Local Grants

The City of Redmond's 2025 Tourism Grants program is designed to foster tourism development and promotion within the city. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, specifically prioritizing overnight guests. Funding for these grants is derived from a 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms in Redmond, ensuring that the program directly reinvests in local tourism efforts. The program aims to enhance Redmond's appeal as a destination through various events, tournaments, and promotions. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of public and private organizations with a demonstrated ability to execute proposed projects. This encompasses business, community, cultural, educational, entertainment, heritage, historical, and sports organizations, as well as galleries, museums, and visitor information bureaus. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of visitors to Redmond, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the city's vibrant community. The program prioritizes projects that align with specific state statutes and city ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. Key focus areas include tourism marketing, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals explicitly designed to attract tourists, and the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Grants are competitive, evaluated by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) using official funding criteria and weighted scoring, with recommendations subject to City Council approval. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity and overnight stays in Redmond. While the grant duration is not specified, projects must clearly define the services or initiatives to be implemented. The minimum awarded amount is $1,000, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. The program's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenues to sustainably grow Redmond's tourism sector, operating under the theory of change that targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure will directly lead to an influx of visitors and associated economic benefits for the city.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County, Indiana. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster effective, efficient, and self-sustaining nonprofits that create significant community impact. The grants are funded by the Foundation’s unrestricted funds, demonstrating a strategic commitment to addressing broad community needs through flexible funding. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations that serve LaGrange County and its citizens. The primary impact goal is to empower these nonprofits to be more effective, efficient, and self-sustaining. The Foundation specifically seeks innovative or creative projects that will have a significant impact on the community, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and development of LaGrange County. The program prioritizes grant requests that reach a broad segment of the community, promote cooperation to avoid service duplication, and offer seed money for innovative solutions to unmet needs. It also favors projects that provide services not typically available, inspire additional funding, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of charitable organizations. This reflects a strategic focus on collaborative, forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen the nonprofit sector. Expected outcomes include a more robust and responsive nonprofit ecosystem within LaGrange County, with organizations that are better equipped to meet community needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on significant impact, efficiency, and self-sustainability suggests a focus on long-term positive change. The Foundation’s theory of change appears to be that by supporting innovative and collaborative projects, they can catalyze community-wide improvements and create a lasting positive legacy.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits in LaGrange County, Indiana, for projects that benefit the Stroh community, such as parks, youth sports, schools, and community events.

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 North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The Merrimack County Social Services Grant Program aims to address the increased demand for social services within the county due to reductions in state and federal funding and current economic conditions affecting charitable giving. Merrimack County, located in New Hampshire, has established this grant to guide the allocation of its limited resources to social service agencies that provide critical services to its residents. The grant period is from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and applications are due by August 30, 2024. The program seeks to ensure that essential services continue to be available to the community, demonstrating a clear alignment with the county's mission to support the well-being of its residents and manage its welfare functions responsibly. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Merrimack County residents who rely on social services. The program's impact goals are to support agencies that provide critical services that the County would otherwise be obligated to provide or pay for through its welfare function. By funding these agencies, the County aims to reduce its own expenditures and enhance the overall quality of life for its community members. The grant emphasizes a direct or indirect reduction in County expenditures and a clear demonstration of financial need by the requesting agencies, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed and will have the greatest impact. The program prioritizes agencies that serve a core group of Merrimack County residents and offer services that significantly enhance the quality of life within the community. The focus is on critical services that address essential needs and, in turn, alleviate the burden on county resources. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support to effective social service agencies leads to improved community well-being and more efficient use of county funds. The eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that funded initiatives are both impactful and aligned with the county's responsibility to its residents. Expected outcomes include a sustained or improved level of critical social services available to Merrimack County residents, a reduction in the county's direct and indirect expenditures related to welfare and social service provisions, and a demonstrable enhancement in the quality of life within the Merrimack County community. Measurable results will likely be tied to the number of Merrimack County residents served, the specific services provided that the county would otherwise be obligated to offer, and the financial impact on county expenditures. Agencies must clearly demonstrate financial need and how their services enhance the community's quality of life, allowing the county to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of its grant allocations.

