Local Workforce Development Grants

The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil 2024–2025 Emerging Writer Fellowship is a grant program designed to support early-career fiction writers based in New York City. The Center for Fiction's mission, though not explicitly detailed in its entirety, aligns with fostering literary talent and providing crucial support to emerging voices in fiction. This fellowship specifically addresses a critical need for developmental opportunities for writers who are at an early stage in their careers and have not yet received significant recognition or traditional publishing contracts. The program directly supports the literary arts and contributes to the cultural landscape of New York City by nurturing its writing community. The primary target beneficiaries of this fellowship are emerging fiction writers residing in any of the five boroughs of New York City. These individuals are defined as those who have not yet published a novel or short story collection with a major or independent publisher, nor are they currently under contract for such a work. While prior publication in magazines, literary journals, or online is acceptable, it is not a prerequisite. The impact goal is to empower these writers by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and exposure necessary to develop their craft, revise their manuscripts, and connect with industry professionals, thereby helping them achieve major recognition for their work. The program prioritizes supporting writers whose work demonstrates promise of excellence, focusing on those in the early stages of their careers who lack the support needed for significant recognition. Key focuses include providing financial relief through a $5,000 grant, offering professional editorial mentorship to refine manuscripts, and granting access to a dedicated Writers Studio. Furthermore, the fellowship emphasizes professional networking opportunities through monthly dinners with editors, authors, and agents, and public readings to build a writer's profile. Expected outcomes include the professional development of the fellows, marked by revised and improved manuscripts, expanded professional networks, and increased visibility within the literary community. Measurable results could include the number of fellows who secure publishing contracts post-fellowship, the quality of their revised manuscripts, the success of their public readings, and the overall trajectory of their careers as fiction writers. While the document does not explicitly state the foundation's full strategic priorities or theory of change, it implies a belief that direct financial support, professional guidance, dedicated writing space, and networking opportunities are crucial catalysts for emerging writers to overcome barriers to entry and achieve success in the competitive publishing world.

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 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 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 up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding to support new or expanding businesses in Cadillac's designated districts, aimed at stimulating growth and revitalizing commercial spaces.

This program provides financial support to for-profit small businesses in Genesee County, Michigan, helping them grow and innovate through grants tailored to their size and maturity.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's Black Hawk County Grants program offers one-time grants to organizations and projects that benefit residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. These grants are designed to support a wide range of initiatives across various areas, including Arts and Culture, Community Betterment, Education and Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Service. The foundation's mission is deeply aligned with improving the quality of life for Black Hawk County residents by investing in programs that foster community well-being and address critical needs. The grants target beneficiaries across all age groups and demographics within Black Hawk County. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities, protect historical infrastructure, develop local talent, stimulate economic development, promote civic engagement, create or expand public amenities, improve child care, support youth mentorship and career readiness, conserve and restore ecosystems, educate on environmental issues, provide behavioral healthcare and wellness services, prevent various social issues, and meet basic human needs. The foundation prioritizes requests that align with these program areas and community initiatives, seeking to achieve long-lasting positive changes within the community. The program's priorities and focuses are further guided by specific community initiatives. These include Advancing Racial Equity, with a commitment to supporting BIPOC-led organizations and populations; Expanding Child Care, aiming to increase equitable, accessible, and sustainable child care; Enhancing the Arts, by enriching an inclusive arts community; Strengthening Workforce Readiness, to create a more qualified workforce; and Building Nonprofit Capacity, to strengthen the work of their partners. The foundation embraces organizations that address two or more of these initiatives, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development. Expected outcomes include expanded access to essential services, improved educational and career opportunities, a healthier environment, a reduction in social challenges, and a more vibrant and equitable community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each program area in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on addressing defined needs within Black Hawk County suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in the lives of residents. The majority of competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, indicating a focus on funding a diverse portfolio of impactful projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on identifying and investing in critical community needs and fostering collaborative efforts. By focusing on specific initiatives such as racial equity, child care, arts, workforce readiness, and nonprofit capacity, they aim to create systemic change. Their theory of change appears to be that by supporting organizations that address these key areas, they can empower communities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the overall well-being and resilience of Black Hawk County residents. This approach emphasizes targeted investments and community-driven solutions to achieve their philanthropic goals.

