Private Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

The DC Bar Foundation's 2025 Access to Justice (ATJ) Grants Program is designed to fund civil legal services for low-income residents and those in underserved areas of the District of Columbia. This program aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to increase access to justice, specifically by providing free civil legal services. The grant targets nonprofit legal service providers within the District of Columbia, focusing on specific categories: underserved areas, housing-related matters, and supporting a shared legal services interpreter bank. The overall goal is to address the most pressing civil legal needs of vulnerable District residents, ensuring they receive necessary legal assistance that they might otherwise be unable to access. The primary beneficiaries of the ATJ Grants Program are District residents with low income, as defined by HUD income limits, and those considered "underserved." Underserved individuals include those who lack adequate and affordable access to legal services due to factors like neighborhood, geographic area, language, culture, ethnicity, religion, or life situation. The program also specifically considers special populations such as individuals in correctional facilities, those experiencing or fleeing violence, and unhoused individuals. The impact goal is to expand the number of DC residents receiving legal assistance, enhance the accessibility of these services, and prevent duplication of services across the District. The Foundation prioritizes proposals that address underserved areas, housing-related issues, or support a shared legal services interpreter bank. Furthermore, priority is given to projects that are likely to expand the number of residents receiving legal aid, avoid service duplication, increase accessibility, and expand pro bono participation by recruiting, training, and supervising law firm attorneys. The Foundation also seeks proposals that strategically leverage DCBF resources to expand efforts by other service providers or provide services that might not be supported by other funding sources, and those that test innovative approaches to achieve these priorities. Expected outcomes and measurable results for funded projects include significant amounts of legal services delivered, measured by volume and type of services, the number of DC residents assisted, and the number of cases accepted. Projects are expected to increase access to services in underserved areas, as measured by the percentage of proposed legal services provided in areas with high concentrations of low-income or underserved residents. High goals for outreach and training are also expected, measured by the number of efforts, individuals reached, and materials distributed. Finally, projects should demonstrate increased engagement of pro bono attorneys and law firms, measured by recruitment, training, and growth in participation. Organizations applying for funding must have systems in place for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, including self-assessment methods, and demonstrate a strong capacity for delivering the proposed services with a high likelihood of sustainability beyond the grant period.

The 2024 Austin Film Society (AFS) Grant for Feature Films is now accepting applications, offering financial support to film and video artists in Texas. This grant program aligns with AFS's mission to foster diverse and underrepresented voices in independent film, supporting artists whose work demonstrates promise, skill, and creativity. AFS is particularly committed to providing support to women filmmakers and those who identify with communities of color, aiming to strengthen the artist community within Texas and ensure its continued vibrancy. The grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, with specific awards like the AFS Grant for Features in Production offering up to $15,000 cash, and the AFS Grant for Features in Development providing a one-time, unrestricted $10,000 grant. The grant targets documentary and narrative film projects that are 40 minutes or longer and are in development, pre-production, production, or post-production stages. Target beneficiaries include emerging and established filmmakers residing in Texas, with a special focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the North Texas Pioneer Film Award. This award, totaling $30,000 in cash grants (ranging from $5,000 to $15,000), specifically aims to fund emerging filmmakers with first or second feature films and those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in independent film. The impact goal is to support the creation of compelling cinematic works and cultivate a robust independent film landscape in Texas. Key priorities for the AFS Grant include supporting filmmakers with a current Texas residency who are directors or co-directors of their projects. The program explicitly excludes full-time students outside of Texas, previous Texas residents, out-of-state directors on Texas-based films, and AFS staff or board members. Eligible projects must be single, stand-alone works in various film and video genres, excluding industrial/promotional pieces, music videos, "works-for-hire," and television or web series. For development support, filmmakers must have an established body of work, demonstrated by at least one completed feature-length film, several short films, or a background in television writing and directing, and must provide at least two samples of previous work. Expected outcomes include the advancement of feature-length film projects in Texas, an increase in the number of films produced by diverse and underrepresented voices, and the sustained growth of the state's artist community. While specific measurable results like the number of completed films or festival selections are not explicitly detailed in this description, the grant structure implies that the successful completion and progression of projects through various production stages are key indicators of success. The unrestricted nature of the development grant for career artists suggests a trust in their ability to use funds effectively to advance their projects, with proposals outlining how the $10,000 will aid progress. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to build a robust pipeline for independent film production in Texas and to champion diversity within the film industry. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing direct financial support and in-kind resources to Texas-based filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented groups, they can stimulate creative output, foster talent, and ultimately contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive cinematic landscape. The emphasis on specific grants for development and production, as well as awards for regional filmmakers, demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to achieving these strategic objectives.

