Private Employment Labor and Training Grants

The LA2050 Grants Challenge, an initiative by the Goldhirsh Foundation, is an open call for innovative ideas to enhance Los Angeles as a place to learn, create, play, connect, and live. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to drive progress and change the future course of the region by addressing issues Angelenos care most about. Through this challenge, LA2050 seeks to foster a vibrant and equitable Los Angeles by empowering organizations that are committed to making a tangible difference in the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Los Angeles County, with a particular focus on addressing challenges faced by various vulnerable populations. The impact goals are broad and aim to create measurable improvements across several critical issue areas. These include increasing access to creative industry employment, addressing affordable housing and homelessness, improving community safety, expanding green spaces and park access, enhancing healthcare access, supporting immigrants and refugees, reducing income inequality, advancing K-12 STEAM education, creating opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals, promoting play equity for mental health, improving public transit, and supporting foster and systems-impacted youth, and youth economic advancement. LA2050 prioritizes and focuses on bold ideas that will yield measurable wins for the LA region, emphasizing a spirit of collaboration and a desire to unify and amplify collective efforts. A clear focus on inclusion, diversity of voices, and equity is paramount. The program also seeks to support efforts that not only produce positive results but are also dedicated to increasing local engagement and civic participation, as well as those willing to test new strategies. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to invest in innovative solutions that have the potential for widespread and lasting positive change. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a total of $1 million being awarded to 15 organizations, with grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, over a one-year period. Beyond direct funding, LA2050 commits to a one-year partnership with winning organizations, leveraging its resources, assets, and networks to help projects succeed. This includes increased awareness and exposure for projects, deeper understanding of LA’s social impact landscape, opportunities to cultivate new relationships, and visibility in front of other foundations, with past challenges resulting in over $6.5 million in additional grants. The theory of change is that by strategically investing in and partnering with these organizations, LA2050 and the Goldhirsh Foundation can collectively drive significant progress for the region, fostering a more connected, equitable, and thriving Los Angeles for all its residents.

This initiative provides funding to animal welfare and community organizations in select states to assist with disaster response efforts for animals affected by recent hurricanes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and tribal entities to enhance urban forestry and community engagement in disadvantaged communities across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to Florida-based nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects that celebrate and share the state's history, culture, and personal stories, with a focus on community engagement and inclusivity.

This funding opportunity supports small research projects that explore how technology and policy changes are reshaping the U.S. workforce, focusing on innovative data analysis without addressing health or education.

The City of South Bend Department of Public Works is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Lamppost Lighting Program. This initiative is designed to assist homeowners within South Bend's city limits by providing lighting enhancements for their neighborhoods through a cost-share program. The program directly aligns with the city's mission to improve public infrastructure and enhance community safety and quality of life for its residents. By offering solar-powered lampposts for residential front yards, the program aims to address practical needs while promoting sustainable solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners residing within the City of South Bend. The program specifically targets two areas selected based on income levels, the number of vacant lots, and the existing need for improved lighting. Homeowners in these target areas receive a reduced cost share of $50, compared to $250 for those outside these areas, demonstrating a focus on supporting communities with greater need. The overarching impact goal is to enhance neighborhood safety, visibility, and overall aesthetics by increasing accessible lighting. The program's priorities and focuses include ease of installation, accessibility, and community empowerment. It offers easy self-install, solar-powered lampposts, placing responsibility for pickup, installation, and maintenance on the homeowner, fostering a sense of ownership. While the City's Division of Engineering will inspect installations, the emphasis is on enabling residents to directly contribute to their neighborhood improvements. A limit of one lamppost per household ensures equitable distribution among participating residents. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of illuminated residential front yards, particularly in historically underserved or underlit areas. Success can be measured by the number of lampposts installed, the geographic spread of the installations, and anecdotal evidence or surveys from residents regarding perceived improvements in safety and neighborhood appearance. The cost-share model is a strategic priority, allowing for broader participation while distributing costs, and fostering a collaborative approach between the city and its residents for community betterment.

This grant provides funding for agricultural professionals to conduct on-farm research that promotes sustainable farming practices in the Southern U.S., requiring collaboration with farmers who have a minimum annual income of $1,000.

