Private Employment Labor and Training Grants

Travel Paso is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Event Marketing Grant, aimed at supporting local events that align with its mission to promote Paso Robles, with a focus on collaboration, diversity, variety, and sustainability, and encourages applicants to outline their marketing strategies, event timing, measurement of overnight stays, and potential for partnership with Travel Paso.

The Zoo Labs: FUND, administered in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), is a funding and investment initiative designed to support Bay Area entrepreneurs who are launching or growing businesses centered around music. With a strong emphasis on culturally-rooted artist teams, the program offers unrestricted funding to music ventures that align with values of cultural preservation, innovation, economic empowerment, and community enrichment. In 2025, the FUND will distribute a total of $230,000 in grants, prioritizing artist teams that face barriers to accessing capital and are committed to contributing to the Bay Area's creative ecosystem. Zoo Labs: FUND provides grants in four tiers: $5,000, $15,000, $25,000, and $50,000, with award size contingent upon the team’s business development stage. Eligibility requires applicant teams of at least two individuals, including one culturally-rooted artist, who all reside full-time in specified Bay Area counties. Teams may include various roles such as content creators, producers, engineers, and advisors, and must be operating a music-centered business, whether as a nonprofit, sole proprietorship, or for-profit organization. Prior grantees may reapply if they meet reporting and mentorship obligations from previous awards. Applicants must complete an online submission through CCI’s Submittable platform between May 19 and July 7, 2025. Required materials include a team pitch video, business matrix, one work sample, and a budget with notes. Applications are assessed based on the strength of the team, artistry and craft, entrepreneurship, and internal and external community impact. An independent panel reflecting diverse backgrounds will review the materials and recommend grantees. The notification of awards is scheduled for September 8, 2025. In addition to receiving financial support, awardees gain access to mentorship opportunities through Zoo Labs: LEARN. These include on-demand courses, virtual networking sessions, and for higher-tier recipients, a strategy session with Zoo Labs Co-Founder Vinitha Watson. All grantees must attend a virtual orientation on October 15, 2025, and participate in at least one one-on-one business mentorship session. Recipients of $25,000 or $50,000 grants are also invited to serve as voluntary mentors to future applicants. The grant supports activities from September 2025 through September 2026. For assistance, applicants can contact CCI via email at [email protected] or phone at 415.288.0530. Additional technical support is available through Submittable. Information sessions and office hours are scheduled throughout June and early July to assist prospective applicants in preparing strong submissions. All applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines, FAQs, and application preview before seeking support. The Zoo Labs: FUND is made possible with support from Vinitha and David Watson and individual donors. Contributions are welcomed to expand the program’s reach. The FUND continues to invest in artistic legacies that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Bay Area communities.

The Branch County Grant Program is offered by an undisclosed funding organization and aims to support projects that benefit organizations in Branch County. The program operates on a quarterly basis, with four competitive grant cycles per year. The grant committee reviews requests for proposals during each cycle, and funding proposals must be submitted by February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. It is important to note that availability for these grants may be limited. For further information and to apply, interested organizations should contact the funding organization directly using the provided contact information.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers grants up to $25,000 for collaborative rural community projects in selected states and counties, prioritizing initiatives that involve diverse community participation, demonstrate local support, and aim for positive change within 18 months.

