Local Grants

The ARPA Aid to Nonprofits Grant (Round 5) is administered by the United Way of Walworth County (UWWC) as an ARPA Subrecipient through Walworth County. This program is designed to disburse $48,442.29 to local nonprofit (501c3 and 501c19) organizations. The core mission of this grant is to mitigate the negative economic impacts experienced by these organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for the period between March 3, 2021, and September 30, 2024. The UWWC's role as an administrator aligns with its broader mission of supporting the community and addressing critical needs, in this case, by strengthening the financial resilience of local nonprofits that serve Walworth County residents. The target beneficiaries for this grant are 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 non-profit organizations whose principal place of business, business operations, and service recipients are all located within Walworth County. The primary impact goal is to alleviate the financial strain caused by the pandemic on these essential community organizations, thereby enabling them to continue their vital services without interruption or reduction. This grant aims to ensure that local nonprofits remain robust and capable of supporting the community through various programs and services that may have been jeopardized by economic hardship. The grant prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic within the specified timeframe. A key focus is also on ensuring accountability and proper fund distribution, as evidenced by the requirement for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number before any award checks are disbursed. This focus on verifiable impact and organizational capacity ensures that funds are directed to those most in need and capable of effective utilization. Expected outcomes include enhanced stability and operational capacity for local nonprofits. Measurable results would involve the number of organizations supported, the total amount of funding disbursed, and potentially, qualitative reports from grantees on how the funds helped them recover or sustain operations during the pandemic. By supporting these organizations, the UWWC contributes to the overall well-being and recovery of Walworth County, reflecting a strategic priority of community resilience. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing direct financial aid to local nonprofits, the UWWC can effectively counter the economic fallout of the pandemic, thus indirectly supporting the many individuals and families served by these organizations and strengthening the social fabric of the county.

The Lexington Fayette Urban County Government offers the Neighborhood Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program to assist property owners, businesses, and organizations in implementing projects that improve water quality through innovation and education in Fayette County, Kentucky. The program is funded by the Water Quality Management Fee and administered by the Division of Water Quality. Projects must address at least one objective, including improving water quality in impaired streams, addressing stormwater on existing or developing parcels, reducing stormwater runoff and flooding, or providing public or private education on water quality. Examples include storm drain marking, stream cleanups, riparian planting, agricultural fencing, tree canopy expansion, rain barrels or rain gardens, educational seminars, and retention pond enhancements. Projects may be funded up to 120,000 dollars with a required 20 percent cost share in cash or in kind; the maximum grant award is 45,000 dollars. Eligible expenses include materials and supplies, rental equipment, consulting fees, construction costs, teacher stipends, and permitting fees. The grant period runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Eligible applicants are incorporated neighborhood, community, and homeowner associations with a roster of elected officers. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government.

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 program provides financial support to retail, service, and restaurant businesses in East Haddam and Haddam to help them recover from revenue losses caused by local construction disruptions.

This grant provides financial support to organizations hosting family-friendly events in Downtown Hagerstown to strengthen community ties and stimulate the local economy.

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation invites applications to its Community Priorities Grant cycle to enhance quality of life for residents of Charlevoix County, Michigan. The cycle offers eligible nonprofit partners and public entities an opportunity to seek support for projects and programs addressing local needs, and donor advisors may also recommend grants through the cycle. Proposals are evaluated for organizational impact and relevance, leadership and capacity, financial solvency, the extent to which funds strengthen the organization or the community served, the comprehensiveness of planning and proposed activities, and the expected duration of impact. The program is intended to reach a variety of needs in the county. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of government, and educational institutions from preschool through college that serve Charlevoix County residents and do not discriminate in hiring or service provision. Grant size and duration are not stated in the description. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Applicants should consult the Community Foundation for official details and submission instructions.

The Community Foundation of the Quincy Area awards Community Grants to strengthen nonprofit services and enhance quality of life across a 12 county region in Illinois and Missouri. The program honors donor intent while supporting projects that meet needs and advance opportunities throughout the service area. Priority is given to proposals that enable unique, innovative, or proven solutions to community needs; make a significant impact on the overall request; expand or enhance mission delivery, especially for underserved or at risk populations; leverage community collaborations; and reach a significant number of residents across the region. Grants in 2024 will generally range from 1,000 to 7,500 dollars and may support programs, projects, or general operations as specified. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) organizations, units of government or municipalities for public or charitable purposes, and faith based organizations for community programs that do not promote or require religious doctrine. Projects must serve at least one of the following counties: Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike in Illinois and Clark, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, or Shelby in Missouri. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Official details and instructions are available from the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area.

