Private Science and Technology Grants

The GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $20,000 to community gardens and food forests in Boston, Massachusetts. This initiative is designed to support residents in growing their own food by providing funds for essential garden supplies, including tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, and other necessities for communal use. The program aligns with a broader mission to invest in Boston's community gardens and food forests, fostering local food production and community engagement within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community gardens and food forests within Boston. The program specifically targets non-profit organizations that are registered 501(c)(3) entities or community-based organizations partnered with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and promote sustainable food practices within Boston neighborhoods by empowering local communities to cultivate their own food sources. The grant prioritizes funding for items that directly contribute to the functioning and success of communal gardens, such as gardening tools, equipment, and essential supplies. A key focus is on ensuring that these purchased supplies are stored, maintained, and made accessible to all gardeners within the recipient organization. Up to 10% of the grant budget can be allocated for indirect or administrative costs, or for a fiscal sponsorship fee, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the operational sustainability of recipient organizations. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of active and well-equipped community gardens and food forests across Boston. Measurable results could include the quantity of supplies purchased, the number of gardeners benefiting from communal resources, and potentially an increase in local food production. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing directly in community-led food initiatives, GrowBoston can create a more resilient and food-secure city, fostering stronger communities and promoting environmental stewardship.

The Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust offers a one-year grant for 501(c)(3) organizations in Atchison, Kansas, focusing on community improvement, education, health, and human services, with a preference for specific projects like buildings, capital equipment, and programs, and a limited number for operational expenses, with applications reviewed by the Atchison Advisory Committee and grants issued in the following year.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and surrounding South County areas to support impactful projects in various fields, including education, health, and the environment.

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP), provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), offers funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements. This program is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations in California that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, running from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The total amount available for solicitation is $76,000,000, with a maximum of $250,000 per location, up to a total of $500,000 per applicant. The primary target beneficiaries are California nonprofit organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a). This includes organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, which are automatically exempt if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical security of these vulnerable organizations, thereby preventing and protecting them against violent attacks and hate crimes. The program seeks to ensure the safety of both facilities and the people within them, including those with access and functional needs, and those with limited English proficiency. The program prioritizes several categories of cost, including Planning, Equipment, Training, Construction/Renovation, Contracted Security, Management and Administration (M&A), and Support Services. Planning activities may include developing security plans, emergency contingency plans, and evacuation plans. Equipment focuses on physical security enhancements like reinforced doors, high-intensity lighting, alarms, inspection systems, and access control. Training is for employees or members to receive on-site security training, addressing specific threats and vulnerabilities. Construction or Renovation is permitted for target hardening, limited to $100,000, and contracted security personnel are allowed but cannot exceed 50% of the requested amount, with the expectation that applicants can sustain this capability without future CSNSGP funding. M&A and Support Services each have a cap of five percent of the funds. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the physical security posture of participating nonprofit organizations, a reduction in their vulnerability to violent attacks and hate crimes, and enhanced preparedness for emergencies. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of security enhancements, such as new equipment installations, improved security plans, and trained personnel. The program's strategic priorities align with the foundation's goal of safeguarding communities and promoting a secure environment for organizations that may face threats due to their core identities or missions, thereby contributing to the broader theory of change that targeted security investments can mitigate risks and foster resilience within vulnerable populations.

The Roddenberry Prize is a $1 million grant awarded to early-stage scientific or technology ventures using AI and machine learning to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world, with a focus on solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Grant Opportunity: U.S. Bank Community Possible Grant Program Focus: Addressing racial and economic inequities through workforce education, economic prosperity, neighborhood stability, revitalization, artistic and cultural enrichment, and learning through play. Considerations: Innovation in focus areas, positive community engagement efforts, demonstrated outcomes and impact, service delivery to low-and moderate-income individuals, women and people of color, diversity in management and governing board, financial health of the organization. Funding Types: Operating grants for day-to-day expenses, program/project grants for specific activities with explicit objectives, and capital grants for fixed assets with certain criteria.

