Private Science and Technology Grants

The City of South Bend Department of Public Works is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Lamppost Lighting Program. This initiative is designed to assist homeowners within South Bend's city limits by providing lighting enhancements for their neighborhoods through a cost-share program. The program directly aligns with the city's mission to improve public infrastructure and enhance community safety and quality of life for its residents. By offering solar-powered lampposts for residential front yards, the program aims to address practical needs while promoting sustainable solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners residing within the City of South Bend. The program specifically targets two areas selected based on income levels, the number of vacant lots, and the existing need for improved lighting. Homeowners in these target areas receive a reduced cost share of $50, compared to $250 for those outside these areas, demonstrating a focus on supporting communities with greater need. The overarching impact goal is to enhance neighborhood safety, visibility, and overall aesthetics by increasing accessible lighting. The program's priorities and focuses include ease of installation, accessibility, and community empowerment. It offers easy self-install, solar-powered lampposts, placing responsibility for pickup, installation, and maintenance on the homeowner, fostering a sense of ownership. While the City's Division of Engineering will inspect installations, the emphasis is on enabling residents to directly contribute to their neighborhood improvements. A limit of one lamppost per household ensures equitable distribution among participating residents. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of illuminated residential front yards, particularly in historically underserved or underlit areas. Success can be measured by the number of lampposts installed, the geographic spread of the installations, and anecdotal evidence or surveys from residents regarding perceived improvements in safety and neighborhood appearance. The cost-share model is a strategic priority, allowing for broader participation while distributing costs, and fostering a collaborative approach between the city and its residents for community betterment.

This grant provides funding for agricultural professionals to conduct on-farm research that promotes sustainable farming practices in the Southern U.S., requiring collaboration with farmers who have a minimum annual income of $1,000.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for creating or rehabilitating permanent supportive housing for honorably discharged veterans, particularly those with low incomes, in urban areas.

The Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program – Facility Acquisitions, offered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI), aims to support the expansion and improvement of child care services in Maine. This program specifically targets businesses acquiring an existing child care operation, with a focus on increasing enrollment and enhancing facility quality. While a specific foundation mission or theory of change is not explicitly detailed, CEI's overall mission, as implied by the nature of this grant, likely revolves around fostering community development, supporting local businesses, and ensuring access to essential services like child care, particularly in underserved regions. The alignment suggests a strategic effort to strengthen the child care infrastructure, which is crucial for economic stability and family well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are existing child care businesses in Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine, that are undergoing an acquisition. The impact goals are clearly defined: to facilitate a minimum 25% increase in enrollment within four months of the transaction and to enable improvements in facility quality and capacity. By supporting these acquisitions, the program intends to stabilize and grow the supply of child care, thereby serving more families and children in the targeted counties. Priority areas for this grant include applications from the aforementioned specific counties in Maine. Additionally, bonus points are awarded to applicants who commit to providing care for infants and toddlers, serving families eligible for subsidy, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. These priorities highlight a strategic focus on addressing critical gaps in child care services, particularly for vulnerable populations and age groups, and ensuring nutritional support for children. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, can cover up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $25,000 for acquiring furniture, fixtures, and enrollment of an existing business. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in child care slots, improved quality of facilities through light renovations, and enhanced operational capabilities. Funds can be used for purchasing educational materials, fees for existing business practices, expanding enrollment, light renovations, acquiring additional indoor activities, enhancing outdoor spaces, procuring health and safety supplies, and ensuring sufficient working capital for the first month. These measurable results contribute directly to the program’s goal of expanding access to quality child care. While the explicit "Foundation's strategic priorities" are not detailed, the grant's design implicitly reflects a strategy to leverage private sector activity (business acquisitions) to achieve public good outcomes (expanded child care access and quality). This approach suggests a theory of change where targeted financial support and incentives for business growth lead to improved social infrastructure. The program's emphasis on specific counties and services (infant/toddler care, subsidized families, USDA program participation) indicates a strategic allocation of resources to areas and populations with the greatest need, aiming for a ripple effect of positive community and economic development.

The Child Health Research Awards Program by the Charles H. Hood Foundation aims to advance child health by providing grant support to newly independent faculty within New England-based pediatric researchers. The program offers two-year grants of $200,000 ($100,000 per year inclusive of 10% indirects) to researchers who are within five (PhD scientists) or seven (physician-scientists) years of employment following completion of training. The grants support hypothesis-driven clinical, basic science, public health, health services research, and epidemiology projects focused on child health. Application deadlines occur in the spring and fall of each year, with funding beginning every January 1st and July 1st. For complete eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit CharlesHoodFoundation.org.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Graduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, aiming to support creative practices and career advancement for graduate student artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aligns with M-AAA's mission to elevate and energize the regional arts community by fostering artistic talent and entrepreneurial skills. The program provides financial support and professional development opportunities to ensure artists can sustain and grow their creative practices, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the region. The target beneficiaries of the Artists 360 Graduate Student Artist Grants are graduate students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions within Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These students, regardless of their academic major, must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-residents with a valid Social Security Number. The program aims to impact these artists by providing them with the necessary resources and skills to develop enduring creative practices and advance their careers, fostering a dynamic regional artist network. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, a deep commitment to their work for at least three years, and a motivation to evolve their practice. It also focuses on individuals ready to advance their careers, engage in strategic management, and share their work within a peer learning environment. The grants are designed to support a wide range of artistic disciplines, including dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Additionally, a balanced cohort is considered to ensure diverse representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among the selected fellows. Expected outcomes include enhanced creative practices and career advancement for the grant recipients. Fellows will receive $5,000 grants, which they can use flexibly for various needs such as equipment, travel, studio space, childcare, professional services, research, supplies, or contingency savings. Measurable results include participation in peer-based learning experiences like an in-person retreat, one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These activities are designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and expand the artists' professional networks, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas.

