Private Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

The Regional Development Corporation Tribal Economic Diversity Fund offers grants to businesses owned by federally recognized Indian tribes or their enrolled members. The program aims to provide critical technical services and equipment to these businesses, supporting economic diversification and growth within Northern New Mexico. The fund aligns with the broader mission of sustaining and assisting developing businesses, thereby creating jobs and diversifying the region's economy. The target beneficiaries are business enterprises owned by federally recognized Indian tribes, or at least 51% owned by enrolled members of specific Pueblos (Cochiti, Jemez, Nambe, Ohkay, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, or Tesuque). These businesses must be headquartered in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County, have a business-only bank account, and have been in operation for at least six months. The impact goals include diversifying revenue, leveraging other investments, creating new jobs, and implementing systems that lead to business growth. The grant prioritizes competitive awards for services that achieve these diversification and growth objectives. Funds can be used for procuring business equipment and tools, advertising and marketing costs, consulting services, and specialized software. Preference is given to first-time applicants and those previously unawarded, indicating a focus on broadening access and supporting new and developing tribal businesses. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new jobs, increased revenue streams for tribal businesses, and the implementation of strategic systems that contribute to long-term economic stability and expansion. Measurable results would likely be tracked through job creation figures, revenue diversification indicators, and the successful acquisition and utilization of funded equipment or services. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the economic landscape of Northern New Mexico by empowering tribal businesses. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support for essential services and equipment, tribal businesses will be better equipped to diversify their revenue, expand their operations, and ultimately contribute to job creation and economic resilience in the region. This investment in tribal enterprises is seen as a key driver for sustainable economic development and a more diverse regional economy. The funding ceiling is up to $8,000, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for youth programs that promote holistic and culturally responsive physical well-being, prioritizing initiatives led by or serving youth of color, girls, youth with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth.

The Education After-School Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, supports after-school and summer educational arts programs provided by nonprofit organizations in Louisiana. This grant aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of Louisiana communities through cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities. Specifically, it targets programs that foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the unique culture of Louisiana, ensuring that grant funds are exclusively spent within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations within Louisiana that offer arts instruction to students in after-school and summer settings. The grant aims to financially support these organizations by covering the professional teaching fees of the artists or educators involved. The overarching impact goal is to enrich the lives of young people through exposure to various art forms and to cultivate an appreciation for Louisiana's distinct cultural heritage, ensuring the continuity of these traditions. The grant prioritizes programs in disciplines such as Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts/Photography, Cultural Heritage/Folk life, Media Arts/Film/Web, Culinary Arts, Creative Writing/Literary/Spoken Word, and Multidisciplinary arts. Only 501(c)(3) organizations and active registered Louisiana nonprofits (who may use a 501(c)(3) as a fiscal agent) are eligible, with commercial organizations explicitly excluded. The focus is on programs that demonstrate a clear alignment with the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of high-quality educational arts programs for youth across Louisiana, increased participation in cultural activities, and a deeper appreciation for the state's cultural identity among participants. Measurable results could include the number of students served, the variety of artistic disciplines offered, and feedback from program participants and educators. The maximum grant amount is $7,500, with a grant duration of one year, for activities occurring between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. This strategic investment in arts education reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting cultural and educational initiatives, they can preserve and perpetuate Louisiana's unique heritage for future generations.

The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) offers Community Benefits Grants (CBG) to support organizations that are advancing clean energy, fostering green jobs, promoting environmental education and stewardship, and championing energy equity and diversity within the communities served by CPA. This grant program directly aligns with CPA's mission to drive sustainability and resiliency through various pathways, reflecting their strategic priority to invest in community-level initiatives that complement their core energy services. The CBG program targets several key beneficiaries, particularly focusing on environmental and social justice communities. These include areas predominantly inhabited by communities of color or low-income populations, those underrepresented in policy and decision-making processes, and communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Specifically, targeted communities include disadvantaged communities (based on CalEnviroScreen scores), all Tribal lands, and low-income households or census tracts. The impact goals are to alleviate environmental burdens, promote equitable access to clean energy benefits, and empower these communities through education and workforce development. The program prioritizes projects and organizations that advance clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through specific focus areas: Research, Environmental and Social Justice Communities, Workforce Development, and Education. These priorities are designed to address systemic inequalities and foster a just transition to a clean energy economy. The expected outcomes include increased community engagement in clean energy initiatives, the development of a skilled green workforce, improved environmental literacy, and a reduction in environmental disparities in historically underserved areas. Awards for this grant range from $15,000 to $30,000, with a grant duration of one year. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations operating within the CPA service territory, which encompasses numerous cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. While previous grant recipients can apply for the 2024-2025 cycle, they are ineligible to receive funds for more than two consecutive years. This structure aims to ensure a broad reach of funding and sustainable impact across the service areas.

