Private Science and Technology Grants

The Mid-America Arts Alliance's Community Activator Grants program is designed to uplift and invigorate artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative directly aligns with a mission to foster creative practices and career advancement by providing financial support, skill development, and networking opportunities. The program's core is to support individual artists who demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and community building within the arts, thereby strengthening the regional artistic landscape. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists residing in specific Arkansas counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, and Washington. The program targets artists who have a proven track record of creating opportunities for their peers and actively contributing to a supportive community of artists in Northwest Arkansas. The impact goals are to provide substantial financial support (up to $17,500 per artist), enhance entrepreneurial skills through peer-based learning, and connect artists to a dynamic regional network, ultimately leading to more sustainable creative practices. The program prioritizes artists whose practices are focused on collaboration and who show a demonstrated commitment to building and supporting the arts community. Eligibility requires applicants to be Arkansas residents for at least one year in the specified counties, be 18 years or older, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and actively practicing artists in any discipline. Importantly, applicants should not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program, have previously received this specific grant, or received substantial funding from other M-AAA programs within the designated fiscal years. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic excellence, deepened collaborative practices, and improved program readiness among participating artists. The grant aims to result in artists effectively advancing their careers, strategically managing their practices, and actively sharing their work and processes within a peer learning environment. Measurable results will likely stem from the identified impacts of funding on individual careers and practices, and the overall balance of the selected cohort will ensure broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences. The program's theory of change appears to be that by investing in collaborative, community-minded artists, providing financial and professional development support, and fostering a strong network, the entire Northwest Arkansas arts ecosystem will be energized and sustained.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is inviting proposals for its "Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice" initiative. This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that develop and implement programs cultivating future STEMM leaders in Environmental Justice (EJ). The GRP's mission, as evident in this program, aligns with fostering scientific literacy and addressing critical environmental challenges through education and mentorship. The grant aims to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people to apply STEMM disciplines to explore the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on community health and resilience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young people in grades 9-12, particularly those from communities affected by environmental inequalities in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The impact goal is to increase the number of young people in this region who pursue studies and careers in STEMM disciplines within the field of Environmental Justice. The program specifically encourages collaborations with nonprofit or community-based organizations that have a history of working with children and youth, especially underrepresented or underserved populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students with low socio-economic status, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, and students from rural or remote areas. The core focus of this funding opportunity is on education and mentorship. Projects should provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM principles in examining environmental hazards and their impact on communities. Activities can take place in both formal and informal educational settings, but must target 9th-12th graders and complement formal education standards. The GRP prioritizes proposals that foster the development of scientific and environmental literacy, skills, and competencies crucial for cultivating the next generation of EJ leaders. Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding among youth regarding environmental hazards and their effects on communities, as well as enhanced capacity for youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in Environmental Justice. The GRP anticipates a measurable increase in the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region engaging with STEMM disciplines related to EJ. This grant operates with a strategic priority of building human capacity and fostering a more equitable and resilient future by empowering youth to address environmental challenges. The theory of change behind this initiative is that by investing in early education and mentorship in STEMM and EJ, the GRP can create a pipeline of informed and capable leaders who will contribute to solving complex environmental issues in vulnerable communities.

The Sarasota County Foundation awards grants to corporations, associations, or institutions that aim to advance charitable, religious, educational, literary, or scientific goals. This includes organizations distributing funds to support such objectives, whether they are located within or outside Sarasota County. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting a broad range of philanthropic endeavors, reflecting a commitment to community improvement and societal benefit across various sectors. The grant program targets a diverse group of beneficiaries through its support of various program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment/animals; health; human services; international/foreign affairs; public/society benefit; and religion. The impact goals are to foster positive change and strengthen communities by funding initiatives within these critical areas. While there are no strict geographic limitations, the trust primarily focuses on supporting services and programs within Sarasota County, Florida, ensuring a localized impact while remaining open to broader reach. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program areas, emphasizing a holistic approach to community development. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of programs that address identified needs within these sectors. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the average grant size, which ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, and an average total giving of $45,000 per year, indicating a commitment to funding impactful projects. The foundation's strategic priorities are to support organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its theory of change centers on providing financial resources to qualified non-profits to address pressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges. However, the foundation has specific limitations, generally not funding endowments, travel, research, annual giving campaigns, completed projects, debt reduction, deficit financing, operating/program expenses, marketing materials and advertising, or conferences, workshops, and seminars. This focused approach ensures that funding is directed towards specific, high-impact initiatives that align with the foundation's core objectives.

