Private Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

The Ben and Jerry’s Foundation invites applications for its Equity and Justice Grant to support Vermont based, Vermont focused nonprofit organizations addressing racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities and injustice. The foundation seeks innovative programs that pursue fundamental change through a social justice and equity lens. Grants are up to 15,000 dollars, with an average award of about 10,000 dollars. Funding preference is given to efforts such as equity in education and early childcare, access to safe and affordable housing, criminal justice reform, workers’ rights, and equitable access to healthy and affordable food. Eligible applicants are Vermont based 501(c)(3) organizations or projects represented by a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent with total annual operating budgets under 350,000 dollars. The program does not fund requests that solely provide direct services, discretionary or emergency requests, schools, colleges or universities, individuals or scholarships, research or legal expenses, capital or endowment campaigns, government programs, businesses or associations, religious activities, one time events, other foundations or regranting organizations, or work outside Vermont. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation.

The Rock Charitable Fund, managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications from eligible charitable organizations, houses of worship, cemeteries, and governmental entities that serve St. Lawrence County residents. This grant program is designed to align with the foundation's mission by supporting vital community needs within the county. The funding aims to address specific charitable purposes that contribute to the well-being and historical preservation of the area. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program include veterans of the United States military residing in St. Lawrence County, who will receive support for their medical or recreational needs. Additionally, the program benefits churches, houses of worship, and cemeteries in St. Lawrence County by providing funding for their maintenance and preservation. A third key beneficiary group includes entities responsible for the preservation and maintenance of places of legitimate historical significance within the county. The impact goals are to enhance the quality of life for veterans, ensure the longevity of religious and historical sites, and foster community pride and heritage. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly support veterans, particularly through qualified veteran organizations or any nonprofit with programs or initiatives directly supporting veterans, rather than direct aid to individuals. It also focuses on the crucial maintenance and preservation of religious institutions and historical landmarks. The fund's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in its charitable purposes, emphasizing direct community benefit in these three key areas. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the foundation can directly contribute to the welfare of veterans and the preservation of essential community assets, leading to a more resilient and historically conscious St. Lawrence County. Expected outcomes include improved medical and recreational access for veterans, leading to better well-being. For religious and historical sites, the anticipated outcome is the successful upkeep and preservation of these important community structures, preventing decay and maintaining their cultural and spiritual value. Measurable results could include the number of veterans served, the scope of medical or recreational services provided, and the specific maintenance or restoration projects completed for churches, houses of worship, cemeteries, and historical sites. At least $100,000 in grant funding is available, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a grant duration of up to three years, providing a substantial period for impactful projects. Organizations that have previously received funding must wait three years before reapplying, ensuring equitable access to funding across the community.

Immediate Needs Grants support organizations that meet the fundamental needs of people experiencing poverty in South Carolina. Donor Name: Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina State: South Carolina County: All Counties Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Organizations that receive funding in this category are delivering programs providing resources associated with life and health, education and skills, or access and participation. Cycle II Immediate Needs grants are for organizations with annual operating budgets greater than or equal to $500,000. All Immediate Needs grants are $5,000. Focus Areas  Access and Participation: Examples include programs that provide access to reliable transportation, access to information, legal services, assistance obtaining identifying documents, free or affordable child care, and assistance navigating systems essential to participating in daily life Education and Skills: Examples include organizations that provide quality basic childhood education, promote literacy, offer technical training, executive functioning support and acquisition of life skills/essential skills Life and Health: Examples include programs providing health care, end of life care, safe and sanitary housing, quality mental health support or treatment, food/ access to quality nutrition, safety and security, and crisis assistance. Eligibility Criteria  Has identified and is filling a gap in resources within a community. Regularly solicits feedback from participants and uses feedback for improvement. Programs have clear measure of success. Has a clear focus area: programming addresses immediate needs associated with life and health, education and skills, or access and participation. The Foundation does not fund Organizations that do not address poverty Programs outside of South Carolina Organizations that have been operating for less than one year Capital campaigns Individuals Scholarships For more information, visit SCFSC.