The Child Health Research Awards Program by the Charles H. Hood Foundation aims to advance child health by providing grant support to newly independent faculty within New England-based pediatric researchers. The program offers two-year grants of $200,000 ($100,000 per year inclusive of 10% indirects) to researchers who are within five (PhD scientists) or seven (physician-scientists) years of employment following completion of training. The grants support hypothesis-driven clinical, basic science, public health, health services research, and epidemiology projects focused on child health. Application deadlines occur in the spring and fall of each year, with funding beginning every January 1st and July 1st. For complete eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit CharlesHoodFoundation.org.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Graduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, aiming to support creative practices and career advancement for graduate student artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aligns with M-AAA's mission to elevate and energize the regional arts community by fostering artistic talent and entrepreneurial skills. The program provides financial support and professional development opportunities to ensure artists can sustain and grow their creative practices, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the region. The target beneficiaries of the Artists 360 Graduate Student Artist Grants are graduate students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions within Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These students, regardless of their academic major, must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-residents with a valid Social Security Number. The program aims to impact these artists by providing them with the necessary resources and skills to develop enduring creative practices and advance their careers, fostering a dynamic regional artist network. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, a deep commitment to their work for at least three years, and a motivation to evolve their practice. It also focuses on individuals ready to advance their careers, engage in strategic management, and share their work within a peer learning environment. The grants are designed to support a wide range of artistic disciplines, including dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Additionally, a balanced cohort is considered to ensure diverse representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among the selected fellows. Expected outcomes include enhanced creative practices and career advancement for the grant recipients. Fellows will receive $5,000 grants, which they can use flexibly for various needs such as equipment, travel, studio space, childcare, professional services, research, supplies, or contingency savings. Measurable results include participation in peer-based learning experiences like an in-person retreat, one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These activities are designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and expand the artists' professional networks, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas.

This grant provides funding to established nonprofit organizations across the United States that focus on improving culture, education, health, and social services for diverse communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Alaska for projects that strengthen their internal operations and improve their effectiveness through capacity-building initiatives.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster nonprofits within the Chamber's five-county operational area. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by strategically investing in organizations that are vital to the community's progress in education, leadership, economic opportunity, and self-sufficiency. The fund specifically targets areas that address critical societal needs, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful and sustainable change within the region. The program's core focus areas are Education and Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development. In education, the fund prioritizes innovative programs designed to help low-income and at-risk students succeed academically, prepare for higher education, or enter the workforce. Key impact goals include reaching a broad student population, fostering community resource collaboration, promoting curriculum innovation, and supporting scalable models. The expected outcomes are improved academic achievement, increased access to post-secondary education or employment, and the development of replicable successful educational initiatives. For Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development, the fund supports nonprofits that drive economic growth. This includes initiatives for small business development and expansion, commercial revitalization, job creation, work-entry programs, specialized skills training, and transportation solutions. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more robust local economy and creating pathways to self-sufficiency for community members. Measurable results would include an increase in new businesses, job placements, individuals completing skills training, and improved access to employment opportunities. The eligibility criteria for applicants reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, requiring tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3, public charity status under Section 509, and registration with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. This ensures that funds are distributed to credible and well-governed organizations. The geographic scope, encompassing numerous municipalities within the Chamber's area, highlights a theory of change that local, targeted investments in key sectors will lead to broad community development and improved quality of life across the region. The one-year grant duration encourages focused, impactful projects with clear objectives within that timeframe.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide housing stability and services for youth experiencing homelessness in economically challenged areas of Greater Boston.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and organizations to develop programs that prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector, focusing on skills development and workforce readiness.

