Private Capacity Building Grants

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund believes that arts and culture play a central role in the development and growth of healthy individuals and thriving communities and commits its resources to promote and sustain a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. Donor Name: Baltimore Community Foundation State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD), Baltimore County (MD), Carroll County (MD), Harford County (MD), Howard County (MD), Queen Annes County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Its grants support organizational effectiveness, promote local artists and their work, and provide cultural experiences that welcome people of all backgrounds, enhance residents’ lives, and strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity. Objectives Enrich metropolitan Baltimore life Support a lively creative environment Deepen civic connections and engagement through arts and culture Ensure that programs are inclusive and outreach efforts broad Sustain a healthy cultural ecosystem Provide artistic funding opportunities to strengthen the programs and practices of organizations that offer significant cultural experiences, foster sector cooperation and alliances and sponsor an artist portfolio awards initiative that supports and promotes local artists through a nonprofit intermediary. Funding Priorities Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices Capacity programs to improve internal organizational and management practices—including board training, strategic planning, fundraising and marketing expertise, budgeting and financial planning, program planning, professional development, technology upgrades and training and operating support for key partners. With submission of a full proposal, qualified applicants may apply for a working capital reserve or fixed asset replacement reserve grant requiring a 1:1 match. See Reserve Funds Grant Application. Occasional capacity requests from arts magnet schools Professional development programs for the benefit of practicing metropolitan Baltimore artists Small grants for facility enhancements (not renovations) Innovative Programs Innovative programming initiatives and projects from organizations with budgets larger than $75,000 to present or exhibit the work that will deepen audience engagement or engage new audiences. Small grants (up to $1,500) to present or exhibit the work of professional artists/performers that will deepen audience engagement or engage new audiences. Eligibility: organizations with budgets under $75,000 which operate as nonprofits or are under the auspices of a fiscal agent and individuals using a fiscal sponsor. Application Process: History of presenting organization, description of project, most recent year-end organizational budget, project budget, Data Arts Profile in Baker format, and IRS Determination Letter. Letter of Inquiry required. Applications accepted year-round. Cultural Sector Collaboration Strategic alliances that support collaboration and cooperation across the cultural community and strengthen organizational abilities to work at the highest levels. Funding Information $10,000 is available. Eligibility Criteria  Cultural organizations (or their fiscal agents) serving the Baltimore area that qualify as public charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, political persuasion, age, physical handicap, gender or sexual orientation. For more information, visit BCF.

Oklahoma visual artists are invited to submit an application for a THRIVE Grant from the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC). Donor Name: Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition State: Oklahoma County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This opportunity supports artist-led, collaborative projects, across the state of Oklahoma that are open to the public and engage community. They collaborate with the The Andy Warhol Foundation to further support artists’ innovation throughout Oklahoma with project grants of up to $10,000. THRIVE Grants build upon our existing dedication to support artist-led initiatives and our belief in the power of artists to create a positive impact in our communities. THRIVE Grants will provide funding for collaborative artist-led projects across the state of Oklahoma that are open and accessible to the public. The funded projects are ambitious, impactful, innovative, and community driven visual arts projects. The grants will prioritize artist projects that create new collaborations, connections, and partnerships. Eligibility Criteria  The proposed project must have a central focus on the visual arts. Artistic practices firmly rooted in dance, theatre, music, or industry/feature filmmaking are not eligible to apply. The proposed project must be publicly accessible and push the boundaries of the traditional exhibition experience. Be sure to think outside the box and put an emphasis on how to interact with your audience. All events associated with your project must take place in Oklahoma and before the presentation at the end of the funding period. For collaborative projects, the individual who submits the project proposal will serve as the Lead Applicant and a detailed timeline and budget must be included. Artists currently enrolled as a student in an MFA/BFA or are seeking enrollment in the arts during the award year are not eligible to apply as a Lead Applicant but are allowed to be a collaborator. The Lead Applicant and the majority of the collaborators must reside in Oklahoma. Successful applicants may apply after one calendar year of funding receipt but must propose a new project or an expansion of previous work. You will not be disqualified for continuing to grow and develop the visual arts of Oklahoma but please note that preference will be shown to creative projects that have not received funding in the past. 501c3 organizations or for-profit corporations are not eligible to apply. Artists with an LLC are eligible to apply. Awarded applicants must participate in the Thrive reception in June 2024, the following year, to present their project to the public. For more information, visit Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation is now accepting applications for the Rapid Response Fund. Donor Name: Elmina B. Sewall  Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Rapid Response Fund is a grant opportunity that supports emergency and/or time-sensitive needs of organizations and communities whose work aligns with the Sewall Foundation’s mission: to support work in Maine to improve the well-being of people, animals and the environment while  fostering relationships that strive for social equity and community resilience. Emergency refers to an unexpected and unplanned event or situation that requires an immediate and time-limited response. Time-sensitive refers