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, presented in collaboration with Deloitte, aims to support the advancement of women-owned businesses. This program is an extension of BMO's long-standing commitment to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women, a tradition that has celebrated over 240 women since 2012 through the BMO Celebrating Women Program. The grant initiative was specifically created in 2020 to continue supporting women during the pandemic when in-person celebrations were canceled, demonstrating BMO's dedication to providing financial aid and fostering growth for women entrepreneurs, aligning with its purpose to "Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life." The primary target beneficiaries are women-owned businesses operating in the U.S. that meet specific eligibility criteria. These businesses must be at least 51% owned or controlled by women, currently active and operating legally, and have a physical location in one of the selected states. They must also be for-profit with annual revenues of $5 million USD or less and have been in operation selling a product or service for at least two years as of April 1, 2024. The program's impact goal is to provide an additional source of financial aid to these businesses, thereby promoting their growth and resilience. The program prioritizes supporting business growth, welcoming applications that detail high-level plans for new products/services or expansion into new markets. BMO is offering fifteen $10,000 grants, aiming to directly inject capital into these businesses to fuel their development. This focus on financial support underscores the program's theory of change, which posits that direct funding can empower women-owned businesses to achieve their growth objectives, contribute to economic development, and overcome financial challenges, especially those exacerbated by events like the pandemic. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of business growth plans by the grant recipients, leading to sustained or increased operational capacity and market presence. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the utilization of the $10,000 grants for specific growth initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the immediate financial aid is designed to produce tangible improvements in the short to medium term. The program reflects BMO's strategic priority of fostering diversity and inclusion within the business landscape by actively investing in women entrepreneurs.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an annual competition designed to foster entrepreneurship with a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This initiative creates cross-sector partnerships to tackle pressing community problems, aligning with a broader mission to promote social innovation through investment, grants, and educational assistance. Since its inception in 2015, the UpPrize Challenge has allocated over $3.1 million to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants, demonstrating a commitment to empowering community-driven solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this challenge are nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are based in and whose startup's impact is within one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The program specifically targets those who are 18 years or older and have not received $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. The core impact goal is to launch or expand startups that leverage technology to address social inequities, thereby creating a meaningful and lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program's priorities and focus areas revolve around technology-driven solutions to social inequities. This is evidenced by the prize structure, which offers combined prize monies and accelerator assistance to the top three finalists to facilitate the launch or expansion of such startups. The challenge encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas that can demonstrate tangible benefits to the community through the application of new technologies and creative problem-solving. Expected outcomes include the successful launch or expansion of promising startups, leading to measurable improvements in social equity within the targeted counties. The challenge's structure, which awards significant prize money ($125,000 for first place, $100,000 for second, and $75,000 for third), incentivizes the development of impactful solutions. These investments are intended to translate into direct community benefits, fostering a more equitable and innovative environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania through the practical application of entrepreneurial endeavors.

This program provides financial support to grassroots watershed organizations in Western Pennsylvania for projects focused on water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and community outreach to protect and restore local watersheds.

The City of Fort Collins and the Department of Neighborhood Services offer neighborhood grants to foster positive neighboring activities and community improvements. These grants provide financial assistance to encourage community resiliency by fulfilling needs identified by neighbors through solutions developed by neighbors. The program aligns with the City's mission to bring people together, serve underrepresented communities, and promote sustainable choices. The target beneficiaries for these grants include residents, residents associations, homeowners associations, and nonprofits within Fort Collins city boundaries. The impact goals are to strengthen community connections, enhance neighborhood environments, and empower residents to address local challenges collaboratively. The program prioritizes projects that encourage creative ideas to improve neighborhoods and foster connections between neighbors. While the specific "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the grant program itself serves as a strategic initiative of the City of Fort Collins and its Department of Neighborhood Services. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance and encouraging neighbor-led solutions, they can build stronger, more resilient communities. Expected outcomes include a variety of community improvements, ranging from cleanup events and community gardens to sustainable block parties. Measurable results would be evidenced by the successful implementation of diverse projects that enhance neighborhood life and promote neighbor-to-neighbor engagement. The funding range of $150-$1000 also provides a framework for the scale of these community-led initiatives.