The Foothills Community Partnership Charitable Grant Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for a duration of one year. This program is specifically designed to support 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within Calhoun County, Alabama. The core mission of this fund is to benefit and enhance the sustainability of services provided by non-profit organizations that address critical human care issues within the county. This aligns directly with the Foundation's broader strategic goal of fostering community well-being and supporting vital local services. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations serving Calhoun County that focus on human care issues. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to deliver more effective and sustainable services to the community. By providing financial support, the fund aims to help these organizations achieve their objectives and improve the quality of life for residents in Calhoun County. The fund's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Education, Community and economic development, and Safety and wellness. Programs and projects that address these specific community issues are given precedence. This targeted approach ensures that the grants contribute to strategic areas identified as crucial for the growth and stability of the community. Expected outcomes include a strengthened non-profit sector in Calhoun County, leading to improved access to essential human care services. Measurable results could involve an increased number of individuals benefiting from educational programs, enhanced economic opportunities, or a reduction in safety and wellness concerns within the community, all directly supported by the funded projects. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these key areas through local non-profits, it can foster a more resilient, educated, and healthy community in Calhoun County.

The Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF), administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), provides grants to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities in CFNEA's nine-county region. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support youth development through specific programming. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a one-year grant duration. Organizations must be tax-exempt, have at least one year of operating history after 501(c)(3) classification, and possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. The HJCF targets youth up to age nineteen, with a focus on programs that promote education, literacy, safety, and moral and physical development. The expected outcome is to provide charitable support to organizations that positively impact the lives of young people within the designated region. Measurable results would stem from the objectives outlined in the applying organizations' strategic plans, which are a required component of eligibility. The grant program's priorities clearly revolve around enhancing the well-being and development of youth. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the HJCF, emphasize direct support for operational charities rather than endowments, capital campaigns, or individual grants. This indicates a theory of change that focuses on empowering existing organizations with a proven track record to deliver services. The eligibility criteria regarding financial statements (audited, review, or compilation based on budget size) further suggest a commitment to responsible stewardship and accountability, ensuring that funds are directed to organizations capable of managing them effectively. Funding restrictions highlight areas that the foundation will not support, such as discriminatory practices, lobbying, political purposes, and organizations with less than one year of operation, or those with open grants in the same fund. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to ethical practices, long-term impact, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The comprehensive guidelines ensure that grant funds are utilized for their intended charitable purposes, aligning with the overall strategic objective of fostering community development through targeted support for youth-focused programs.

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin is accepting applications for its Women’s Fund, a component fund managed by an Advisory Board of community volunteers and staff. The fund's mission aligns with the Foundation's broader goals by providing a permanently endowed funding source to non-profit agencies serving the needs of women and girls in Rock County, while also offering hands-on grant-making and leadership experiences for Fund donors. This initiative directly supports the Foundation's strategic priorities by empowering women and girls and fostering community engagement in philanthropic efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are women and girls in Rock County, Wisconsin, particularly those facing mental health challenges. The fund aims to address needs such as depression, anxiety, caregiver stress, addictions, work/family stress, isolation, and human trafficking. The impact goals are to improve the mental well-being of this target population through both prevention and response programs. The Foundation's theory of change suggests that investing in girls yields higher returns, impacting women's wages, reproductive choices, and their capacity to raise healthy, educated children who will continue this positive cycle. The program prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) charitable Rock County organizations and municipalities. Eligible projects and programs must serve the mental health needs of women and girls, including a wide range of services and interventions. Specific focuses include training programs for targeted audiences, support groups, mentoring programs, and resource identification. The fund strongly encourages collaborations throughout Rock County, emphasizing a community-wide approach to addressing these critical needs. Requests from individuals are explicitly not eligible. Expected outcomes include improved mental health conditions for women and girls in Rock County, increased access to mental health services, and strengthened community resources to support these populations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the focus on various program types (prevention, response, training, support groups) suggests a commitment to measurable improvements in mental health indicators. The emphasis on community collaborations also implies an expected outcome of a more integrated and effective support system for women and girls in the region.

This grant provides financial support to owners of historic properties in Salem to restore important architectural features that contribute to the building's historical significance.

