Private Science and Technology Grants

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is actively seeking applications from organizations dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, rights, and justice. This grant program is deeply aligned with Borealis Philanthropy's broader mission to foster a more vibrant, just, and joyful world for people with disabilities. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in intersectional cross-movements and collaborative efforts, supporting initiatives ranging from arts and culture to policy and advocacy that dismantle ableism and promote authentic representation of disabled people. The primary beneficiaries of DIF grants are organizations whose work is driven by and accountable to the disability justice movement, with a particular emphasis on those most impacted by injustice and exclusion. This includes disabled people with multiple and intersecting social and political identities, such as race, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. The fund prioritizes organizations led by disabled people, specifically Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), queer, gender non-conforming, and women with disabilities, where over 50% of the leadership (management staff, advisory committees, or governing boards) identify as disabled. DIF's core focuses include promoting radical inclusion by removing barriers and ensuring access, valuing lived experience, and emphasizing the leadership of those most impacted. The program also fosters cross-movement solidarity, encouraging collaboration and bridge-building among disability justice activists and across various social movements like Black lives, climate change, immigration rights, labor rights, racial justice, and queer and trans liberation. This approach reflects a theory of change that believes systemic change occurs through interconnected movements and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Expected outcomes include strengthening grassroots disabled-led organizations, expanding their operational capacities for ongoing movement building, and driving narrative change that dismantles ableism in policy, society, and culture. Measurable results will stem from work that moves practices of disability inclusion and justice forward through community organizing, mutual aid, advocacy, and policy work, as well as strategies that celebrate and elevate the authentic representation of disabled people in arts, media, and literature. This two-year grant opportunity provides $75,000 per year, totaling $150,000, for eligible U.S.-based or U.S. territory-based 501(c)3 organizations or fiscally sponsored entities with an annual budget under $1 million.

The Women's Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) has launched the Innovators Program, a microgrant initiative aligned with its mission to support the leadership and ideas of young women and gender-expansive leaders. This program directly contributes to the foundation's strategic priorities by empowering youth (ages 16-24) to address gender and racial equity and justice within their communities. Through microgrants, cohort-based learning, and individual leadership coaching, WFM aims to fuel these leaders' ideas and support their development, ultimately advancing key recommendations outlined in the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota’s (YWI MN) Blueprint for Action. The primary target beneficiaries of the Innovators Program are young women and gender-expansive individuals aged 16-24 who reside in Minnesota. Priority is given to those who identify with priority communities of the YWI MN, including Black/African American, African Immigrant, American Indian, Hispanic/Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, Disabilities, and Greater/Rural Minnesota communities. The program's impact goals are focused on three core areas: building pathways to economic opportunity, improving safety and well-being, and promoting young women's leadership. The Innovators program prioritizes projects that advance gender and racial equity and justice, led by visionary leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Projects can be varied, including starting or continuing social change initiatives, designing personal learning plans, attending conferences to share learnings, organizing events for impact, supplying resources for advocacy, conducting research, or undertaking travel for learning purposes within Minnesota. The program emphasizes creative thinking in how microgrants can uniquely help move leadership and ideas forward, and how they can increase effectiveness in desired impact. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of grant-funded projects within a 12-month period, demonstrating an advancement in gender and racial equity and justice. Participants are expected to engage in mandatory online and/or in-person convenings for leadership development, advocacy, and community building. This includes direct professional coaching to support their projects and deepen their long-term leadership skills. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing directly in young women and gender-expansive leaders, providing financial support, leadership development, and a supportive cohort, it can foster impactful projects and cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of driving systemic change.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small businesses, property owners, developers, and nonprofit organizations to undertake renovation or new construction projects in specific areas of South and North Minneapolis.

The City of Bakersfield is offering competitive grants for property and/or business owners within designated Downtown business district corridors: 18th, 19th streets and Wall Street Alley (between F and Q streets), and H Street and Chester Avenue (between 24th Street and Truxtun Avenue). The grants are specifically intended for large-scale exterior façade improvements to eligible properties and applicants within these areas. This initiative is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, demonstrating a commitment to local economic recovery and revitalization. While the prompt asks for "foundation mission alignment," the context indicates this is a city-led grant, and its mission is aligned with urban development and supporting local businesses impacted by economic downturns. The target beneficiaries for this program include small businesses (defined as having no more than 500 employees), non-profit organizations (tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)), and businesses within "impacted industries." Impacted industries are those that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic, specifically citing tourism, travel, and hospitality. Other industries are considered impacted if they experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels or comparable economic impacts. The impact goal is to stimulate economic recovery and enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the downtown business corridors, thereby fostering a more vibrant and attractive commercial environment. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on exterior façade improvements. The City anticipates awarding funding to 4-6 projects, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. For awarded funding of $100,000 and over, a 10% private investment match is required, along with a public hearing before the City Council. This matching requirement encourages community investment and shared responsibility in the revitalization efforts. The grant duration is two years, providing a reasonable timeframe for project completion. Expected outcomes include visible improvements to the downtown business districts, increased private investment in the local economy, and support for businesses and non-profits that have been economically impacted. The measurable results are tied to the number of projects funded (4-6 anticipated), the total amount of ARPA funding allocated ($1.5 million), and the specific improvements made to property exteriors. The strategic priority here is the revitalization of key downtown commercial areas, using ARPA funds to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic and promote long-term community resilience and growth. The theory of change posits that by investing in exterior improvements and supporting local businesses, the City can create a more appealing and economically robust downtown core, attracting more visitors and fostering greater community engagement.