to opportunities that are short-term in duration (usually within the next few months) and purpose. Priorities In keeping with Sewall’s values and commitment to fostering equity and centering community voice, Rapid Response Fund grants are generally limited to: Community-based organizations with operating budgets under $250,000 Organizations led by and serving people in under-resourced populations and geographies, including: African Americans, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQ; people with low incomes; differently-abled populations; incarcerated populations; people in recovery; and populations who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Additional priorities include: Organizations, networks, or grassroots efforts working to coordinate or mobilize response/action for their field or sector, a geographic region, or a specific community or population Collaborative and cross-sector efforts Efforts that are explicit in their commitment to social and environmental justice Efforts that integrate the well-being of people, animals and the environment. Funding Information Available Funding for 2024: $300,000. Grant Size: Most Rapid Response Fund grants will be no greater than $10,000. Grant Period All Rapid Response Fund grants are limited to a 12 month term. Uses of funds  Some examples of Rapid Response Fund grant uses: Increasing capacity of a small nonprofit to respond to emergency needs (food, fuel, housing) in their community Supporting an animal shelter to address an unforeseen crisis Supporting unexpected legal costs to remove barriers to equity. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes: 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations; public schools; public agencies working for the State of Maine; Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Applicants may also apply through a fiscal sponsor The work of the applicant must be aligned with the mission and values of the Sewall Foundation Eligible organizations may apply regardless of their funding history with the Sewall Foundation Sewall Foundation does not fund: direct or grassroots lobbying or political campaign activities. For more information, visit EBSF.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance is seeking applications for its Practicing Artist Grants to support creative practices and career advancement. Donor Name: Mid-America Arts Alliance State: Arkansas County: Benton County (AR), Carroll County (AR), Crawford County (AR), Sebastian County (AR), Washington County (AR) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Artists 360 is designed to elevate and energize greater Northwest Arkansas Practicing Artists by providing them with: $10,000 grants to support creative practices and career advancement; Peer-based learning experiences to develop entrepreneurship skills and build enduring creative practices; and Connections to a dynamic regional artist network. Fifteen practice-based grants are awarded annually. Practicing Artist fellows receive financial support they may self-select how to best use. Funds may be used for any purpose that supports the continued development of their creative practice, including but not limited to equipment, travel, studio space, child care, professional services, research, supplies, and contingency savings. Fellows participate in peer-based learning experiences, including an in-person retreat, One-On-One mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These experiences develop entrepreneurial skills, while expanding a network of leading regional artists. What is a ‘Practicing Artist?’ A Practicing Artist will have an active and current artistic practice. Has specialized training in the field (not limited to academic training). Has demonstrated success in the arts through the creation of high-quality work and/or contributions to the field. Is recognized as a practicing artist by peers (artists working in the same discipline and by experts in the field). Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for the Artists 360 Practicing Artist Grant program, you must: Be a resident of the State of Arkansas and have established residency of at least one year at the time of application, in one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. Retain residency within the five-county region for the duration of the grant period (October 2024 through October 2025). Commit to participating in peer-to-peer professional development activities during the grant year, including the Artists 360 Retreat at the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, AR from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 through 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 (meals and private lodging provided). Be 18 years of age at the time of application. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have non-resident status and provide a valid Social Security Number if selected for funding. Be a practicing artist that creates work in any discipline, including, but not limited to dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. May not be currently enrolled in a degree seeking program. May not have previously received an Artists 360 Practicing Artist grant. May not have received a grant or award of $1,000 or more through any other M-AAA granting program during its 2024 or 2025 fiscal years (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025). Not be a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Review Criteria  Practicing Artist grants will be reviewed using the following criteria: Artistry: Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will have an active creative practice for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve. Program Readiness: Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment. Impact of Funding on Practice: Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Artists 360 funds will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures. Balanced Cohort: The overall balance of the group of fellows will be considered to ensure a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences. For more information, visit Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants provide matching funds to encourage the revitalization of historic downtown commercial properties located in designated Louisiana Main Street districts. Donor Name: Louisiana Office of Cultural Development State: Louisiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement | Matching Grants Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants serve as an effort to promote community revitalization and stimulate economic growth and vitality, in addition to enriching cultural tourism. Community reinvestment utilizing historic preservation practices improves community economic health by fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown. Funding Information Grant awards may range from $2,500 