Local Youth Grants

The City of Tacoma's 2025-2026 Neighborhood and Community Services Grant Program is soliciting proposals for service contracts aimed at supporting a wide variety of groups, including agencies and organizations that assist youth, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. The program's overall mission aligns with enhancing community well-being and addressing critical social issues within Tacoma. The grant duration is two years, with a substantial funding size of over $1 million, specifically $8,000,000 to be distributed among various projects. The program targets several vulnerable populations and aims for significant impact. Key beneficiaries include individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness (including families, unaccompanied youth, and veterans), persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and domestic violence survivors. The impact goals revolve around increasing access to permanent, stable housing, reducing domestic violence, preventing at-risk youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes, and ensuring equitable food access for all Tacoma residents. There are eight prioritized service categories for the 2025-2026 funding cycle. These include Housing Services and Interventions, Encampment Response, Domestic Violence Reduction and Prevention, Building Resilience Against Violence and Exploitation (BRAVE), Health and Health Care, Equitable Food Access, and Complementary Services. Across all categories, a strong emphasis is placed on addressing racial disparities through tailored service delivery, collaborative service delivery, and trauma-informed, culturally competent practices. Specific geographical focuses for the BRAVE program include the Hilltop, Eastside, West of the Mall, and Hosmer communities, targeting individuals aged 30 and younger, particularly BIPOC young men, girls/women, justice-connected youth, and LGBTQ+ youth. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increasing access to permanent housing, enhancing public health and safety through encampment response, reducing family and intimate partner violence, decreasing youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes and equitable healthcare access, and providing nutritious food options. The program also seeks to foster housing stability, promote resiliency, and enhance life skills. The City's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in a holistic approach to community well-being, emphasizing collaboration, evidence-based practices, and culturally relevant services to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all Tacoma residents.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama is seeking applications for its Farley Moody Galbraith Fund. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama State: Alabama County: Calhoun County (AL), Cherokee County (AL), Clay County (AL), Cleburne County (AL), DeKalb County (AL), Etowah County (AL), Randolph County (AL), Saint Clair County (AL), Talladega County (AL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grants from the Farley Moody Galbraith Fund (FMGF) are limited to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating in CFNEA’s (9) nine county region. The purpose of the FMGF is to provide charitable support to a wide variety of charitable needs. Consideration shall be given to Mrs. Galbraith’s historical charitable giving that supported needy children, disadvantaged youth, and the arts. Funding Information Grant awards under $3,000.00 will receive 100% of the award amount upon receipt of the signed grant agreement. Project Period  Grant activities supported by a FMGF award may be sustained for one year, after the date the award is announced. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations that meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for a grant. All five (5) requirements must be met. Organizations classified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the I.R.S. code as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization, donations which are deductible as charitable contributions or a governmental/state or county agency; Organizations with a minimum one-year operating history after the date of receipt of its 501 (c)(3) classification; Organization must have a board approved current written strategic plan for the whole organization that covers at least 24 months which includes the organization’s entire current fiscal year and the following: Mission statement; Strategic goals and measurable objectives. Organizations with revenues over $200,000.00 must submit an audited financial statement for a complete fiscal year. Organizations with an operating budget between $50,000.00- $199,999.00 must submit the most recent audit review or compilation. Organizations with an operating budget of $50,000.00 and below do not have to submit any audited documents. Eligible organizations are invited to apply for a grant from any fund of the Foundation accepting applications (both grant cycles) as long as you do not have an open grant with the particular fund you wish to apply to. Funding Restrictions In compliance with federal regulations and Community Foundation policies, the following types of grants will not be considered or funded: Organizations that have discriminatory policies and/or practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex/gender, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information or political beliefs; Organizations with no 501(c)(3) IRS status unless you are a government/state agency; Organizations on the National Charity Watch List; Grants for dinners, fundraising and marketing events; Grants to endowments or other discretionary funding pools; Grants for capital campaign contributions (for building construction) or use of funds to cover capital campaign feasibility studies or campaign implementation expenses. This does not include regular maintenance; Grants for exhibitions and employee conference registrations, mileage to conference and conference fees; Grants for prizes, awards and scholarships; Grants for entertainment expenses; Grants for lobbying-related expenses; Grants for event sponsorships; Grants to organizations operating less than one year; Grants to individuals; Grants to religious organizations for religious purposes; Grants to organizations for projects outside CFNEA’s nine (9) county region; Grants for political purposes Orto influence elections; and Organizations that have an existing/open grant from the Foundation may not apply for a new grant within the same fund until the current grant documentation is completed and closed. For a grant to be considered completed and closed, the not-for-profit partner must have successfully submitted their Final Grant Report. For more information, visit CFNEA.

