Local Grants

The Business Development Grant Program, offered by the Town of Perryville, Maryland, is designed to stimulate economic development within the town's corporate limits. Its primary objectives are to foster new job opportunities, reduce the number of vacant storefronts, encourage business diversification, attract additional private sector investment, and promote in-fill business development. This program aligns with a strategic goal of local government to create a vibrant and sustainable economic environment, though specific "foundation mission alignment" beyond this general goal is not explicitly stated as this is a municipal program rather than a private foundation. The target beneficiaries of this program are new and existing small businesses located within the Town of Perryville. The program aims to support these businesses by providing funds necessary for operational needs, thereby ensuring their financial viability and encouraging growth. The ultimate impact goals include strengthening the local economy, increasing employment, and enhancing the overall business landscape of Perryville. The emphasis on filling vacant storefronts and encouraging diversification suggests a focus on revitalizing commercial areas and expanding the range of goods and services available to residents and visitors. The program prioritizes a broad range of eligible uses for funds, including building improvements, the purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, property acquisition or leasing, and advertising campaigns. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to support various aspects of business development and expansion. The eligibility criteria further refine the program's focus, requiring applicants to be in good standing with the Town, Cecil County, and the State of Maryland, and to operate within specific zoning districts (Neighborhood Business, Town Center, Highway Commercial, Residential Marine, Commercial Maritime, and for existing businesses, Residential districts). This indicates a deliberate strategy to concentrate development in designated commercial and mixed-use areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in new job creation, a reduction in the number of unoccupied commercial properties, a more diverse local business sector, and a rise in private sector investment. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the program's objectives inherently suggest these as key performance indicators. The "theory of change" underpinning this grant is that by providing financial assistance for operational needs and growth initiatives, the Town of Perryville can directly stimulate business activity, which in turn will lead to economic growth and community benefits. This proactive approach by the municipality serves as its strategic priority for economic development.

The City of Wentzville's Business Development Grant Program aims to stimulate economic growth and revitalization within its Historic Downtown zoning districts (HD-1, HD-2, or HD-3). This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to boost property development, strengthen both new and existing businesses, and facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. By offering financial assistance for start-up and business development costs, the program directly supports the strategic objective of creating a more vibrant and economically robust downtown core. The target beneficiaries of this grant are new businesses, open for less than 12 months, and significantly expanding businesses within the designated historic downtown areas. The program's impact goals are centered on easing financial burdens associated with business development and improvement, thereby fostering a conducive environment for commercial activity and urban renewal. The grant is specifically designed to alleviate costs for interior building improvements, enabling businesses to enhance their physical spaces and operational capabilities. The program's priorities and focuses include a range of interior building improvements such as paint, finish carpentry, flooring, and countertops. These specific areas of focus are intended to directly contribute to the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall value of commercial properties in the historic downtown. By supporting these types of improvements, the City of Wentzville seeks to encourage high-quality business development and attract further investment in the area. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of new businesses opening and existing businesses expanding within the specified districts, a reduction in the financial barriers for these businesses, and an overall improvement in the condition and modernization of downtown buildings. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the program's success can be indirectly measured by increased commercial activity, improved property values, and enhanced community engagement within the historic downtown. The City of Wentzville's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by directly investing in the physical and operational improvements of downtown businesses, it can catalyze broader economic development and create a more attractive and sustainable urban environment.

The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation’s (CRRF) New Castle County Youth Empowerment Fund, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), is currently accepting applications from non-profit organizations. This grant program aims to provide funding for projects that specifically benefit at-risk youth within New Castle County, Delaware. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this fund, aligns with empowering young people to overcome challenges and achieve self-sufficiency, contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are underserved youth and young adults, ranging from birth through 25 years of age, who reside in New Castle County. These individuals are identified as being at risk for not developing the necessary skills and support systems to achieve a self-sufficient future. The impact goal is to empower these at-risk youth by funding initiatives that provide them with crucial skills and support, thereby fostering their long-term independence and success. The program prioritizes non-profit organizations that are based in New Castle County and demonstrate a clear commitment to serving the identified demographic. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the overarching goal of fostering self-sufficiency, it is implied that successful projects will equip young individuals with the tools and resources needed to thrive. The "organization doubles its commitment, offering up to $5,000 per grant" indicates a strategic priority of increasing support for these critical initiatives. The CRRF and DCF's strategic priorities are clearly focused on community development through youth empowerment. Their theory of change appears to be centered on the belief that by investing in organizations that directly serve at-risk youth, they can create a positive ripple effect, leading to improved life outcomes for individuals and stronger, more resilient communities in New Castle County.