The Memorial Health Fund, established by the York County Community Foundation (YCCF), aims to revolutionize how the community addresses pressing health issues. Its core mission is to fund programs that enhance the complete physical, mental, and social well-being of residents within York and its surrounding communities in Pennsylvania. This competitive grant program is designed to be flexible, allowing it to adapt to diverse community needs while aligning with the foundation's overarching goal of fostering a healthier, more vibrant region. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public school districts that directly serve York County. The fund explicitly states that individuals do not qualify as applicants. Eligible nonprofits must possess a 501(c)(3) public charity status for at least one year and be current on all active interim or post-grant reports. The program's impact goals are centered on improving overall community health, providing resources for health restoration and maintenance, and delivering high-quality healthcare services to the greater York area. The Memorial Health Fund prioritizes grant applications that address a range of health-related initiatives. These include promoting general health and wellness, advancing health education, engaging in fundraising for health-related activities, and making grants to other nonprofits to carry out these activities. The fund also clearly outlines what it does NOT support, such as endowments, capital campaigns, budget shortfalls, normal operations, debt retirement, sectarian religious programs, discriminatory practices, direct financial assistance to individuals, or reimbursements for prior purchases. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in community health indicators and enhanced access to healthcare services for York County residents. The fund emphasizes the importance of an applicant having both a board-approved Anti-Discrimination Policy and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to promote equitable health outcomes across all segments of the community. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus on "improving overall community health" and "bringing high-quality health care services" suggests a theory of change rooted in direct intervention and support for organizations capable of implementing impactful health programs. The YCCF's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this fund, are to support initiatives that are responsive to community needs and promote comprehensive well-being. By funding programs that address a broad spectrum of health issues—from mental health to access to care—the foundation aims to create a sustained, positive impact on the health landscape of York County. The emphasis on organizational eligibility and policy requirements also underscores a commitment to effective, ethical, and inclusive grantmaking.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a national initiative designed to invigorate innovations in career-connected learning (CCL), aiming to provide learners aged 11-22 with access to transformative educational experiences that integrate academics with career exploration. This program is aligned with the broader mission of the national Catalyze Challenge, which since 2021, has impacted over 45,000 students through more than $13 million in grants to over 50 organizations. The core objective is to empower young individuals to discover their aptitudes and pursue rewarding careers by bridging education and industry. The challenge targets learners residing, studying, or working in the Birmingham region, specifically Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering career opportunities and enhancing the potential success of local participants through innovative career-connected learning. Catalyze seeks to fund and learn from bold ideas that rethink the connections between the education system, postsecondary education, vocational programs, apprenticeships, and employment for young people in this region. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge prioritizes novel approaches to career-connected learning that align with two key themes: Career Exploration for Young Adolescents and Activating Employer Partnerships. These themes are strategically chosen to address existing gaps in the market and to create learning experiences that challenge traditional educational paradigms. The program actively encourages forward-looking organizations with groundbreaking solutions that address specific CCL challenges, particularly those faced by learners navigating career pathways and by individuals and organizations within the education and industry sectors. Expected outcomes include building learners' skills and agency to effectively navigate lifelong career journeys. Grantees will contribute to a wider effort to build an evidence base around the identified themes, while simultaneously addressing practical challenges within their communities and beyond. The Birmingham coalition, with the aid of a regional evaluation and selection committee, will engage, source, evaluate, and fund high-potential innovations. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge will award pilot grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 each, supporting 12-24 months of exploratory implementation for these impactful solutions.

This grant provides funding for experienced artists to collaborate with children in Boston's after-school programs to create a community art piece inspired by the Museum of Fine Arts' collection.

This grant provides funding to governmental entities and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina for projects that promote economic development, job creation, and workforce training, particularly in rural and tobacco-dependent communities.

This funding opportunity provides $7,000 to community-based organizations in North Carolina to implement health-promoting programs for historically marginalized populations, focusing on chronic disease prevention and management.