The Hearst Foundations Grant Program aims to support outstanding nonprofits in the United States that are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The program focuses on funding organizations that demonstrate exceptional results in creating sustainable employment, improving health and quality of life, increasing academic achievement, promoting arts and sciences, and supporting family stability and self-sufficiency. The Foundations employ a rigorous selection process to identify best-in-class organizations, provide support for impactful programs, and monitor grantee performance to ensure long-term societal benefits. Grantees are required to have recently audited expenses greater than $2,000,000.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation's 2024 Legacy Grant program is designed to honor Mrs. Sewall's enduring interests and philanthropic legacy. The foundation's mission alignment is rooted in supporting a select group of organizations with whom Mrs. Sewall had personal relationships and affinity, and who continue to advance the work she funded during her lifetime. This reflects a strategic priority to sustain and perpetuate the impact of her personal philanthropy, acting as a direct extension of her lifelong commitment. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant are organizations that align with Mrs. Sewall's historical funding priorities. These include 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, and Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. The impact goal is to ensure the continued vitality and effectiveness of these established partnerships, allowing them to further their work in areas important to Mrs. Sewall. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on maintaining the integrity of Mrs. Sewall's philanthropic vision. The grant specifically seeks to support organizations that demonstrate a continued commitment to the types of initiatives she championed. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the continuation of existing work, the expected outcomes revolve around sustaining the impact of these organizations over the grant duration, which can be 12, 24, or 36 months. The theory of change implicit in this program is that by providing consistent, multi-year funding to trusted partners, the foundation can ensure the long-term success and stability of programs that align with its founder's values. The foundation's strategic priorities are to honor its founder's legacy by supporting organizations that were meaningful to her, ensuring that her lifetime of philanthropy continues to resonate within the community. The Legacy Grant embodies this by providing stable support, allowing these organizations to focus on their core missions. This approach emphasizes continuity and relationship-building as key drivers for achieving sustained impact and honoring the philanthropic vision of Elmina B. Sewall.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Alaska for projects that strengthen their internal operations and improve their effectiveness through capacity-building initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports small-scale research projects that explore the impact of race, ethnicity, and immigration status on social outcomes, aimed at fostering inclusion and diversity within communities.

The Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program, active since 2005, is an initiative that provides trees to nonprofit charitable partners and government agencies across the United States. Its core mission aligns with environmental conservation and community enrichment, aiming to support the development and improvement of public parks and green spaces, preserve natural habitats, and facilitate reforestation efforts. The program reflects Apache Corporation's commitment to corporate social responsibility by investing in the ecological health of the communities where it operates. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including cities, counties, schools, parks, universities, youth associations, wildlife refuges, and various charitable service groups. Eligible applicants are charitable nonprofit organizations or municipal, state, or federal government agencies with 501(c)(3) tax exemption status in states where Apache Corporation has operations: Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Wyoming. The impact goals are centered on increasing tree cover, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering community engagement in environmental stewardship. Key priorities and focuses of the grant include providing native/indigenous tree species to the applicant's local geographical area, ensuring the sustainable growth of public green spaces, and supporting conservation efforts. The program does not provide direct funds to grantees; instead, Apache Corporation covers the cost of trees and freight delivery. Grant recipients are required to request a minimum of 50 one-gallon, three-gallon, or five-gallon trees, or 1,000 bare root seedlings, and must work directly with Apache’s partner arborist, ensuring expert guidance and appropriate tree selection. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the distribution of millions of trees annually, contributing to significant reforestation and habitat restoration. The program anticipates an increase in public green spaces, improved air quality, enhanced wildlife habitats, and greater community involvement in environmental initiatives. By partnering with a diverse range of organizations, Apache aims to create a ripple effect of positive environmental and social impact, aligning with a strategic priority to support long-term ecological health and community well-being.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations in Washington state to implement projects that improve access to culturally appropriate dental care, promote healthy food access, and encourage water consumption while reducing sugary beverage intake, particularly for underserved communities.