This initiative provides funding and support programs for for-profit businesses in Portland, Oregon, that are at least 51% Black-owned and have been operating for over two years.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is a grant program designed to enhance access to healthy, affordable food options and generate economic opportunities within low to moderate income communities. It aligns with a broader mission to implement the goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financial needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises. The program’s strategic approach emphasizes expanding investment to improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested, or caught food products through the development of collaborations between local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. The primary target beneficiaries of the MFVP are low to moderate income communities, including Gateway Cities and rural communities within Massachusetts. The program aims to improve commercial food access and distribution in these areas. The expected outcomes include increased availability of Massachusetts-produced foods, creation of new permanent jobs, greater access to affordable fresh food, and year-round access to diverse food production and distribution. The overall impact goal is to strengthen the local food system and foster equitable access to healthy food options. Key areas of investment for the MFVP include food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system, improved distribution systems to support equitable access to fresh local food, and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. Specific project types considered eligible reflect these priorities, such as the creation of commercial food processing infrastructure benefiting low and moderate income households, innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms, proposals for construction or renovation of food co-ops, development of greenhouses and farmers’ markets, and capital for food hubs. Additionally, the program focuses on innovative projects for commercial markets that connect local food producers and partners to develop or renovate large-scale retail markets for healthy, locally produced food. Mobile markets and other innovative market initiatives are also supported to purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles that provide healthy Massachusetts food. Each of these focus areas is intended to directly contribute to the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic investments in food infrastructure, distribution, and retail will lead to improved food access and economic opportunities for underserved communities. Applicants eligible for the MFVP include Massachusetts Municipalities, Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations, and Individual Residents of Massachusetts. The program specifically excludes funding for audits, feasibility studies, design work, operation or maintenance costs, and reimbursement for already completed projects or staff/consultant time on proposals for completed projects. This ensures that the grants are directed towards new investments and initiatives that directly support the program’s objectives.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region to implement sustainable forestry initiatives that promote environmental justice, improve public health, and create green job opportunities in disadvantaged areas.

This initiative provides financial incentives for U.S.-based manufacturers of solar panels and inverters to achieve eco-friendly certification, promoting the development of sustainable solar products.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to artists and organizers in Nebraska and Iowa who are working to challenge societal norms, foster community engagement, and promote collaboration through their creative endeavors.

This program supports emerging leaders aged 24-45 from diverse sectors across the U.S. by providing them with training, coaching, and a collaborative network to drive positive change in their communities.

The Indy Arts Council offers Art for Awareness Grants to support projects that use arts based activities to prevent or create awareness of substance use disorder or addiction in Marion County, Indiana. The program promotes collaborations between artists and subject matter experts and encourages the use of evidence based techniques. Grants range from 5,000 to 65,000 dollars with no match requirement. Priority is given to youth oriented programming and projects that center racial equity. Funds may support artist fees, program delivery, and project costs associated with prevention and awareness efforts rooted in artistic practice and community engagement. Eligible artists must be at least 18 years old, reside in or work predominantly in Marion County, and be able to provide required identification numbers. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be Indianapolis based and physically headquartered in Marion County, include artists in their programs, and provide equitable compensation for artistic work. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the Indy Arts Council.

The City of Alexandria's 2024 Small Business Resiliency (SBR) Grant Program aims to provide vital assistance to the city's small businesses. This initiative is designed to foster a resilient and inclusive business environment within the community by helping businesses overcome challenges in accessing essential resources. The program is administered by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), highlighting a collaborative effort to empower entrepreneurs and cultivate a thriving local business ecosystem. The city's contribution of funds directly supports its commitment to a robust local economy. The program targets small businesses located within the City of Alexandria. To be eligible, businesses must have one or more locations, including their principal place of business, in Alexandria, and must employ 100 or fewer individuals. Furthermore, businesses must have been established and revenue-generating before December 31, 2023, and their business revenue in either 2022 or 2023 must not have exceeded $250,000. These criteria ensure that the grant focuses on genuinely small, local businesses that contribute significantly to the community's economic fabric. A key priority of the SBR Grant Program is to support businesses that are in "good standing," meaning they are current on all local taxes or have an active payment plan with the City of Alexandria, and are not currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Ineligible entities include non-profits, banks, financial institutions, gig economy contractors, and corporate-owned locations, branches, subsidiaries, or franchise businesses, unless they are locally owned and operated within the City of Alexandria. This focus ensures that the grants directly benefit independent small businesses facing immediate challenges. The expected outcome of the program is to enhance the resilience of Alexandria's small business community, enabling them to better navigate and overcome economic challenges. By providing grants of up to $7,000, the program aims to provide tangible financial support that can be used to access essential resources, thereby strengthening individual businesses and, by extension, the overall local economy. The program's administration by LEDC further suggests an emphasis on equitable access to resources, aligning with a broader strategy of fostering an inclusive business environment and empowering diverse entrepreneurs within Alexandria.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston that serve marginalized communities by addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, legal aid, and support for vulnerable populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the creation and implementation of humanities-based exhibits that engage the public and enrich Oklahoma's cultural landscape.