The City of Evanston's Small Business Recovery Program is designed to safeguard the local small business economy and preserve the city's economic and cultural fabric. While not explicitly a foundation, the City of Evanston's mission alignment with this program is evident in its commitment to supporting the independent businesses that define the city's identity. This initiative directly addresses the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic on these vital businesses. The program primarily targets existing small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses in Evanston, particularly focusing on minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned enterprises. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating on or before March 13, 2020, possess a physical Evanston location with proper registration/licensing, and have 50 or fewer employees. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn, ensuring these businesses can continue to operate and contribute to the community. The program prioritizes a range of services and expenses to achieve its goals. These include facade improvements, rehabilitation/renovation of commercial properties, signage, professional services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal), marketing/communications technical assistance, capital expenditures (tools and equipment), training and certifications, relocation/expansion within Evanston (for qualified census tracts), and hiring/training of new employees. The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000, with other eligible expenses capped at $10,000. Priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts if applications exceed available funding. The expected outcomes include the revitalization of small businesses, job retention and creation, and an overall strengthening of Evanston's local economy. Measurable results will likely stem from the types of expenses funded, such as improved business appearance, enhanced operational efficiency through new equipment, increased marketing reach, and expanded workforces. The City's strategic priority is to prevent business closures and stimulate economic growth post-pandemic, operating on the theory that direct financial and technical assistance to vulnerable small businesses is the most effective way to achieve a resilient local economy and maintain its unique cultural identity.

The City of Burien offers the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program to support resident initiated projects that improve quality of life, build community, and create lasting public benefits. The program encourages participation from youth groups, neighborhood associations, and informal groups of neighbors. The city may provide up to 5,000 dollars per project, to be matched by volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or additional funds. Eligible projects include tree planting and maintenance, minor park or trailhead improvements, environmental or sustainability projects, public amenities such as benches or markers, and community based events that foster neighbor connections. Projects must be designed for low maintenance and provide broad public access and benefit. Projects must be located within Burien city limits and involve at least two residents from separate households. Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support, obtain approvals from adjacent property owners as needed, involve residents in all phases, and meet project completion timelines and permitting requirements. Projects must be on publicly accessed property and be free and open to the public. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the City of Burien.

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

This program provides financial assistance to new small businesses in Evanston, helping them cover essential operating costs and equipment expenses to foster job creation and sustainability.

This grant provides financial support to small businesses, non-profits, and educational organizations in Frisco to implement innovative projects that reduce waste and promote sustainability within the community.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial businesses in Liberty for exterior improvements that enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote business development within the city.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) 2025 Improvement Grant Request for Applications (RFA) aims to enhance indigent defense services across Texas. This initiative aligns with a foundational mission to ensure quality legal representation for indigent defendants, a critical component of a fair justice system. By offering competitive grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, TIDC seeks to foster the development of new programs and processes that address the specific needs and challenges within the state's indigent defense landscape. The grants typically require county matching funds, promoting local investment and commitment to these crucial services. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are Texas counties, law school legal clinics, regional public defenders, and nonprofit corporations that provide indigent defense services. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the quality of representation for indigent defendants and to implement cost-containment initiatives for counties. TIDC prioritizes programs that establish managed indigent defense systems, including public defender and managed assigned counsel programs, as well as specialized services for clients with mental health challenges, regional services, and programs serving rural areas. Additionally, programs that measure the quality of representation and implement process management software are given precedence. The grant program features several categories designed to address various needs. Multi-Year Improvement Grants support ongoing indigent defense representation programs, offering funding over four years with a declining reimbursement rate and requiring a cash match. Rural Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants focus on regional programs in three or more counties with populations under 100,000, providing significant initial and ongoing sustainability funding. Single-Year Improvement Grants target process improvement and technology projects, while Technical Support Grants fund special projects like research, program assessments, and pilot initiatives to build knowledge and test new processes. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new public defender offices and managed assigned counsel systems, the development of specialized defender offices for mental health or juvenile cases, and the deployment of indigent defense coordinators. These outcomes are designed to create more robust, equitable, and efficient indigent defense systems across Texas. The TIDC's strategic priorities and theory of change center on the belief that by investing in diverse, targeted programs, counties can develop sustainable, high-quality indigent defense services that not only meet legal requirements but also significantly improve the lives of indigent defendants and reduce long-term county operating costs.

The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council administers the City and Borough of Juneau Major Grants to provide operating support for local arts nonprofit organizations. The program seeks to cultivate vibrant arts and cultural opportunities and to build a strong, prosperous community where creativity and innovation thrive. Funding may support a specific project or season operations. Review criteria include compatibility with core values, artistic quality, community benefit, organizational capacity to manage programs and events, number of individuals served, evaluation processes, prior compliance with grant policies, budget realism, and sound program management. Organizations must be current with licenses and registrations. Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations serving Juneau and surrounding Southeast Alaska communities. Projects funded in 2024 to 2025 will occur from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The program supports community art encouragement and services that enrich quality of life and promote the creative economy. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant size and duration beyond the one year period are not stated. Additional information is available from the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.