The van Ameringen Foundation focuses on improving mental health services, particularly for those with limited financial means, within New York City and Philadelphia, and through national advocacy. Its mission is to increase accessibility to mental health services, offer preventive and early-intervention strategies, and advocate for systemic change. The foundation offers both general support and project-specific grants, aligning its funding directly with its core mission of fostering a more equitable and effective mental healthcare system for underserved populations. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are individuals and communities confronting significant mental illness, particularly those with limited financial means and opportunities. This includes people needing direct services like case management, counseling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric care, as well as those who benefit from systemic changes in law, public policy, and public perception. The impact goals are to enhance the mental health safety net, improve access to services, and create lasting, positive changes in mental healthcare delivery and perceptions. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated into two main categories: Direct Service Grants and Non-Direct Service Grants. Direct Service Grants support programs that provide immediate and tangible assistance to individuals, such as housing, jobs, and various forms of mental health treatment. Non-Direct Service Grants encompass advocacy efforts to change policies, media/dissemination projects to share best practices and research, and training initiatives for mental health providers, advocates, and community members. The foundation explicitly does not fund programs for intellectual or physical disabilities, direct grants to individuals, endowment campaigns, capital projects, annual fundraising drives, or international activities. Expected outcomes include increased accessibility of mental health services, successful implementation of preventive and early-intervention strategies, and significant systemic changes with local or national impact. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, improvements in patient outcomes, policy changes enacted, increased public awareness, and the number of mental health professionals trained. The foundation encourages innovative and practical proposals that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these outcomes. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on fostering innovation and practical solutions within the mental health sector. Its theory of change posits that by investing in direct services, advocating for policy reforms, disseminating knowledge, and building capacity through training, it can effectively address disparities in mental healthcare access and quality. This multi-pronged approach aims to create both immediate relief for individuals and long-term structural improvements in the mental health landscape, primarily within its specified geographic areas and at a national advocacy level.

The Art Project program, administered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC), offers grants of up to $5,000 to support meaningful arts activities that benefit local communities. This program aims to foster artistic creation, performance, exhibition, publication, and the presentation of arts events through collaborations. While ARAC's broader mission isn't explicitly detailed, the program's focus on "relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community" strongly aligns with a philanthropic goal of enriching local culture and enhancing community well-being through artistic expression. The primary beneficiaries are state-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations, accredited schools, tribal governments, and units of government. These organizations must be primarily based in specific Minnesota counties (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County outside Duluth) or within the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake Tribal Nations (within Itasca County). All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget, while those outside Duluth with prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 or more are eligible. Smaller groups outside Duluth are directed to the Rural & Community Art Project program. Both artists and arts organizations can apply, but only once per grant round and not twice in a fiscal year for the same program. The impact goal is to increase access to and participation in arts activities within these designated communities. The program prioritizes activities directly involving the creation, performance, exhibition, or publication of artistic works. Funds can cover a range of expenses, including art supplies, volunteer and administrative costs, advertising, marketing, and other promotional materials. Equipment or technology purchases are allowed if integral to the artistic project and constitute less than 25% of the total request. This focus on direct artistic output and supporting infrastructure ensures the grants have a tangible impact on the region's arts landscape. Expected outcomes, while not explicitly quantified, revolve around increasing access to and participation in arts activities. By funding projects that create new artistic works, present arts events, and support the operational needs of arts organizations, ARAC intends to foster a vibrant cultural environment. The eligibility criteria and funding limitations, such as the maximum grant amount of $5,000 and an overall cap of $25,000 per organization per fiscal year across all ARAC programs, are designed to distribute resources broadly and support a diverse range of projects and organizations. The requirement for projects to begin within six months ensures timely implementation and community benefit.

