Private Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

Grant Opportunity: Ending Endless Wars in the Middle East Funder: The Charles Koch Foundation Award Details: The Charles Koch Foundation is offering grants to support research and other activities on important foreign policy issues confronting the United States today. The grant opportunity focuses on ending endless wars in the Middle East and seeks proposals that explore various aspects related to prolonged conflicts, economic and security opportunity costs, withdrawal strategies, working with specific partners, de-escalating tensions with Iran, effects of military and foreign aid, strategic consequences of military action, social/political/economic/humanitarian effects on local populations, financial costs of military ventures, political and foreign policy processes, benefits and risks of U.S. military withdrawal. Eligibility: Organizations of all types across the USA are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. This includes nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses, etc. Other Relevant Information: - Proposals should include a two-to-five page abstract of the project, a CV or résumé, and a brief itemized budget. - Final projects should be original and meet high standards. - Funding levels will be determined based on the research requirements and potential impact. - Accepted proposals may receive support for disseminating research findings. - Proposals will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. For more information and to apply for this grant opportunity from The Charles Koch Foundation, visit their website at https://charleskochfoundation.tfaforms.net/344037?tfa_13=tfa_1474.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBFGC) has announced the "Community Thrive" grant, a special funding opportunity designed to combat mental health issues and gun violence in the community. This initiative aligns with UBFGC's mission to identify and partner with organizations that are making a positive impact on the devastating effects of these issues, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being and social justice. The grant supports programs, resources, and support services that aim to improve mental health and/or reduce the incidence of gun violence, reflecting a strategic priority to foster a healthier and safer Cuyahoga County. The grant targets organizations serving Cuyahoga County that provide programming to support mental health or gun violence prevention/intervention work. The beneficiaries include youth and adults affected by depression, those at risk of suicide, individuals struggling with school violence/absenteeism, anger management, and social media addiction. In terms of gun violence, the grant aims to support families affected by gun violence, promote gun safety, and address gun culture and laws. The expected impact is a reduction in mental health crises and gun violence incidents, leading to improved community well-being and safety. The "Community Thrive" grant prioritizes projects that impact mental health wellness, including addressing depression, suicide prevention, school violence, anger management, and social media addiction. For gun violence prevention, the grant seeks innovative approaches such as education and awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions that tackle root causes. Specific areas of interest include preventing shootings in schools, universities, religious institutions, and retail locations, as well as supporting affected families. The grant also considers proposals addressing gun culture, gun safety, and gun laws. Applicants must be established organizations with a proven track record of at least three years, demonstrating their impact through data. They must serve Cuyahoga County and provide a minimum of one letter of support. A key criterion is that funding must be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing. The organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal agent, and a one-page strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds is required. The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns, emphasizing a focus on sustained programming with a minimum execution period of one year, commencing January 1, 2024. These criteria reflect UBFGC's theory of change, which emphasizes evidence-based, long-term, and community-focused interventions.

This funding opportunity supports Delaware schools, arts organizations, and artists in creating engaging arts education programs for pre-K–12 students, enhancing their learning experiences through the arts.

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP), provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), offers funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements. This program is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations in California that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, running from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The total amount available for solicitation is $76,000,000, with a maximum of $250,000 per location, up to a total of $500,000 per applicant. The primary target beneficiaries are California nonprofit organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a). This includes organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, which are automatically exempt if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical security of these vulnerable organizations, thereby preventing and protecting them against violent attacks and hate crimes. The program seeks to ensure the safety of both facilities and the people within them, including those with access and functional needs, and those with limited English proficiency. The program prioritizes several categories of cost, including Planning, Equipment, Training, Construction/Renovation, Contracted Security, Management and Administration (M&A), and Support Services. Planning activities may include developing security plans, emergency contingency plans, and evacuation plans. Equipment focuses on physical security enhancements like reinforced doors, high-intensity lighting, alarms, inspection systems, and access control. Training is for employees or members to receive on-site security training, addressing specific threats and vulnerabilities. Construction or Renovation is permitted for target hardening, limited to $100,000, and contracted security personnel are allowed but cannot exceed 50% of the requested amount, with the expectation that applicants can sustain this capability without future CSNSGP funding. M&A and Support Services each have a cap of five percent of the funds. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the physical security posture of participating nonprofit organizations, a reduction in their vulnerability to violent attacks and hate crimes, and enhanced preparedness for emergencies. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of security enhancements, such as new equipment installations, improved security plans, and trained personnel. The program's strategic priorities align with the foundation's goal of safeguarding communities and promoting a secure environment for organizations that may face threats due to their core identities or missions, thereby contributing to the broader theory of change that targeted security investments can mitigate risks and foster resilience within vulnerable populations.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region to implement sustainable forestry initiatives that promote environmental justice, improve public health, and create green job opportunities in disadvantaged areas.

