person's life. The funding awards are guided by a set of core principles that serve as the program's priorities and focuses. These include educational connection and achievement, emphasizing the link between sports participation and academic success; physical health and well-being, promoting active lifestyles; mental health and well-being, recognizing the positive impact of sports on emotional and psychological health; employment, potentially through skill development and teamwork; and community cohesion, fostering a sense of belonging and collective effort. The expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to these guiding principles. By supporting YTS programs, the DMHSS anticipates improvements in the educational engagement and academic performance of participating youth, enhanced physical fitness and reduced health risks, improved mental resilience and emotional regulation, development of transferable skills that can aid in future employment, and a stronger sense of community and social responsibility among the youth. Each applicant can request up to $15,000 in funding to support programming for the program year of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025. The program, created under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), reflects a strategic priority to invest in community-based initiatives that directly address the needs of vulnerable youth. The underlying theory of change posits that by providing access to organized team sports, underserved youth will gain valuable life skills, improve their overall well-being, and become more engaged and productive members of their communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits or other community-based organizations operating in Chautauqua County that meet specific requirements, further underscoring the commitment to local, impactful interventions.

This grant provides funding to non-profit and community organizations in East Knoxville to promote equity and address disparities in areas such as education, homeownership, and small business development.

The Neighborhood STAR program, administered by the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), is a grant initiative established in 1993. It allocates revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to fund capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods. This program offers reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more, aiming to strengthen the community through various physical improvements. The program's mission aligns with fostering neighborhood growth and economic development within Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of the Neighborhood STAR program include public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business within Saint Paul. Additionally, city departments, quasi-governmental entities, churches, and religious organizations can apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group, provided their projects are non-sectarian, open to the public, and for non-religious functions. The program specifically excludes political groups, federal/state/county agencies, and individual homeowners/condominium/townhome owners. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the vitality of the city's neighborhoods through tangible capital improvements. The program prioritizes a diverse range of capital improvement activities. These include renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of commercial, residential, or industrial properties; fixed interior and exterior improvements such as walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, and HVAC; minor public improvements; and beautification of public or private open spaces with elements like trees, rain gardens, and play equipment with a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking/placekeeping activities, including public art, are also encouraged, especially those that promote cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing funding programs for local businesses and homeowners are also eligible. Expected outcomes of the Neighborhood STAR program include revitalized commercial, residential, and industrial properties, improved public and private spaces, enhanced community aesthetics, and increased accessibility. Measurable results could include the number of properties renovated, the square footage of improved public spaces, the installation of new public art or infrastructure, and the successful completion of projects within the anticipated September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 timeframe. Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds, simplifying access for smaller projects and further demonstrating the city's strategic priority to support neighborhood-level improvements directly.

This grant provides financial support to Iowa businesses and farmers for projects that increase the use of local agricultural products, create jobs, and promote long-term economic growth in the farming sector.

The Adams County Community Foundation's Adams County Grants program is designed to foster innovative solutions for strengthening vulnerable populations by addressing systemic issues. The foundation's mission is aligned with this program through its commitment to creating a meaningful and sustained difference in people’s lives, particularly low-income residents, by helping them move toward self-sufficiency. This overarching goal guides the program's focus on supporting initiatives that build capacity, implement effective programs, and foster collaboration within the community. The program primarily targets vulnerable residents of Adams County, Pennsylvania. The impact goals are to help nonprofits become more effective in addressing resident needs, enable low-income residents to achieve self-sufficiency, and advance critical areas such as affordable housing, transportation, and economic development through collaborative efforts. By focusing on these areas, the foundation aims to create a ripple effect that improves the overall well-being and stability of the community. The Adams County Grants program has three primary focus areas: Capacity Building Grants, Program Grants, and Collaboration Grants. Capacity Building Grants, up to $25,000, are intended to strengthen nonprofits' ability to effectively serve vulnerable residents. Program Grants, also up to $25,000, support initiatives that help low-income residents move towards self-sufficiency. Collaboration Grants, up to $30,000, are specifically for significant collaborative projects that advance affordable housing, transportation, and economic development. These defined priorities ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for systemic impact. Expected outcomes include increased effectiveness of nonprofits, a measurable increase in self-sufficiency among low-income residents, and tangible progress in affordable housing, transportation, and economic development initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the emphasis on systemic change and collaboration, with a clear theory of change that by investing in capacity building, impactful programs, and collaborative projects, they can achieve lasting positive change for vulnerable individuals and the wider community.