The South Arts In These Mountains (ITM) initiative is a grant program designed to support projects that promote the sharing, teaching, learning, preserving, documenting, and continuity of folk arts and traditional culture within Central Appalachia. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural preservation and community enrichment, particularly in underserved regions. The program seeks to empower communities through their unique cultural heritage, ensuring these traditions are passed down through generations and remain vibrant within the region. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are nonprofit organizations and educational organizations located in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This includes a wide array of entities such as community cultural organizations, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, museums, performing arts presenters, community festival organizations, and faith-based organizations. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the traditional arts and cultural fabric of these communities, particularly those in rural areas with populations under 50,000, by providing essential funding for relevant projects. South Arts has several key priorities and focuses for this initiative. They are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, actively encouraging applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led and LGBTQIA+-led organizations, as well as organizations led by people with disabilities. Furthermore, they prioritize applications that feature BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and traditional artists with disabilities. Another significant focus is on funding traditional arts projects specifically in rural communities. The grants are awarded in the amount of $10,000, with a project period from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the ITM initiative include a sustained and increased engagement with folk arts and traditional culture in Central Appalachia. Success will be measured by the number and quality of projects that effectively share, teach, learn, preserve, document, and support the continuity of these cultural practices. The prioritization of diverse and rural-led organizations aims to ensure that funding reaches those most in need of support and that a wide array of voices and traditions are represented and uplifted. The strategic priority of South Arts, as evidenced by this grant, is to build a more equitable and culturally rich Central Appalachia through targeted investment in its traditional arts.

The Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is offering a second round of Digital Towns Grant funding to implement strategies that improve digital equity and inclusion across the Indiana Uplands. The program aligns with ROI's mission to advance a more digitally inclusive region by integrating digital information and communication into all aspects of communities. This grant is designed to support projects and programs that ensure Uplands citizens can fully participate in a digital society, going beyond just broadband expansion to include access to affordable internet, reliable devices, and sufficient digital skills and literacy. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Uplands communities and organizations within the 11-county Indiana Uplands region, including incorporated cities and towns, county commissions and councils, libraries, nonprofits, public education institutions, faith-based organizations, Main Street organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations with an affiliated 501(c)3, and organizations/programs that help businesses/entrepreneurs. The impact goal is to increase the digital capabilities of the region, ensuring everyone has the resources and skills to prosper in the digital age. The program focuses on three main themes: Digital Citizens, Digital Public Services, and Digital Business. Digital Citizens aims to help households connect to the internet, access devices, and grow competence in using digital technologies for internet services, e-commerce, educational opportunities, digital public services, and healthcare. Digital Public Services supports collaborations between local government, nonprofits, and healthcare to provide access to online information, services, and telehealth. Digital Business partners with businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize opportunities in the digital economy. Expected outcomes include financially supported projects that align with the Indiana Uplands Digital Inclusion Plan, leading to a more digitally inclusive region. Measurable results will be seen in increased access to affordable internet, reliable devices, and improved digital skills and literacy among citizens, as well as enhanced e-commerce opportunities for local businesses and improved access to digital public and healthcare services. ROI's strategic priority is to advance regional digital capabilities through funding for professional services, training, digital products, equipment/hardware, and other services that promote digital inclusion and prosperity. Applicants can receive between $5,000 and $50,000, with regional scope projects eligible for up to $75,000.

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects that improve digital access, devices, and literacy in Essex County, Massachusetts, prioritizing partnerships between organizations to address community needs.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee's rural counties for diverse arts projects that promote community engagement and vitality.

This funding opportunity supports small research projects that explore how immigrants integrate into American society, focusing on their legal status and economic advancement.