The City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department is offering Violence Reduction Grants, a community-based initiative designed to annually invest in evidence-based violence prevention projects within Bloomington neighborhoods. This program aims to strengthen grassroots organizations focused on violence prevention, ensuring resources reach the residents who need them most. The city has allocated $150,000 to support these efforts, allowing eligible organizations to apply for grants up to $25,000. This initiative directly aligns with a mission to prevent, intervene, and reduce violence, fostering safer and more resilient communities. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, resident councils, and faith communities serving Bloomington neighborhoods. There is a particular encouragement for applicants with proven experience in crime intervention and addressing issues related to retaliatory and youth-involved violence. The primary impact goal is to directly support community efforts to prevent, intervene, and reduce violence, with a focus on strengthening local capacity and ensuring equitable access to resources for those most affected. The program prioritizes applications that involve collaborations with two or more partners, recognizing the enhanced impact of collective action in addressing complex community challenges. This focus on partnership is a key strategic priority, aiming to leverage diverse strengths and foster comprehensive violence reduction strategies. The underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering and funding neighborhood-based agencies, the city can effectively reduce violence through evidence-based prevention and intervention, leading to tangible improvements in community safety and well-being. Expected outcomes include a decrease in various forms of violence, particularly retaliatory and youth-involved incidents, within Bloomington neighborhoods. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of successful violence prevention projects implemented, the reach and engagement of these projects within targeted communities, and, ideally, a reduction in crime rates and violence-related incidents over time. The program's success will be evaluated based on its ability to strengthen grassroots organizations, foster collaborative community efforts, and ultimately contribute to a safer environment for all Bloomington residents.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering EITAS Grants to support services for Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to provide funding for the services, supports, and capital resources necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to reside in and belong to their community. For over 35 years, EITAS has consistently funded essential services, demonstrating a long-term commitment to ensuring eligible individuals receive necessary support and care for their satisfaction and well-being. The target beneficiaries for these grants are individuals with developmental disabilities and their families residing within Jackson County, Missouri. The primary impact goal is to enable these individuals to live in and be integrated into their community, with an overarching aim of enhancing their satisfaction and well-being. The program seeks to achieve this by addressing critical needs that promote independence and community participation. The funding priorities for the EITAS Grants are focused on several key areas. These include transportation, inclusion with the community, crisis prevention and support, transition services, and safe, equitable access to housing. These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities, aiming to provide a supportive and inclusive environment. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided description, the expected outcomes are centered on improving the quality of life, fostering community integration, and ensuring access to essential support for individuals with developmental disabilities. The foundation's strategic priority is to continue funding programs that deliver these vital services, operating under the theory of change that by providing targeted financial support, they can directly enhance the well-being and community participation of this vulnerable population in Jackson County.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

The City of Powder Springs Neighborhood Beautification Grants aim to visually enhance neighborhoods, including entrances, common spaces, and building exteriors within the city limits. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to improve community aesthetics and foster civic pride. The grant program is designed to be accessible to various neighborhood-based organizations and multi-family residential property owners, encouraging widespread participation in community improvement efforts. The primary beneficiaries are single-family residential neighborhoods and multi-family residential properties within the City of Powder Springs. The impact goals are centered around creating more visually appealing, cohesive, and historically representative communities. By encouraging exterior improvements, the program seeks to uplift the overall appearance and character of the city's residential areas. The program prioritizes projects that are highly visible to the public, contribute significantly to improving community appearance, and promote the historic and/or unique character of the area. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, installing neighborhood identification signage, organizing neighborhood cleanups, constructing playground equipment in public areas, and planting community gardens. Ineligible projects include roof repairs, security systems, general maintenance (except exterior painting), interior improvements, and the purchase of personal property. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual quality of neighborhoods, increased community engagement in beautification efforts, and a stronger sense of local identity. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visibility of these projects, and positive feedback from residents regarding the enhanced appearance of their communities. The program's strategic priority is to empower residents and organizations to take an active role in shaping the physical environment of their neighborhoods, with a theory of change that posits that visible improvements lead to increased community pride and a better quality of life for residents. The funding is limited to a maximum of $4,000 per project, with a minimum grant of $500, and all projects must be completed by April 1, 2025. Eligibility is extended to homeowners associations, neighborhood organizations, and multi-family residential property owners, provided they meet specific criteria, including being current on all City taxes and not being in violation of any City codes. This structured approach ensures that the grants are effectively utilized for tangible and sustainable improvements across Powder Springs.