The Daviess County Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Community Good Grants Program. Donor Name: Daviess County Community Foundation State: Indiana County: Daviess County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/21/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Considered for Funding Arts and Culture Community Development Education Health Human Services Other Civic Endeavors (Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development) Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need. In some cases, organizations without the 501(c)(3) designation may be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor. Program Areas Not Considered for Funding Religious organizations for religious purposes Political parties or campaigns Endowment creation or debt reduction Operating costs not directly related to the program/project Capital campaigns Annual appeals or membership contributions Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes For more information, visit Daviess County Community Foundation.

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking applications for its Cultural Arts Grants . Donor Name: City of Santa Barbara State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: As part of its ongoing commitment to a vibrant, sustainable local cultural sector and arts access for all, the City is investing nearly $250,000 into the community through its annual Cultural Arts Grants Santa Barbara-based organizations are invited to apply for any one of the three grant programs: Community Arts, Organizational Development, and Community Events and Festivals. The programs are intended to provide arts access for underserved communities, support diverse nonprofits, and catalyze events and festivals that enhance local economic and community vitality.  Community Arts (CA) Grants: Encouraging projects and programs uplifting arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth and helping to ensure arts access for all members of Santa Barbara’s community. Maximum funding request: up to $6,000 Organizational Development (OD) Grants: Supporting nonprofit arts organizations’ capacity and performance, enhance audience reach, and increase earned income. Embracing a variety of arts organizations, including multicultural and neighborhood arts. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants: Incubating events and festivals that contribute to the city’s cultural vitality and promotion. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must have nonprofit 501c3 status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and attend a mandatory informational workshop.  For more information, visit City of Santa Barbara.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community development projects and services aimed at assisting low to moderate-income individuals and families in Mesa, Arizona, including housing, public facilities, and emergency solutions for homelessness.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