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program, administered by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to bolster arts projects that expand access to artistic experiences, leverage the arts to address community quality of life issues, and foster the sustained growth of asset-based cultural enterprises. This program aligns with a mission to enrich communities through the arts, promoting their role in social well-being and economic development. The grant supports diverse initiatives, from innovative new arts experiences to programs that strengthen social networks through community engagement. The program targets a wide array of beneficiaries, including community residents, experienced and emerging artists and arts administrators, and underserved constituencies. The latter group specifically includes at-risk youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, people in rural or isolated settings, people with disabilities, people of color, and senior citizens. The impact goals are centered on positive community change, such as strengthening social networks, enhancing community identity and economic development through cultural arts, and building entrepreneurial skills for artists and administrators. The ABC grant program prioritizes activities that directly involve and promote Tennessee artists, support touring projects that bring professional performers statewide, and improve program accessibility for various underserved groups. Other focuses include public performances, productions, exhibitions, festival coordination, and training that enhances creative workforce skills. The program's philosophy supports a broad range of activities and expenditures, from administrative support and research to art in public places and literary projects. Expected outcomes include increased access to arts experiences, measurable improvements in community quality of life through artistic interventions, and enhanced sustainability of cultural organizations and artists. The program's strategic approach involves funding projects that demonstrate a clear potential to affect positive change, strengthen community ties, and contribute to local identity and economic vitality. The theory of change posits that by supporting diverse arts initiatives and making them accessible, communities will experience enhanced social cohesion, cultural richness, and economic resilience, ultimately leading to a higher quality of life for residents across Tennessee.

The Façade Improvement Grant, offered by the Town of Chesapeake City, is designed to support exterior façade projects that restore and promote the integrity of buildings while enhancing the visual characteristics of the community. This program aligns with the broader mission of community development by fostering aesthetic improvements and preserving the architectural heritage of Chesapeake City. It is funded by the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Legacy Program, indicating a strategic focus on local community revitalization through targeted property enhancements. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property owners within Chesapeake City who are looking to improve the exteriors of their properties. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including improving the overall visual appeal of the community, preserving historical or architectural integrity of buildings, and stimulating local economic activity through renovation projects. By encouraging property owners to invest in their façades, the program seeks to create a more attractive and vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike. The grant prioritizes and focuses on a variety of exterior façade improvements. Eligible projects encompass fascia and soffit replacement/repair, door and window replacement/repair, porch and step replacement/repair, painting, masonry repair, and repointing of masonry façades. Additionally, the program supports the removal of historically inappropriate features and the installation of historically appropriate or compatible ones, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining the town's character. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the condition and appearance of participating properties, leading to an enhanced community aesthetic. Measurable results could include the number of façades improved, the total investment in property renovations, and anecdotal evidence of increased community pride or tourism. The foundation's strategic priorities, as indicated by the funding through DHCD's Community Legacy Program, are centered on supporting initiatives that build stronger communities through physical improvements and cultural preservation, reflecting a theory of change where targeted investments in infrastructure and aesthetics lead to broader community benefits and increased civic engagement.

Transformational Capital Grants Program for Massachusetts & South Carolina offers nonprofit organizations the opportunity to receive up to $5 million in funding to enhance their mission delivery through the development of physical spaces. The grants aim to support organizations in providing high-quality programs and services. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate project need and viability, strong board commitment and community support, progress toward regulatory benchmarks, at least 50% of project costs pledged or received, and a milestone within one year of the initial proposal submission. Priority will be given to organizations with strong leadership and proven impact in providing direct services and programs for unmet needs in underserved regions aligned with the Yawkey Foundation’s geographic priority areas.