to $10,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. What is funded? Exterior: The scope of work must directly contribute physically (visually and with regard to historic preservation) and economically to the revitalization of the Main Street district while preserving and respecting the historic architectural character of the building, district, and architectural heritage of the community. Interior: Improvements are restricted to exposing, restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. The grant can also be used to offset costs of installing or repairing a fire suppression system for either a commercial ground floor space or a new (first-time) upper story income-producing residential development in a historically commercial building. Parapet Lighting: Commercial grade white or color LED lighting to outline a series of building parapets is a lighting initiative intended to create a nightly, year-round festive atmosphere in Main Street districts. Buildings must be adjoining and must include at least one block. Applications require a minimum five-year maintenance commitment plan. If the city oversees the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the lights, the local Main Street program may apply in conjunction with the city, and installation costs incurred by the city may apply toward the required match. Installation must be of professional standard, and secure for longevity of use and to minimize damage and maintenance issues. Signage: Restoration of historically significant/landmark signage or the restoration or replication of historic theater marquees is eligible. (New commercial signage is not supported by this grant.) Who may apply? Property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties located within designated Louisiana Main Street districts as of December 31 of the calendar year preceding the application deadline. Tenants must obtain the property owner’s consent signature on the grant application. If the applicant is a corporation, the grant application must be accompanied by a resolution from the corporation’s board of directors authorizing the applicant’s signature on behalf of the corporation. If the applicant is a co-owner of the property, the grant application must be accompanied by a statement authorizing the applicant to act on behalf of all co-owners. The statement must be signed by all co-owners. Buildings must be at least 50 years old and must contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district. Buildings less than 50 years old may be eligible if they meet National Register criteria for exceptional significance as an integral part of a historic district that is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The local Main Street director will assist the applicant in determining if the building meets this eligibility requirement. Louisiana Main Street will make the final determination based on the support documentation submitted with the application. For more information, visit LOCD.

The Walter F. Goodnough Trust provides grants to support the rehabilitation of underprivileged disabled children through hospitalization within the state of Florida. Donor Name: Walter F. Goodnough Trust State: Florida County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Area Health. Funding Information Average grant size: $2,500 to $5,000. Average total giving per year: $15,000. Geographic Limitation Florida. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance is seeking applications for its Graduate Student Artist Grants. Donor Name: Mid-America Arts Alliance State: Arkansas County: Benton County (AR), Carroll County (AR), Crawford County (AR), Sebastian County (AR), Washington County (AR) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Artists 360 is designed to elevate and energize greater Northwest Arkansas Graduate Student Artists by providing them with: $5,000 grants to support creative practices and career advancement; Peer-based learning experiences to develop entrepreneurship skills and build enduring creative practices; and Connections to a dynamic regional artist network. Five practice-based grants are awarded annually. Graduate Student Artist fellows receive financial support they may self-select how to best use. Funds may be used for any purpose that supports the continued development of their creative practice, including but not limited to equipment, travel, studio space, child care, professional services, research, supplies, and contingency savings. Fellows participate in peer-based learning experiences, including an in-person retreat, One-On-One mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These experiences develop entrepreneurial skills, while expanding a network of leading regional artists. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the Artists 360 Graduate Student Artist Grant program, you must: Be enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year (part-time or full-time) in a graduate program at an accredited post-secondary institution located in one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. (Graduate Student Artists do not have to be arts majors to be eligible for Artists 360.) Be 18 years of age at the time of application. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have non-resident status and provide a valid Social Security Number if selected for funding. Create work in any artistic discipline, including, but not limited to dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Commit to participating in peer-to-peer professional development activities during the grant year, including the Artists 360 Retreat at the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, AR from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 through 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 (meals and private lodging provided). May not have previously received an Artists 360 Graduate Student Grant. May not have received a grant or award of $1,000 or more through any other M-AAA granting program during its 2024 or 2025 fiscal years (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025). Not be a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Review Criteria  Graduate Student Artist grants will be reviewed using the following criteria: Artistry: Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will have an active creative practice for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve. Program Readiness and Collegiality: Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment. Impact of Funding on Practice: Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Artists 360 funds will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures. Balanced Cohort: The overall balance of the group of fellows will be considered to ensure a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences. For more information, visit Mid-America Arts Alliance.

The Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Baltimore area, focusing on mental health, cancer prevention and treatment, arts exposure for youth, and educational opportunities for disadvantaged children, excluding start-ups, capital projects, individuals, multi-year projects, higher education institutions, and organizations outside Baltimore.

The Community Project Grants program supports the exemplary artistic, cultural, and arts educational projects and programs of arts and cultural organizations in Long Beach. Donor Name: Arts Council for Long Beach State: California City: Long Beach Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Community Project Grants program, the Arts Council for Long Beach partners with arts and cultural organizations. Various goals help guide programming and funding, including the following: To encourage innovative, creative, diverse, and unique programming To support arts and cultural projects that meet community needs and identify audiences To support local organizations that have a successful track record of delivering programs that are well-planned and managed effectively To encourage programs that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the community. Funding Information Community Project Grants awarded with award amounts range from $1,000 to $6,000. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a nonprofit organization or non-incorporated organization working in partnership with a fiscal receiver/fiscal sponsor and meet the goals of this grant category. For more information, visit ACLB.

The Indiana Humanities Historic Preservation Education Grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, is available for tax-exempt organizations in Indiana to fund public educational programs about historic preservation, with a focus on digital projects, and requires a one-to-one match in cash or in-kind contributions, to be completed within a year of the award date.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is seeking applications for its C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund to invest in grassroots conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Donor Name: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities Proposals should address one or more of the following priorities: Projects that benefit Wisconsin’s most imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species. Projects that engage and impact underserved communities in Wisconsin and/or support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin’s conservation and environmental education sectors. Projects that build climate resiliency of Wisconsin’s natural resources through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. All projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes. They encourage innovative projects that leverage resources and partnerships. Funding Information Grants range from $500 to $2,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations. Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s natural resources or people. The total project budget may not exceed $10,000, and overhead costs shall not exceed 15% of the grant. Project expenses may not have been incurred prior to submitting the application. A one-to-one match is required. Match may include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials. Only one application will be accepted per organization per grant cycle For more information, visit NRFW.

The Welch Charitable Fund supports organizations that serve people in need in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. Donor Name: Maine Community Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities To receive a grant, a project must: Serve individuals in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area Focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorder and/or arts and culture. The fund has particular interest in capital investments, including select capital campaigns. Types of Funding This program provides: Grants that will increase the scope (number of people or services provided), and/or grants that will improve efficiency or effectiveness of organizations. Grants for new or expanded projects. Funding Information Median Award- $10,000 Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) Municipalities Public schools Public agencies working for the State of Maine Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above. For more information, visit Maine Community Foundation.