This funding opportunity supports Oklahoma-based nonprofit organizations, public entities, tribal nations, and educational institutions in developing infrastructure projects that promote physical activity and nutrition in their communities.

This grant provides financial support to farmers and ranchers in the Southern U.S. for small-scale research projects that promote sustainable agricultural practices and address production and marketing challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Connecticut for innovative programs and urgent needs, with grants ranging from $250 to $10,000.

This program provides financial support to small-scale, sustainable farms in metro Atlanta to improve their operations and enhance their contributions to the local food system.

This challenge invites innovators to develop solutions for sustainable lunar exploration, with cash prizes available for U.S. citizens and recognition for participants worldwide.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

This program provides funding to artists and arts organizations in Maryland to pursue professional development opportunities that foster growth and economic sustainability.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

This grant provides funding for research organizations, universities, and other entities to develop advanced imaging technologies for detecting harmful microbes and chemicals in various water sources.

The Austin Community Foundation is offering grants through its Women's Fund to advance the economic mobility of women and children in the Central Texas region, encompassing Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, and Caldwell Counties. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address systemic barriers and provide direct services to improve the lives of these vulnerable populations. The grant program seeks to support organizations that are committed to creating lasting, positive change for women and children facing economic hardship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are women and children with low incomes in the six-county Central Texas area. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to essential resources and opportunities that promote economic stability and long-term well-being. This includes fostering affordable housing solutions, expanding access to quality childcare, supporting women's educational pursuits, providing resources for unintended pregnancy prevention, and reducing health disparities, particularly for women of color. The Women's Fund has identified several key strategic areas for funding: Housing, Child Care, Education, Unintended Pregnancy Prevention, and Women's Health. Within these priorities, the foundation seeks proposals that offer both direct services and systems-level changes. This indicates a focus on both immediate relief and broader, more sustainable solutions that address the root causes of economic instability. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by investing in these critical areas, they can create an ecosystem of support that empowers women and children to overcome economic challenges and achieve greater self-sufficiency. Expected outcomes include increased access to affordable housing with support networks, expanded availability of safe and affordable childcare, improved educational attainment for women, enhanced access to unbiased pregnancy prevention resources, and a reduction in health disparities among women of color. The grant sizes range from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, suggesting a commitment to substantial and sustained impact. Specifically, a total of $500,000 in unrestricted, general operating support will be awarded to 15 different nonprofit organizations, with individual awards for winning finalist ($55,000 total over two years), runner-up finalist ($30,000 in 2024), and semifinalist ($15,000 in 2024).

This initiative provides financial and technical support to individuals and organizations in Hayward, California, for community-driven projects that promote education, sustainability, economic development, and health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to document and preserve endangered languages and cultural heritage.