This funding opportunity provides $1,000 to artists and activists for new projects that creatively address systemic racism and mass incarceration, with a focus on collaboration with those directly affected by these issues.

The LGBTQ Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2024 Grant Cycle, aiming to support organizations that strengthen the infrastructure of LGBTQ-led or serving groups, provide services to LGBTQ youth, individuals, and families, and offer educational opportunities highlighting the needs of the LGBTQ community. The fund also seeks to advance collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community groups, and support nonprofit partners working on public policy and social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQ concerns. The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham's mission to enhance the quality of life in the region aligns with the LGBTQ Fund's goals by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all community members, particularly those from historically marginalized groups. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQ persons, with a particular focus on underserved communities including people of color, youth, seniors, transgender individuals, gender non-binary persons, and those in rural areas. The impact goals are to improve the well-being and equity of these communities through various support systems. Expected outcomes include stronger LGBTQ organizations, increased access to vital services for LGBTQ individuals and families, greater public understanding and acceptance through education, and more effective advocacy for LGBTQ rights and social justice. Measurable results could include the number of organizations supported, the number of individuals served, the reach of educational programs, and the impact of policy initiatives. Priority will be given to proposals that specifically address the needs of demonstrably underserved LGBTQ communities, emphasizing an intersectional approach. This includes programs focusing on inclusive healthcare and mental health services, immigrant advocacy, racial and economic justice, and initiatives promoting faith and acceptance. The typical grant amounts range from $3,000 to $7,000, with the fund also considering general operating expenses if justified in the application. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed towards areas with the most significant need and potential for transformative impact within the LGBTQ community in Central Alabama. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations in Central Alabama, specifically in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties, that either directly serve the LGBTQ community or are expanding existing programs to be inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ persons. Organizations not currently designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit are encouraged to apply using a fiscal sponsor. This demonstrates the Foundation's strategic priority of building capacity within the non-profit sector and its theory of change, which posits that by empowering and funding organizations dedicated to LGBTQ issues, they can create a more equitable, supportive, and inclusive Central Alabama for all LGBTQ individuals.

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) is launching its fifth Women’s Economic Mobility Hub (WEM Hub) cohort, a program specifically designed to support Black women-owned businesses. This initiative aligns directly with the WFA's mission to advance economic mobility for women, particularly focusing on a demographic that often faces significant barriers to business growth. By providing a comprehensive suite of resources, the WEM Hub seeks to address systemic inequities and foster sustainable economic empowerment. The primary target beneficiaries of the WEM Hub program are existing businesses that are at least 75% owned and operated by one or more Black women who are U.S. citizens. These businesses must be physically located and operating for over one year within Arkansas, and be in good standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State and current on all taxes. The program specifically excludes not-for-profit entities, focusing instead on for-profit corporations, partnerships, LLPs, LLCs, or sole proprietorships. The core impact goal is to scale these Black women-owned businesses through robust support and unrestricted grant funding. The WEM Hub program prioritizes technical assistance, offering a six-month intensive program that combines online training and in-person meetings. Key areas of focus include expert advice on accounting, financial management, business development, and legal services. Participants also receive ongoing mentorship, engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions, and gain training in communications, public relations, marketing, and leadership skill development. A significant component is the opportunity to establish relationships with participating financial institutions, which is crucial for long-term growth and stability. Expected outcomes include enhanced business acumen, improved financial literacy, and stronger market presence for participating businesses. The program aims for measurable results through the provision of $5,000 in unrestricted grant funds to each business, directly contributing to their scaling efforts. The WFA's strategic priority is to create a tangible pathway for Black women entrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive, thereby reducing economic disparities and contributing to the overall economic health of Arkansas. The underlying theory of change is that by equipping Black women business owners with tailored support, financial resources, and networking opportunities, their businesses will experience accelerated growth, leading to increased economic mobility and wealth creation for the entrepreneurs and their communities.

The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) has launched its inaugural short fiction film grant program, designed to support narrative short film projects through pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution stages. This initiative aligns directly with BFF's mission to foster creative, thoughtful, and innovative storytelling, particularly films with strong themes of social or environmental justice. The foundation aims to empower filmmakers who can use the medium to address critical societal issues, thereby contributing to a more just and aware community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are individual filmmakers—specifically directors, co-directors, producers, or co-producers—who are at least 18 years of age and reside or work in specific Bay Area cities: Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Oakland, or Alameda. Organizations are not eligible to apply. The impact goals are to support the creation of high-quality short fiction films that embody the organization's commitment to social justice and inspire other funding bodies to support creative projects. The program prioritizes short, fiction films (40 minutes or less) that demonstrate originality, imagination, and technical skill. A significant focus is placed on narratives that explore social or environmental justice themes, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to leverage film as a tool for advocacy and community engagement. The grants are divided into two tiers: General Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and the prestigious Saul Zaentz Awards, offering two separate $25,000 grants for films that most powerfully embody the foundation's mission. Expected outcomes include the successful completion and distribution of impactful narrative short films that raise awareness and stimulate dialogue around social and environmental issues. Measurable results will be determined by the number of films funded, their artistic merit, their alignment with social justice themes, and their potential to inspire further funding and public engagement. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in filmmakers who produce compelling, socially conscious narratives, they can contribute to cultural enrichment and foster positive societal change.