The Impact KC Grant Program, administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, is designed to make a substantive impact on the well-being of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering volunteerism, fundraising, and education to address community needs. Impact KC is funded through general membership and aims to award one-time grants annually to one to four eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The program targets a wide range of beneficiaries across various areas of interest, including Aging, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education/Youth services, Health and Life Sciences, and Social services/Families. The core impact goal is to provide funds that will have a substantive impact on a tangible project or defined purpose within these areas. This focus ensures that the grants contribute to concrete and measurable improvements in the well-being of the Kansas City community. Impact KC's priorities are broadly defined by the areas of interest, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear potential for significant positive change. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies a commitment to supporting local nonprofits that can effectively implement projects addressing critical community needs. The selection of organizations that can articulate a specific purpose for the funds reflects a results-oriented approach. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of tangible projects and the achievement of defined purposes within the grant recipient organizations. Although specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the requirement for funds to be used for "specific purpose(s) as outlined in the original grant proposal" suggests an expectation of accountability and a focus on achieving the proposed objectives. The grant size, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, indicates support for projects with a defined scope, enabling recipients to address specific challenges effectively.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering the Eastland Giving Circle Grant Program, focusing on supporting organizations that provide mental health resources to children and youth in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to make a substantive impact in the eastern Jackson County area through yearly donations from its Eastland Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic and civic-minded individuals. The grant specifically targets children and youth in Eastern Jackson County who require mental health resources. The impact goal is to improve access to and the quality of mental health support for this vulnerable population within the specified geographic area. The program's priority is to fund nonprofits with current 501(c)(3) status that have a presence or mailing address in eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Organizations requesting general operating funds, individuals, political parties or activities, primary and secondary educational institutions, and religious organizations for denominational programs are ineligible. While explicit expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the implicit outcome is improved mental health and well-being for children and youth in Eastern Jackson County through the funded programs. The grant amount of $30,000 indicates a commitment to substantial support for chosen initiatives. The foundation's strategic priority is to address community needs through targeted philanthropic efforts, guided by the collective decision-making of the Eastland Giving Circle.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program offers eligible restaurants grants of up to $15,000 to improve their outdoor dining areas. This initiative is a direct reflection of the City of Kansas City's broader mission to cultivate a thriving local economy, provide substantial support to small businesses, and foster the development of vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods. By enhancing outdoor dining spaces, the program aims to not only boost the economic vitality of local establishments but also create more inviting and dynamic public spaces that benefit the entire community. The alignment with the city's strategic priorities is clear, as it addresses both economic development and quality of life for its residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are private, for-profit, full-service restaurants located within Kansas City, Missouri. The program specifically targets those businesses that have been operational for at least one year, as evidenced by a KCMO business license acquired by July 1, 2023. The impact goals are centered on enabling these restaurants to increase their outdoor dining capacity and improve the overall experience for customers. This, in turn, is expected to lead to increased revenue for the businesses, job creation or retention, and a more vibrant street-level atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Grant funds must be used exclusively for outdoor dining enhancement, encompassing a wide range of improvements such as building structure construction, infrastructure, expanding walkways, purchasing furniture and coverings, and covering necessary permit costs. A crucial focus is on increasing the total number of available tables for outdoor dining, with the stipulation that these enhancements must be usable for at least six months out of a calendar year. Additionally, all projects must adhere to ADA requirements, ensuring a 5-foot clear path for accessibility in street or sidewalk cafes, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive urban design. The expected outcomes of the Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program are multifaceted and measurable. Restaurants receiving grants are anticipated to expand their customer capacity, leading to a direct increase in sales and operational stability. The broader community is expected to benefit from enhanced urban aesthetics and a more lively, pedestrian-friendly environment. Measurable results will include the number of outdoor dining tables added, the total amount of grant funds dispersed, and potentially, local economic indicators such as increased foot traffic in participating areas and business growth reported by grant recipients. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure and operational capabilities of local restaurants, the city can stimulate economic growth, strengthen its small business sector, and create more engaging public spaces, thereby improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

The Advancing Westfield Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit partnerships in their efforts to provide vital services. This aligns with their mission to ensure sustainable support for a wide range of services benefiting youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled community members within the Westfield community. The foundation's strategic priority is to strengthen the community by supporting organizations that directly serve these diverse populations. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals residing in or served by organizations operating in the Westfield community. The impact goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for these community members by providing essential services. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for addressing the needs of these groups. The grant program focuses on supporting 501c3 accredited organizations that operate in and/or serve the Westfield community. This eligibility criterion ensures that funding is directed towards established and legitimate entities with a direct connection to the community they aim to help. The maximum grant request per organization is $25,000, which is part of a larger grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include the continued provision and expansion of vital services to the identified beneficiary groups. Measurable results would typically include the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, and the positive changes observed in the community. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in local nonprofit partnerships, it can create a ripple effect, leading to a stronger, more resilient community with improved access to essential support for all its members.