The Wispact Inc. Foundation offers charitable grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities by supporting organizations that provide critical services. The foundation's strategic priority is to address a range of needs that improve daily living conditions and foster greater independence and inclusion for this population across all counties in Wisconsin. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Wisconsin. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by funding programs that provide safe living environments, increase accessibility, offer essential assistive devices, and promote inclusive educational and recreational opportunities. The ultimate goal is to improve day-to-day living conditions, enhance accessibility, provide necessary support, and foster personal fulfillment and edification for people with disabilities. The Wispact Foundation's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined, including housing programs designed to improve living conditions and accessibility, provision of assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, and shower chairs, and inclusive education/recreation programs like workshops, summer camps, and art classes, along with educational equipment. The foundation also prioritizes the expansion of current services and transportation solutions, recognizing these as critical components for independent living and community integration. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, increased access to assistive devices that aid in daily tasks, and greater participation in educational and recreational activities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served by housing improvements, assistive device provisions, and participation in educational and recreational programs, as well as the expansion of existing services and improved transportation access. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, they can create tangible, positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities, leading to greater independence, dignity, and community engagement. The Wispact Foundation strictly outlines eligibility criteria and restrictions to ensure that grants effectively serve their intended purpose. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits in good standing, and all grant funds must exclusively benefit individuals with disabilities. The foundation does not support capital campaigns, general operating expenses unrelated to the grant purpose, retroactive funding, basic research, staff development activities, or projects that already have existing funding, thereby ensuring that resources are directed towards specific, impactful initiatives.

The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBFGC) has announced the "Community Thrive" grant, a special funding opportunity designed to combat mental health issues and gun violence in the community. This initiative aligns with UBFGC's mission to identify and partner with organizations that are making a positive impact on the devastating effects of these issues, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being and social justice. The grant supports programs, resources, and support services that aim to improve mental health and/or reduce the incidence of gun violence, reflecting a strategic priority to foster a healthier and safer Cuyahoga County. The grant targets organizations serving Cuyahoga County that provide programming to support mental health or gun violence prevention/intervention work. The beneficiaries include youth and adults affected by depression, those at risk of suicide, individuals struggling with school violence/absenteeism, anger management, and social media addiction. In terms of gun violence, the grant aims to support families affected by gun violence, promote gun safety, and address gun culture and laws. The expected impact is a reduction in mental health crises and gun violence incidents, leading to improved community well-being and safety. The "Community Thrive" grant prioritizes projects that impact mental health wellness, including addressing depression, suicide prevention, school violence, anger management, and social media addiction. For gun violence prevention, the grant seeks innovative approaches such as education and awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions that tackle root causes. Specific areas of interest include preventing shootings in schools, universities, religious institutions, and retail locations, as well as supporting affected families. The grant also considers proposals addressing gun culture, gun safety, and gun laws. Applicants must be established organizations with a proven track record of at least three years, demonstrating their impact through data. They must serve Cuyahoga County and provide a minimum of one letter of support. A key criterion is that funding must be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing. The organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal agent, and a one-page strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds is required. The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns, emphasizing a focus on sustained programming with a minimum execution period of one year, commencing January 1, 2024. These criteria reflect UBFGC's theory of change, which emphasizes evidence-based, long-term, and community-focused interventions.

This funding opportunity supports Delaware schools, arts organizations, and artists in creating engaging arts education programs for pre-K–12 students, enhancing their learning experiences through the arts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based organizations in King County, Washington, to purchase medical equipment that benefits low-income children or supports research on specific health conditions.

The Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA) is offering its FY2025 African Community Grant to qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the African community in the District of Columbia. This grant aims to support initiatives that contribute to the District's strategic priorities, fostering a vibrant, safe, and educated community. The program's mission is directly aligned with strengthening the African community by supporting organizations that provide direct services and address key areas of need within the District. The grant targets the African community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are broadly focused on improving the quality of life for this community. This includes contributing to a "Downtown Comeback" by reimagining vibrant centers of activity, enhancing "Public Safety" by reducing all forms of violence and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development, and improving "Education" by ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through academic and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. For the Downtown Comeback, the focus is on creating spaces where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, positioning DC as a global and forward-thinking leader. For Public Safety, the emphasis is on creating lasting change, reducing violence, and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development. In Education, the priorities are fundamental skills like reading and math, as well as recreational activities such as sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, are implied through the funding areas. For example, in Public Safety, the expected outcome is a reduction in violence and improved quality of life through various investments. In Education, the goal is for children to reach their full potential, suggesting improved academic outcomes and increased participation in enriching activities. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by investing in CBOs providing direct services in these critical areas, the overall well-being and strength of the African community in the District of Columbia will be enhanced, contributing to a more equitable and thriving city for all.