This grant provides funding to state and local courts, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to develop innovative solutions for pressing national court issues across the United States.

This grant provides funding to local governments and non-profit organizations for projects that improve the environment, culture, or community along the Lower Delaware River corridor.

The GIVE Washington County Fund Grants, offered by the Washington County Community Foundation in Pennsylvania, is inviting applications from eligible nonprofits, governmental or educational institutions for a flexible grant of up to $10,000, to be used in eight focus areas including animal welfare, arts, community improvement, conservation, education, health, human needs, and religion, excluding general operating or routine program support.

The Air Products Greater Massena Community Fund, administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and local governing bodies. Its primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents within the Greater Massena community. This aligns with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community needs, as evidenced by its commitment to programs that benefit areas such as health and wellness, arts and culture, human services, education, families, youth and/or elders, environment and conservation, community development, and recreation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of the Greater Massena community, particularly those in disadvantaged communities within St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. The impact goal is to improve various aspects of community life through diverse programs and initiatives. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each category, the evaluation process emphasizes the potential impact on the Massena community, especially its support for disadvantaged populations. The grant program's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing a wide array of community needs. These include, but are not limited to, health and wellness, arts and culture, human services, education, families, youth and/or elders, environment and conservation, community development, and recreation. Each grant request undergoes an evaluation based on its potential impact, the amount of available funding, and the quality of the applicant's planning, leadership, and proposal support. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on fostering positive community development and improving the quality of life through targeted financial support. By providing grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with an upper limit of $7,500 per application, the fund aims to empower local organizations and governing bodies to address pressing community needs. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, indicating a structured approach to funding cycles. More information can be found by visiting the Northern New York Community Foundation.

The City of Alexandria Arts Grants program aims to foster artistic excellence and provide engaging arts experiences for both residents and visitors of Alexandria. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to strengthen its creative capacity, enhance the stability of local arts organizations, and cultivate a vibrant urban environment through high-quality artistic creation and presentation. The program seeks to ensure diverse opportunities for meaningful engagement with the arts across the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are non-profit arts organizations based in Alexandria that have been in existence for at least one full year. The program also supports individual artists and other entities contributing to the arts within the city limits. The impact goals are centered on improving the capacity and stability of Alexandria-based organizations and enriching the cultural lives of its residents and visitors. The program prioritizes supporting organizations that create, perform, and present works of artistic excellence and innovation. It also focuses on diversifying opportunities for residents to engage with the arts and fostering a vibrant urban environment. Projects must take place within Alexandria's city limits between July 1 and June 30 of each fiscal year. Expected outcomes include a stronger creative sector in Alexandria, with increased opportunities for residents to participate in and experience the arts. The program anticipates an improvement in the stability and capacity of local arts organizations, leading to a more dynamic and culturally rich city. Measurable results will likely be tied to the number and diversity of arts programs offered, the audience reach, and the organizational health of grant recipients, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text. The funding structure provides grants up to $12,500, not to exceed 50% of the total program budget, and requires a 1:1 cash match. This co-funding model encourages community investment and ensures a shared commitment to the success of arts initiatives. The grant period for approved projects runs from July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, indicating a focus on specific, shorter-term program support. The theory of change appears to be that by investing in local arts organizations and artists, the City of Alexandria can directly enhance the cultural landscape, engage its community, and strengthen its overall creative economy.