The MPRINT Hub, serving as a national resource, aims to conduct and support therapeutics-focused research in obstetrics, lactation, and pediatrics, enhancing the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. It coordinates and supports operations of the MPRINT Hub, aggregating knowledge and identifying deficits in maternal and pediatric therapeutics to inform drug development and regulatory science. Funding is available for one year, covering clinical and postdoctoral fellow awards up to $25,000 and faculty awards up to $150,000, with a total award amount around $500,000. LOI: April 30th 2024

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

This funding program provides financial support to early childhood education centers and family child care providers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to expand and improve their facilities, ensuring more quality learning opportunities for children from low to moderate-income households.

This grant provides funding for independent and public media producers to create film and television programs that showcase the cultures and perspectives of Native Americans and Alaska Natives for public broadcasting and digital platforms.

This grant provides funding to Colorado nonprofits and schools to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth through collaborative projects with professional artists.

The City of St. Petersburg is offering Social Action Funding grants of up to $100,000 to social service agencies providing homeless services and/or homeless prevention services. This grant program aims to offer financial support for initiatives that positively influence the lives of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness within the city. The program aligns with a broader mission to advance the health, economic, or social well-being of persons in need. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable populations. Priority is given to agencies serving families with children (ages 0-5 and 6-17 years), elderly individuals over 62, unaccompanied youth, youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless individuals (as defined by HUD), veterans, and victims of domestic violence. The overarching impact goal is to reduce and prevent homelessness in St. Petersburg by supporting comprehensive social service programs. The program prioritizes agencies that utilize a "housing first" and low-barrier approach. Specific critical services, such as storage units for personal items, call centers for homelessness prevention and assistance, and discretionary funds for street outreach, are also encouraged, allowing agencies to submit additional applications for these services. While there are no bonus points for matching funds or sole source proposals, all agencies are required to enter client data into the Pinellas Homeless Management Information System, with domestic violence providers being the sole exception. Expected outcomes include improved well-being for residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals and families served, successful housing placements, and the overall impact on reducing homelessness within the city. The grant period for projects is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration of funded services. This strategic approach emphasizes direct intervention and support for those most in need, with a clear focus on actionable and impactful services.

The Rockingham County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations to address local needs within Rockingham County, North Carolina. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support a broad range of community purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation emphasizes meeting local needs, indicating a strategic priority on community-driven impact and direct support for local initiatives. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations serving the local community in Rockingham County, North Carolina. This includes 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding for social outreach and charitable service programs benefiting the community at large, but not for general operating support. The program aims to create a positive impact by funding initiatives that cater to diverse community needs, from basic human services to educational and cultural enrichment. The program's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. This indicates a holistic approach to community development, recognizing the interconnectedness of various social determinants of well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to be centered on fostering a vibrant and supportive community by addressing a wide spectrum of needs through local, qualified organizations. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller-scale projects or providing seed funding for local initiatives. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on a "broad range of purposes to meet local needs" implies a theory of change where targeted, modest funding can lead to tangible improvements in community well-being across multiple sectors. Organizations are expected to offer programs and services without discrimination, ensuring equitable access and impact.

This funding opportunity supports South Carolina artists in launching or enhancing arts-based business initiatives that promote career satisfaction and sustainability.

The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem offers annual grants up to $15,000 to organizations in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that are dedicated to building economic security for women and girls. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address systemic barriers contributing to gender and racial disparities within the community. The grants are designed to support programs that enhance economic, educational, physical health, and emotional well-being, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for women and girls in the region. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are women and girls in Forsyth County, NC, particularly those served by smaller, newer, or women of color-led organizations. The program aims to increase economic security and mobility for these target groups. Impact goals include fostering opportunities that lead to improved economic, educational, physical health, and emotional well-being. The Women's Fund prioritizes funding for organizations with an annual revenue of $250,000 or less, those led by women of color (with more than 50% of decision-makers identifying as such), and organizations that actively involve women or girls in the design or implementation of their programs. These priorities reflect the foundation's strategic approach to addressing the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in securing funding. Eligible grant proposals must focus on increasing economic security and/or mobility for women and girls, benefit and positively impact women and girls, and be implemented in Forsyth County, NC. The grants are open to 501(c)(3) organizations, government or public agencies, and faith-based organizations, with provisions for fiscal agents for organizations without 501(c)(3) status. This framework reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting these specific types of organizations and focus areas, they can create measurable positive outcomes for women and girls in the community.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, aiming to restore and enhance critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats within the Cumberland Plateau region. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The program's core strategy involves increasing the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands, which contributes to NFWF’s strategic priority of supporting wildlife and improving ecological health through sustainable land management. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse habitats and species within the Cumberland Plateau, as well as landowners and communities in the region who will adopt conservation practices. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Ultimately, the program aims to foster resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and sustainable human activities. The foundation's theory of change is predicated on the idea that by providing financial and technical assistance, they can incentivize conservation practices that lead to measurable environmental improvements and long-term ecological benefits. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program strategies. These include restoring previously mined lands, increasing the adoption of conservation practices on grazing and croplands, establishing, enhancing, and maintaining forest habitats, and restoring instream habitats to support aquatic species. A significant focus is also placed on expanding and coordinating technical assistance and outreach to landowners, recognizing the importance of local engagement and support for successful implementation of conservation efforts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in acres of restored habitats, improved water quality metrics, enhanced soil health, and greater carbon sequestration. The program anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024, with individual grant awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000. Projects are expected to have a completion time of 24-48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, state and local governments, Tribal Governments, and educational institutions, with a preference for projects within identified focal areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The program’s success will be measured by the extent to which these conservation practices are adopted and the subsequent environmental benefits realized across the Cumberland Plateau.