This program provides funding to organizations in Kansas to improve digital literacy and skills training, particularly for low-income individuals, veterans, seniors, and rural residents in economically distressed areas.

The City of Vallejo received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish a grant program aimed at supporting local small businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative directly aligns with the city's commitment to economic recovery and resilience, seeking to mitigate the negative financial repercussions experienced by its business community. The program's core mission is to provide crucial financial assistance, specifically targeting security improvements, thereby fostering a safer and more stable operating environment for eligible businesses within Vallejo. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are for-profit and non-profit brick-and-mortar businesses situated in Vallejo. To qualify, businesses must possess a valid Vallejo business license, employ 20 or fewer individuals, and provide receipts for purchases made between January 1, 2023, and September 24, 2024. The program's impact goals are focused on enhancing the physical security of these businesses, thereby reducing vulnerability to crime and creating a more secure commercial landscape. The program prioritizes funding for security improvements, with grants available up to $3,000 for items such as cameras, locks, and window enhancements. This focus addresses a critical need for small businesses that may lack the resources to invest in such protective measures independently. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in the security infrastructure of participating businesses, leading to a safer environment for employees, customers, and business assets. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of grant funds for approved security upgrades. Success will be determined by the number of businesses receiving grants, the types of security improvements implemented, and potentially, a reduction in reported incidents related to security vulnerabilities among grant recipients. The City of Vallejo's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen its local economy by supporting its small business sector, recognizing that a resilient business community is vital for overall city prosperity and recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial aid for essential security enhancements, the city can empower small businesses to protect their assets, maintain operations, and contribute to the broader economic stability and revitalization of Vallejo.

The Downtown Johnson City Facade Improvement Grant Program, administered by the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) and supported through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program, aims to revitalize the Downtown Johnson City Redevelopment District, with a particular focus on the Historic Overlay District. The core mission of this program aligns with increasing the economic viability, improving aesthetics, and enhancing property values within this crucial area. By providing financial incentives for facade improvements, the JCDA seeks to prevent urban blight and create a more attractive environment for both businesses and residents, directly supporting community development and economic growth initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are conforming commercial and mixed-use properties located within the Historic Overlay District. The impact goals extend beyond individual property improvements, aiming for a broader community uplift. Key objectives include enhancing the marketability of commercial spaces, attracting new businesses and residents, and ultimately stimulating economic activity through increased job creation and sales tax generation in the downtown area. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate substantial economic impact, thereby supporting the strategic goal of fostering a vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to preserve and enhance the architectural integrity and visual appeal of buildings. These include masonry repairs, storefront reconstruction, removal of false facades, cornice repair, exterior painting, awnings, window and door repair/replacement, permanent exterior lighting, and signage integrated into design, among others. Eligibility criteria require applicants to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City’s Historic Zoning Commission or preapproval from the City’s Planning Division, ensuring that renovations align with historic preservation standards and zoning requirements. Proposed renovations must also be approved by the JCDA before commencement. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the physical appearance of downtown buildings, leading to increased property values and a more inviting urban landscape. Measurable results will include the number of improved facades, the amount of private investment leveraged by the grants, and, importantly, the economic impact in terms of new businesses, job creation, and sales tax revenue within the Redevelopment District. The JCDA's theory of change posits that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure of downtown properties, a ripple effect will occur, stimulating broader economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life in Johnson City. The program's flexible funding model, offering up to $10,000 for single-faced buildings and an additional $5,000 for multiple street-facing facades, with potential for larger grants for projects with substantial economic impact, underscores its strategic priority of maximizing community benefit.

