Local Workforce Development Grants

The City of Evansville has established the Forward Together Grant Fund, an initiative designed to bolster eligible nonprofit organizations actively working within the Evansville community. This fund, strategically derived from interest generated by the American Rescue Plan Act, aligns with a core mission to strengthen neighborhoods and create pathways out of poverty for city residents. The program serves as a direct extension of the city's commitment to fostering a more resilient and equitable community by empowering organizations engaged in vital local work. The primary beneficiaries of the Forward Together Grant Fund are underprivileged or disadvantaged residents of the City of Evansville, along with the nonprofit organizations directly serving them. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life for these residents by addressing critical social and economic challenges. Through strategic funding, the city aims to foster a stronger social fabric and provide tangible opportunities for upward mobility, ultimately leading to a more stable and thriving Evansville. The grant prioritizes programs falling into several key categories, reflecting the city's strategic focus on comprehensive community development. These include Affordable Housing, Mental Health/Addiction, Food Assistance, Job Training, Youth Development, Internet Access, Childcare Access, Resource Navigation Assistance, Homeless Services, and Neighborhood Revitalization (e.g., Home Repairs, weatherization). This broad scope ensures that a diverse range of pressing needs within the community can be addressed, contributing to a holistic approach to poverty reduction and neighborhood strengthening. Organizations can apply for up to $35,000 to fund programs within these categories. The expected outcomes of this initiative include improved access to essential services, enhanced neighborhood stability, increased economic opportunities, and a reduction in poverty rates across the city. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on tangible services and community-based programs suggests that success will be evaluated through metrics related to service delivery, client outcomes, and overall community betterment. The City of Evansville's theory of change for the Forward Together Grant Fund is rooted in the belief that targeted investment in local nonprofit organizations, particularly those addressing fundamental needs, can create a ripple effect of positive change. By supporting organizations that directly work to strengthen neighborhoods and provide pathways out of poverty, the city anticipates a measurable improvement in the lives of its residents, leading to a more vibrant, equitable, and self-sufficient community. Eligible uses of funds include crucial operational costs such as payroll, benefits, utilities, rent, and insurance, recognizing that stable organizational infrastructure is vital for sustained impact.

This program provides funding to support community events that promote cultural and economic development in Lawrence, Kansas, enhancing the city's unique identity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community projects in Pajaro, California, aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness, social services, economic development, healthcare access, language services, and community beautification for local residents.

This program provides funding to nonprofit housing developers for the acquisition and demolition of deteriorated properties to facilitate the construction of new residential developments in aging neighborhoods.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi to implement projects that enhance community well-being through sustainable and measurable impacts.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in New Mexico that empower socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved and rural areas, through capacity-building services and resources.

This program provides funding to small businesses and eligible nonprofits in Portsmouth, Virginia, to support their growth and infrastructure improvements through a matching reimbursement model.

This program provides up to $30,000 in marketing support to small businesses in designated low-income areas of New Orleans to help them grow and increase their visibility.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in Portsmouth to help them grow and expand their operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations in Cheyenne to assist low- and moderate-income residents through projects focused on housing, infrastructure, and essential services.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Decatur, Georgia, to improve the exteriors of their buildings and enhance the community's aesthetic appeal.

This grant provides financial support to local businesses in Lake County, Ohio, for infrastructure improvements, innovative projects, and employee training, fostering economic growth in the community.

This program provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Virginia Beach that deliver essential services to residents, promoting community well-being and measurable local impact.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to create impactful arts and cultural projects that promote community engagement, inclusivity, and diversity.

This grant provides financial support for educational and worker training programs that benefit residents of Hobart, aiming to enhance their skills for a competitive global economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to develop training programs that prepare workers for energy efficiency jobs in small buildings, helping to meet upcoming energy performance standards in Washington, D.C.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to private and non-profit developers, property owners, and businesses for commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects that enhance community vitality in Chicago.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations and individuals in Rockford to develop programs that address economic development, violence prevention, and community reinvestment in areas disproportionately affected by past cannabis laws.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Middlesex County, Connecticut, to help them sustain and grow their operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to individual artists living in Santa Ana to create community-focused projects that enhance the local arts and culture scene while promoting economic development.