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.

This program provides matching funds to business and property owners in Alameda for improving the exterior appearance of their buildings through enhancements like painting, signage, and architectural restoration.

The 5224GOOD Grants, announced by the Community Foundation of Johnson County, represent a key initiative aligned with the foundation's mission to address community needs. This grant program is managed in partnership with the Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC) through the 5224GOOD Charitable Fund and the 5224GOOD Endowed Fund. 5224GOOD itself is a learning and giving circle, dedicated to educating its members about philanthropy and community needs within Johnson County. This structure indicates a strategic approach where donor education and community engagement directly inform and support the grant-making process, ensuring that funding is directed towards areas of genuine need identified through member involvement. For 2024, the granting focus area is specifically Housing Insecurity in Johnson County, Iowa. This focus demonstrates a clear priority for the grant cycle, driven by the 5224GOOD membership's engagement with local organizations and their learning about this critical issue. The grants are geared toward program/project support requests, considering both existing and new initiatives, with a strong encouragement for collaborative projects. The target beneficiaries are individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity within Johnson County, with the ultimate impact goal being to alleviate or prevent such insecurity through supported programs and projects. The eligibility criteria further define the target for this grant. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, churches, the ICCSD, or government entities that significantly serve Johnson County, Iowa, and focus their work on Housing Insecurity. Organizations without 501(c)3 status are encouraged to find a fiscal sponsor to apply, broadening the potential reach of the grants while maintaining accountability. This ensures that the funding reaches legitimate and impactful organizations directly addressing the identified community need. While the description doesn't explicitly detail a "theory of change," the focus on Housing Insecurity, the encouragement of program/project support, and the emphasis on organizations significantly serving Johnson County strongly suggest an implicit theory: that targeted financial support for effective programs will lead to measurable improvements in housing stability for residents. The maximum request amount of $25,000 per application, with an encouragement to request the full amount, suggests an aim to fund impactful, well-defined projects rather than a large number of smaller initiatives. Expected outcomes would include a reduction in housing insecurity, increased access to stable housing solutions, and stronger support systems for vulnerable populations within Johnson County. The grant's direct targeting of a specific issue reflects a strategic priority to concentrate resources for maximum community benefit.

The Legacy Business Recovery Grant Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to the City of Los Angeles, offers grants of up to $20,000 to eligible Legacy Businesses. This initiative is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to aid these businesses in their recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program's core mission aligns with broader efforts to support local economies and preserve established community businesses, recognizing their historical and cultural value. It underscores a commitment to helping businesses adapt, reopen, and sustain operations in a challenging economic landscape. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Legacy Businesses listed on the Legacy Business Registry, operating within Los Angeles city limits, and functioning from commercial, industrial, or manufacturing locations with a valid commercial lease. Home-based businesses are not eligible, and annual revenue cannot exceed $3 million. The impact goal is to facilitate the recovery and continued operation of these vital businesses, ensuring their survival and contribution to the local economy and community fabric. Businesses must demonstrate how the funds will be used for COVID-19 recovery expenses, with a focus on necessary expenditures. Funding priorities emphasize equitable distribution across finalists, with a particular focus on City of Los Angeles geographic diversity and low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Grant application submissions from businesses located in or owned by individuals in low- and moderate-income communities (50% and 80% of Area Median Income as defined by HUD) are more heavily weighted, as are businesses facing an imminent threat of displacement. This weighted selection process reflects a strategic priority to support businesses in areas with greater need and vulnerability, aligning with a theory of change that targeted investment can produce more equitable and impactful recovery outcomes. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of Legacy Businesses, job retention, and economic stabilization within affected communities. Measurable results will be tied to how grant funds are utilized, with eligible uses encompassing employee payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, working capital for reopening or continued operations, adapting to new technologies, payment of outstanding business expenses incurred after March 3, 2021, adaptive business practices, and legal fees for lease negotiations. Grant amounts are tiered based on employee count: $10,000 for businesses with one to five employees and $20,000 for those with six or more. This structure ensures that assistance is tailored to the operational scale of the businesses, contributing to their effective recovery and resilience.