The Community Fund is an annual grant opportunity hosted by the Philadelphia City Fund in which community organizations are invited to submit proposals for charitable projects that address Philadelphia’s greatest areas of need and align with the City of Philadelphia’s goals to improve the quality of life for all residents. Donor Name: The Philadelphia City Fund State: Pennsylvania City: Philadelphia Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant opportunity is made possible through the Philadelphia City Fund’s partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which allocates a portion of its annual revenues to the Community Fund. For the 2024 Community Fund grant cycle, the Fund and its partners at the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend seek to support programming that takes a holistic approach to youth wellness and inspires lifelong healthy activity. This year’s theme will focus on “Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out of school time programming.” The Fund will accept proposals from charitable nonprofit organizations that provide out of school time (“OST”) programming that promotes the healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development of youth, ages pre-K thru 12th grade, in Philadelphia. Funding Information The total funding allocated for the 2024 cycle is $250,000. Grantees will receive awards of $25,000 in unrestricted funds to be used however they see fit, which can include general operations, programmatic activities, or other costs that support the organization’s mission. Eligibility Criteria In order to be considered for funding, applications must be submitted according to the deadlines, eligibility, and format as set forth in these guidelines and on the online submission form. Applicants must demonstrate their charitable organization’s 501(c)(3) status. If the applicant organization will be sponsored by a charitable fiscal sponsor, the applicant must demonstrate its sponsor’s charitable 501(c)(3) status. The Fund seeks to support small nonprofit organizations. Only organizations with annual operating budgets which do not exceed $5 million are eligible. Only organizations that provide out-of-school time (“OST”) programming to youth in Philadelphia will be considered eligible. OST programming is defined as programs and activities designed for youth enrolled in pre-K through 12th grade to contribute to the overall well-being and safety of youth through access to services that promote their healthy, physical, social, educational, and emotional development. In order to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, preference will be given to requests from organizations that provide programming in the following Priority ZIP Codes: 19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144. Priority ZIP Codes were identified through an analysis conducted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, Performance Management and Technology Team. This analysis used metrics related to quality of life (i.e. poverty rates, number of shootings, and percentage of youth involved with the City’s Department of Human Services (DHS)), the distribution of OST slots across the city, and the utilization of slots funded by DHS. Grant awards will be unrestricted, with a one-year grant term expected to begin in February 2025. Funding may be used as the grantee sees fit, which can include general operating support, programmatic activities, or other expenses that support the organization’s mission. Applicants will be expected to address the grant cycle theme “Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming” in their application, either by connecting the theme with their organization’s mission and/or programming, or, if you intend to use this funding to support specific programming, by explaining how the proposed activities meet the theme. Grant funds may be used to supplement (but not replace or redirect) any federal, state, and/or local funding currently provided. Grant funds will be awarded on a one-time basis, with no obligation for future funding from the Philadelphia City Fund. If awarded funding through this opportunity, grantees will be expected to meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania childcare regulations throughout the grant term. In accordance with the Child Protective Services Laws, 24 P.S. § 1-111, as amended, and 23 Pa. C.S.A. §§ 6354-6358, it is required that all employees, officers, agents, servants, volunteers, or subcontractors of the grantee who will have direct contact with children must have: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance (Act 34) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Clearance Mandated reporter trainings For those sites operating in PA DHS Certified childcare sites, the National Sex Offender Registry verification is also required. If awarded funding through this opportunity, grantees will be expected to carry and maintain all insurance coverage reasonably necessary and appropriate under State and Federal laws during the grant term. Upon request, grantees must be able to provide the Philadelphia City Fund with a certificate of insurance evidencing its coverage. For more information, visit The Philadelphia City Fund.

The Posey County Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2024 Community Good Grants Program. Donor Name: Posey County Community Foundation State: Indiana County: Posey County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Considered For Funding Arts and Culture Community Development Education Health Human Services Other Civic Endeavors (Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development). Eligibility Criteria  The Community Foundation welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need. In some cases, organizations without the 501(c)(3) designation may be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor. Program Areas NOT Considered For Funding Religious organizations for religious purposes Political parties or campaigns Endowment creation or debt reduct to the program/project Capital campaigns Annual appeals or membership contributions Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes. For more information, visit PCCF.