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is offering grants between $1000 to $10,000 to tax-exempt organizations in Dutchess County, New York, focusing on arts, culture, and education, particularly those making facilities and events accessible to young people and seniors, with the exclusion of certain expenses like debt reduction, equipment, and fundraising campaigns.

The Naturally Lewis Building Business Fund aims to support business growth in Lewis County by providing matching funds for businesses to acquire necessary tools, both literal (equipment/machinery) and figurative (business services/professional services). This initiative is designed to bolster the local economy by facilitating the expansion or diversification of businesses, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to the community, including economic development, job creation, introduction of new products or services, and enhancement of cultural or recreational opportunities. Eligible projects may involve equipment, machinery, working capital, training, and workforce development, but cannot include construction or capital improvements. Applications open on July 1, 2024, with a deadline of September 26, 2024. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.

This grant provides financial support to local businesses and nonprofits in Maui County for projects that promote economic development, including cultural programs, small business initiatives, technology advancements, and workforce development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community development projects that improve facilities, infrastructure, and public services for low- and moderate-income residents in specific areas of San Diego County.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on empowering low- and moderate-income communities and underserved populations in New England and parts of New York.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for projects that enhance the quality of life, promote social welfare, and address community needs.

This grant provides funding to Massachusetts schools and early education programs to promote food literacy and local food sourcing through initiatives like school gardens, cooking classes, and educational field trips.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and city departments in Tucson to implement human service projects that address homelessness, health improvement, poverty reduction, and equitable neighborhood development for vulnerable populations.

The Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant Program, funded by Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to support the creation, relocation, or expansion of small businesses in specific Main Street Districts, covering costs such as location renovations, rent assistance, equipment purchases, and other relevant expenses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations delivering essential services that promote educational readiness, career preparedness, youth empowerment, and family support for children, youth, and families in San Francisco.

The Trans Resilience Fund, a grant program of Gender Justice Fund, aims to bolster regional trans communities through a participatory grantmaking process. While the Gender Justice Fund's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the Trans Resilience Fund's focus on supporting trans communities directly aligns with a mission of promoting gender justice and equity. This initiative is a pooled fund, supported by several external funding partners, including the Claneil Foundation, Collective Future Fund, Homeless Assistance Fund, Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and Valentine Foundation for 2024. The collaborative nature of this funding mechanism suggests a strategic priority of collective impact and shared responsibility in addressing the needs of trans individuals. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are trans communities, with specific prioritization given to groups working in Philadelphia, those serving BIPOC trans communities, groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership, and organizations serving trans youth, disabled, and/or elderly trans individuals. The impact goal is to provide crucial financial and service-based support to these communities. For instance, smaller organizations exclusively serving trans communities can use funds for direct financial support (food, cash, transportation, medical, housing, utility costs), service provision, organizing, advocacy, and general operating support. This broad range of uses indicates a holistic approach to supporting the well-being and empowerment of trans individuals and groups. The grantmaking committee, comprised of trans and non-binary community members, sets the guidelines and makes funding decisions, embodying a strategic priority of community-led development and self-determination. This participatory approach ensures that funding decisions are informed by the lived experiences and most pressing needs of the target beneficiaries. Organizations with budgets under $250,000, even those not exclusively serving trans communities, can apply for funds for direct financial support, service provision, organizing, and advocacy, while larger organizations (over $250,000 budget) are limited to direct financial support for trans individuals, with 10% of the grant usable for administrative costs. This differentiated approach reflects a strategic awareness of organizational capacity and impact potential across various scales. Expected outcomes include improved health and safety for trans individuals through direct financial assistance, enhanced community support through services, and greater advocacy for trans rights and needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the program's focus on tangible support (e.g., covering medical, housing, or utility costs) and organizational activities (e.g., organizing and advocacy) suggests that success would be measured by the reach and effectiveness of these interventions. The program's theory of change appears to be that by empowering trans and non-binary community members to lead the grantmaking process and by providing flexible funding to a diverse range of organizations, significant positive change can be achieved within trans communities, particularly for those facing compounded vulnerabilities due to race, age, or disability.