Private Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County that empower women and their families through initiatives promoting gender equity and economic stability.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

The Creative Youth Development program, a cornerstone of the California Arts Council (CAC), is fundamentally rooted in the belief that arts learning is crucial for healthy human development and should be universally accessible to all young people across California. This includes, but is not limited to, those whose lives have been impacted by the justice system. The program's mission aligns with the CAC's broader vision of ensuring that all California youth receive meaningful, culturally responsive arts-learning experiences, enabling them to achieve their full potential. This initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing young people's stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression, while deeply respecting their lived experiences. The program targets young people throughout California, with a particular focus on those who have faced interruptions or impacts from the justice system. The impact goals are to foster environments that promote Creative Youth Development through the integration of three core concepts: Racial Equity and Social Justice, Youth Voices, and Collective Action. Projects are encouraged to take place in a variety of settings, including arts and culture venues, community centers, court/school sites, juvenile halls and camps, county-operated correctional facilities, social services agencies, and other youth-oriented settings, during or outside of traditional school hours. The program prioritizes projects that address one or more of its key goals. These include providing social-emotional creative experiences in safe and healthy learning environments, fostering creative abilities through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning, and supporting arts programs that activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Other focuses involve utilizing cultural assets for positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures, empowering youth through cultural preservation and revitalization, and cultivating transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. The grant seeks to support hands-on learning in various artistic disciplines, from dance and literary arts to media arts, music, theater, traditional/folk arts, and visual arts. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the successful implementation of projects that fulfill the program's purpose within the grant activity period (January 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025). Applicants are expected to design projects that provide safe, healthy, and appropriate learning environments and include sustained activities. For tuition-based projects, a robust equity and accessibility plan with full scholarships and reduced fees is required. The program anticipates increased creative abilities, enhanced social-emotional well-being, and developed life skills among participants. Projects are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and social justice, amplify youth voices, and promote collective action within communities. Furthermore, artists involved must have at least two years of relevant experience, be California-based, and not be full-time students in a degree program, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund for Strengthening New York Communities focuses on challenging inequities and improving the conditions of New York City communities in need. The grant program supports housing justice, equitable economic development, gender equity, worker rights, immigrant community challenges, sustainable development, and police and carceral system reform. It also provides support for policy reform organizations collaborating with neighborhood-based groups. The Foundation prioritizes general operating support for smaller neighborhood groups and offers project-specific support for larger and policy-focused organizations or collaborative campaigns.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) awards grants to support legal assistance for low-income Illinois residents who cannot afford an attorney, aligning with its core mission of promoting equal access to justice. These grants enable not-for-profit organizations to provide critical civil legal aid, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent vulnerable populations from addressing legal challenges. The foundation's strategic priority is to support direct service staff positions, including attorneys, paralegals, pro bono coordinators, and social/caseworkers, to enhance the capacity of legal service providers to deliver efficient and effective assistance. The grant program targets two primary beneficiary groups: families in crisis and older Illinoisans. For families, the focus is on civil legal assistance in areas such as family law (e.g., orders of protection, child custody, guardianship, divorce), consumer law, and veterans and disability benefits. For older Illinoisans (aged 65 and above), the program aims to protect them from physical and financial abuse and hardship through civil legal assistance in cases involving orders of protection, guardianships, healthcare, consumer and credit issues, housing, and public benefits like Social Security and Medicare. Housing assistance is specifically excluded for families in crisis this year due to existing IEJF programs funded by IDHS and IHDA. The IEJF's grants are designed to achieve significant impact by strengthening the delivery of civil legal services. By funding staff positions, the foundation seeks to increase the availability of legal aid to those most in need. Expected outcomes include improved legal protection for families facing domestic issues, financial difficulties, and challenges related to veteran and disability benefits, as well as enhanced safeguarding of older adults from abuse and financial hardship. The theory of change posits that by investing in direct service staff, legal aid organizations can better address complex legal needs, leading to more equitable justice outcomes for low-income individuals. Measurable results will stem from the effective deployment of grant funds to support direct service staff. Applicants must demonstrate how proposed staff positions will enhance the organization's ability to provide efficient and effective legal assistance in the priority areas. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on direct service staff suggests a focus on the volume and quality of legal aid cases handled and the number of individuals served within the designated priority areas. The foundation's commitment to organizations with a proven track record (e.g., continuous operation for at least two years, expenditures of at least $200,000 for civil legal assistance, and employment of four or more full-time attorneys or provision of legal representation to at least 200 low-income persons via pro bono attorneys) indicates a desire for sustainable and impactful interventions.