The EmpowerMENt Fund grant program, supported by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County, Michigan, by promoting their educational success. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and addresses critical needs identified through extensive community input. The fund's holistic approach demonstrates a commitment to supporting individuals and networks that share common goals, reflecting a strategic priority to invest in community-led solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are young Black males in Washtenaw County, specifically high school students and those beyond. The program's impact goals center on enhancing educational success through various support mechanisms. By focusing on this specific demographic and geographic area, the grant seeks to create targeted and meaningful change within the community, addressing systemic barriers to educational attainment and personal development. The EmpowerMENt Fund prioritizes a 1-year collaborative effort that includes programs offering mentorship, vocational and skills trade training, and college readiness initiatives. This multi-faceted approach reflects a strategic theory of change that believes in equipping young individuals with a diverse set of tools and guidance necessary for both academic achievement and future career pathways. The emphasis on collaboration indicates a strategic priority for collective impact and leveraging diverse expertise to achieve common goals. Expected outcomes include improved educational attainment, enhanced skill development, and increased preparedness for higher education or vocational careers among young Black males in Washtenaw County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets (e.g., percentage increase in graduation rates), the focus on mentorship, skills training, and college readiness provides clear indicators of the desired positive changes. The available grant dollars of $120,000, with requests up to $20,000, indicate the scale of investment in these crucial programs.

This program honors and recognizes women leaders in the Denver metro area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact through their professional and volunteer efforts.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations focused on social betterment, including disaster relief, basic needs, education in STEM fields, health initiatives, and programs for individuals with disabilities.

This award provides funding and support for early career researchers focused on studying the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults in the United States.

In Tier 3, CHEJ's Small Grants Program targets large grassroots organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Offering grants between $10,000 and $20,000, this tier supports substantial projects that tackle environmental health issues through strategic, impactful actions. Eligible projects are those that enable significant local, state, or regional impact, focusing on building capacity, leadership, and educational outreach within communities affected by environmental toxins. This funding tier is suited for larger organizations that play a pivotal role in their communities and are looking to expand or enhance their ongoing efforts.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Sarah Ralston Foundation's Innovative Project Support grants target organizations that develop novel solutions for the aging population in Philadelphia, focusing on serving older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Grants range from $25,000 to $125,000 annually, with potential multiyear support up to 3 years. The foundation encourages projects that offer new approaches to care, support, and socialization for older adults, including co-funding opportunities with other funders. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: September 1st

The PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grant program, offered by the PFund Foundation, is designed to bolster the capacity and connectivity of rural LGBTQ+ organizations across a five-state service area: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, including Native Nations within these states. This initiative directly aligns with PFund's mission to support LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in underserved rural areas. By focusing on rural interconnections, PFund aims to address the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in small towns and rural parts of the upper Midwest, fostering a more connected and resilient LGBTQ+ ecosystem in these regions. The primary beneficiaries of the PRISM program are LGBTQIA2S+ populations in rural communities within the specified states. The program targets organizations that primarily serve these populations, have been in operation for at least one year, are based in or serve rural areas (towns under 50,000 people), and are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits or informal groups with a fiscal sponsor. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of these organizations, enhance their connections through networking, and empower them to effectively respond to the specific issues affecting queer people in their communities. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around creating networks for LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to facilitate resource sharing, collaborative learning, and collective action. This cohort collaboration is a central tenet, designed to build a strong, supportive community among rural LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations. The funding, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for a 12-month period, supports these organizations in strengthening their infrastructure and programs to better serve their constituents. Expected outcomes include more robust and sustainable rural LGBTQ+ organizations, increased inter-organizational collaboration, and a more unified response to the challenges faced by queer individuals in the upper Midwest's rural areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the program's emphasis on capacity building, connection, and cohort collaboration suggests that metrics would likely include the number of organizations participating, the types of resources shared, the attendance and engagement in monthly virtual meetings, and qualitative assessments of increased organizational effectiveness and community impact. PFund Foundation's strategic priority with the PRISM program is clearly to support and uplift rural LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing their distinct needs and often overlooked struggles. The theory of change underpinning PRISM is that by providing targeted financial support, training, and fostering a collaborative network, rural LGBTQ+ organizations will become more resilient and effective. This, in turn, will lead to improved services, stronger advocacy, and a better quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals living in these areas, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive Upper Midwest.