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

The Roanoke County Economic Development Authority’s Business Equipment Acquisition Program (BEAP) Grant is designed to support eligible for-profit businesses within Roanoke County by providing funding for the acquisition of new capital. This program aligns with the Authority's mission to foster economic growth and strengthen local businesses by enabling them to bolster their operations. The grant directly addresses the need for capital investment, which is crucial for business expansion and modernization. The primary target beneficiaries of the BEAP Grant are for-profit businesses located in Roanoke County that meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, businesses must employ more than three full-time employees at a physical location in the county, have operated for at least one year, hold a current County or town business license, and be in good standing with all local ordinances and tax requirements. The program's impact goal is to stimulate economic activity by encouraging businesses to invest in new equipment, thereby enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and contributing to the overall economic vitality of Roanoke County. The program prioritizes the acquisition of new capital that falls under taxable business personal property or business machinery and tools, as defined by the Roanoke County Code. Examples of eligible acquisitions include tangible personal property such as furniture, fixtures, office and business machines, tools, and equipment used in various professions. Computer equipment (excluding software) and machinery and tools used in manufacturing, mining, processing, broadcasting, dry cleaners, commercial laundry, and dairy businesses are also specifically eligible. This focus ensures that funding supports tangible assets that directly contribute to operational improvements and business growth. The expected outcomes of the BEAP Grant include increased capital investment by local businesses, enhanced operational capabilities, and ultimately, job retention and creation within Roanoke County. Measurable results will be tied to the number of grants awarded, the total value of capital acquisitions facilitated, and the subsequent economic impact, such as growth in business personal property tax rolls. By providing financial incentives, the program aims to accelerate the modernization and expansion of local enterprises, reinforcing the Authority's strategic priority of nurturing a robust and competitive business environment through direct support and strategic investment.

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is offering Accessibility Grants to promote inclusivity within communities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Huntington County by addressing critical needs, in this case, by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to create a more welcoming environment for all by fostering solutions to accessibility challenges in buildings and infrastructure, thereby supporting a choice-driven life for individuals with disabilities. The target beneficiaries of these grants include individuals, families, and businesses within Huntington County, Indiana. The program particularly focuses on people with disabilities who are currently facing physical barriers preventing full access to community use and benefits. The impact goals are centered on making communities more inclusive, ensuring that accessibility needs are considered from both individual and community perspectives, and empowering individuals with disabilities to define their own preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations. The grant program has two main funding tracks: the Pathfinder Services Community Accessibility Fund and the AWS Foundation Community Accessible Communities Fund. Key priorities and focuses for both tracks include encouraging potential rather than identifying limitations, preferring social settings that include family and friends, exceeding ADA standards through Universal Design principles, and enhancing education and employment potential to contribute to greater independence. Collaboration is also highly encouraged, recognizing that collective effort increases opportunities. Expected outcomes include the physical removal of accessibility barriers, increased participation of individuals with disabilities in community life, and a more inclusive and welcoming environment across Huntington County. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of accessibility solutions implemented, the types of infrastructure improved, and anecdotal evidence of increased access and independence for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly geared towards fostering community well-being and equitable access, and their theory of change posits that by funding direct solutions to accessibility barriers, they can directly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Sacramento-based nonprofit cultural organizations and for-profit creative businesses to develop workforce training and internship programs for underserved youth and young adults aged 16-24.

The City of Virginia Beach's Community Organization Grants (COG) program is designed to award monetary grants to qualified non-profit organizations. The primary mission of this program is to encourage these agencies to provide services that enhance the quality of life for residents of Virginia Beach. This directly aligns with the city's strategic priorities to support community well-being and leverage the efforts of independent non-profit entities in addressing local needs. The program's theory of change posits that by funding these non-profits, the city can foster a more robust and responsive network of services, ultimately leading to tangible improvements in residents' daily lives. The target beneficiaries of the COG program are the residents of Virginia Beach, who receive significant, measurable direct services from the funded non-profit organizations. The impact goals are centered on improving various aspects of the quality of life within the city. Organizations must demonstrate their ability to provide an unduplicated count of residents served, ensuring that the grants lead to widespread and distinct benefits across the community. The COG program has several key priorities and focuses, including ensuring that applicants are established 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations meeting legal requirements in Virginia, the IRS, and the City of Virginia Beach. A crucial focus is that the applicant's non-profit status must be independent of the City. Additionally, the program prioritizes organizations that are not controlled by a church or sectarian society and do not advocate or advance a particular political or religious viewpoint. Financial transparency is also a priority, with requirements for disclosing contractual services provided to the City. Expected outcomes include a diverse range of improved services for Virginia Beach residents, an increase in community engagement, and a strengthened non-profit sector within the city. Measurable results are derived from the requirement for organizations to provide an unduplicated count of residents served and to fulfill all service, reporting, auditing, and payment obligations. The program also expects compliance with all local, state, and national legal requirements related to nondiscrimination in all programs and activities funded. The grant funds are strictly to remain local, ensuring that the investments directly benefit the Virginia Beach community.