The Juneau Community Foundation’s Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund awards grants to organizations that benefit and enhance the health, education, and welfare of individuals in Southeast Alaska. Donor Name: Douglas-Dornan Foundation State: Alaska Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Examples of possible Foundation financial support include, but are not limited to: Charitable organizations, foundations, or other non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, childcare institutions, foster parent programs, and early childhood education programs in Southeast Alaska. Funds can be used by eligible organizations for defraying costs for tuition, transportation, or lodging expenses related to employees attending professional conferences, training, or educational programs. Events or special services run by eligible organizations that enhance the overall quality of life, such as amateur sports organizations, children’s music, and theater activities, encourage participation through sponsorship of programs and events open to all individuals. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the program being supported or attended, reasonableness and accuracy of a proposed budget, background and experience of the applicant, support from other sources, and appropriateness to the objectives of the Fund. For more information, visit JCF.

The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Puget Sound National Estuary Program and the Stormwater and Habitat strategic initiative leads, is offering salmon recovery planning grants to local governments and tribes. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: These funds aim to advance the Governor’s statewide salmon recovery strategy and align with the Puget Sound National Estuary Partnership’s investment priorities. Funding Information Grants are available to cities and counties, fully and partially planned under the Growth Management Act and federally recognized tribes. They encourage applications that seek to protect and restore salmon habitat with long-range planning objectives. Approximately $3.2 million in funding is available, including: $2.2 million available to communities statewide $1 million available to communities in the Puget Sound Up to $2 million in additional funding will be provided and administered by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). These funds will layer with the Commerce-administered grant to promote monitoring and adaptive management practices that will improve implementation, consistency, and effectiveness of permitting for critical areas protection in the Puget Sound. These funds may be requested as part of the joint application. Period of Performance July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027. Eligibility Criteria  Grants are available to towns, cities, and counties both fully and partially planning under the Growth Management Act, and federally recognized tribes in Washington State. For more information, visit WSDC.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Rural Health. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of a pastoral cultural and rural way of life. Resources provided to the Fund are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. These investments will also enable local and regional public and nonprofit organizations to leverage additional non-state financial and human resources to facilitate the realization of sustainable rural development objectives. The Fund will serve the interests of the entire State by: Encouraging the increase of entrepreneurial activity and commerce and a balanced economy in the State; Relieving conditions of unemployment and underemployment in rural areas; assisting in the retention of valuable farm and forest land for productive use by present and future generations; Promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public sector/private sector partnerships in and between rural and other areas; Enhancing the deployment of housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications infrastructure and services in rural areas; Supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts; and, Generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State. Healthcare: Health care access and delivery is a major problem in the State’s rural areas. Residents often need to travel great distances to seek health care services due to health workforce shortages. This problem is in primary care and is particularly acute in specialty care such as surgical specialties, dentistry, mental health, and other medical specialty areas. Eligible health care projects will range from health care planning, to health program implementation and evaluation, and will include projects pertaining to the following: Improving access to health and medical/dental/behavioral health care Tele-medicine and telehealth networking Programs that focus on planning and/or coordination of health care Programs that address rural population health needs Programs that ensure health care insurance and treatment enrollment Programs that implement and measure the accomplishment of components of the state’s rural health plan Rural Nonemergency Medical Transportation: Projects could include the following components better coordination (between industries, funding sources/coverage), 2) provides interregional transportation, and 3) on-demand response. Recruitment and retention of health care and public health professionals Programs to aid recruitment of health care providers Rural residency programs in primary care and medical/surgical specialties and dentistry Housing projects to support rural rotations of medical students/ health professions students Pipeline and pathway programs for future and existing health care workers Behavioral and mental health Programs to address: Substance use disorder, including alcohol, opioids and prescription drugs Depression and counseling, suicide prevention Domestic abuse and violence Chronic disease prevention and management Health education on diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancers prevalent in rural Maryland, hypertension/high blood pressure Disease management programs Research and treatment of health impacts on minority populations, and in particular, prenatal care Oral and dental health Funding Information For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has budgeted $1,500,000 for health care projects in the General Funds for the health care portion of the RMPIF program. Grant Period August 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a local government, institute of higher education, regional council, or be a 501(c)(3) IRS tax designation or similar and serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Eligible applicants include federally qualified health centers, area health education centers, local health clinics, and other rural-serving health organizations. The applicant does not have to be located in a rural area or in the area it serves. For more information, visit RMC.