The Public Art Learning Fund, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), is designed to fortify the public art landscape across New England by offering professional development opportunities directly to artists. NEFA's overarching mission, as reflected in this grant, is to cultivate more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout the region. This initiative aligns with NEFA's strategic goal of fostering a sustainable and equitable public art ecosystem by investing in the skills, resources, and connections of artists working in the public realm. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are artists residing full-time in one of the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) who are actively engaged in public artmaking or are in the process of expanding their practice into this domain. The fund aims to empower these artists, contributing to more just and inclusive public art. Expected outcomes include artists developing enhanced skills and resources, leading to the creation of more vibrant public spaces and a stronger regional community of practice. The Public Art Learning Fund prioritizes opportunities that specifically expand an artist's public art practice and contribute equitably to more just and inclusive public artmaking. NEFA seeks clarity on desired learnings and their application to the artist's practice. The fund welcomes artists at various stages of their public artmaking careers from urban, suburban, and rural communities, recognizing that diverse cultural and artistic expressions are crucial for equitable and vibrant public spaces. A key focus of this grant is equity. NEFA acknowledges that various barriers, including race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography, can limit access to professional development. Therefore, the Public Art Learning Fund actively prioritizes equity in its funding decisions. This may include, but is not limited to, prioritizing artists who self-identify as Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and/or those who are rooted in rural communities, aligning with NEFA's theory of change that targeted support can address systemic inequities and build a more inclusive artistic landscape. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and support opportunities taking place between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants must also have a Creative Ground profile, and the proposed professional development must directly relate to strengthening their public art practice and occur within the grant period. These measurable results, such as the number of artists served and the nature of their professional development, contribute to NEFA's broader strategic aim of fostering a more equitable and sustainable public art ecosystem in New England.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is offering a competitive grant opportunity aimed at increasing access to emergency services and immediate assistance for vulnerable residents in Greater Hartford. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support nonprofits in addressing the basic human needs of the community. The grant seeks to fund projects and services that provide critical immediate aid to those in need. The target beneficiaries of this grant are vulnerable residents in Greater Hartford who require emergency services and immediate assistance for basic human needs. The impact goal is to enhance the availability and accessibility of essential support, ensuring that individuals and families facing crises can receive timely help. The grant focuses on direct provision of emergency services and assistance. The priorities and focuses of this grant include, but are not limited to, food or food assistance, emergency clothing, personal care items, emergency financial aid (such as rent, mortgage, utility, or childcare assistance), emergency medical aid (including dental, medical, mental health, and prescription expenses), aftercare programs for victims of domestic violence, and immediate or informal case management services. The Foundation welcomes requests for individual projects ($1,000-$15,000) and collaborative projects (up to $20,000) for a one-year period. Expected outcomes include improved access to vital resources for vulnerable populations, a reduction in immediate hardships faced by residents, and strengthened community support systems. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types and quantities of aid provided, and the specific needs addressed. The Foundation's strategic priorities are implicitly aligned with a theory of change that by directly supporting emergency services and basic needs, they can alleviate immediate suffering and contribute to the overall well-being and stability of Greater Hartford's most vulnerable residents.

The Washington State Department of Commerce's Blended Capital Enhancement Grants are part of the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP), a new initiative aimed at reducing wealth disparities within Black, Latine, and tribal communities through asset building. The program seeks to support by-and-for lending agencies, businesses, and organizations that serve these specific communities. The overarching mission is to make it easier for these communities to access financial support from local organizations and businesses, fostering economic empowerment and equity. The grant program targets Black, Latine, and tribal communities across Washington state, as well as the lending agencies, businesses, and organizations that are either led by and for these communities, or are partnered with such entities. The impact goals are centered on facilitating homeownership, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, providing money management and business training, assisting with the acquisition of commercial property and business assets, and helping individuals reduce debt and increase savings through matching funds. These goals directly address key areas of wealth accumulation and financial stability. The program prioritizes funding for a variety of initiatives including new construction loans ($5 million), home expansion loans (including Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs) ($6 million), business startups and expansions ($5 million), and consumer loans (such as credit consolidation, car refinancing, or emergency expenses) ($1 million). The total funding available is $42 million. The focus is on creating accessible financial pathways and resources that have historically been less available to the targeted communities. Expected outcomes include an increase in homeownership rates within Black, Latine, and tribal communities, the growth and sustainability of small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, improved financial literacy and money management skills among individuals, and a reduction in personal debt coupled with increased savings. These measurable results align with the broader strategic priorities of the Washington State Department of Commerce to foster economic development and reduce disparities. The theory of change suggests that by empowering local, by-and-for organizations with capital, they can more effectively deliver essential financial services and support, thereby directly addressing systemic inequalities and building lasting wealth within these communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support and resources to early-stage education leaders and entrepreneurs developing innovative public school models and educational solutions that promote equity and inclusivity for marginalized students.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Building Reuse Program is a grant initiative designed to transform older, underutilized buildings in communities into valuable assets for economic growth. This program aligns with a broader mission to attract new businesses, support the expansion of existing North Carolina companies, and foster the development of healthcare entities, thereby creating new, full-time jobs. By revitalizing vacant or underperforming properties, the program aims to stimulate local economies and improve the overall well-being of rural areas within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are local governments in North Carolina, who then act on behalf of businesses and healthcare entities. The program focuses on three main categories: the renovation of vacant buildings, the renovation or expansion of buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and the renovation, expansion, or construction of licensed healthcare entities. The impact goals are centered on job creation, economic development through business attraction and expansion, and improved access to healthcare services in rural communities. Priorities for funding include vacant buildings that have been unoccupied for at least three months. For existing businesses, companies must have operated in North Carolina for at least 12 months, meet weekly wage standards, provide at least 50% employee benefits, and be represented on the Priority Industry Table. In the rural health category, eligible applicants are units of local government in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties, with a priority for towns under 5,000 population in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties. A key requirement for all categories is a cash match equal to the grant request, with local government contributing at least 5% from local, non-state or federal resources. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in new, full-time jobs, the successful renovation and reuse of older buildings, and the expansion of business operations across the state. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of jobs created, the number of buildings renovated or expanded, the types of businesses supported, and the economic impact on local communities. The program's strategic priorities are clearly linked to fostering economic resilience and growth in rural North Carolina, with a theory of change that posits that by investing in physical infrastructure, the state can catalyze private sector investment, leading to job growth and improved community vitality.