The City of Alexandria's 2024 Small Business Resiliency (SBR) Grant Program aims to provide vital assistance to the city's small businesses. This initiative is designed to foster a resilient and inclusive business environment within the community by helping businesses overcome challenges in accessing essential resources. The program is administered by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), highlighting a collaborative effort to empower entrepreneurs and cultivate a thriving local business ecosystem. The city's contribution of funds directly supports its commitment to a robust local economy. The program targets small businesses located within the City of Alexandria. To be eligible, businesses must have one or more locations, including their principal place of business, in Alexandria, and must employ 100 or fewer individuals. Furthermore, businesses must have been established and revenue-generating before December 31, 2023, and their business revenue in either 2022 or 2023 must not have exceeded $250,000. These criteria ensure that the grant focuses on genuinely small, local businesses that contribute significantly to the community's economic fabric. A key priority of the SBR Grant Program is to support businesses that are in "good standing," meaning they are current on all local taxes or have an active payment plan with the City of Alexandria, and are not currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Ineligible entities include non-profits, banks, financial institutions, gig economy contractors, and corporate-owned locations, branches, subsidiaries, or franchise businesses, unless they are locally owned and operated within the City of Alexandria. This focus ensures that the grants directly benefit independent small businesses facing immediate challenges. The expected outcome of the program is to enhance the resilience of Alexandria's small business community, enabling them to better navigate and overcome economic challenges. By providing grants of up to $7,000, the program aims to provide tangible financial support that can be used to access essential resources, thereby strengthening individual businesses and, by extension, the overall local economy. The program's administration by LEDC further suggests an emphasis on equitable access to resources, aligning with a broader strategy of fostering an inclusive business environment and empowering diverse entrepreneurs within Alexandria.

This fellowship program supports entrepreneurs in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area who are developing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