This program provides financial assistance to developers for constructing new housing in Iowa cities affected by recent disasters, focusing on permanent residences for sale or rent.

This funding opportunity supports small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists in San Francisco who are connected to historically marginalized communities, helping them sustain their work and remain in the city.

The Home for Dreams Initiative is a mentorship and grant program specifically designed to support Black-owned businesses. If your business is selected, you will receive a $25,000 grant, one-on-one meetings with Ariel Kaye – Parachute Founder, access to mentorship from other Parachute team members, and brand amplification through Parachute’s email and social channels. The application process requires filling out the provided information. Please note that all non-public business and financial information provided will be kept confidential. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify the Initiative at any time without notice. By participating in the Initiative, you agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions outlined by the Sponsor. To apply for the Home for Dreams Initiative, please visit this link: [Application Link](https://www.parachutehome.com/mentorship-apply?gh_jid=6958311002)

The Hellene Henrikson Fund of the Lutheran Church of the Foothills, managed by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, is offering grants up to $15,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in selected counties of Southern Arizona, focusing on Behavioral Health programs for the 2024 grant period, with priority given to organizations that have clear outcome goals, sustainability plans, and inclusivity in their practices.

The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation is dedicated to addressing institutionalized racism, xenophobia, and the impact of climate change, primarily focusing on communities in Baltimore City, Maryland, DC regions, and New York. The foundation emphasizes support for initiatives that counteract the effects of climate change, particularly in marginalized communities. It funds efforts to establish bipartisan alliances for robust energy and climate policies at all government levels and backs grassroots organizations led by those most affected by climate change. Simultaneously, the foundation tackles racial inequities in the justice system and the disproportionate criminalization of youth of color in schools by supporting strategic advocacy and policy reform. It also champions the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the U.S. by funding immigrant-led advocacy for fair immigration policies, providing legal services, and supporting holistic networks aiding refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence.

This grant provides financial assistance to local governments in Arizona to develop and implement energy efficiency and conservation strategies that reduce fossil fuel emissions and promote sustainable energy practices.

This grant provides funding to registered non-profit organizations in Washington for specific projects that promote financial literacy, support low-income community members, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The FY2025 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), seeks grant applications from qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s AAPI community. This grant program is aligned with the broader mission of empowering District residents, fostering public safety, and enhancing education. MOAPIA's strategic priorities are evident in the funding areas, which aim to improve the quality of life for all residents and build stronger communities. The grant targets members of the AAPI community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to create a vibrant downtown where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, fight to protect the middle class, reduce all forms of violence including gun violence, and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. These goals reflect a comprehensive theory of change that by investing in key areas, the District can foster a more equitable, safe, and prosperous environment for its AAPI residents. The program prioritizes initiatives within three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. The Downtown Comeback focus seeks to reimagine a downtown with vibrant centers of activity and ensure job opportunities for Washingtonians across all eight wards, enabling them to build better lives. The Public Safety focus aims to create significant, lasting change by reducing and ultimately ending all types of violence, including gun violence. The Education focus emphasizes supporting schools as community heartbeats, ensuring every child has access to quality education, including reading, math, sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and economically secure downtown, a reduction in violence and improved public safety across the District, and enhanced educational opportunities and well-being for students and residents. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the funding areas and target populations, the grant's emphasis on progress reports reflecting substantial progress towards grant agreement goals suggests a commitment to accountability and impact. Eligible organizations can be awarded up to $40,000 for a project period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, further indicating a structured approach to achieving these outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports programs that assist at-risk youth aged 11-18, particularly those aged 11-15, by providing services aimed at preventing criminal justice involvement and promoting rehabilitation through education, job training, and counseling.

The Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety (NWMCRS), supported by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), is offering grants to enhance highway and traffic safety programs and resources across selected counties in Northwest Missouri. This initiative directly aligns with MoDOT's mission to reduce injuries and fatalities on roadways, addressing a critical need highlighted by 49 fatalities within 16 of the region's 20 counties in 2023. The grants aim to empower local agencies and organizations to implement effective safety measures and awareness campaigns. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a broad spectrum of community entities such as schools, community groups, law enforcement, and health departments. These organizations are uniquely positioned to address local safety challenges and implement programs that resonate with their specific communities. The primary impact goal is a tangible reduction in roadway injuries and fatalities, contributing to safer travel for all residents within the designated Northwest Missouri region. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly contribute to roadway safety. While specific programmatic focuses are not exhaustively detailed, the overall emphasis is on "highway and traffic safety programs and resources." This broad mandate allows for a variety of approaches, from educational campaigns in schools to enforcement initiatives by law enforcement, and health-focused interventions by health departments, all working towards the common goal of safer roads. The expected outcomes of these grants are manifold. Successful applicants will be able to develop and implement programs that educate the public on safe driving practices, enforce traffic laws, and provide resources to prevent accidents. Measurable results will likely include a decrease in accident rates, a reduction in the number of serious injuries, and, most importantly, a decline in traffic-related fatalities within the targeted counties. The grant amounts, ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 per request, are designed to support impactful, community-level interventions. MoDOT's strategic priority, as evidenced by this grant program, is to foster a proactive approach to roadway safety through community engagement and support. The underlying theory of change is that by empowering local organizations with funding and resources, tailored and effective safety programs can be implemented at the grassroots level, leading to a significant and measurable improvement in overall road safety. This localized approach is critical in addressing the diverse safety needs across the various counties of Northwest Missouri.

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The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is launching its fiscal year 2025 Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grant application, designed to support New York City nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. The program aims to foster the vibrant cultural landscape of the city by providing financial assistance to organizations delivering arts and cultural services across all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. This grant aligns with a mission to strengthen and sustain the arts and cultural sector, recognizing its vital role in the community and economy of New York City. The target beneficiaries of the CDF grant are New York City-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. This includes organizations with a primary arts or culture mission, as well as nonprofit organizations that incorporate an arts or culture component into their broader mission. The impact goal is to ensure the continued delivery of diverse and high-quality arts and cultural services to New York City residents. The program specifically excludes individual artists, certain corporate structures (LLCs, Benefit Corporations, Limited Partnerships), and organizations not based or primarily operating within New York City. The DCLA grant program prioritizes organizations that have successfully demonstrated the delivery of arts and cultural services in New York City for at least the last two consecutive years. Additionally, eligibility is tied to administrative and programmatic operations within the five boroughs, possession of a unique Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN), and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or the use of a DCLA pre-approved fiscal sponsor. Organizations incorporated in New York State as not-for-profits no later than fiscal year 2022 are also prioritized for a broader range of awards. Expected outcomes include the financial stabilization and growth of eligible arts and cultural organizations, enabling them to continue and expand their programming. The grant aims to ensure that cultural services remain accessible and robust across all New York City boroughs. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of organizations supported, the range of cultural programs offered, and the sustained presence of arts and cultural activities throughout the grant period, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The DCLA's strategic priorities for this grant reflect a theory of change that investment in established and compliant nonprofit arts and cultural organizations directly contributes to the cultural enrichment and overall well-being of New York City. By providing varying levels of funding based on an organization's operating income, ranging from $10,000 for smaller organizations up to $100,000 for larger ones, the program aims to address the diverse needs of the sector and promote equitable access to funding. Organizations not previously receiving a CDF baseline award in the last six fiscal years are eligible for a one-year $10,000 baseline award, ensuring support for newer or re-engaging entities.

This funding initiative provides microgrants to underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland, to support revenue-generating projects that enhance their marketing and online presence.