The Town of Olathe has received a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), aimed at revitalizing its Main Street and supporting local retail businesses. This grant directly aligns with a mission to foster economic development and community prosperity in rural areas by providing financial assistance for critical business improvements. The program’s focus on storefront enhancements and accessibility modifications is designed to create a more vibrant and economically robust town center, ultimately benefiting the entire community. The target beneficiaries for this grant are businesses located in the 200 and 300 blocks of Olathe’s Main Street, as well as retail businesses along Highway 50 Business Loop. The primary impact goal is to stimulate local commerce, attract more customers, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the town’s commercial core. By supporting these businesses, the grant intends to create a more attractive and accessible environment for residents and visitors alike, fostering sustained economic growth. The grant prioritizes a range of physical improvements, including awning repair or replacement, new or updated business signs, and comprehensive façade improvements such as storefront repairs, window replacement, and the rehabilitation of historic architectural features. Additionally, modifications to improve business accessibility are a key focus, ensuring that the revitalized spaces are inclusive for all patrons. The grant explicitly excludes roof and foundation work, directing funds toward highly visible and impactful street-level enhancements. Expected outcomes of the REDI grant include increased foot traffic and sales for participating businesses, a significant improvement in the visual appeal of Main Street and the Highway 50 Business Loop, and a strengthened local economy. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses that undergo improvements, the types of improvements made, and potentially, local sales tax revenue increases or new business establishments in the targeted areas. The strategic priority is to leverage this funding to create a ripple effect, encouraging further private investment and community engagement in Olathe’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

The Edwards Aquifer Authority's 2024 Groundwater Conservation Grant Program supports agricultural irrigation efficiency improvements within its jurisdiction, encompassing over 8,000 square miles across eight Texas counties. This initiative aims to incentivize the adoption of water-saving practices among Edwards Aquifer permit holders, enhancing groundwater conservation efforts. Qualified projects that demonstrate potential groundwater savings are eligible for funding. Applicants are required to provide detailed project proposals, including descriptions of current and proposed irrigation methods, equipment to be used, and comprehensive cost estimates.

This funding opportunity supports artists, organizations, and community groups in creating public art and placemaking projects that enhance Seaside's cultural appeal and attract tourists.

The City of Pasadena's 2024-2025 Festival and Parade Grant Program aims to support publicly oriented thematic events with a defined cultural or artistic focus. These events can encompass multiple arts genres/cultural activities or multiple offerings focusing on one artistic genre or cultural activity, and must include elements of community involvement. Examples include music festivals, dance festivals, fairs, parades, and cultural celebrations. The program is specifically for events produced by non-profit organizations or consortia of non-profit organizations, taking place within Pasadena city limits for one or more consecutive days, and featuring various art forms such as music, theatre, visual art, dance, or film. The program targets non-profit arts and culture organizations or non-profit social service organizations (including, but not limited to, chambers of commerce, social service agencies, homeowners associations, or business districts) in partnership with an arts and culture organization. The grant seeks to foster accessibility, cultural diversity, and geographic equity within Pasadena. Eligible projects include public events with a cultural or artistic purpose, arts/culture festivals or parades held in publicly accessible spaces that are free or of reasonable cost, and collaborations between Pasadena non-profit art/culture organizations and other non-profit entities. Social service organizations can apply if partnered with a Pasadena arts/culture organization. The grant prioritizes marketing costs and artists' fees to ensure events are accessible and diverse. The maximum grant request is $10,000, and projects must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The program also supports arts/culture events produced in Pasadena by non-profit arts/culture organizations not based in Pasadena but providing an event not otherwise produced by a local producer, further enhancing the city's cultural offerings. The expected outcomes include an increase in accessible cultural and artistic events within Pasadena, greater community involvement in arts and culture, and the promotion of cultural diversity and geographic equity through supported festivals and parades. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the program's focus on marketing costs and artist fees suggests an intention to increase attendance and participation in these events. The overall strategic priority is to enrich the cultural landscape of Pasadena and ensure a vibrant community through public arts and cultural celebrations.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation - Loan Corporation (EDCLC), is offering grants to eligible micro-businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The grants are available to businesses based in Kansas City, Missouri, with ten or fewer employees. The EDCLC will provide grants of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000. The funds can be used for various purposes such as overhead costs, renovation costs, technology, professional services, facade and minor roof repairs, inventory costs, equipment costs, and marketing. However, certain businesses are ineligible for the grants, including liquor stores, payday loans, hookah and vape shops, marijuana-related businesses, rental properties, bars with less than 50% food sales, and new businesses operating for less than one year. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 816-691-2120.