Private Science and Technology Grants

The Emberg Charitable Trust provides grants to tax exempt, nonprofit, and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs located in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The trust promotes workforce readiness by supporting programs that prepare students for careers in prominent regional industries. Preference is given to programs of study with potential to supply qualified candidates for fields such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. Funds may support curriculum development, equipment and tools for training, and associated program needs that enhance technical education and job placement outcomes. Eligible applicants are tax exempt nonprofits and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs serving counties in the trusts geographic focus. Proposals should demonstrate alignment with regional workforce needs and the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes for students and employers. Applications are due May 5, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information is available through the trustee information referenced by Wells Fargo.

This program provides funding to organizations worldwide for innovative projects that use an open-source AI model to address social challenges in areas like economic development and public services.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation (MCCF) in Indiana offers grants to new or existing nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County, focusing on areas such as art, culture, community development, education, health, and youth services, with applications also accepted from local governmental entities for charitable purposes.

This competition provides financial support to young artists in Catawba County, North Carolina, to help them further their education and development in visual and literary arts.

The Delaware Community Foundation offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 through Highmark's BluePrints for the Community fund, prioritizing health-related projects and services that address healthcare access, economic stability, social and community context, and neighborhood and built environment in Delaware.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is soliciting applications from nonprofit partners for programs or projects with clear, measurable outcomes. These initiatives must focus on Education, Health, and/or Sciences and serve residents of any age within Herkimer and/or Oneida counties in New York. The Foundation's mission is to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs and fosters positive change, aligning with the core focus areas of this grant. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across all age groups in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Impact goals are centered on transmitting knowledge and strengthening skills through educational projects, nurturing and improving physical, mental, and social well-being through health initiatives, and enhancing scientific understanding and objectives through science-focused programs. The Foundation prioritizes outcomes-driven programs that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these positive changes within the communities it serves. Specific focus areas are defined as: Education, encompassing projects that teach knowledge, strengthen skills, or impart trades; Health, covering initiatives that nurture and improve physical, mental, and/or social well-being; and Sciences, including projects that study or enhance scientific objectives such as physical, life, or social sciences. Expected outcomes for all funded programs should be identifiable and measurable, with a definitive timeline for completion or achievement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, governmental institutions, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations addressing non-religious needs. Projects must begin no earlier than July 2024, and only one submission per organization is considered per funding round. Ineligible activities include those relating to animals and/or the arts, financial assistance to individuals, religious-specific programming, organizational payroll/operational needs, and already incurred expenses. These guidelines reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to investing in programs that drive tangible, community-wide benefits.

This grant provides financial support to community coalitions across the U.S. that aim to create quality jobs and promote an inclusive workforce in the clean energy sector.

The Ability Central 2025 Communication Access Grants Program focuses on developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools that improve access to care for people with communication disabilities. This initiative aligns with Ability Central's broader mission to enhance communication and information access for individuals who use methods such as braille, screen readers, American Sign Language (ASL), tactile interpreters, co-navigators, and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on creating inclusive environments and empowering individuals with communication disabilities, reflecting a theory of change that posits improved access to care and career opportunities will lead to greater independence and quality of life. The program targets healthcare professionals and systems, as well as individuals with communication disabilities seeking career and leadership development. For healthcare, the goal is to equip professionals with knowledge, accessible resources, and multi-modal communication partner strategies to improve culturally responsive care. For career development, the beneficiaries are people with communication disabilities seeking supportive and fairly-compensated training opportunities beyond entry-level roles. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce communication barriers in healthcare and the workplace, fostering environments where people with disabilities can thrive. The grants program has two main priorities. The first is developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools for improved communication access. This includes a person-centered approach, prioritizing communication access through accommodations, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and incorporating ongoing evaluation to ensure effectiveness. The second priority is career and leadership development projects for people with communication disabilities, emphasizing understanding unique challenges, preparing for career advancement, utilizing innovative support strategies, establishing partnerships, and ensuring accessibility. Expected outcomes for the healthcare focus include healthcare professionals and systems being better equipped to provide culturally responsive care, leading to improved patient experiences and health outcomes for individuals with communication disabilities. Measurable results could involve increased use of communication accommodations, improved patient satisfaction scores, and a reduction in healthcare disparities. For career development, expected outcomes include increased employment rates, career advancement, and leadership roles for people with communication disabilities. Measurable results could include tracking participant employment status, salary increases, and promotion rates after completing training programs. Both categories emphasize replicable projects and the inclusion of people with disabilities in planning and implementation.