The National Press Foundation is offering the Covering Equitable Community Development Journalism Fellowship, an expenses-paid program designed to enhance journalists' ability to report on equitable community development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support and educate journalists, specifically by equipping them to investigate the intersection of policy, public and private financing, and calls for equitable housing, parks, and other community assets. The program aims to address the critical need for comprehensive and nuanced reporting on how resources are allocated and what initiatives receive support within various regions. The target beneficiaries of this fellowship are U.S.-based journalists working across print, TV, radio, or online media, with a particular encouragement for those who cover race and metro beats. The program emphasizes diversity and welcomes applicants from across the nation. The impact goal is to empower these journalists to better understand and report on pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their communities related to health, wealth, and overall community well-being. By providing specialized training, the fellowship seeks to foster a more informed public discourse on community development issues. The fellowship's priorities and focuses include an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially in the context of small and mid-sized cities. The program will delve into how financing and investing institutions—such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors—prioritize projects. It will also examine how policymakers and public officials can actively involve residents in decision-making and ensure accountability for anti-racist practices in the community development sector. Other key topics include identifying conditions that lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to essential resources like affordable housing, education, and healthcare, as well as addressing environmental justice as a community development issue. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this fellowship include equipping journalists with the knowledge and context to add breadth to their coverage of community development. By bringing together experts from health equity, nonprofit, policy, financing, and community organizing sectors, the program anticipates that fellows will gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated as quantitative metrics, the qualitative outcome is a more capable and informed journalistic body that can investigate and report on community development effectively, potentially leading to increased public awareness and accountability in these areas.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts's Flexible Funding 2024 program offers general operating support to nonprofits benefiting the region. This initiative aligns directly with the foundation's mission to foster equity and opportunity in Western Massachusetts by providing unrestricted financial support. The program's core aim is to sustain the day-to-day operations of organizations, allowing them to focus directly on their missions without the burden of highly restricted funding. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to strengthen the nonprofit sector by providing flexible, trust-based philanthropy. The program primarily targets smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have historically lacked substantial institutional philanthropy. It also prioritizes organizations deeply rooted in their communities, recognizing their essential role in local impact. While not explicitly stating "expected outcomes" or "measurable results" in a quantitative sense, the program's design implies an outcome of increased organizational stability, capacity, and effectiveness for these beneficiaries. The theory of change suggests that by providing flexible funding to these specific organizations, the foundation can catalyze greater community well-being and progress towards its equity goals. The foundation's strategic vision forms the cornerstone for establishing the priority support areas for Flexible Funding. These areas are designed to increase equity and opportunity and include: racial justice; accessible and more affordable post-secondary education and training; a strong start for all children; a vibrant local arts and creativity ecosystem; financial resiliency (Springfield only); and family economic resiliency (Franklin County only). These focus areas clearly articulate the foundation's strategic priorities and direct funding towards issues that are central to its broader theory of change for regional development and social justice. Flexible Funding provides grants of up to $30,000 for a grant period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility requires IRS-designated 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor, and organizations must be located in and serve residents of Franklin, Hampden, and/or Hampshire counties. There is a strong preference for organizations with operating budgets less than $5 million, and organizations with budgets over $10 million are ineligible, reinforcing the focus on smaller, community-based entities. This emphasis on local and less-resourced organizations highlights the foundation's commitment to equitable resource distribution and supporting the foundational elements of a thriving community.

This fellowship provides $5,000 to support research on anti-Black racial injustice and structural racism in Indiana, encouraging scholars to explore the historical and contemporary experiences of Black Hoosiers and their responses to systemic racism.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for energy efficiency upgrades to their buildings, helping them reduce energy costs and emissions while redirecting savings towards their core missions.

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is offering an Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This grant aims to support innovative community projects that address and resolve local challenges, thereby stimulating both short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i. The program seeks to deploy innovation across various sectors on the island, aligning with OED's mission to foster economic resilience and development within the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant include not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Hawaii and exempt from federal income tax, as well as Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor. The overarching impact goals are to identify and solve known deficiencies, problems, or needs within the Kaua’i community by deploying innovative projects that have demonstrated success in other contexts. This approach seeks to drive sustainable economic progress and improve the quality of life for residents. The program prioritizes projects that advance innovation in areas such as small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Proposals are expected to articulate a clear problem and an innovative solution. OED's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that not only generate economic growth but also promote diversification and build a more resilient local economy. The theory of change suggests that by funding proven innovative solutions, Kaua’i can effectively address its challenges and create new opportunities. The OED intends to award grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for different initiatives, with a total funding allocation not exceeding $460,000. The project funding period is set from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of innovative programs or projects that demonstrably advance the specified program areas, leading to tangible economic benefits and community improvements. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each funded project, contributing to the overall goals of economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i.

INTEGRIS Health is offering a grant for programs in specified Oklahoma counties that align with their community health priorities, such as improving access to care, mental health care, obesity prevention, chronic disease management, access to healthy food, and tobacco use prevention, open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonexempt organizations like schools and local government agencies.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is inviting applications for the Hardman Fund, aimed at enriching the lives of residents in North Adams, Florida, Clarksburg, MA, and Stamford, VT, by supporting nonprofit organizations that focus on arts, culture, historic preservation, health, human and social services, education, and the environment, with a special interest in initiatives that assist people in difficult economic circumstances and enrich the cultural and natural environment.