The City of Greenbelt is seeking applications for its ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Grant. Donor Name: City of Greenbelt State: Maryland City: Greenbelt Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Greenbelt has begun accepting applications from eligible nonprofit organizations for a one time “recovery” grant made possible through the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Qualified nonprofits will be eligible to apply for grants up to $25,000, as allowed by ARPA, to address negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority will be given to programs supporting one or more of the following areas: Advances education and science Serves the underprivileged Defends human and civil rights Benefits Veterans Helps combat community deterioration Arts & Culture Youth Development Needs Senior Support/Aging in Place Natural Resources and Conservation Racial Equity & Racial Justice Human Services Marginalized members of the community. Eligible Use of Funds You may request funds to address revenue reductions and/or operating expenses to include: Programming & projects specific to one of the priority areas Events to benefit Greenbelt residents Broadband Infrastructure Rental and utility assistance Purchase of equipment Digital advertising/website/e-commerce creation and maintenance Technology Contracted services Insurance Program expenses Program supplies COVID-19 related expenses for which replacement is critical to the nonprofit’s continuity of operations Payroll assistance. Who is eligible for the grant? Nonprofit organizations who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for a Nonprofit “Recovery” Grant: Must serve Greenbelt residents (preference will be given to Nonprofits located in the City of Greenbelt). Have a 501(c)(3) status or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit. Have a 501 (c) 19 status. Be registered as a Maryland non-profit organization with the State of Maryland. Is in good standing with the IRS, The Maryland Secretary of State’s charitable division, and the Department of Assessment and Taxation’s Maryland Personal Property tax division. Must have a minimum two-year operating history at the time the application is submitted. Must have a Board of Directors with representation from the community. Was in existence prior to or established during the period of March 1, 2020 to March 30, 2022. Is able to demonstrate continuity of operations to sustain programming/projects/services. Must have a minimum annual operating budget of $25,000, as reflected in the most recent tax return or 990. Has demonstrated an economic need for funding resulting from revenue gaps/shortfalls and/or expenses as a result of COVID-19, or during the period of the coronavirus emergency. For more information, visit City of Greenbelt.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has launched the Goat and Sheep Dairy Development Grant program to bolster the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector. This initiative aligns with the NE-DBIC's broader mission to strengthen regional dairy industries by addressing critical areas such as business viability, market development, and innovative production methods. The program aims to enhance the growth and long-term viability of individual small ruminant businesses, while also tackling gaps in technical assistance, improving supply chain partnerships, and expanding market access. The program targets several beneficiaries, including dairy farmers (producers) currently or transitioning to producing goat or sheep milk, dairy processors transforming raw goat/sheep milk into edible products, dairy producer associations representing and promoting goat/sheep dairy products, and technical assistance providers working with these groups. The impact goals are to foster growth, increase profitability, improve herd/flock health and milk quality, reduce barriers to new markets, and expand distribution opportunities for goat/sheep dairy products within the Northeast region. The grant program focuses on two main project types: Individual Business Projects and Sector Enhancement Projects. Individual Business Projects support farmers and processors in making improvements to increase business viability, market development, or production innovations. Examples include engaging with technical assistance providers for business improvements, diversification and marketing efforts, research and development of innovative solutions, and purchasing specialized dairy equipment. Sector Enhancement Projects are designed to engage multiple dairy businesses in activities that improve or expand small ruminant production practices or dairy markets, strengthening relationships across the goat/sheep dairy supply chain. Examples include developing tools and resources, improving farmer access to resources, and initial investments to strengthen supply chain relationships. Funding priorities emphasize projects that address at least two of the following: developing resources to fill unmet technical assistance needs, increasing pay price for goat/sheep dairy farmers, producing deliverables for new or transitioning dairy farmers, including educational/information sharing components, fostering collaborative efforts, increasing profits for dairy businesses, improving herd/flock health/nutrition/milk quality, reducing barriers to new markets, developing market channels, and implementing innovative strategies to increase awareness and consumption of goat/sheep dairy products. The program's theory of change appears to be that by investing in these specific areas, both individual businesses and the sector as a whole will experience sustainable growth and increased competitiveness. Individual business grants range from $15,000 to $50,000, requiring a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Supply chain projects are eligible for grants between $25,000 and $75,000, also with a 25% match commitment. A total of $760,000 is available for this program. The expected outcomes include a more robust and resilient goat and sheep dairy sector in the Northeast, with enhanced business viability for producers and processors, expanded market reach for their products, and a stronger, more collaborative supply chain. The grant period for projects is between 8 and 12 months.

This program provides funding for arts and cultural projects that engage residents of Phoenix, supporting local organizations and schools in creating in-person events and activities.

The City of South Bend, Indiana is inviting applications for the South Bend Alive Grant program, aimed at funding community organizations that work towards reducing violence and positively impacting the lives of young people through mentorship, employment training, and community outreach activities.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, and community groups in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to provide hands-on environmental education for youth and enhance educator training.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to child care providers in Indianapolis to improve services, increase capacity, and enhance early childhood education for infants and toddlers.