This program provides quick funding to researchers at North Carolina universities and nonprofit institutes to develop innovative life sciences projects that show strong commercial potential.

The Rocky Brands Community Improvement Fund is seeking applications from 501c3 organizations and government agencies in specific Ohio counties for projects that align with their mission and values, address current or emerging needs, encourage cooperation, and can leverage additional funds, with a focus on areas such as children's welfare, hunger, education, senior citizens, health wellness, community development, and more.

Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) is accepting applications for its community grants program, which is designed to address a wide array of local needs throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina. Rooted in its mission to strengthen and uplift the community, WCF strategically invests in initiatives spanning human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. The foundation’s theory of change is built on the principle that comprehensive investment across diverse sectors contributes to a stronger, more resilient community—one that can respond effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. This holistic funding approach ensures that multiple aspects of community life are supported, creating a network of programs that reinforce each other for maximum local impact. The program’s target beneficiaries are Wilkes County residents served through a broad spectrum of community organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments—including public schools—fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goals are both immediate and long-term: improving quality of life, enhancing access to educational opportunities, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing food insecurity, and promoting cultural enrichment. By focusing on these goals, WCF aims to address both urgent community needs and the structural factors that shape well-being. WCF places strong emphasis on funding initiatives that can clearly demonstrate their potential for measurable impact. Priority is given to programs that respond to critical community needs and that show evidence of organizational capacity to implement effective solutions. This includes programs that address social determinants of health, expand educational attainment, enhance youth development opportunities, and foster community engagement through the arts. A key expectation for grantees is to deliver services equitably and without discrimination, ensuring that all residents have fair access to the benefits created through funded initiatives. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted. In the short term, funded projects are anticipated to increase access to essential services, improve food and health security, expand educational resources, and enrich the cultural fabric of Wilkes County. Over the longer term, WCF envisions these investments leading to stronger local institutions, more empowered community members, improved health and education outcomes, and greater civic engagement. These outcomes align with WCF’s belief that sustainable community improvement requires both meeting immediate needs and building long-term capacity for growth and resilience. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a possible maximum of $10,000. This funding structure enables the foundation to support both small grassroots efforts and more expansive initiatives. Religious entities may apply for funding tied specifically to charitable and social service programs but are not eligible for general operating support. This approach ensures that resources are strategically allocated to programs with direct and demonstrable community impact. By funding a broad range of initiatives, WCF empowers local organizations to act as catalysts for change. Ultimately, WCF’s grantmaking strategy reflects a belief in the power of local action and collaborative problem-solving. By equipping community-based organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues, the foundation is investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Wilkes County. Its community grants program embodies a balanced strategy of flexibility and accountability—providing support where it is most needed while ensuring that funded efforts contribute meaningfully to the county’s collective well-being and long-term prosperity.