The 2025 Local Community Impact Grant, offered by the Town of Perryville, Maryland, is designed to provide flexible funding to not-for-profit organizations. This grant program aims to address unmet needs within the corporate limits of the Town of Perryville and to support organizations that provide public services to its citizens. The program's core mission aligns with enhancing community well-being and addressing specific local challenges through the support of established non-profits. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are not-for-profit entities that operate within or serve the Town of Perryville. To be eligible, these organizations must possess a place of business within the town's corporate limits or deliver public services directly to its citizens. Furthermore, applicants must hold a 501(c) tax-exempt status and be in good standing with the Town of Perryville, Cecil County, and the State of Maryland. The grant prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan to address identified needs within the community, aligning with the town's strategic priority of fostering a resilient and supportive environment for its residents. The grant focuses on supporting initiatives that tackle unmet needs within the Town of Perryville, though specific areas of focus beyond this general objective are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. The expectation is that funded projects will result in tangible improvements in the lives of Perryville citizens and the overall community. The Town of Perryville's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local not-for-profit organizations as key agents in addressing community challenges and delivering essential services, thereby creating a stronger, more vibrant town. Expected outcomes include a measurable positive impact on the community, with funding contingent upon the availability of Impact Grant funding from the State of Maryland. While specific measurable results are not outlined, successful applicants will likely be required to demonstrate how their proposed projects will meet the unmet needs identified and contribute to the well-being of Perryville's citizens. The grant period is not explicitly mentioned, suggesting a focus on project-based outcomes rather than long-term organizational funding, emphasizing immediate and localized impact.

The Nephi City Arts Grants program provides funding for operating expenses to non-profit cultural organizations. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to advance or preserve natural history, art, music, theater, dance, cultural arts, literature, motion pictures, or storytelling. The City Council has dedicated 5% of the PAR Tax revenue to support these local arts organizations, demonstrating a strategic commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape within the community. This grant serves as a crucial resource for organizations that are the backbone of local artistic expression and cultural preservation. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are private non-profit cultural organizations whose core purpose revolves around the aforementioned artistic and historical pursuits. The impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to continue their work in enriching the cultural fabric of Nephi City. By supporting their operating expenses, the grant aims to ensure the sustainability and growth of these vital community assets. The grant prioritizes funding for organizations dedicated to the advancement or preservation of various cultural forms. The focus is specifically on operating expenses, indicating an intent to provide stable, foundational support rather than project-specific funding. While specific strategic priorities or a detailed theory of change are not explicitly outlined, the allocation of PAR Tax revenue signals a community-wide strategy to invest in local arts as a key component of civic well-being and identity. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity for cultural organizations to operate and deliver their programs, leading to increased access to and engagement with the arts for Nephi City residents. Measurable results would likely involve the number of organizations supported, the scope of their activities, and potentially, community engagement metrics if collected by the organizations themselves. In fiscal year 2024, approximately $7,867 is available, which will directly contribute to these outcomes by enabling recipient organizations to cover essential operational costs. The application requires details on the organization, the project, the requested amount, and how funds will be used, all contributing to accountability and understanding the grant's direct impact.

