Private Employment Labor and Training Grants

The Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) 2024 micro grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to working artists in Waukegan for the production of their art. This program aligns with the WAC's mission to support the local arts community by directly investing in the creative endeavors of individual artists. The grant aims to empower artists by helping them overcome financial barriers to their artistic development and output. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Waukegan artists who are actively engaged in their chosen medium and can demonstrate a need for funds. The program targets artists with a "Waukegan connection," ensuring that the support directly benefits the local community. The impact goal is to foster artistic production, enhance the cultural vibrancy of Waukegan, and provide tangible support to artists, ultimately strengthening the local arts ecosystem. The WAC micro grant program prioritizes funding for specific needs, including the purchase of supplies or equipment, securing a venue for artistic expression, or attending classes and obtaining necessary resources to engage in their art form. Grants are capped at $500 per artist, with a total funding pool of $2500 for the program, indicating a focus on numerous smaller, impactful awards rather than a few large ones. Notably, the grant explicitly excludes funding for salaries or benefits, emphasizing its role in supporting direct artistic production costs. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of art projects and works produced by Waukegan artists. Measurable results would be the successful utilization of grant funds for the stated purposes, such as new equipment purchased, venues secured, or classes attended. Applicants are required to describe how the grant funds will be used and how they will benefit the Waukegan community, which serves as a mechanism for accountability and alignment with the program's objectives. While not explicitly detailed as a "strategic priority" or "theory of change" in the provided text, the WAC's approach implicitly suggests a belief that direct financial support to artists at the micro-level will lead to a more active and vibrant arts scene in Waukegan. By removing financial hurdles for supplies, venues, and education, the program aims to unleash artistic potential and enrich the cultural landscape for the entire community. The focus on local artists with a Waukegan connection underpins a strategy to build local capacity and engagement within the arts.

The Art Project Grants for Organizations program, administered by the Iowa Arts Council within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), offers financial incentives to various nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, schools, governmental agencies, and tribal councils. The program's mission aligns with supporting a wide variety of arts-related activities across Iowa, fostering artistic excellence and ensuring service to Iowans. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Iowa Arts Council's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, prioritizing projects that advance its goals and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations and institutions located in Iowa or border communities that can demonstrate a commitment to arts experiences and learning opportunities. The program targets projects that create public value for Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. Impact goals include promoting artistic excellence, increasing access to arts, and fostering community engagement through various art forms. Eligible projects range from community events, performances, and exhibitions to festivals or workshops dedicated to arts-related activities, ensuring a broad reach across different artistic disciplines and community settings. Priority is given to projects that not only demonstrate artistic excellence but also align with the strategic goals outlined in the Iowa Arts Council's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The program focuses on supporting one-time project expenses incurred and expended during the eligible funding period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This ensures that the funding directly supports new or significantly unique arts initiatives. Furthermore, for annual events or public art projects, applicants must demonstrate uniqueness, change in content from year to year, or broad-based community engagement and programming, respectively, highlighting a focus on dynamic and impactful programming. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural experiences for Iowans, increased participation in arts activities, and the creation of accessible arts learning opportunities. Measurable results could include the number of individuals reached by projects, the diversity of communities served, the artistic quality of the initiatives, and the alignment of projects with the Iowa Arts Council's strategic plan objectives. The grant amounts, ranging from a minimum request of $2,500 to a maximum of $10,000, are intended to support these project-specific expenses, contributing to the successful implementation and impact of diverse arts programming throughout the state.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in West Virginia for initiatives that address the opioid crisis through prevention, recovery housing, and support programs.

This grant provides financial support to small nonprofits focused on promoting diversity and inclusion for underserved communities, including various racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA+ groups.

The Black Ambition Prize competition is designed to empower Black and Hispanic founders across the United States by offering growth capital, comprehensive coaching, and access to a carefully curated community of innovators and mentors. This initiative directly aligns with its mission to support and elevate underrepresented entrepreneurs. The program is specifically tailored to early-stage ventures in key sectors, including Consumer Products and Services, Healthcare, Media and Entertainment, Technology, and AI, demonstrating a strategic focus on industries with high growth potential and significant impact. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Black and Hispanic innovators who are building for-profit ventures. The program targets individuals and teams who are at least eighteen years of age, legally incorporated in the U.S., have demonstrated progress with a minimum viable product or existing consumer base, and have raised less than $1M in dilutive funding. A crucial eligibility criterion is the inclusion of at least one founding member identifying as Black/African/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx, with the lead of the venture being a U.S. resident. These criteria ensure that the program's resources are directed towards its intended demographic, fostering diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial landscape. The program's priorities and focuses are multifaceted, emphasizing not only financial investment but also comprehensive support for founder development. Key features include cohort-based programming for HBCU students and alumni, mentorship from technical experts and experienced entrepreneurs, and a Demo Day to connect founders with investors. Beyond capital, select applicants receive critical support services such as coaching, pitch workshops, wellness and leadership training, community building, online and in-person events, funder introductions, and exclusive training opportunities with global brands. These elements collectively aim to equip founders with the skills, networks, and resources needed for sustainable growth. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Black Ambition Prize are centered on fostering successful, high-growth ventures from underrepresented communities. Eligible ventures compete for awards ranging from $15,000 to $1,000,000, with investments of up to $100,000 provided as part of the program. The support services, valued at over $20,000 through partners, and marketing opportunities are designed to accelerate the growth and visibility of these startups. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of thriving Black and Hispanic-led businesses, thereby reducing wealth and opportunity gaps and contributing to a more equitable and innovative economy.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