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports organizations within the Greater Portland area, specifically Cumberland County, Maine. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being by prioritizing nonprofits dedicated to youth, education, healthcare, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation, and arts and culture. The fund aims to provide grants that either increase the scope (number of people or services) or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations, as well as support new or expanded projects that address community needs in these focus areas. The target beneficiaries of the Welch Charitable Fund are individuals residing in the Greater Portland area, with a particular focus on youth. The fund seeks to impact these beneficiaries by supporting projects that promote their development, health, and access to educational and cultural opportunities. Through strategic funding, the foundation aims to contribute to a healthier, more educated, and culturally enriched community, ultimately addressing critical social issues such as substance abuse. The priorities and focuses of the Welch Charitable Fund are clearly defined: education, health care, youth development, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to funding initiatives that directly address these areas, recognizing their interconnectedness in fostering a vibrant and resilient community. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by investing in these key sectors, the foundation can empower local organizations to deliver vital services and programs, leading to positive and lasting changes for individuals and the community as a whole. The expected outcomes of the grants include an expanded reach of services, improved organizational efficiency, and the successful implementation of new projects. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope and effectiveness improvements, the focus on increased numbers of people served and enhanced organizational performance suggests a commitment to tangible impact. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, and Indian tribal governments, with a grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, underscoring the foundation's dedication to supporting a diverse array of community-serving entities.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects. These grants are specifically for selected municipalities with infrastructure projects aimed at protecting public health and/or water quality. The EFC's mission aligns with the critical need to safeguard the state's water resources and ensure the well-being of its residents, directly supporting environmental protection and public health initiatives through strategic infrastructure development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipalities across all counties in New York State. The program prioritizes projects that protect public health and water quality, with additional considerations for median household income, population served, governmental and community support, environmental justice, and project readiness. A key focus is on small, rural, and disadvantaged communities with populations of 3,500 or less, as these areas may qualify for enhanced awards, demonstrating an equitable approach to grant distribution. The program has clear priorities and focuses, specifically addressing clean water projects, drinking water projects, and intermunicipal (IMG) clean and drinking water projects. For clean water projects, awards can be up to $25 million or 25% of net eligible costs, with an enhanced 50% funding for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. Drinking water projects tackling emerging contaminants (EC) above the State's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) can receive 70% of net eligible costs with no cap, while other drinking water projects are capped at $5 million or 60% of net eligible costs. IMG projects for cooperating municipalities can receive up to $30 million or 40% of net eligible costs. These differentiated funding structures reflect a strategic prioritization of the most pressing water quality challenges. Expected outcomes include the construction, replacement, or repair of water infrastructure, upgrades to comply with environmental and public health laws, system upgrades to combat emerging contaminants like PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4 dioxane, and improvements to address combined and/or sanitary sewer overflow impacts. Measurable results will be seen in the successful completion of these construction-focused projects, improved water quality, enhanced public health protection, and increased compliance with environmental regulations. The EFC's strategic priority is to invest in tangible infrastructure improvements that yield long-term benefits for New York's communities and environment, operating under the theory of change that targeted financial support for critical water infrastructure will directly lead to a healthier and more sustainable future for the state.

Grants are available through the Metro East Park and Recreation District for events that promote the use of public parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Event Sponsorship Grant Program offers funding of up to $2,500 for public organizations and up to $1,000 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Eligible events include walking, running, hiking, biking, biathlons, and triathlons that take place within MEPRD's jurisdiction and contribute at least ten percent of event proceeds towards funding improvements or developments to public parks or trails in the designated counties. Eligible applicants must be public organizations or 501(c)3 organizations headquartered within MEPRD's jurisdiction or within 15 miles of it. Only one event sponsorship grant award is allowed per MEPRD fiscal year. For more information, visit MEPRD's website.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is offering the Breaking the Cycle Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to create and sustain pathways to economic mobility and self-sufficiency. This program targets organizations that deliver proven initiatives aimed at disrupting the cycle of poverty and fostering long-term, sustainable economic change. The grants are designed to support individuals, families, and communities in achieving greater economic stability and independence. The program's priorities and focus areas include supporting comprehensive, multi-layered programming that addresses poverty through integrated services and two-generation approaches. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding poverty in their communities, reflecting this understanding in their values, practices, and programming. The foundation emphasizes supporting initiatives that are informed by research, utilizing both internal long-term data and emerging best practice models. Expected outcomes and measurable results for grant recipients include clear short-term and long-term goals, distinct indicators for success, and the ability to demonstrate participants' progression out of poverty. Organizations are expected to carry out effective, ongoing program evaluation and adapt their strategies based on lessons learned and participant feedback. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that programs remain effective and responsive to the needs of those they serve. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on fostering economic mobility through collaborative and evidence-based approaches. They seek organizations that not only implement effective programs but also demonstrate effective formal and informal partnerships with other organizations. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the funding information indicates grants typically range from $15,000 to $20,000 within a broader possible range of $10,000 to $100,000, underscoring a commitment to significant, impactful investments in breaking the cycle of poverty across all counties in South Carolina.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in the Homer area for innovative projects that enhance education, recreation, environmental initiatives, and cultural development.