The Historic Preservation Action Area grant program, offered by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen regional vitality by preserving historical assets and promoting educational efforts related to these assets. This grant specifically targets nonprofit and public organizations (501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1)) operating within an eight-county region of New York, including Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. The program aims to support projects that contribute to the overall well-being and enrichment of these communities. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the historical assets themselves and the communities within the specified eight-county region. The impact goals include the preservation of historical assets, fostering economic development, promoting equity in the narratives and physical assets preserved, contributing to community and neighborhood revitalization, and enhancing a sense of place and sustainability. Ultimately, the program seeks to create new opportunities for community engagement with the region's rich historical heritage, thereby enriching the lives of its residents. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate long-lasting impact and actively promote economic development and equity, ensuring that diverse stories are told and preserved. Other key focuses include community or neighborhood revitalization efforts, initiatives that promote sustainability or express a strong sense of place, and projects that create novel avenues for community members to interact with the region's historical resources. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with funding information also indicating amounts between $15,000 and $20,000 for specific projects. Expected outcomes include tangible preservation of historical sites and artifacts, revitalization of communities, and increased community engagement with historical assets. Measurable results could involve the number of historical assets preserved, the economic impact generated by preservation projects, the number of revitalization initiatives supported, and the scope of community participation in historical programming. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the emphasis on long-lasting impact suggests a strategic approach focused on sustainable preservation and community benefit.

The Creative Youth Development program, a cornerstone of the California Arts Council (CAC), is fundamentally rooted in the belief that arts learning is crucial for healthy human development and should be universally accessible to all young people across California. This includes, but is not limited to, those whose lives have been impacted by the justice system. The program's mission aligns with the CAC's broader vision of ensuring that all California youth receive meaningful, culturally responsive arts-learning experiences, enabling them to achieve their full potential. This initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing young people's stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression, while deeply respecting their lived experiences. The program targets young people throughout California, with a particular focus on those who have faced interruptions or impacts from the justice system. The impact goals are to foster environments that promote Creative Youth Development through the integration of three core concepts: Racial Equity and Social Justice, Youth Voices, and Collective Action. Projects are encouraged to take place in a variety of settings, including arts and culture venues, community centers, court/school sites, juvenile halls and camps, county-operated correctional facilities, social services agencies, and other youth-oriented settings, during or outside of traditional school hours. The program prioritizes projects that address one or more of its key goals. These include providing social-emotional creative experiences in safe and healthy learning environments, fostering creative abilities through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning, and supporting arts programs that activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Other focuses involve utilizing cultural assets for positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures, empowering youth through cultural preservation and revitalization, and cultivating transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. The grant seeks to support hands-on learning in various artistic disciplines, from dance and literary arts to media arts, music, theater, traditional/folk arts, and visual arts. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the successful implementation of projects that fulfill the program's purpose within the grant activity period (January 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025). Applicants are expected to design projects that provide safe, healthy, and appropriate learning environments and include sustained activities. For tuition-based projects, a robust equity and accessibility plan with full scholarships and reduced fees is required. The program anticipates increased creative abilities, enhanced social-emotional well-being, and developed life skills among participants. Projects are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and social justice, amplify youth voices, and promote collective action within communities. Furthermore, artists involved must have at least two years of relevant experience, be California-based, and not be full-time students in a degree program, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is inviting applications for its 2024 Community Grant Program, focusing on projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This program is designed to be responsive and flexible, incorporating trust-based philanthropic principles to streamline the application process, encourage more interactive engagement, and offer diverse methods for storytelling. The foundation's mission aligns with this grant by seeking to build a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure access to food and shelter, and promote economic opportunity through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs within Worcester County. The grant program targets residents of Worcester County as its primary beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on access and barrier reduction. Organizations based in or having a meaningful physical presence in Worcester County, or those providing unduplicated services with authentic local partnerships, are eligible. The impact goals revolve around addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions, fostering equity, amplifying community voice, and disrupting existing systems. The program prioritizes three key focus areas. Arts & Creativity aims to build and support a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all individuals feel they belong. Basic Needs concentrates on ensuring all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity focuses on English Language Learning programs and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs to empower individuals and enhance their financial well-being. Projects will be assessed based on several selection criteria, which inherently define the expected outcomes and measurable results. These include the feasibility of the proposed work and budget within the grant range ($2,500 - $25,000), the level of access and barrier reduction created for Worcester County residents, and the degree of creative or innovative solutions provided for community needs. Furthermore, projects must demonstrate measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with one or more of the specified focus areas, along with an organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, backed by sound financial and governance functions.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund for Strengthening New York Communities focuses on challenging inequities and improving the conditions of New York City communities in need. The grant program supports housing justice, equitable economic development, gender equity, worker rights, immigrant community challenges, sustainable development, and police and carceral system reform. It also provides support for policy reform organizations collaborating with neighborhood-based groups. The Foundation prioritizes general operating support for smaller neighborhood groups and offers project-specific support for larger and policy-focused organizations or collaborative campaigns.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in Central New Mexico to develop innovative programs that improve food security for students and their families within educational settings.

This funding opportunity supports small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists in San Francisco who are connected to historically marginalized communities, helping them sustain their work and remain in the city.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1 million to non-profit organizations in Canada and the US that are developing innovative solutions to help underserved small business owners overcome barriers and thrive in an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.