The City of Germantown's Neighborhood Grants Program aims to empower neighborhood leaders by supporting projects that foster community engagement, beautify surroundings, improve resident communications, and enhance well-being. This program directly aligns with a broader mission to strengthen local communities by providing resources to homeowner and neighborhood associations. It serves as a strategic initiative to cultivate active, connected, and well-maintained neighborhoods, reflecting a theory of change where targeted financial support for community-led projects leads to tangible improvements in quality of life and a heightened sense of belonging among residents. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Germantown homeowner and neighborhood associations, along with their constituents. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on increasing neighborly interaction, improving the aesthetics and functionality of public spaces, enhancing communication channels within neighborhoods, and promoting a greater sense of safety and collective well-being. The program's strategic priority is to empower these local organizations to take ownership of community development, leveraging their intimate understanding of neighborhood needs to drive meaningful change. The program prioritizes projects falling into four key categories: Engagement, Communications, Beautification, and Safety. Engagement projects aim to bring neighbors together for social and recreational activities, such as block parties and movie nights. Communications projects focus on strengthening neighborhood organizations through initiatives like website development and newsletters. Beautification projects seek to enhance public areas with holiday decorations, landscaping, and art. Safety projects are designed to increase well-being through events like Germantown Night Out, seminars, and safety awareness campaigns. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and connected community life, more effective neighborhood organizations, visually appealing and well-maintained public spaces, and a measurable increase in residents' sense of safety and well-being. The program anticipates awarding two maximum grants of $5,000 each per period, with additional microgrants ranging from $500 to $1,000, totaling $25,000 per fiscal year. Measurable results will be gauged through the documentation of events with photos and sign-in sheets, the provision of receipts for all expenditures, and the overall completion of approved projects by the June 30, 2025, deadline.

Grant Opportunity: City of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant (Maine) The City of Lewiston is offering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist in developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for low-moderate income individuals. The grant funds are specifically designated for activities associated with preparing for, responding to, or recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible activities include public services, public facilities and infrastructure improvements such as building rehabilitation, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, installation of public works and facilities. Additionally, eligible expenses covered by the CDBG-CV funds include labor, supplies, materials and operation/maintenance of the facility where a public service is located. Applicants are required to provide detailed documentation including activity descriptions, client demographics and project budgets. For more information on eligibility and application process, visit City of Lewiston's website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based projects in Goodhue County that aim to prevent opioid misuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

The City of Boston has launched the Third Annual Community Empowerment Grants, offering a total of $500,000 to strengthen capacity and expand programming for organizations supporting men and boys across Boston’s neighborhoods. Administered by the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA), these grants provide up to $20,000 per organization to enhance programs aimed at empowering Black men and boys. Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The grants focus on seven key areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time, Youth and Young Adult Pathways, Housing Mobility, Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building, Workforce Training and Development, Fatherhood Engagement, and Mental Health and Wellness. Programs in these areas should foster social, economic, and emotional wellbeing for men and boys, providing pathways to success in education, housing, employment, and mental health. Building on the success of prior grant cycles, this year’s initiative introduces enhanced capacity-building support through the BMA Capacity Building and Impact Institute and mentoring opportunities in collaboration with Mass Mentoring. These programs offer personalized coaching, nonprofit training, and expert resources to help grantees amplify their impact and build long-term sustainability. To further promote collaboration, the BMA will facilitate a community of practice for grantees to share insights and strategies. Eligible applicants must be Boston-based organizations with a demonstrated history of positively impacting Black men and boys. Interested organizations can attend a virtual information session on December 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM via Zoom, with registration available on the BMA website. For further questions, applicants may contact the City of Boston grants team at [email protected]. In previous cycles, $1.5 million in Community Empowerment Grants has been awarded to 115 community-based organizations. This ongoing investment aligns with the BMA's mission to create equitable opportunities and lasting change for Black men and boys across Boston. For more details on this and other grant opportunities, visit www.boston.gov/grants.