The William Penn Foundation is offering Climate Resilience Planning Grants to support community-driven, place-based climate resilience plans. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster a sustainable and vibrant future by addressing critical environmental challenges. By focusing on planning efforts, the foundation aims to empower communities to proactively adapt to the impacts of climate change, thereby strengthening their long-term resilience and well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents living in census tracts designated as overburdened and underserved by the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, located within the cities of Philadelphia or Camden. The impact goal is to advance equitable climate resilience planning, ensuring that vulnerable communities are at the forefront of developing solutions that address their specific needs and vulnerabilities. The foundation seeks to support plans that will primarily serve these populations, promoting environmental justice and fostering a more equitable distribution of resources and protective measures against climate impacts. The program prioritizes projects occurring in Philadelphia or Camden, with a particular interest in plans that will serve overburdened and underserved communities. While organizations proposing projects in partnership with others will be considered on their individual merits, the most competitive proposals are expected to demonstrate robust partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise. This focus on collaboration underscores the foundation's strategic priority of fostering collective action to tackle complex environmental issues effectively. Expected outcomes include the development of comprehensive, community-driven climate resilience plans that are tailored to the unique contexts of Philadelphia and Camden. Measurable results could include the creation of actionable strategies for climate adaptation, increased community engagement in resilience planning, and the establishment of strong, collaborative networks among organizations working on climate issues. The foundation's theory of change likely posits that by investing in robust planning and fostering partnerships, communities will be better equipped to implement effective resilience strategies, ultimately leading to a more climate-resilient region and improved quality of life for its residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania to help low-income families pay their home energy costs.

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) is offering the Senior Dental Services Program to promote the dental health and welfare of District residents aged 65 and older. This grant aligns with a mission to engage seniors in quality, comprehensive dental care, ensuring access to essential health services for an vulnerable population. The funding aims to support dental practices experienced in providing such care, emphasizing community well-being and health equity. The primary beneficiaries of this program are District residents aged 65 and older. The impact goals are centered on improving the dental health and welfare of these seniors, with a particular focus on increasing their engagement in comprehensive dental care. This initiative seeks to address the unique dental health challenges faced by older adults, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. The program prioritizes dental practices that are for-profit or non-profit, licensed in the District of Columbia, experienced in providing comprehensive services to seniors, actively billing DC Medicaid and Medicare, and experienced in charging patients according to a formal sliding-scale fee policy. These criteria ensure that the funding supports providers capable of delivering high-quality, accessible care to the target demographic, including those with limited financial resources. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of seniors receiving comprehensive dental care and an improvement in the overall dental health status of District residents aged 65 and older. While the document does not explicitly detail DC Health's strategic priorities or theory of change beyond this program, the emphasis on promoting dental health and welfare for seniors strongly suggests an underlying commitment to public health, preventive care, and reducing health disparities within the community. The program's design, which includes specific eligibility criteria for dental practices and focuses on engaging seniors, reflects a theory of change that posits increased access to qualified providers will lead to improved health outcomes for the targeted population.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in the Concho Valley that provide essential health, education, and financial stability services to address critical community needs.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that support residents of Salisbury, Connecticut, who are in need due to sickness, misfortune, or lack of opportunity.

The Neal Peirce Foundation is offering up to seven travel grants of up to $1,500 each in 2024 to journalists, particularly those early in their careers or from underrepresented backgrounds, to support the coverage of underreported stories about urban solutions that improve cities and regions for all people, with the expectation that travel and story submission will occur within three months of receiving the award.

The Island Foundation is accepting applications for a grant program, with a deadline of 10/23/2024, aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island that focus on environmental conservation, social change in New Bedford, alternative education, and addressing inequality for womxn and girls.

This fellowship provides financial support and mentorship to emerging Native filmmakers for creating innovative short films that reflect Native cultures and contemporary issues.

Grant Opportunity: Community Foundation of Frederick County Rolling Grants Funding Organization: The Community Foundation of Frederick County Contact Information: For questions, email [email protected] or call 301.695.7660. Award Details: The Rolling Grant program provides grants for any purpose, including a wide range of field of interest and special purpose funds, and support for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. The minimum grant request is $500, and the maximum request varies by fund. Grants must provide direct benefits to Frederick County, Maryland residents unless otherwise noted in the fund description. Eligibility: Eligible organizations include already existing nonprofit 501c3 organizations in good standing with the IRS, government/quasi-governmental agencies applying for extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue, religious organizations requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3 organizations requesting funding for a community cause. All applicants must meet Maryland's nonprofit requirements. Application Process: Organizations can submit grant applications through Foundant, the online grants management system used by The Community Foundation. Multiple applications are permitted, with one application per fund to which the organization is applying. Additional Information: Applications can be modified until the application deadline. Grant funds are generally disbursed in full during the first month of the grant period, except for civic organizations that receive reimbursement based on proof of expense and addressing the approved community cause. Variance requests to modify budget or program services can be made before the end of the grant period but require approval from the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. Multi-year funding is not provided at this time. For more information and to access the application portal, visit this link: [https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?ReturnUrl=%2fProcess%2fShortLinkApply%3fprocessGuid%3ddf0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd%26UrlKey%3dfrederickcounty&processGuid=df0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd&UrlKey=frederickcounty]