The Artists 360 Creative Impact Award, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), is designed to uplift and empower artists in Northwest Arkansas. The program provides grants, entrepreneurship skill development, and networking opportunities within a dynamic regional artist community. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the M-AAA's overarching mission or theory of change, the Artists 360 program aligns with a strategy to strengthen the artistic ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas by investing directly in its creative talent. The program's structure suggests a belief that direct financial support combined with professional development and networking will lead to more robust artistic careers and a deeper, more vibrant arts community. The target beneficiaries of this award are mid-career or established artists based in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These artists must demonstrate exceptional work, be recognized professionally within Arkansas and nationally, and have contributed significantly to Northwest Arkansas's cultural landscape. A key focus is on artists who lack longstanding institutional support, emphasizing an equitable approach to fostering artistic growth. The program prioritizes artists committed to building and supporting the local arts community, fostering a collaborative and interconnected environment. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the artist’s career and deepen the arts community in Northwest Arkansas. This is achieved through unrestricted funds of $25,000, which provide significant financial support, and professional development opportunities. The program's priorities include identifying artists who exhibit a high level of artistic excellence, have a history of community impact, and possess a vision for leadership and mentorship within the regional artistic community. This holistic approach aims to cultivate not just individual artists but also the broader cultural infrastructure. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic practices, developed entrepreneurship skills among artists, and a more connected regional artist network. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the artists' participation in structured professional development activities, such as the Artists 360 Retreat, the Artists 360 Alumni Retreat, and the Full Circle Showcase. These events facilitate network building, provide platforms for sharing work and insights, and offer opportunities for leadership. The commitment to participate in these activities for a full grant year (October 2024 through October 2025) underscores the program's dedication to sustained engagement and long-term impact on the artists' careers and the community.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. The fund's mission is rooted in the belief that arts and culture are vital for the development of healthy individuals and thriving communities. This grant program is designed to promote and sustain this sector by supporting organizational effectiveness, promoting local artists, and providing inclusive cultural experiences. The foundation's strategic priority is to enrich the life of metropolitan Baltimore through a lively creative environment and deepened civic connections. The program targets cultural organizations and their fiscal agents serving the Baltimore area, as well as individual artists using a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries also include residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Annes counties in Maryland, who will benefit from enhanced cultural experiences and strengthened community cohesion. The impact goals are to strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity, enhance residents' lives, and ensure programs are inclusive and outreach efforts are broad, welcoming people of all backgrounds. The fund's priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering cultural sector collaboration. Under "Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices," capacity programs are supported to improve internal management, board training, strategic planning, fundraising, and professional development for artists. "Innovative Programs" focus on initiatives that deepen audience engagement or attract new audiences, with specific small grants available for organizations with budgets under $75,000 and for professional artists. "Cultural Sector Collaboration" aims to support strategic alliances that enhance cooperation and strengthen organizational abilities within the cultural community. Expected outcomes include improved organizational and management practices for cultural groups, increased professional development opportunities for Baltimore artists, and the presentation of innovative programming that broadens audience engagement. The program also seeks to facilitate strategic alliances, leading to a more cohesive and effective cultural ecosystem. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing artistic funding, supporting organizational health, and encouraging collaboration, it can foster a vibrant cultural sector that enriches civic life, strengthens community identity, and ensures broad access to cultural experiences for all residents. The maximum grant size is $10,000, with applications accepted year-round, requiring a Letter of Inquiry.

This program supports climate technology innovators in New York State by providing mentorship and resources to help scale hardware solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote decarbonization.

The Richard A. Shaw Fund, administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations through grants. While the overarching mission alignment with the Omaha Community Foundation's broader goals isn't explicitly detailed, the fund's specific focus on history, natural sciences, outdoor education, and animal welfare suggests a commitment to enriching community life and supporting vulnerable populations. This aligns with a general philanthropic mission of fostering education and protecting animal well-being within the designated service area. The grant program targets two primary beneficiary groups: public school programs serving students aged 5-18, and nonprofit organizations benefiting animals. For public schools, the focus is on programs emphasizing history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting nonprofits, there is a strong preference for those involved in equine therapy. Organizations must be located in the Omaha metropolitan area, including Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties. The priorities and focuses of the Richard A. Shaw Fund are clear: enhancing educational opportunities in specific subjects for public school students and supporting animal welfare, particularly through equine therapy. The program's design suggests an emphasis on direct service and community impact within these two distinct areas. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities," these focus areas demonstrate the fund's intent to channel resources toward specific, impactful initiatives. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not detailed with specific metrics, can be inferred. For public school programs, the desired outcome is an enhancement of education in history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting organizations, the goal is to improve animal welfare, with a specific interest in the therapeutic benefits of equine programs. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and the total awarded amount of $3,500 across a maximum of two grants, indicates a focus on smaller-scale projects or programs that can demonstrate tangible benefits within their respective fields. The foundation's underlying theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in public school education and animal welfare programs, particularly those with a therapeutic component, they can contribute to a more educated populace and a healthier, more compassionate community. The limited number and size of grants suggest a targeted approach, aiming for significant impact within specific, well-defined areas rather than a broad, diffuse reach. The preference for equine therapy further underscores a belief in its unique benefits for both animals and, indirectly, human well-being.