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is offering Incubator and Accelerator Grants to fund organizations that support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The program's mission aligns with stimulating economic development and fostering innovation by nurturing early-stage businesses. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of approximately $500,000, and a grant duration of one year. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2024. The target beneficiaries are early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sacramento region, particularly those with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The primary impact goal is for participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs to successfully start or grow their businesses, thereby spurring innovation and stimulating economic development locally. Non-profits and companies are invited to apply for funding to run these programs. The grant prioritizes programs that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals, educational workshops on business planning and financial management, product development support, and legal and administrative assistance. Furthermore, programs should focus on marketing and branding support, strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to funding through pitch training and investor introductions. Access to shared office space is also a valuable component. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of new businesses started and existing businesses grown within the Sacramento region. The program aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. The City's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to innovation and economic growth, with the theory of change being that by supporting early-stage businesses through comprehensive programs, they will be better equipped to succeed and contribute to the local economy. Eligible activities for grant expenditures are broad, covering program development and delivery, staff salaries, stipends for volunteers and participants, training supplies, office space, marketing, and even food for participants (up to 5% of the grant total). Scholarships for program participants, software subscription fees, and professional services are also permissible. Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within Sacramento city limits, or provide grant-supported programming within the city, and be in compliance with current and past City grants.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Soldotna for programs and events that enhance the cultural, economic, and overall quality of life for residents, particularly focusing on public welfare and community growth.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Capital Support grant program, funded by ARPA, is designed to strengthen nonprofits by addressing their capital needs, thereby improving core operations and infrastructure. This initiative by Gwinnett County aims to assist local nonprofits in more effectively carrying out their missions, both now and in the future, by providing capital support. The program's core aligns with a strategic objective to enhance the capacity and sustainability of organizations serving the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are private nonprofit organizations registered as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) that have been in operation for at least 12 months. These organizations must demonstrate a history of serving Gwinnett County residents and have experienced negative economic impacts due to COVID-19. The program specifically seeks to identify nonprofits with limited capacity but impactful activities for Gwinnett County residents most in need, with the overarching impact goal of increasing their effectiveness and ability to meet community needs. The program's priorities and focuses include providing capital support for items such as equipment, software solutions, and vehicles. A key focus is to fund as many organizations as possible within the available funding to increase the overall effectiveness of local nonprofits. This reflects a strategic priority to support organizational capacity building that will sustain or enhance the ability of these nonprofits to address community needs, particularly those aligning with existing recommendations from the Human Services Strategic Plan. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational capacity, improved infrastructure, and more effective service delivery by Gwinnett County nonprofits. Measurable results will be reflected in the number of organizations receiving awards, with individual capital support awards ranging from $3,000 to $100,000. The county anticipates awarding up to $4,550,000 for these projects, with each award having a duration of 12 months, allowing for concrete project implementation and assessment of capacity improvements.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Orleans that focus on community well-being, youth recreation, and cultural enrichment.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA) is offering grants through its Farley Moody Galbraith Fund (FMGF) to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within CFNEA’s nine-county region. The fund's purpose is to address a broad spectrum of charitable needs, aligning with Mrs. Galbraith's historical philanthropic focus on needy children, disadvantaged youth, and the arts. This grant program is a key component of CFNEA's mission to foster charitable support and improve the well-being of communities in Northeast Alabama by leveraging donor legacies to meet current needs. The FMGF primarily targets organizations dedicated to serving needy children, disadvantaged youth, and promoting the arts within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support to vulnerable populations and to enrich the cultural landscape of the region. By focusing on these specific areas, CFNEA aims to create a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and the vitality of local communities. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a strong operational history and strategic planning. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) not-for-profits or governmental/state agencies with a minimum one-year operating history and a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. Financial transparency is also key, with revenue-based requirements for submitting audited financial statements, review, or compilation. These criteria ensure that grants are awarded to stable and well-managed organizations capable of effectively utilizing funds. Expected outcomes include improved conditions for needy children and disadvantaged youth, as well as enhanced access to and participation in arts programs. Grant awards, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to support activities for one year, with awards under $3,000 receiving 100% upfront upon agreement. This structure allows for timely implementation of projects and a clear timeframe for assessing results. The Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in established, strategically-aligned organizations addressing critical community needs, it can foster sustainable positive change and uphold the charitable intentions of its donors.

The Community Fund is an annual grant program by the Philadelphia City Fund, aligning with the city's goals to enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative supports charitable projects addressing Philadelphia's most pressing needs. The funding is a result of a partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which contributes a portion of its annual revenues to the fund. For the 2024 cycle, the program specifically focuses on youth wellness, promoting lifelong healthy activity, and nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming. The target beneficiaries are youth aged pre-K through 12th grade in Philadelphia, particularly those participating in out-of-school time (OST) programs. The program aims to support their healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development. The impact goal is to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, with a preference for organizations serving specific Priority ZIP Codes (19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144) identified through an analysis of quality of life metrics and OST slot distribution. The fund prioritizes small nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets not exceeding $5 million that provide OST programming to youth in Philadelphia. Grantees will receive $25,000 in unrestricted funds, which can be used for general operations, programmatic activities, or other mission-supporting costs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their organization's mission and/or programming aligns with the "Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming" theme. The expected outcome is improved well-being and safety for youth in Philadelphia through enhanced access to comprehensive OST programming. While specific measurable results beyond the funding allocation and unrestricted nature of the grants are not explicitly detailed, the focus on priority ZIP codes and the definition of OST programming suggest an intention to measure the reach and impact on youth development in underserved areas. Grantees will be expected to comply with Pennsylvania childcare regulations and maintain necessary insurance coverage during the one-year grant term, starting February 2025.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