The Albemarle Agribusiness Resiliency Grant, offered by Albemarle County, is designed to support direct-market agribusinesses within the county that are experiencing long-term financial impacts from the pandemic, including those caused by inflation and rising interest rates. The program aims to offset these increased costs of capital, which can hinder growth and reinvestment opportunities for local businesses. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" is not explicitly stated as this is a county grant rather than a foundation, the county's implicit mission aligns with supporting local economic resilience and sustainable development within its agribusiness sector. The primary target beneficiaries are direct-market agribusinesses located in Albemarle County, Virginia. This includes businesses that sell products to restaurants, caterers, and local stores, as well as orchards, wineries, cideries, and those operating at farmers markets. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the financial stability and operational capacity of these agribusinesses, enabling them to navigate economic challenges and continue their contributions to the local economy. The grant prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include new capital investments such as machinery, tools, and other business equipment, which directly support operational improvements and expansion. Additionally, the grant focuses on expenses incurred since July 1, 2022, to advance sustainable agricultural practices, enhance public health, safety, and welfare for employees or visitors, and comply with state or local regulations. Up to 20% of awarded funds can also be allocated for advertising and marketing, recognizing the importance of market visibility for direct-market businesses. The expected outcomes include strengthened agribusinesses within Albemarle County, leading to sustained operations, improved competitiveness, and continued economic activity. Measurable results would involve the number of grants distributed (anticipated to be 3-8 grants in this round), the total budget utilized ($60,000 for this round), and the types of investments made by awardees. Although not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the county's approach suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for critical investments and operational needs, agribusinesses will be better positioned to adapt to economic pressures, fostering a more resilient and thriving local agricultural economy.

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's Community Needs Grants program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support individuals and families in Alabama by addressing basic needs and fostering self-sufficiency. The program focuses on providing access to essentials like food, clothing, and adequate housing, while also emphasizing initiatives that help individuals manage their circumstances, improve job opportunities, and enhance overall life outcomes. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to invest in programs that not only offer immediate relief but also create sustainable pathways to an improved quality of life for the state's residents. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are individuals and families throughout Alabama, particularly those in rural communities. The foundation aims to make a significant impact by connecting with non-profit organizations to support and revitalize these richly diverse rural areas. Impact goals include improving access to basic necessities, enhancing employment prospects, and fostering community development. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in basic needs, life skills, and leadership development, it can empower individuals and strengthen communities across the state. The grant program has several key priorities and focuses. These include supporting programs that provide access to food, clothing, and adequate housing, as well as initiatives offering effective job training and life skills. Rural community revitalization is a significant focus, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to equitable development across Alabama. Additionally, the program prioritizes projects that meet the specific needs of Alabama's veterans and leadership programs that show success in developing leaders for the non-profit, government, and business sectors, underscoring a holistic approach to community upliftment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in food insecurity, improved access to stable housing, and increased employment rates among program participants. The foundation anticipates enhanced job opportunities and better life outcomes for individuals and families who engage with supported programs. For rural communities, expected outcomes involve increased vitality and stronger local non-profit infrastructures. Ultimately, the foundation aims to see a tangible improvement in the quality of life for Alabamians, facilitated by the development of capable leaders and resilient communities. The foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, sponsorships for fundraising events, or organizations outside of Alabama.