This grant provides funding to support small farmers and public entities in Maryland to aggregate local food products for sale to wholesale and institutional markets, enhancing the local food system.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Ohio, to address community needs in areas such as job training, mental health, childcare, and access to healthy food.

The Community Impact Fund is the competitive grantmaking process of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations. This fund aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the Texas Hill Country by investing in critical areas. It offers both general operating support for administrative and organizational needs, and program support for specific initiatives, with requests not exceeding $15,000. The fund targets residents within ten specific Texas Hill Country counties: Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Real, and Uvalde. The primary impact goal is to address key community needs and foster development across four focus areas: Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Environment, and Youth Development, ultimately improving the quality of life for the region's diverse population. The Community Impact Fund's priorities are clearly defined within its four focus areas. In Arts & Culture, it supports organizations that present, produce, or provide arts programming, as well as those preserving the Hill Country's history and culture. Basic Needs addresses hunger, poverty, literacy, neglect, family violence, lack of medical care, homelessness, and the needs of seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities or chronic illness, and animal welfare. The Environment focus supports stewardship and education, with priorities including nature education, conservation, land stewardship, wildlife protection, recycling, and maintaining dark skies. Youth Development aims to support children and youth from birth through age 21, fostering their growth and well-being. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the fund's theory of change. For Arts & Culture, grantees will report on audience participation and demonstrate efforts to reach diverse audiences. Basic Needs grantees will track the number of unduplicated residents served and document collaborative efforts. Environment grantees will measure unduplicated residents served, acres or geographical areas affected, and economic and environmental impact where appropriate. Youth Development grantees will report on the number of unduplicated children and youth served, the quality of safe environments, and levels of youth interaction and engagement. These metrics ensure accountability and demonstrate the tangible impact of the grants, reinforcing the foundation's strategic priorities for community improvement.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties, Iowa, that focus on improving the safety, education, and economic empowerment of girls and women.

This grant provides funding for innovative arts education projects that engage diverse communities in hands-on learning experiences across various art forms outside of traditional school settings.

The South Plains Foundation program, administered by The Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to foster the development of charitable programs within Lubbock County, Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support community well-being by providing grants to eligible organizations. The grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to encourage local programming that addresses identified community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, units of local government (such as school districts, counties, and cities), and faith-based organizations that serve the general community in Lubbock County. The impact goal is to strengthen the local charitable landscape and enhance the capacity of these organizations to deliver effective programs. By supporting a diverse range of community-serving entities, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the county. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit the general community and are not focused on specific religious beliefs or individual financial gain. While the exact strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond the general encouragement of charitable programs, the emphasis on 501(c)3 nonprofits and local government suggests a commitment to established, accountable entities capable of implementing community-wide initiatives. The foundation's approach appears to be one of empowering local organizations to address local challenges. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded charitable programs in Lubbock County. Measurable results would likely involve the number of people served, the types of services provided, and the overall impact on the community, although specific metrics are not outlined in the provided information. The typical grant limit of $10,000 suggests that the foundation is likely supporting projects with defined scopes, aiming for tangible, localized results rather than large-scale, long-term operational funding.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential human services to residents of Tempe, Arizona.

The Pella Community Foundation Impact Grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies for projects that significantly improve Pella's quality of life, demonstrate community impact, and show evidence of long-term planning and sustainability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in El Paso and Teller Counties, Colorado, to promote healthy environments through initiatives that enhance physical activity, improve access to nutritious food, and support affordable housing solutions.