The Christine Brice Stevenson Community Charitable Trust seeks applications from medical, educational, and religious organizations in Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community in South Carolina. The core mission of the trust is to enrich the lives of residents in these specific geographic areas through targeted support. This grant program is designed to align with the trust's commitment to community well-being by addressing critical needs in health, education, and spiritual development within these localities. The primary target beneficiaries are residents of Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community, particularly those served by medical, educational, and religious organizations within these areas. The trust's impact goals center on improving quality of life, fostering educational opportunities, supporting health initiatives, and strengthening religious communities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the average grant size and total giving, the expectation is that funding will contribute to the ongoing success and reach of recipient organizations, thereby directly benefiting the local population. The grantmaking priorities clearly focus on organizations located in Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community. Additionally, the trust explicitly supports the New Hope Church in Winnsboro, South Carolina, indicating a specific historical or foundational alignment. The program areas include Education, Health, Human Services, and Religion, demonstrating a broad yet focused approach to community development. The trust's strategic priorities are rooted in localized support, ensuring that grants directly address the needs of the specified South Carolina communities. The trust's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance to established medical, educational, and religious organizations, it can empower these groups to deliver essential services and programs that directly enhance the lives of individuals within its designated geographic focus. The average grant size of $1,000 and total giving of $5,000 per year suggest a commitment to numerous smaller, impactful initiatives rather than large-scale projects, allowing for a broader distribution of support across the target communities. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in South Carolina, ensuring accountability and local impact.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Worcester County for projects that enhance arts, basic needs, economic opportunities, health, and youth development.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) Commonwealth Hydro Program aims to increase energy production and reduce environmental impacts from hydropower facilities eligible for the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (MA RPS). The program provides funding for various projects, including construction, new technology deployment, relicensing, and feasibility studies for eligible hydropower generation facilities. The overarching mission of MassCEC, as implied by this program, is to advance clean energy technologies and promote sustainable energy practices within Massachusetts by leveraging existing hydropower infrastructure and encouraging innovation in the sector. The program targets a range of beneficiaries, including commercial, industrial, institutional, non-profit, or public entities that demonstrate long-term site control over project locations and water rights. The impact goals are centered on increasing the efficiency and capacity of hydropower facilities while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint. This includes improving fish and eel passage, mitigating fish passage injury and mortality, and enhancing downstream water quality by increasing dissolved oxygen levels. Key priorities and focuses for funding include upgrades to existing hydropower facilities (e.g., turbine replacement, automated controls, improved fish passage), projects undergoing FERC relicensing to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, the development of new hydropower facilities eligible for FERC conduit exemptions, and the deployment of advanced hydropower technologies such as fish-friendly hydropower and in-stream hydrokinetic power. Feasibility studies for these types of projects are also supported. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in renewable energy generation from hydropower facilities within Massachusetts, improved ecological health of waterways adjacent to these facilities, and the widespread adoption of more environmentally sound hydropower technologies. Measurable results would include the amount of additional energy generated, the number of successful upgrades and new facility deployments, and quantifiable improvements in environmental indicators like fish passage rates and water quality. While a specific "theory of change" or "strategic priorities" for MassCEC beyond the program's objectives are not explicitly detailed, the program's design clearly aligns with a strategy of investing in both the modernization of existing renewable energy infrastructure and the development of innovative solutions to address environmental concerns associated with hydropower. This approach suggests a belief that targeted financial support can accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy grid while ensuring ecological sustainability. The grant offers between $100,000 to $500,000, with a maximum cap of $300,000 or 50% of actual costs, demonstrating MassCEC's commitment to substantial investment in impactful projects. Eligibility criteria ensure that funded projects contribute to the state's renewable energy goals, maintain FERC compliance, and have a useful life of at least twenty years.