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF)(formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund) to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The program will advance this goal by investing in projects that: Restore the quality and connectivity of stream and riparian habitats with a focus on improving habitat for river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout and wood turtles; Improve management of forest blocks to enhance age and structural diversity, resulting in improved forest conditions for native wildlife, with a focus on improving habitat for golden-winged warbler and New England cottontail; and, Promote hayfield management that allows for successful grassland bird breeding, with a specific focus on habitat for bobolink. Approximately $2 million is available this year. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation and Sylvamo. Program Priorities  Proposals should strive to contribute to goals detailed in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), and specifically the strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. (Applicants interested in supporting the priorities for Coastal Habitats in the business plan are encouraged to apply to NFWF’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund and National Coastal Resilience Fund.) Priority implementation strategies for NEFRF funding in 2024 are detailed below. Approximately $625,000 in program funding will be set aside for projects that direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices benefitting select Working Lands for Wildlife target species, especially northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers. Projects should Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. In addition, projects that incorporate outreach to communities, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management leading to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes and should consider traditional knowledge where relevant. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. Grant Period Projects should plan to start no later than six months after the award date and be completed within three years. Geographical Areas  Projects are eligible from throughout the program boundary, which includes all of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as parts of New York. However, within the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River watershed, NEFRF will only consider projects to sustain and restore healthy forests, grasslands and fish passage projects. All other projects should apply to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

NIHCM Foundation supports innovative, independent, investigator-initiated research with a high potential to inform improvements to the United States health care system. Donor Name: NIHCM Foundation State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: NIHCM Foundation wishes to support innovative investigator-initiated health services research that will advance the existing knowledge base in the areas of health care financing, delivery, management and/or policy. Studies must have strong potential to yield insights that can be used to have a positive impact on the U.S. health care system by improving efficiency, quality, access to care or equity. Studies involving direct patient care or clinical, bench-science research are not relevant for this solicitation. Funding Information NIHCM is making a total of $1 million available for the combined 2024-2025 funding cycles for research and journalism grant programs. NIHCM will make up to $500,000 available to new and existing grantees. Eligibility Criteria They welcome applications from individual researchers as well as from all types of organizations and institutions, including both non-profit and for-profit entities. Multiple organizations may apply jointly, but one must be named as the principal organization and others will have a subcontract relationship with that organization. There is no limit on the number of project ideas that may be submitted by a given researcher, organization or academic department. For more information, visit NIHCM Foundation.

Monterey Peninsula Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that benefit the community in the focus areas of arts & culture, community & environment, education, health & human services, and youth. Donor Name: Monterey Peninsula Foundation State: California County: Monterey County (CA), San Benito County (CA), Santa Cruz County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Monterey Peninsula Foundation places a higher priority on applications that offer creative responses to the community’s most pressing, unmet needs and show promise of building ongoing local support for needed services. Organizations seeking funding should have a broad base of funding support, management capacity to effectively execute the project, a clear plan for project evaluation, outcome measurement, and collaboration among other service providers. Types of Support Operating Support Across focus areas, they offer trusted partners the opportunity to receive operating support, providing the greatest degree of flexibility for delivering quality services and programs.  Program Support Across focus areas, they offer trusted partners the opportunity to receive operating support, providing the greatest degree of flexibility for delivering quality services and programs. Capital Support Capital Support wide range of capital efforts each year. They look for opportunities to contribute toward important community resources in each of focus areas, supporting infrastructure for whole communities. Project Period Grant period for a single year grant is October 1-May 31 (8 months). Eligibility Criteria Grants are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including universities, colleges, and charter and private schools), public K-12 schools, and public agencies serving residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito Counties. All requested funds must directly benefit residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito Counties. All applicants should be current on reporting obligations for any past grants. Only one grant per applicant will be considered annually, while exceptions are considered in response to an emergency or for a one-time significant, community-wide benefit. Grant funds will not be considered for the following:  Activities that solely promote a religious doctrine  Academic research  Creation of, or addition to, an endowment fund  Expenses incurred before the grant award date  Fundraising campaigns or events  Organizations classified as private foundations  Organizations that discriminate in its employment practices, volunteer opportunities or delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law  Organizations that do not have 100% board financial giving (except for public K-12 schools and public agencies)  Organizations that have been in operation less than three years  Payment of debt or legal settlements  Political or partisan purposes  Staff salaries for school or public agency employees  For more information, visit Monterey Peninsula Foundation.