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster nonprofits within the Chamber's five-county operational area. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by strategically investing in organizations that are vital to the community's progress in education, leadership, economic opportunity, and self-sufficiency. The fund specifically targets areas that address critical societal needs, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful and sustainable change within the region. The program's core focus areas are Education and Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development. In education, the fund prioritizes innovative programs designed to help low-income and at-risk students succeed academically, prepare for higher education, or enter the workforce. Key impact goals include reaching a broad student population, fostering community resource collaboration, promoting curriculum innovation, and supporting scalable models. The expected outcomes are improved academic achievement, increased access to post-secondary education or employment, and the development of replicable successful educational initiatives. For Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development, the fund supports nonprofits that drive economic growth. This includes initiatives for small business development and expansion, commercial revitalization, job creation, work-entry programs, specialized skills training, and transportation solutions. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more robust local economy and creating pathways to self-sufficiency for community members. Measurable results would include an increase in new businesses, job placements, individuals completing skills training, and improved access to employment opportunities. The eligibility criteria for applicants reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, requiring tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3, public charity status under Section 509, and registration with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. This ensures that funds are distributed to credible and well-governed organizations. The geographic scope, encompassing numerous municipalities within the Chamber's area, highlights a theory of change that local, targeted investments in key sectors will lead to broad community development and improved quality of life across the region. The one-year grant duration encourages focused, impactful projects with clear objectives within that timeframe.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in Illinois for unexpected expenses or new opportunities that were not included in their budgets.

This scholarship provides financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington who demonstrate leadership and face systemic barriers to education, prioritizing those in marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and organizations to develop programs that prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector, focusing on skills development and workforce readiness.

The Rise Prize is an initiative created by Imaginable Futures (a venture of The Omidyar Group) and Lumina Foundation, in collaboration with leading partner organizations. Its core mission aligns with the foundations' goals of fostering economic mobility and well-being, specifically by leveraging direct investments in innovative solutions that support student parents. This program seeks to accelerate the postsecondary success of student parents, recognizing the critical role education plays in their economic advancement and overall well-being. The primary beneficiaries of the Rise Prize are student parents in the US, across all states and counties. The program targets impact-driven changemakers, including non-profit organizations, for-profit companies (such as edtech solutions), and higher education institutions (including departments, teams, academic institution associations, or alternative career pathways programs like workforce programs, credentialing programs, and bootcamps). The overarching impact goal is to increase the number of innovative solutions that directly drive postsecondary success for this demographic, ultimately leading to greater economic mobility and improved well-being. The Rise Prize prioritizes solutions that will have a direct impact on the postsecondary success of student parents. This includes a wide array of solution types, such as flexible courseware, original outcomes-based financing solutions, innovative childcare support models, community building, and completion coaching. The program also highlights key areas of focus like Childcare, Community of Support, Completion Time, Convenience First, Cost, and Credential/Connection to Career. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their solutions address these critical areas to accelerate student parent success. The program is structured to achieve several expected outcomes, measured through a three-tiered award system. Early stage applicants, those with new ideas anchored in initial customer validation, are eligible for $50,000 awards, with 8 winners expected. The "Risers’ Choice" awardee receives $100,000. Mature stage applicants, defined by organizations with strong conviction and demonstrated product/market fit, are eligible for $200,000 awards, with 5 winners anticipated. In total, 14 awards totaling $1.5M will be distributed. Beyond direct funding, the program also aims to raise awareness of solutions, provide exposure to funders and partners, strengthen ideas through mentorship, foster community among innovators, and offer advisory support for product pitches to finalists.

The Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood offers grants to support innovative projects aimed at improving the welfare, education, and societal integration of children aged 0-7 in the United States, with a focus on parenting education, early childhood welfare, and early childhood education and play.

Talbot Arts invites grant applications for its Community Arts Development (CAD) Program, aimed at funding arts activities that serve Talbot County, Maryland. This program aligns with Talbot Arts' mission to engage all community members through targeted outreach, fostering equitable access to diverse and inclusive local arts activities. The simplified application process, accessible support, and transparent evaluations are designed to create an even playing field for all applicants, ensuring that the focus remains on the artistic merit and community impact of proposed activities. The CAD program primarily targets non-profit and government-related organizations that provide artistic experiences for citizens and visitors to Talbot County. A particular emphasis is placed on bringing arts to underserved communities, including individuals in healthcare settings, the economically disadvantaged, seniors, and those with special needs. The impact goal is to broaden participation in the arts, enriching the lives of these specific groups and the wider community by making artistic expression and engagement more accessible. Priorities for funding include proposals demonstrating strong artistic merit and organizational effectiveness—the ability of the applying organization to successfully carry out the proposed activity. Crucially, Talbot Arts seeks projects that exemplify service to the community, focusing on how well the proposed activity or program will benefit students, residents, and guests of Talbot County. This strategic focus ensures that grants are awarded to initiatives that can demonstrate both artistic quality and tangible community benefit. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and inclusive local arts activities, particularly in underserved areas, and a more engaged community through participation in the arts. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics within the provided text, the criteria of "organizational effectiveness" and "service to the community" imply an expectation of successful project implementation and positive community reception. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $24,000, with an overall program size between $100,000 and $500,000, supporting activities for a duration of one year, specifically from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits and community organizations in Baltimore to implement projects that enhance heritage tourism and improve neighborhood quality of life through activities like signage, beautification, and revitalization planning.