The BLOOM Grant Program, initiated in 2018 by the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center through the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA), aims to empower small businesses in York County. This initiative aligns with the YCEA's mission to foster economic growth and stability within the region by providing crucial financial support to businesses with tangible needs. The program's core objective is to help businesses improve productivity, expand services, or achieve the next level of growth, thereby contributing to the overall economic vitality of York County. Since its inception, the BLOOM Grant Program has demonstrated significant impact, distributing 235 grants totaling $480,000 to various small businesses and organizations. The program specifically targets small businesses in York County, including those in Downtown York and York County Trail Towns communities, with a particular focus on women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of BLOOM classes. This broad reach reflects a commitment to inclusive economic development, ensuring that a diverse range of businesses can access vital resources for growth. Priority consideration for funding is given to businesses that have not previously received BLOOM grant funding, promoting equitable access and supporting a wider array of enterprises. The program also prioritizes businesses owned by Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and Veterans, aiming to address historical disparities and promote economic empowerment within these communities. Furthermore, businesses that commit to using local businesses for grant implementation are favored, reinforcing local economic cycles and fostering community collaboration. The program awards grants ranging from $500 to $1,500, with amounts determined by need and potential impact. These grants are intended to fund projects that demonstrably improve productivity, expand services, or facilitate business growth. Examples of previously funded projects include improving signage, physical improvements to business locations, marketing initiatives, training and certification for new services, and the purchase of new equipment. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in the operational efficiency, market reach, and overall growth of recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic development within York County. This strategic approach reflects the YCEA's theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment in small businesses, especially those in underrepresented groups, can lead to significant and sustainable regional economic benefits.

The Benton County Community Foundation seeks applications to enhance the quality of life for individuals within Benton County, Missouri, through a flexible community grantmaking program. This initiative aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address the most critical and evolving needs of the community at any given time. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower community leaders, specifically the Benton County Philanthropic Society (Benton County PHIL), to make informed grant decisions that reflect local priorities. The grant program targets 501(c)3 organizations, government entities, school districts, and churches that serve Benton County. The primary impact goal is to fund programs that expand current services or create new ones to address identified priority needs within the county. The Benton County PHIL will determine these priority needs, ensuring that funding directly benefits the local population and improves their overall quality of life. For 2024, the program has a total grant budget of $50,000, bolstered by a $25,000 matching grant from the Patterson Family Foundation. The maximum individual request amount is $25,000, with additional awards of $15,000 and $10,000 for the second and third highly-ranked agencies, respectively. While collaboration among applicants is encouraged, it is not a mandatory eligibility criterion. The expected outcome is to allocate these funds strategically to organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for positive community impact. Measurable results will stem from the funded projects' ability to expand existing programs or establish new services that address specific community needs. The foundation's theory of change posits that by placing grantmaking decisions in the hands of knowledgeable community leaders and leveraging philanthropic contributions, they can effectively foster sustainable improvements in Benton County. Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced timetable, and recommendations are made as funds become available, ensuring a responsive and impactful grantmaking process.

The Juneau Affordable Housing Fund (JAHF), established by the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), aims to increase affordable (0% to 80% area median income (AMI)) and middle-income (80% to 120% AMI) housing in Juneau. This initiative aligns with the CBJ's broader mission to address housing needs within the Capital City. The JAHF directs financial resources towards various activities including funding capital costs for rental and ownership housing, supporting capacity-building efforts for non-profit housing developers, and leveraging CBJ investments with other funding sources to maximize the creation and preservation of quality affordable and middle-income housing units. The primary beneficiaries of the JAHF are households within the affordable (0-80% AMI) and middle-income (80-120% AMI) ranges, as well as non-profit housing developers, public housing authorities, tribal governments, and for-profit developers who contribute to the creation of such housing. The impact goals include increasing the number of available affordable and middle-income housing units, fostering long-term affordability, and encouraging downtown housing development. The JAHF prioritizes the use of capital to develop housing units, specifically funding for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable, middle-income, and senior housing, as well as homeowner opportunities. A key focus is on long-term affordability, with a preference for units created with affordability covenants or that are permanently affordable. Additionally, the fund prioritizes housing development within the boundaries established by the Downtown Juneau Residential Tax Abatement Map. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the supply of affordable and middle-income housing units in Juneau. Measurable results will be tracked through the number of housing units created or preserved, the proportion of units designated for long-term affordability, and the geographic distribution of new developments, particularly in the downtown area. The CBJ’s strategic priority, as reflected in the JAHF, is to implement its Housing Action Plan by directing financial resources and incentives to address the critical need for diverse housing options across different income levels, thereby enhancing the overall livability and economic stability of the community.