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund to support projects to assess, remove, and dispose of marine debris in and around coastal communities impacted hurricanes and other episodic storm events. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund will award up to $6 million in grants to remove damaging marine debris from coastal areas of communities impacted by hurricanes or other natural disasters to reduce impacts to communities, industry and prevent further harm to habitats and fish and wildlife populations. Funding has been made available by the FY 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, P.L. 117-328. Program Priroites  This program will prioritize projects that provide dual benefits – both benefit for human communities and benefits for fish and wildlife. The program will use assessment and prioritization efforts conducted by local, state, and federal response agencies or their designees to prioritize projects that will address marine debris in areas of greatest impact and most critical to prevent communities and ecosystems from further harm. The majority of funds are anticipated to support direct removal and proper disposal efforts although limited funding may also be available for assessment and capacity building for future response. All proposals must clearly describe how projects will support achieving the overall goals of the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund, including: Relative benefit to coastal communities from reducing the impact of marine debris to properties and community infrastructure, assets of economic and cultural importance, and navigational safety; and Anticipated enhancement of the ecological integrity and functionality of ecosystems and/or prevention of further harm to fish and wildlife and their habitats. Due to the relief nature of these funds, the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund will primarily fund projects that are ready for direct clean-up efforts to remove and dispose of marine debris that resulted from the storms to provide the most accelerated and comprehensive outcomes for impacted coastal resources and communities.  Eligible projects will include marine debris assessment and/or removal activities within the coastal uplands, shorelines and coastal waterways of the affected areas, with the goal of preventing further harm to economic, cultural and ecological resources of importance to impacted coastal resources and communities. Projects will be prioritized based on the targeted debris’ existing or potential impact to coastal resources and communities and to prevent further harm to sensitive habitats and species. Priority will be given to projects that have already completed a marine debris assessment to prioritize debris from the storm(s) and where hazardous materials have already been addressed. Projects that have secured all necessary permits and have mapped out all disposal and recycling logistics will also receive higher priority for funding. Assessment work may be included to locate submerged debris and help prioritize removal efforts. Community Impact and Engagement: Projects that incorporate outreach to communities, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management leading to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes ensuring traditional knowledge elevation. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. Grant Period Grants under this program cannot start prior to September 1, 2024, and should end no later than December 30, 2028. Geographic Focus Eligible projects will reduce marine debris from coastal habitats and nearshore waters of coastal counties in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian and Nicole and Typhoon Merbok. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state and territorial government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, commercial (for-profit) organizations, Tribal Governments and Organizations, or educational institutions. Tribal governments include all Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized tribes and those tribes that are not federally recognized). For-profit applicants: please note that this is a request for grant proposals, not a procurement of goods and services; see the Budget section below for specific cost considerations. As this program will award grants of Federal financial assistance funds, applicants must be able to comply with the OMB guidance in subparts A through F of 2 CFR 200 (OMB Uniform Guidance). Ineligible applicants include federal agencies or employees of federal agencies, foreign organizations, foreign public entities, and unincorporated individuals. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Rhode Island Foundation is seeking applications for the Program for Animal Welfare. Donor Name: Rhode Island Foundation State: Rhode Island County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Thirteen special funds at the Foundation relate to the humane treatment and protection of animals. These funds collectively enable the Foundation to take a leading role on animal welfare issues. Previously funded programs include statewide humane education efforts and low-cost spay and neuter initiatives. Eligibility Criteria The Program for Animal Welfare funds organizations in Rhode Island working to promote and/or provide humane treatment of animals. The program also supports organizations working more generally on the welfare of animals. Grants are for projects or programs that have a positive impact statewide or in individual communities regarding the care, shelter, and maintenance of animals, education about the humane treatment of animals, and/or animal welfare in general. The Foundation will consider capital projects. Individuals are not eligible to receive grants. For more information, visit RIF.