The Educational Opportunities Program, offered by Middlesex Savings Bank, is designed to empower organizations to deliver distinctive and impactful educational experiences to both youths and adults. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to support community development through initiatives that foster learning and skill-building. By focusing on a broad range of educational opportunities, the program seeks to address critical needs within the communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank, promoting personal and professional growth for individuals of all ages. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youths and adults residing in the designated geographic areas. Impact goals include enhancing job readiness, improving adult literacy, promoting financial education, and enriching youth development. Specifically, the program targets individuals who can benefit from job training, English as a Second Language courses, credit education, home-buying seminars, and various youth enrichment activities. The expected outcomes are increased employment opportunities, improved financial literacy, enhanced educational attainment, and overall community betterment. The program prioritizes initiatives that provide tangible skills and knowledge. Key focus areas include job training and readiness programs, adult education, English as a Second Language instruction, credit education, home-buying seminars, and youth enrichment programs. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in educational programs that offer practical, measurable results and contribute directly to the economic and social well-being of the community. This aligns with a theory of change where targeted educational interventions lead to improved individual capabilities and, consequently, stronger communities. While the overall grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, individual grant requests are considered up to $20,000. This indicates a focus on supporting a wider array of smaller, impactful projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities within Middlesex Savings Bank's service area. The program specifically excludes funding for political or sectarian activities, as well as organizations utilizing a fiscal agent, ensuring that funds are directed towards direct educational services within the foundation's established guidelines.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is offering grants through its Environmental Sustainability Grant Program, with a deadline of July 19, 2024. This program is designed to enhance environmental sustainability in the Greater Cincinnati region by improving the accessibility and quality of greenspaces, supporting conservation efforts, promoting horticulture, and advancing nature education, particularly for historically marginalized groups. This initiative aligns directly with GCF's mission to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the region. The target beneficiaries of this program are organizations with efforts based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana. The program aims to increase the benefits of nature for historically marginalized groups, including improved fresh food access and nature education, especially for children and youth. The overall impact goal is to create a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region through accessible greenspaces and quality education. GCF's priorities for this grant cycle include organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, requests that beautify, create, conserve, and/or restore greenspaces (with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups), and proposals that connect historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature. Strong preference will be given to organizations demonstrating partnerships, collaboration, alignment with community-wide efforts, and insights from past results, utilizing an asset-based approach. Funding may be used for a variety of purposes, including supporting, expanding, or strengthening existing programs, enacting capital improvements, launching new programs, or building organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored. GCF has approximately $400,000 available for the 2024 Environmental Sustainability cycle, with individual grants awarded for up to $25,000. Expected outcomes include clear and measurable results related to greenspace improvements, increased access to nature for marginalized communities, and enhanced environmental education.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (WSDC) is offering its 2025 Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant, designed to enhance the physical security of nonprofit organizations across all counties in Washington. This grant aligns with the WSDC's mission to support and protect vulnerable community institutions by providing funding for renovations and other security investments. The program's strategic priority is to safeguard organizations that are at risk of physical attacks, threats, or damages due to their mission, ideology, or beliefs, thereby fostering a more secure environment for these groups to operate. The target beneficiaries for this grant include a broad range of nonprofit organizations, with a specific emphasis on religious nonprofits, "by-and-for" organizations, and cultural community centers. The impact goal is to mitigate security risks and improve the safety of these sites. Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear need for security enhancements based on past incidents or credible threats. This proactive approach aims to prevent future attacks and ensure the continuity of services provided by these vital community organizations. The grant prioritizes investments in physical security enhancements, construction or renovation projects, target hardening, preparedness planning, training, and exercises. Applications must explicitly detail how the funding will be utilized for these purposes. A key focus is on tangible improvements that directly address identified security vulnerabilities. Organizations must either own the property or have written permission from the owner to implement the proposed security upgrades, ensuring the long-term impact and sustainability of the investments. The expected outcomes of the grant program include a measurable reduction in security incidents and an increased sense of safety among the beneficiary organizations. By funding critical security measures, the WSDC aims to empower these nonprofits to continue their valuable work without undue fear of harm. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in physical security and preparedness, organizations will be better equipped to withstand and deter threats, leading to a more resilient and secure nonprofit sector within Washington State.

This funding opportunity provides substantial support to national organizations using music to drive systemic change across multiple U.S. states or territories.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Southern California for innovative projects that support long-term recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Wildfires, focusing on housing stability, mental health, and assistance for underserved communities.