The Swim Safe Access Grant, spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing water safety and increasing access to swimming lessons for Boston families. The program's core mission aligns with public health goals to address the threat of drowning, which is a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. The grant seeks to mitigate this risk by providing free and easily accessible swim lessons, directly supporting a strategy proven to reduce drowning risk by up to 90 percent. This directly reflects a strategic priority of improving community health and safety through preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiaries of the Swim Safe Access Grant are Boston residents, with a specific focus on low-income families and socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented, or underserved groups. The program's impact goals center on improving water safety knowledge and skills among these residents, ultimately reducing the incidence of drowning. By making beginner-level swim programs free and accessible, the grant aims to lower existing barriers to access, ensuring that a broader segment of the community can acquire essential water safety skills. The grant prioritizes beginner-level swim programs operating within the city of Boston, emphasizing foundational water safety skills over intermediate or advanced instruction. Funding is specifically available for ongoing programs, explicitly excluding one-time events, to ensure sustained impact and skill development. Eligibility criteria further specify that applicants must be non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities encouraged to apply. Programs must also demonstrate either direct operation of an aquatics facility or a partnership with one that can accommodate the proposed activities. This focused approach reflects a theory of change that by investing in foundational, accessible, and sustained beginner swim instruction, a significant and measurable improvement in public water safety can be achieved across the city. Expected outcomes include a substantial increase in the number of Boston residents, particularly children from underserved backgrounds, who possess basic water safety skills. Measurable results will be tracked through regular reports on program outcomes, which award recipients are required to submit. These reports will provide data on participation rates, skill acquisition, and potentially anecdotal evidence of increased water confidence and safety awareness among participants. The total available funding of $250,000, with individual awards up to $49,999 per organization, underscores the program's commitment to supporting multiple community-based initiatives to achieve its broad safety and access goals.

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Water and Environment grant program is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-based projects that align directly with the Foundation’s core mission of environmental stewardship and water sustainability within American Water’s service areas. The program seeks to fund new, non-operational initiatives focused on three key aspects: improving, restoring, or protecting watersheds, surface water, and groundwater; promoting water conservation practices; and enhancing equitable access to water-based recreation for underserved communities. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities, K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities located within the company’s operational footprint, ensuring a direct local impact. The grant program’s priorities and focuses center on addressing local environmental and community needs. Key focus areas include scientific investigation and monitoring of pollutants, the development and implementation of green infrastructure, and environmental education. For example, grants were awarded to support analytical costs for increasing upstream pollution monitoring, to fund new sampling sites for pollutant testing in rivers, and to install bioswales to reduce runoff and recharge local aquifers. The target beneficiaries are the local communities within American Water’s service regions, with a specific focus on projects that improve equitable access for underserved populations. The expected outcomes are strongly tied to measurable, on-the-ground results that contribute to improved water quality and conservation. Grantees are expected to deliver tangible outcomes such as eliminating pollution sources, providing communities with actionable data for improving local water quality, reducing runoff, and supporting remediation efforts based on new scientific findings. To ensure efficiency, all projects are required to be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded. This emphasis on clear, time-bound deliverables ensures that the Foundation’s investment translates quickly into demonstrable environmental and community benefits. The Foundation's strategic priorities and implicit theory of change rest on the principle that local, community-driven investment is the most effective pathway to sustainable water resource management and protection. By funding specific, measurable activities—such as water quality monitoring, targeted infrastructure installation, and educational programming—the Foundation aims to achieve intermediate outcomes like reduced contamination and increased environmental awareness. This approach is rooted in the belief that empowering local organizations to gather data, implement physical solutions, and cultivate environmental stewardship will lead to the long-term impact of protected and enhanced water supplies across the communities served by American Water.