This funding opportunity supports community gardens in metro Atlanta by providing financial assistance for infrastructure improvements and larger projects that promote sustainable food growing and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to established organizations in the Philadelphia region that help individuals facing significant barriers to employment access quality job training and secure sustainable employment.

This grant provides funding for local programs that improve health, wellness, and education for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease, particularly focusing on underserved populations and their care partners.

The Indiana Department of Health’s (IDOH) Maternal and Child Health Division aims to fund community-based organizations, local health departments, hospitals, and not-for-profit organizations in Indiana. The primary goal is to implement evidence-based or promising practice programs focused on teen pregnancy prevention and positive youth development. This initiative aligns with the IDOH's mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state by empowering youth to make healthy decisions and avoid risky behaviors. The funding is provided by the Family and Youth Services Bureau and the IDOH, Maternal and Child Health Division (MCH). The program's target beneficiaries are youth within Indiana, with an intentional focus on high-risk groups. These include youth in or aging out of foster care, those in the child welfare system, idle youth (not working or in school), school dropouts, youth living in poverty, youth in juvenile centers, traditionally underserved racial or ethnic groups, LGBTQIA+ youth, and runaway or homeless youth. The impact goals are to reduce teen pregnancy rates, promote self-regulation, encourage healthy relationships, and foster goal setting through a positive youth development framework. The priorities and focuses of this grant include providing evidence-based sexual risk avoidance education curricula that normalize voluntarily refraining from non-marital sexual activity. Programs should also emphasize the benefits of self-regulation, success sequencing, healthy relationships, and goal setting. Applicants may also implement the Teen Café Model alongside an evidence-based curriculum. Additionally, the program prioritizes teaching youth skills to avoid risky behaviors, explaining how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability, defining "consent" and "active consent," and teaching the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity. Where appropriate, mentoring, counseling, and adult supervision should be provided to support these objectives. Expected outcomes include a decrease in teen pregnancy rates among participating youth, an increase in youth demonstrating self-regulation and goal-setting behaviors, and improved decision-making regarding sexual activity. Measurable results will likely be tracked through participant engagement, knowledge acquisition on consent and risk avoidance, and, ultimately, a reduction in pregnancy rates within the target populations. The strategic priority is to equip Indiana's youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for positive development and to avoid the risks associated with early sexual activity, thereby improving long-term health and well-being outcomes. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive, evidence-based education and support, at-risk youth will be empowered to make informed choices that lead to healthier lives and a reduced incidence of teen pregnancy. Projects are scheduled to start October 1, 2024, and conclude September 30, 2026, contingent on federal funding availability.