CJI’s Leadership Circle is soliciting proposals from grassroots organizations led by formerly incarcerated and directly impacted individuals. The program aims to transform and reimagine the U.S. criminal legal system by building alternative community-based solutions and organizing to prevent the criminalization of marginalized identities and communities. This initiative directly aligns with CJI's mission to support meaningful, transformative, and systemic change within the criminal legal system, empowering future leaders who have often experienced incarceration themselves. The foundation's strategic priority is to support movement-building organizing that creates a new world, a "world they demand NOW." The target beneficiaries are formerly incarcerated individuals and directly impacted people, including primary family members, as well as marginalized groups within their communities (e.g., poor, houseless, young, elders, queer, trans, people with mental illness, people with disabilities). The program's impact goals include ending mass criminalization and incarceration, creating safe and healthy communities that do not rely on arrest and incarceration, and re-establishing rights and access for those formerly incarcerated or newly criminalized. The Leadership Circle's theory of change emphasizes shared authority among donors and community organizers, many of whom have lived experience with incarceration, to drive systemic change. The program prioritizes several key areas. This includes building alternatives to traditional carceral systems, investing in approaches that end mass criminalization, creating policies to reform and dismantle repressive legal systems, and uplifting the leadership and experience of those affected by the criminal legal system. Other focuses include re-establishing rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting transformative and restorative justice, and supporting culturally appropriate healing programs connected to the criminal justice movement. CJI also has specific funding preferences for organizations led by formerly incarcerated individuals, groups operating in difficult political environments, those developing new leaders from marginalized backgrounds, and work addressing discrimination against incarcerated or detained people, particularly in the South, Indian country, and other rural areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the development of community-based interventions, changes in policies and institutions (like parole and probation), and a demonstrable commitment to systems change through organizing. The program seeks to empower new leaders, particularly from marginalized communities, and foster innovative collaborations among diverse organizations. While specific quantitative metrics are not provided in the description, the emphasis on "movement-building organizing" and "achieving systems change" suggests that the success will be measured by the demonstrable impact on criminal legal system reform and the empowerment of affected communities. CJI is particularly committed to supporting smaller, emerging organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, indicating a focus on grassroots impact and capacity building.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Greater Philadelphia that provide engaging arts education programs for young people aged 5 to 18, fostering creativity and personal growth through partnerships with skilled teaching artists.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofits in Washington state that are focused on advancing equity in healthcare, climate and agricultural justice, and education, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Rock Charitable Fund, administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to support the well-being and historical preservation within St. Lawrence County, New York. The fund emphasizes projects that address existing structures and elements, as well as providing technical assistance and planning support, indicating a strategic priority on sustainable development and preservation rather than new construction or significant alterations to historic properties. The primary beneficiaries of the Rock Charitable Fund include 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, churches, houses of worship, cemeteries, and government entities. The fund targets projects that contribute to the maintenance and preservation of these institutions and places of historical significance within St. Lawrence County. Additionally, the fund aims to benefit and/or assist Veterans of the United States Military residing in St. Lawrence County by addressing their medical and recreational needs through qualified organizations. The impact goals are centered on enhancing community resources, preserving local heritage, and improving the quality of life for Veterans. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined. For historical and religious properties, there's a strong preference for exterior projects that are publicly visible and accessible, though interior improvements may be considered. Peripheral or incidental projects are not desired. For cemeteries, support covers the property as a whole or aesthetically significant portions, explicitly excluding individual burial plots or monuments without special justification. For Veterans, grants are awarded to qualified organizations serving them, not directly to individuals, and can support programs for medical and recreational needs. This structured approach highlights a theory of change that leverages established organizations to create broader community benefit and long-term impact. Expected outcomes include the successful preservation and maintenance of historically significant sites and religious institutions, ensuring their continued benefit to the public. For Veterans, the anticipated result is improved access to medical and recreational support, contributing to their overall well-being. Measurable results could include the number of structures preserved, the extent of public access improved, and the number of Veterans served by supported programs. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to tangible, community-focused projects that have a lasting positive effect on St. Lawrence County's heritage and its Veteran population.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers grants to 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations in the greater West Bend area, Wisconsin, prioritizing projects in arts and culture, education, family, youth, elderly, health and human services, community development, and historic preservation, with an application deadline of 10/07/2024.

This funding supports Colorado newsrooms in organizing community engagement events to connect with diverse local residents, address their concerns, and foster trust between journalists and the communities they serve.