The U.S. Embassy Kyiv's 2024 Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program - EDUCATION seeks to bolster Ukraine's educational system, contributing significantly to the nation's post-war restoration and development. This program aligns with broader U.S. government strategic priorities of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and resilience, with a focus on strengthening civil society and human capital. The underlying theory of change posits that investing in education will equip Ukrainians with the necessary skills and knowledge to rebuild their country, foster economic growth, and promote democratic values, thereby ensuring long-term stability and prosperity. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are Ukrainian non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations (NGOs) and their collaborators in education, including colleges, universities, and local and central governments. The impact goals are to strengthen Ukraine's educational system, produce a qualified workforce, increase employability for vulnerable populations, optimize the educational system, and develop civic education programs. The program also aims to foster enduring professional relationships between Americans and Ukrainians, develop businesses in Ukraine, and attract foreign investment. The program has four specific thematic priorities. The first focuses on collaboration between educational institutions, employers, and government entities to produce a qualified workforce for economic recovery and development, drawing from U.S. examples and expertise. The second priority is the development of training opportunities and programs for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to increase their employability and support regional economic recovery and growth, leveraging U.S. experience in integrating these populations into the education system. The third priority supports the optimization of Ukraine's educational system as part of ongoing reforms in response to war and post-war reconstruction challenges, considering Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and U.S. expertise. Finally, the fourth priority involves the development of civic education programs for Ukrainian students and adults to facilitate social cohesion and reintegration, with a potential connection to Ukrainians sheltered abroad. Expected outcomes include a more robust and responsive educational system in Ukraine, a skilled workforce aligned with post-war economic needs, increased employability for veterans and individuals with disabilities, and enhanced social cohesion through civic education. Measurable results will be tracked through a monitoring and evaluation plan with clearly defined indicators to assess the realization of project goals. Preference will be given to proposals demonstrating clear and sustainable results, strengthening US-Ukraine people-to-people ties, or having a clear potential for lasting engagement between US and Ukrainian institutions, with all project activities taking place in Ukraine.

The Libra Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for Maine residents by strategically deploying its financial resources to stimulate economic development, foster entrepreneurial ventures, and create employment opportunities within the state. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's core mission to support innovative and sustainable Maine-based business initiatives and programs. The foundation's strategic approach involves leveraging its assets to achieve economic benefits for Maine and its residents, while also prioritizing the welfare and betterment of children. This reflects a dual focus on both economic prosperity and social well-being, indicating a holistic theory of change that sees economic growth as a means to improve overall societal conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a specific emphasis on children who stand to benefit from the funded initiatives. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that can develop and implement programs offering potential economic benefits across the state. This includes job creation, economic growth, and the fostering of entrepreneurial activity, all contributing to an improved quality of life. The expected outcomes are centered on measurable progress in these areas, with successful applications demonstrating clear pathways to sustainable development and positive community impact. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative local businesses and programs, it can create a ripple effect of economic and social improvement throughout Maine. The Libra Foundation's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing various areas of giving such as Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit, and Religion. This wide scope allows the foundation to address diverse needs within Maine while remaining committed to its overarching goals of economic development and child welfare. While the grant program has a general size of $10,000 to $100,000, individual grants will not exceed $25,000. This suggests a strategic allocation of resources to support a wider array of smaller, impactful projects rather than a few large ones, thereby maximizing the reach and diversity of its funding. To ensure the effectiveness and accountability of its grants, the Libra Foundation has clear eligibility criteria. Only organizations that have been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a) of the Code are considered. This ensures that the foundation partners with legitimate and transparent entities, reinforcing its commitment to responsible philanthropy. The requirement for evidence of this determination at the time of application underscores the foundation's due diligence and strategic focus on supporting organizations that meet specific legal and ethical standards, thereby safeguarding its investments and maximizing the potential for positive outcomes for the residents of Maine.

The Rapid Response Fund for Movement Building in California is seeking proposals from frontline social justice organizations that are empowering low-income residents and people of color. With a focus on addressing the impact of COVID-19 and supporting the Movement for Black Lives, priority will be given to small organizations, new grassroots efforts, projects partnering with local organizations, and those aimed at supporting movement building strategies in the Bay Area.