The Union County is accepting applications for its Local Arts Grants. Donor Name: Union County State: New Jersey County: Union County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board and the NJ State Council on the Arts, have made funds available to support local arts through a State/County block-grant partnership for non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving the residents of Union County. LAP funds are awarded to organizations (“re-grantees”) that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in producing arts activities, to promote the growth and expand the public impact of arts organizations and arts projects. Goals  LAP provides funds for arts programs in Union County to further these goals: create public recognition of the value of the arts strengthen local arts organizations, artistically and administratively foster and reward artistic excellence increase the availability of quality arts experiences to the general public increase accessibility to the arts through compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) broaden, deepen and diversify participation in the arts foster collaborations and partnership-building  promote expanded public and private support of local arts activities Applicants are encouraged to address any of these Special Areas of Interest: highlight the excellence of New Jersey artists and/or contemporary artists  incorporate diverse programming and artists demonstrate effort to reach a diverse audience and/or underserved communities present programs that appeal to families  promote high-quality, lifelong arts education. Type of Support Eligible organizations may apply for funding in one of two categories:  General Operating Support (GOS)  This category is exclusively for arts organizations, and is not project-specific. Request cannot exceed 40% of organization’s total projected annual operating budget. Applicants should present the full range of their organization’s operations and must demonstrate high standards of artistry and management. Special Project (SP)  This category is open to both arts and non-arts organizations, to fund an arts project or arts series. Examples of Special Projects are: Series of performances, films or presentations Programs for youth, senior citizens, or people with disabilities Culturally specific work  Enhanced costuming, orchestration, choreography or marketing  Arts education  Board development or staff training Strategic planning Marketing and Publicity ADA assistive services Technical Assistance. Funding Information Minimum Request: $1,500 Maximum Request: For General Operating Support (arts organizations only), $15,000 is the maximum request. Requested amount for GOS applicants cannot exceed 40% of organization’s total projected 2025 operating budget. For a Special Project, $5,000 is the maximum request. Grant Period The LAP Grant operates on a 12-month fiscal period. Use of Funds General Operating Support This grant is for arts organizations only, and is not project-specific. Expenditures using grant funds may include, but are not limited to: Staff salaries Consultants  Professional development  Internet, phone or other utilities  Printing and postage  Marketing, publicity and advertising Materials or supplies Leased equipment  Fundraising and development  Assistive services or equipment (ADA)  Insurance and audit expenses  Domestic travel and transportation Special Project This grant is project-specific. Funds must be used to pay expenses for the Project only: Fees for outside professional artists Fees for other outside Professionals Printing & postage Materials or supplies Rented space or equipment Maintenance costs Marketing, publicity and advertising Staff training Board development Strategic planning ADA assistive services Arts education. Eligibility Criteria  Applications are accepted from eligible organizations planning to provide the Union County public with a high-quality arts program or arts project. Arts organizations may apply for General Operating Support (GOS) or a Special Project grant (SP). Non-arts organizations may apply for a Special Project grant (SP) to fund an arts project or series. Local Arts Grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations meeting the following requirements: Is Union County-based; activities take place in Union County and benefit Union County residents  Organization is incorporated in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of two years Has IRS tax-exempt status in accordance with Sections 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 or pending same. Local Arts Grants may also be awarded to libraries, schools, and units of government for a specific Arts project. For more information, visit Union County.

Grant Opportunity: Outdoor Education Partnership III Description: The Chippewa Nature Center and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service are collaborating to restore wetland, grassland, and pollinator habitat as outdoor classrooms on school lands in the 22 County Saginaw Bay Watershed. County or city-owned lands can also be developed as outdoor education areas if local schools can incorporate them into their curriculum. The projects will be funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with an average cost of $2,000 per acre for restoration. Priority will be given to schools, and each project will include a customized curriculum guide, lessons, supplies, and teacher training. Grant Opportunity: Great Mural Project Description: The Downtown Saginaw Association is leading the Great Mural Project, which aims to transform eyesores or forgotten spaces in Saginaw with beautiful murals and community art installations. The project focuses on sustainability, the river system, non-motorized trails, and other WIN investment projects. WIN will provide a small advisory committee to support the project. Grant Opportunity: Places Create Stories : The Power of Nature Description: Heart of the Lakes and Little Forks Conservancy are partnering to develop a media project that highlights the value of nature from an economic and community perspective. The project aims to create three short videos that emphasize the importance of nature for community character, job retention/recruitment, and economic development. The videos will be distributed through land conservancies and can be tailored for different groups' use. Grant Opportunity: Nature Kindergarten Pilot Description: This grant supports the development of a nature-based kindergarten pilot project at Bullock Creek Schools in cooperation with Chippewa Nature Center. Building on the success of a nature-based preschool program at Chippewa Nature Center, this pilot project aims to incorporate nature-based learning into two kindergarten classrooms. Grant Opportunity: MI Great Bay Regional Tourism Marketing & Development Phase 1 Description: This project seeks funding