The Windham Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the economic, cultural, and civic life in Vermont through its grant-making activities. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in supporting organizations that address the needs and improve the quality of life for Vermonters, recognizing that the social and economic vitality of small towns is maintained through a diverse range of activities. This alignment ensures that grant-funded projects contribute directly to the foundation's overarching goal of fostering well-being in the state's communities. The target beneficiaries of these grants are Vermonters, with a focus on local organizations involved in social, cultural, and educational work within the state. The impact goals are broad, aiming to support educational programs, local food initiatives, land conservation for public use, environmental protection, social services, cultural resources, and historic preservation. By partnering with these organizations, the foundation seeks to empower local efforts that contribute to the overall health and prosperity of Vermont's towns and residents. The foundation's priorities and focuses are diverse, encompassing agricultural preservation and food systems, environmental enhancement, education in its broadest sense, promotion of arts, crafts, and Vermont traditions, meeting basic human needs, and historic preservation that serves a broad community purpose. In evaluating proposals, the foundation assesses an organization's competence, track record, financial stability, fundraising strategies, leadership strength, and the long-term viability of the proposed program. This strategic approach ensures that funding is directed towards capable organizations with sustainable initiatives. Expected outcomes and measurable results, particularly for grants of $5,000 or more, include a requirement for recipients to report back on the success of project implementation. While specific metrics are not detailed, the foundation's emphasis on competence, track record, and long-term viability suggests an expectation of tangible positive change within the community. The foundation awards approximately $65,000 in grants each quarter, with individual grants rarely exceeding $10,000 and an average of $2,500-$5,000, demonstrating a commitment to supporting numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects across the state. The Windham Foundation's strategic priorities are to strengthen organizational capacity, support special initiatives, engage in capacity building, and offer matching and challenge grants. Their theory of change appears to be that by investing in a wide range of community-focused activities and fostering collaboration among non-profit organizations, they can collectively enhance the quality of life and ensure the enduring vitality of Vermont's communities. They will not fund more than 50% of a project, encouraging diverse funding sources and collaborative efforts.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking a technical consultant and project manager for its On-Street Charging Program. This program, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided by the Healey-Driscoll administration in January 2024, aims to improve access to affordable electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure for residents in multi-unit dwellings. The core mission of the program aligns with increasing the supply of overnight curbside parking, with a strong emphasis on generating positive impacts for Low Income Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC) within Massachusetts. MassCEC's overarching mission to promote wide-scale adoption of innovative On-Street Charging options across the Commonwealth is evident through this initiative. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents in multi-unit dwellings, particularly those residing in LIDACs, who currently face barriers to EV adoption due to limited charging infrastructure. The program is designed to address these inequalities by increasing access to on-street charging options. MassCEC also encourages the involvement of small and diverse MA-based businesses, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (Minority, Women, Veteran, LGBTQ, Portuguese, and/or Disability-Owned Business Enterprises), thereby fostering Massachusetts workforce development and ensuring meaningful compensation for these entities. The program's priorities and focuses include piloting innovative On-Street Charging technologies, models, and ownership structures in close collaboration with the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER). A significant focus is on demonstrating successful deployments of these innovative solutions to encourage replication and scalability across Massachusetts. Additionally, the program prioritizes the development of resources for municipalities, empowering them to independently implement On-Street Charging solutions. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a demonstrable increase in access to On-Street Charging options, leading to a reduction in barriers to EV adoption for LIDACs. The program also aims to successfully pilot innovative On-Street Charging models that can be effectively replicated and scaled throughout the Commonwealth. Success will also be measured by the development of comprehensive resources for municipalities and the meaningful inclusion and compensation of small and diverse MA-based businesses, contributing to local workforce development. With a total funding of $11,250,000 available, MassCEC's strategic approach involves not only expanding EV infrastructure but also fostering economic growth and equitable access to clean energy solutions. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible and innovative on-street charging, particularly in underserved communities, and by supporting local diverse businesses, Massachusetts can accelerate EV adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and build a more inclusive clean energy economy.