The Evansville Endowment Fund is accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects specifically designed to serve the City of Evansville. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support the community through the development of permanent facilities, promotion of arts and culture, enhancement of recreational activities, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development. The fund prioritizes tax-exempt organizations under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that their activities contribute to the specified community upliftment criteria. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are residents within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana, with a particular focus on the 4th and 6th wards, which will receive at least sixty percent of the distributed funding. The impact goals include improving community infrastructure, fostering cultural engagement, expanding recreational opportunities, revitalizing blighted areas for housing, and stimulating local economic growth. The fund aims to support projects that directly address these needs, leading to tangible improvements in the quality of life for Evansville residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across five key areas. These include supporting social and community-based organizations in acquiring, constructing, or renovating facilities; promoting arts and cultural activities through facility development; enhancing public recreational facilities; undertaking neighborhood revitalization efforts such as property acquisition, rehabilitation, and housing development for low to moderate-income persons; and contributing to economic development projects that augment existing municipal loan programs. Requests of at least $1,000 are preferred, indicating a focus on substantive capital improvements. Expected outcomes include the creation or renovation of vital community assets like museums, parks, and affordable housing. Measurable results could include the number of new or improved facilities, increased participation in cultural and recreational activities, reduction of blighted properties, and the development of new housing units. The Evansville Endowment Fund's strategic priorities are centered on long-term community development and sustainability, operating under a theory of change that investments in physical infrastructure and community programs will lead to a more vibrant, equitable, and economically robust Evansville.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies in Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties, Alabama, for programs that enhance education, workforce development, and quality of life in the community.

The African American Legacy (AAL) is an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago. Led by Black civic and community leaders, AAL functions as a philanthropic and educational initiative, aligning with the Trust's broader mission of fostering community well-being. Its strategic approach is grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement, and grant-making, serving as a convener and catalyst to drive significant impact in Black communities. AAL's primary beneficiaries are Black-led and Black-serving community organizations that are responsive and rooted in their communities. The overarching impact goal is to empower and strengthen Black communities by addressing systemic challenges and promoting equitable opportunities. This is achieved by supporting organizations that educate and engage communities, and provide neighborhood-based services and solutions to community problems, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and thriving metropolitan Chicago. The program focuses on five key areas: Community and Civic Engagement, Mental Health, Wealth Creation, Arts and Sciences Education, and Environmental Justice. In Community and Civic Engagement, AAL supports work in leadership development, voting rights/access activism, and community organizing to dismantle anti-Black racism. For Mental Health, it backs organizations preparing providers or community members to deliver or advocate for mental health services, especially trauma-informed care, in response to the disproportionate stress burden on Black communities. Wealth Creation initiatives aim to build economic empowerment through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce re-entry, and trade skills. Arts and Sciences Education supports academic enrichment in STEAM for Black children and young adults, fostering creativity. Finally, Environmental Justice focuses on protecting and advocating for the built/natural environment and ensuring communities of color are not disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards. AAL's theory of change posits that by supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations working in these critical focus areas, it can drive measurable improvements in community well-being and dismantle anti-Black racism. Expected outcomes include increased civic participation, improved access to mental health services, enhanced economic stability, greater educational attainment in STEAM fields, and more equitable environmental conditions. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 for one year, with eligible organizations having annual operating budgets between $50,000 and $2,000,000. Eligibility also requires 501(c)(3) status, fiscal sponsorship, or governmental unit status.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit performing arts organizations in Washington, focusing on innovative theatre and dance projects that foster community and train emerging artists.

The Hudson-Ellis Fund, administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is a competitive grantmaking program designed to support tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations benefiting residents of Boyle County, Kentucky. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community well-being through strategic philanthropy, as evidenced by the establishment of the fund through bequests for the good of Boyle County by donors like Lottie B. Ellis. The program prioritizes projects that address critical community needs and demonstrate meaningful impact and sustainability, reflecting the foundation's commitment to long-term positive change. The program specifically targets youth and/or adults who are economically disadvantaged, youth and/or adults with disabilities, and initiatives focused on public education. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for these specific populations within Boyle County. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate how their projects and programs will address these community needs effectively. The Hudson-Ellis Fund has clear funding priorities: public education, and programming that improves the quality of life for youth and adults with disabilities or those who are economically disadvantaged. Grant requests should not exceed $7,500, and the grant period for funded projects will run from September 2024 to June 2025. This focus indicates the foundation's strategic priority to invest in areas that foster equitable access to resources and opportunities for vulnerable populations. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the lives of Boyle County residents, particularly within the identified beneficiary groups. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "meaningful impact and sustainability," the emphasis on addressing community needs implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in educational attainment, economic stability, or quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding projects in these key areas, they can empower local nonprofits to create lasting positive change and foster a more inclusive and prosperous community in Boyle County.