The Haywood County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations that serve the local Haywood County community in North Carolina. This grant program is designed to address a broad range of local needs, encompassing human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts, among others. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to support community-based initiatives that enhance the well-being and development of its residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Haywood County, with a particular focus on those served by 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable service programs. The impact goal is to strengthen the community by funding programs that directly meet local needs and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The grantmaking prioritizes a wide array of community needs. While specific strategic priorities or a theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting "local needs," the broad categories indicate a holistic approach to community development. The foundation aims to fund projects that are inclusive and non-discriminatory, supporting organizations that offer programs and services without prejudice based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller, impactful projects or providing seed funding for broader initiatives. While specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the expectation is that funded programs will contribute to positive outcomes in the community, aligned with the stated areas of focus such as improved human services, enhanced educational opportunities, better health outcomes, and increased access to food and nutrition. The emphasis on local needs implies a theory of change where targeted, community-level funding leads to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Haywood County residents.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are offering the Step Up for School Wellness (SUFSW) grant, an innovative program designed to empower school health leaders, educators, administrators, families, and communities. This initiative aims to improve the health and well-being of K-12 students and staff across all public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering healthier school environments and cultivating a culture of wellness, which directly contributes to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors. The primary beneficiaries of this program are K-12 students and school staff throughout Michigan. The program's core impact goals revolve around reducing the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combating absenteeism, addressing trauma, and nurturing a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. Through a five-step model, the SUFSW program translates into specific goals focused on improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health and wellness. The program prioritizes several key areas, including empowering students to be more physically active daily and make healthy food choices that incorporate fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein. Furthermore, it aims to empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills, and equip staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives. A significant focus is also placed on encouraging staff to instigate policy, system, and environmental changes that bolster the well-being of both students and staff within schools. Expected outcomes include improved physical activity levels, healthier eating habits, enhanced social and emotional skills among students, and a stronger culture of wellness for all school employees. The program also anticipates policy and environmental changes within schools that support overall well-being. These measurable results are driven by three distinct focus areas: physical activity and physical education resources, healthy eating and nutrition education resources, and well-being resources, all working towards a greater collective impact.

The Regional Arts Commission’s Artist Support Grant provides funding for the career advancement of individual artists in St. Louis City and County, Missouri. This grant directly aligns with the foundation's mission to foster the creative life of the artist and contribute to the vibrant artistic culture of St. Louis. It is designed to be flexible, accessible, and to encourage creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustained commitment to artistic work across all artistic disciplines. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists aged 18 or older who are current residents of St. Louis City or County and have maintained primary residence for at least one year. These artists must also have created and presented their original work(s) to the public or performed for the public in the past three years. The grant's impact goals are to enable diverse artists to advance their careers, complete creative projects, and ultimately enrich the St. Louis community through culturally and artistically significant practices. The grant prioritizes proposals that demonstrate cultural and/or artistic essentials (40% weight), community benefit (30% weight), and artistic/practice capacity and sustainability (30% weight). Key focuses include the artist's clear plans, contribution to their practice, innovation in their artform, and thoughtful use of funds. Additionally, the grant emphasizes broad community benefit, considering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as the artist's ability to demonstrate community participation and connection. For capacity and sustainability, realistic budgeting, diverse revenue streams, a strong artistic resume/CV, and relevant work samples are crucial. Expected outcomes include the completion of individual artist projects, enhanced artistic skills and craft, and increased innovation in the arts. Measurable results are tied to the funding criteria, such as the provision of essential information, artist statements, proof of residency, clearly articulated plans, and descriptions of intended audiences and DEIA efforts. The budget also serves as a measurable component, requiring a realistic and balanced approach. The maximum funding an individual artist can receive is $7,500, supporting projects and needs occurring from November 2024 through May 2025.